The conversation between human and AI assistant.
Who is responsible for the division of appropriations in the United States? How is it determined how much the state of California receives?
That makes sense. Can you clarify the difference between mandatory and discretionary spending?
Of course! Mandatory spending refers to funding for programs that are required by law, such as Social Security or Medicare. These programs are typically entitlements, meaning that eligible individuals are guaranteed to receive benefits under certain conditions. Discretionary spending, on the other hand, refers to funding for programs that are not required by law, such as education or defense spending. These programs are subject to yearly appropriations by Congress, and the amount of funding may vary from year to year. Does that explanation help clarify the difference between mandatory and discretionary spending for you?