US Federal Budget FY2012 Analysis

The federal budget is measured in outlays — money actually paid out during the fiscal year — rather than budget authority, which is permission to spend that may be used across several years. That distinction is why the headline total moves differently from the appropriations Congress votes on.

Federal Receipts FY2012 Explained

Receipts totalled $2.45 trillion in FY2012. Individual income taxes and payroll taxes for Social Security and Medicare together supply the large majority of federal revenue, which is why receipts track wages and employment closely and fall sharply in recessions. Corporate income taxes are far more volatile year to year.

Mandatory vs Discretionary Spending

Roughly two-thirds of outlays are mandatory — Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and other programmes governed by permanent law that continue automatically unless Congress changes the underlying statute. Discretionary spending, set annually through twelve appropriations bills, covers defence and most federal agencies. This split is the single most important thing to understand about why the budget is hard to change quickly.

What the Deficit Means and Why It Matters

The FY2012 deficit of $1.08 trillion equals 6.7% of GDP. Economists judge deficits as a share of GDP rather than in dollars, because a growing economy can carry a larger absolute deficit. Sustained deficits raise debt held by the public, which in turn raises net interest costs.

Actuals vs Estimates

Completed fiscal years are reported as actuals in the Treasury's final Monthly Treasury Statement. The current year carries estimates from the Congressional Budget Office's baseline, which projects spending and revenue under current law and is revised as the year progresses. This page is labelled Actuals.

How the Federal Budget Process Works

The fiscal year begins October 1. The President submits a budget request, Congress passes a budget resolution and then appropriations bills; when those are not enacted in time, a continuing resolution funds agencies at prior-year levels or the government shuts down. Reconciliation allows certain budget bills to pass the Senate by simple majority.