[burfog]

There really isn't any non-discretionary spending. The closest we have is payments specified in international treaties, and even that can simply not be paid. All the rest is just a couple congressional votes and a presidential signature away from being eliminated.

[nhebb]

Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security are considered mandatory spending because politicians tend to like being reelected.

[kasey_junk]

That and it doesn’t go through the standard appropriations process.