Changes

The Congressional Budget Act of 1974 attempted to limit the use of entitlement authority. The key characteristic of entitlements is that, once enacted, the authorizing legislation automatically creates enforceable claims to benefits and thus effectively preempts the formal appropriations process. Thus, the determination of outlays at any given time is a function of variables outside

The Congressional Budget Act of 1974 attempted to limit the use of entitlement authority. The key characteristic of entitlements is that, once enacted, the authorizing legislation automatically creates enforceable claims to benefits and thus effectively preempts the formal appropriations process. Thus, the determination of outlays at any given time is a function of variables outside

the control of the appropriations committees.

the control of the appropriations committees.

In 2013, 62% of the United States federal budget went for non-discretionary, mandatory, entitlement spending.<ref>http://nationalpriorities.org/media/uploads/federal_budget_101/Figure8.3.png</ref>

In 2013, 62% of the United States federal budget went for non-discretionary, mandatory, entitlement spending.<ref>http://nationalpriorities.org/media/uploads/federal_budget_101/Figure8.3.png</ref>