United States Government Publishing Office publisher pbl distributor dst United States Government Accountability Office author aut Government Organization text government publication eng GAOREPORTS Legislative Agency Publications gao legislative 2010-08-12 U.S. Government Printing Office 2006-02-15 monographic deposited born digital 19 p. GA 1.13:GAO-06-456T https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/GAOREPORTS-GAO-06-456T P0b002ee18039c986 f:d06456t DGPO 2010-08-12 2011-03-24 GAOREPORTS-GAO-06-456T machine generated eng fdlp REPORT GAOREPORTS-GAO-06-456T GAO-06-456T Budget controllability Budget obligations Economic analysis Entitlement programs Federal funds Fiscal policies Funds management Future budget projections Policy evaluation Strategic planning Testimony A46958 This testimony discusses entitlement and other mandatory spending programs in light of our nation's long-term fiscal outlook and the challenges it poses for the budget and oversight processes. In our report entitled 21st Century Challenges: Reexamining the Base of the Federal Government, we presented illustrative questions for policy makers to consider as they carry out their responsibilities. These questions look across major areas of the budget and federal operations including discretionary and mandatory spending, and tax policies and programs. We hope that this report, among other things, will be used by various congressional committees as they consider which areas of government need particular attention and reconsideration. Congress will also receive more specific proposals, some of them will be presented within comprehensive agendas. Our report provides examples of the kinds of difficult choices the nation faces with regard to discretionary spending; mandatory spending, including entitlements; as well as tax policies and compliance activities. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GAOREPORTS-GAO-06-456T/html/GAOREPORTS-GAO-06-456T.htm https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GAOREPORTS-GAO-06-456T/pdf/GAOREPORTS-GAO-06-456T.pdf GAO-06-456T https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/GAOREPORTS-GAO-06-456T Testimony GAO-06-456T; 21st Century: Addressing Long-Term Fiscal Challenges Must Include a Re-examination of Mandatory Spending; Budget controllability Budget obligations Economic analysis Entitlement programs Federal funds Fiscal policies Funds management Future budget projections Policy evaluation Strategic planning