During the past three years, the U.S. government's deficit measured as a percentage of gross domestic product has declined at the fastest rate since World War II, according to the Office of Management and Budget. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities calculates that, not counting budget cuts scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, nondefense discretionary spending is on track to reach 2.7% of GDP, well below a 30-year average of 3.9%.