All the programs that Congress authorizes on an annual basis, which are not automatically funded by the prior laws passed by Congress, are called .

Discretionary spending

Explanation:

In the United States, Discretionary Spending refers to the portion budget decided by Congress. It is set by annual appropriation level each year by the approval of Congress, it measures the amount to spend annually.  

American Constitution gives Congress authority to raise and spend money for the federal government in its own ways. The discretionary spending is variable.

answer; (d) none of the above;