The scope of the US Budget consists of two types of spending: discretionary and mandatory. Within which category of spending do most entitlement programs fall? Group of answer choices Entitlement authorizations are established through appropriations acts, and are therefore part of the discretionary side of spending. Since discretionary spending relates to spending on programs funded through annual appropriations legislation, and consists of spending fixed for a specified amount of time, many entitlement programs must operate within the discretionary spending category. Direct spending is the same as mandatory spending, and consists of entitlement funding through authorization legislation. Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and Food Stamp programs, are considered part of the general fund, and therefore, not included in authorization bills which establish mandatory spending outla