Discretionary fiscal policy involves changes to taxation and spending by the government to alter the size of the economy as needed. The two main tools are the tax code and the budgeting process. Congress decides discretionary spending levels through annual appropriations bills, with the military budget being the largest item. The unemployment rate increased 10 percentage points after COVID-19, so the government passed stimulus packages including direct payments, expanded unemployment benefits, and loans to support businesses and keep workers employed. President Biden's $1.9 trillion stimulus package was approved by the Senate and aims to provide further funding for COVID response, schools, housing and nutrition assistance.