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USDA’s 2004 discretionary program outlays are about $20.2 billion, a decrease of $311 million from the 2003 level.
The discretionary program outlays are about 27 percent of total USDA outlays and include the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC); programs to address agricultural pest and disease threats; rural development; research and education; soil and water conservation technical assistance; management of the National Forests and Grasslands and other Forest Service activities; and domestic and international marketing assistance.
Mandatory programs account for the remaining 73 percent of USDA outlays, about $53.9 billion in 2004 which is an increase of $1.7 billion above the 2003 level.
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And we haven't even started talking about the farm part of this budget. I'm willing to bet if the time was taken to investigate this we may even see a drop in spending over previous levels.
I was unable to copy and paste the several tidbits which would have been necessary to get a full picture because my side browser kept closing on me after a single copy and paste. Also, I was very much in a hurry to leave. That's why I just left the links. At any rate, you finished my job. Thanks.