How can a mandatory spending program be changed into a discretionary spending program?

To change a mandatory spending program into a discretionary spending program, lawmakers would need to amend the underlying legislation that establishes the program, typically through the congressional appropriations process. This involves altering the funding mechanism so that it requires annual approval by Congress, rather than being automatically funded based on eligibility criteria. Additionally, the change would require significant political consensus and may involve negotiations on budget priorities and potential impacts on beneficiaries.