WASHINGTON, DC --Discretionary spending has actually fallen between 1995 and 1998, according to a new study released today by the Joint Economic Committee (JEC). The new study, entitled Trends in Congressional Appropriations: Fiscal Restraint in the 1990s, reviews spending trends and finds that appropriated spending has been restrained in recent years.
After adjusting for inflation, discretionary spending fell $77 billion between fiscal years 1990 and 1998. In the past three years alone, discretionary spending --defined as defense, international, and domestic appropriations -- dropped a dramatic $38 billion.
"Appropriated spending has actually declined in recent years," said JEC Chairman Jim Saxton. "Furthermore, this JEC study shows that the long-term upward trend in discretionary spending growth has been halted. For example, in 1996, domestic discretionary spending was cut by $9.3 billion, the largest single-year reduction in domestic outlays since 1982. Even with increases in 1997 and 1998, appropriations for domestic discretionary spending for the current fiscal year are still $3.3 billion below the 1995 level."
The study also suggests that restraint on all types of federal spending will be needed to ensure that budget surpluses materialize as projected.
For a copy of the study, call the JEC at (202) 224-5171 or view its website at www.house.gov/jec/.
Press Release: #105-124
