With these ideas in mind, evaluate—in a paragraph each—the following data depictions.
U.S. Federal Budget Policy Outlays by Category for 2015. (U.S. Federal Budget for 2011.) p. 153.
This display shows expected expenditures of the federal government in 2015, totaling $4.4 trillion (including an anticipated deficit of almost $1 trillion). The actual percentages of expenditure are:
Security Discretionary 21%
Net Interest 13%
Other 12%
Medicaid 8%
Medicare 15%
Social Security 20%
Non-Security Discretionary 11%
To evaluate the data depictions provided, let's first examine the U.S. Federal Budget Outlays by Category for 2015. This display illustrates the expected expenditures of the federal government for that year, amounting to $4.4 trillion. It also highlights an anticipated deficit of nearly $1 trillion. The figures presented in percentages are as follows:
1. Security Discretionary: This category accounts for 21% of the total expenditure. Security discretionary spending typically includes funding for defense, cybersecurity, veterans' affairs, and other national security-related initiatives.
2. Net Interest: Representing 13% of the expenditure, net interest refers to the interest payments made by the federal government on its outstanding debt.
3. Other: This category amounts to 12% of the overall expenditure and encompasses various discretionary programs that do not fall under security or non-security discretionary categories.
4. Medicaid: With a percentage of 8%, Medicaid outlays illustrate the portion of the federal budget allocated to providing healthcare coverage for low-income individuals and families.
5. Medicare: Accounting for 15% of the expenditure, Medicare represents the portion of the budget dedicated to healthcare coverage for senior citizens and certain disabled individuals.
6. Social Security: This category comprises 20% of the total expenditure and includes funds allocated for retirement and disability benefits for eligible recipients.
7. Non-Security Discretionary: With an 11% share, non-security discretionary spending refers to funding for various federal agencies and programs that do not fall under the security category.
By evaluating these percentages, we can understand the relative distribution of the federal budget for 2015 across different expenditure categories, highlighting the government's priorities and areas of focus.