Government spending articles
Get unbiased data and visuals on federal budgets, state and local governments, foreign aid, disasters relief, and other government programs.
How many Americans voted in 2024?
According to the Census Bureau, 65.3% of US citizens voted in the 2024 election, the third-highest turnout in the past 34 years. Turnout increased by 13.1 percentage points since the most recent mid-term elections in 2022, but decreased by 1.5 percentage points since the 2020 presidential election.
Jun 18, 2025Is Social Security running out?
The federal government spent $1.5 trillion on Social Security in fiscal year 2024. This accounted for 22.4% of the total federal budget. The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides financial support for people of retirement age, people with disabilities, and survivors of family losses including spouses and children. In 2024 Social Security spending included: $1.3 trillion (86%) went to retirement benefits $155 billion (11%) went to disability benefits $54 billion (4%) covered other benefits How many people receive Social Security benefits? The SSA projects that nearly 69 million people will receive benefits monthly in 2025. In December 2024, nearly 90% of people ages 65 and older were enrolled in the program. That amounted to 68.5 million people, including: 51.8 million retired workers and their 2.6 million spouses and dependents 7.2 million disabled workers and their 1.1 million spouses and dependents 5.8 million survivors
Jun 18, 2025What does the Customs and Border Protection do?
The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a subdivision of the US Department of Homeland Security responsible for safeguarding the nation's borders and facilitating lawful international trade and travel. The agency enforces immigration laws, prevents the illegal entry of goods and individuals, and ensures the security of the US border. It also works to prevent the trafficking of drugs, weapons, and other contraband. It was established in 2003.
Updates annuallyWhat does the Immigration and Customs Enforcement do?
The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a subdivision of the US Department of Homeland Security responsible for enforcing immigration laws, investigating criminal activities, and ensuring national security. ICE conducts investigations, detains and deports individuals who violate immigration laws, and works to dismantle criminal organizations involved in human trafficking, drug smuggling, and other illegal activities. It was established in 2003.
Updates annuallyWhat does it cost the IRS to collect taxes?
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) spent $16.1 billion to collect $4.7 trillion in taxes in 2023. In other words, it cost the agency 34 cents to collect $100. Collecting trillions of dollars from a population of 336 million people and around 35 million businesses is no small project. The IRS’s staff of 82,990 people collects and evaluates returns, issues refunds, offers taxpayer assistance, oversees tax-exempt organizations, and enforces tax law.
Jun 13, 2025Just the Facts about the federal budget
Steve talks about the federal budget, including how the government makes money (namely, income taxes) and how revenue collection and spending decisions impact the US federal deficit and debt, military spending, and American daily life.
What does the Department of Homeland Security do?
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a cabinet-level executive branch agency responsible for protecting the United States against potential threats. Its primary functions include anti-terrorism efforts, border security, immigration and customs enforcement, cybersecurity, and disaster prevention and management. It was established in response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and began operations in 2003.
Updates annuallyWhat does the State Department do?
The Department of State (State Department, DOS) is an executive branch agency responsible for conducting US foreign policy and diplomatic relations. Its functions include negotiating treaties, representing the US in international organizations, issuing passports and visas, coordinating refugee and humanitarian assistance, and overseeing foreign aid and embassy operations. It was established in 1789.
Updates annuallyWhat does the Commission on Civil Rights do?
The US Commission on Civil Rights (USCCR) is an independent, bipartisan federal agency responsible for informing national civil rights policy and monitoring enforcement of federal civil rights laws. It investigates voting rights complaints and studies issues related to discrimination and unequal treatment based on race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin. It also collects and shares information on civil rights issues to support public understanding and policy development. It was established in 1957.
Updates annuallyHow universities spend billions in government funds
Aside from student financial aid, the federal government funds universities with grants and contracts. One major way universities use this funding is for research and development (R&D). In FY 2023, federal dollars supported $59.6 billion of university R&D expenses. The fields that received the most funding in 2023 were life sciences and engineering. Life sciences programs, the study of the nature and function of living things, received $33.9 billion, or 56.9% of federal grant and contract funding. Enginering applies math and physics to solve practical problems by designing, building, and improving structures, systems, and processes. Engineering R&D received $10.9 billion, or 18.3% of federal funding.
May 6, 2025Where do tornadoes do the most damage?
Texans have coped with the highest death and injury tolls from tornados in recent years, while Floridians have dealt with the most property damage. Which states have the most tornadoes? Between 2020 and 2024, every state except Hawaii recorded at least one tornado, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) data. Texas, the largest state in the continental US by land area, recorded 516, for an annual average of 103.2. The states with the next-highest totals were Illinois (491) and Iowa (462) while the largest state overall, Alaska, had one.
May 2, 2025How many civilian jobs are in the US federal government?
About 2.96 million, as of May 2025. Federal jobs include all jobs ranging from janitors to air traffic controllers to nurses to postal workers and more. (Enlisted service people are considered government employees but aren’t included in this figure because they’re not civilians.) Out of the 159.6 million nonfarm jobs in the US, 1.9% are in the federal government, the nation’s largest employer. Another way to look at it: The federal government is responsible for one in every 50 jobs.
Updates monthlyData Skills for Congress returns to empower with the facts
The third year of Data Skills for Congress officially began this month, with nearly 30 congressional staffers participating in the program designed to strengthen data use on Capitol Hill.This unique course, a collaboration between USAFacts and the Goldman School of Public Policy at UC Berkeley, equips legislative staff with the tools and training needed to better access, analyze, and apply government data in their daily work — whether drafting legislation, conducting oversight, or serving constituents.Why data skills matter for congressional staffCongressional staff play a critical role in shaping and supporting legislation that affects Americans across the country. Yet many lack formal training in working with data, despite the crucial need for evidence-based policymaking.Data Skills for Congress launched in 2023 to fill this gap. It’s the first program of its kind approved by both the House and Senate ethics committees, enabling staff from both chambers to participate without cost.Over the 10-week hybrid program, participants explore federal data sources, learn how to communicate big ideas with data visualizations, are introduced to AI and cutting-edge data tools, and complete a capstone project that applies their new skills to a real-world policy issue.A growing data community on Capitol HillUSAFacts launched the program with the goal of making helping policymakers use government data in decision making, part of its broader mission to empower Americans with the facts.In its first two years, Data Skills for Congress enrolled nearly 90 congressional staff. And participants have overwhelmingly positive feedback: 84% of 2024’s alumni from the cohort said that the class helped them improve their data visualization and AI skills for congressional work.Participants strongly recommend the course to others on the Hill. Some described it as an “essential” skill set for the modern congressional office, with one student noting, “I never thought of myself as a ‘math person.’ This course taught me that I can work with data and made me feel more confident using it in my congressional work.” “We created this program because we believe that government works better when everyone — including policymakers — can easily access and understand the numbers behind it,” said Poppy MacDonald, president of USAFacts. “We’re thrilled to see it continue to grow in its third year.”What’s nextThe spring 2025 cohort began on April 18th and will run through mid-June. A condensed version of the class will run during the August recess, allowing more congressional staff to take advantage. With participants representing a range of committees and offices, the program continues to reflect bipartisan interest in data-driven policymaking.To learn more about the program — or to apply for a future cohort — visit the Data Skills for Congress page.
Apr 22, 2025Which states contribute the most and least to federal revenue?
In 2023, the federal government collected around $4.67 trillion from states and their residents through taxes on individuals and businesses and redistributed about $4.56 trillion back to states and residents through programs like Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, food stamps, and education grants.The balance varies by state: New Yorkers paid about $89 billion more to the federal government than they received, while Virginians received about $79 billion more than they paid.
Apr 22, 2025How do marijuana laws differ between states?
While marijuana remains illegal at the federal level per the 1970 Controlled Substances Act (CSA), the US has become a patchwork of state-determined laws pertaining to the drug. Some states have legalized recreational marijuana, others allow medicinal use and/or CBD oil. A few states have decriminalized the plant, and a handful follow the federal guidelines. What does marijuana legalization mean?In the United States, marijuana legalization refers to the process of making marijuana use, possession, and sales legal under certain conditions. Adults in states that legalize the drug can use it for both medical and recreational purposes, following state laws. Legalization allows for regulated sales of products that contain cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Medical cannabis laws also fall under this category, permitting patients with conditions such as chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, insomnia, and depression to use the substances for treatment. Since marijuana remains federally classified as an illegal drug, state legalization has many implications on federal income taxes filed by dispensaries, as well as the cross-border sale and transportation of cannabis products.
Apr 18, 2025Is there a shortage of air traffic controllers?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) controls 290 air control facilities. And as of September 2023, nearly half of them were understaffed. In 2023, the FAA established a 85.0% staffing goal for terminal air control facilities. One-hundred and twenty eight of them fell short of that target. Meanwhile, 162 facilities met or exceeded the staffing goal. Fifty-two had staffing levels of more than 100%; this was partially due to intentional overstaffing of new hires to account for expected attrition over the next two or three years. How understaffed were the facilities that fell short of the goal? Eighty-four had staffing ranges between 75.0% and 84.9%. The remaining 44 were staffed to 74.9% capacity or less.In 2024, the FAA employed more than 14,000 air traffic controllers.
Mar 31, 2025What is the federal government’s budget deficit?
About $1.7 trillion deficit in fiscal year (FY) 2023.. A budget deficit occurs when the federal government spends more money than it brings in through taxes, customs duties, the sale of assets, and other revenues. When the government has a deficit, it borrows money by selling bonds and other securities in order to pay for it, adding to the national debt. A budget surplus, on the other hand, occurs when the government brings in more money than it spends.
Updates monthlyHow much does the US federal government spend?
About $6.8 trillion in fiscal year (FY) 2024. This averages about $19,900 per person in the US. The amount the government can spend depends on the amount of revenue it collects (e.g., through taxes, customs duties, and other sources). If it has to spend more revenue than it brings in, it borrows the funds, creating debt.
Updates monthlyHow much money does the US federal government collect?
About $4.9 trillion in fiscal year (FY) 2024. This is about $14,600 per person in the US, however individual contributions vary based on income, spending, and other factors. Government revenue is the total amount of money received from individual and corporate taxes, and other sources that are used to pay for government spending.
Updates monthlyHow much money has the US given Ukraine since Russia’s invasion?
From Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 through December 2024, the United States allocated $182.8 billion in emergency funding for the region. But “allocated” means the money is available, not that it’s been spent: So far, the United States has actually disbursed $83.4 billion in funding and equipment, some of which Ukraine will have to repay with added interest. Aid for Ukraine goes through a cross-agency operation called Operation Atlantic Resolve (OAR), which began after Russia invaded Crimea in 2014 to deter Russian aggression against NATO. When Russia invaded Ukraine, the operation shifted focus to address the needs of Ukraine and other partners.
Mar 14, 2025USAFacts and bias: Why we care about nonpartisanship
USAFacts is here for a clear reason — to make information about the US government accessible to the public, so that people can make informed decisions on how the government is representing their interests.That Americans deserve access government data without political or corporate influence is baked into our mission. As a non-government, nonprofit organization, we are in a unique position to deliver information without the same motivations as a private corporation or a partisan advocacy organization.Ad Fontes Media, which rates media on reliability and partisanship, publishes a periodic report scoring media companies and organizations by their trustworthiness and political leaning.In the most recent version of their Media Bias Chart, released in March 2025, USAFacts earned the highest reliability rating and the lowest bias score on the entire chart. We’re proud that Ad Fontes’s methodology sees our work at USAFacts as reliable and nonpartisan.
Mar 13, 2025What does the Department of Education do?
The Department of Education (Education Department, ED) is a cabinet-level executive branch agency responsible for overseeing education policy and administering funding for programs and individuals. The department's functions include supporting state and local education systems, promoting educational equity for all students, and providing grants and loans to higher education institutions and students. It was established in 1980 after the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare was reorganized into separate entities.
Updates annuallyHow much does the US spend on defense?
About $820 billion in fiscal year 2023. Defense spending includes personnel compensation, equipment, research and development (R&D), and the costs associated with operating and maintaining military efforts. The Department of Defense is responsible for most spending on national defense, along with other agencies like the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice.
What countries receive the most foreign aid from the US?
In fiscal year (FY) 2023 — the most recent fully-reported year — Ukraine received $16.6 billion, the most of any country. This amount reflects disbursements, a measure of foreign aid that captures when money is actually transferred out of US government accounts. Foreign aid is reported by more than 20 agencies within the federal government that fund foreign assistance activities.
How much foreign aid does the US provide?
About $79.5 billion in aid was promised for fiscal year (FY) 2023, the most recent fully-reported year. The United States gives foreign assistance to provide humanitarian aid and support peace, security, and economic development around the world. Investing in global security and stability serves US national security interests by creating strategic and economic connections with other countries.
Updates monthlyWhat percentage of public school funding in the US comes from the federal government?
About 13.7% or one in every seven dollars of public school funding during the 2021–22 school year. Local and state governments typically provide most school district funding, with the federal government providing the rest. Federal sources provide as little as 0% and as much as 75% of funding, depending on the district. Federal funding depends on factors such as poverty levels and other student demographics, availability of state and local revenues, and whether a district is urban, suburban, or rural. During 2021–22, which is the latest year of data available, public schools received $124.9 billion, or $2,536 in federal funds per student.
Updates annuallyHow much debt does the US have?
About $36.2 trillion as of May 2025. The federal government borrows money when its spending and investments cannot be funded by federal revenue alone; this debt enables the government to pay for programs and services when funds aren’t immediately available.
Updates monthlyHow much federal money goes toward all state and local governments?
About $1.1 trillion in fiscal year (FY) 2024. This total includes money transferred to states, tribal governments, and local governments, such as cities and counties. Federal funding helps state and local governments pay for things like infrastructure, education, and health care for low-income people. In FY 2024, these transfers made up 16.2% of all federal spending.
What does the Department of Agriculture do?
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is cabinet-level executive branch agency responsible for developing and executing federal policies on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues. Its functions include supporting farmers and ranchers, ensuring food safety, promoting agricultural trade, conserving natural resources and the environment, and addressing hunger both domestically and internationally. It was established in 1862.
Updates annuallyWhat does the Department of the Treasury do?
The Department of the Treasury (Department of Treasury, TREAS) is a cabinet-level executive branch agency responsible for overseeing economic conditions and ensuring the financial security of the United States. The department's functions include advising the president on economic matters, managing federal finances, collecting taxes through the Internal Revenue Service, producing currency, and supervising national banks. It was established in 1789 and is the second-oldest department in the federal government.
Updates annuallyWhat does the Office of Personnel Management do?
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is an independent executive branch agency responsible for managing the civil service of the federal government. Its functions include coordinating the recruitment of new government employees, managing health insurance and retirement benefits programs, and providing resources for job seekers. Established in 1979, it serves as the chief human resources agency and personnel policy manager for the federal government.
Updates annuallyWhat does the Social Security Administration do?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is an independent executive branch agency responsible for administering Social Security, a program that provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to eligible people. Its functions include managing the distribution of monthly payments to beneficiaries, enrolling Medicare recipients, and overseeing the issuance of Social Security numbers and cards. It was established in 1935 as part of the Social Security Act.
Updates annuallyWhat does the Department of Defense do?
The Department of Defense (DOD) is cabinet-level executive branch agency tasked with maintaining and overseeing the military forces of the United States. Its primary functions include overseeing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force; creating military policies; and managing the defense budget. It was established in 1947.
Updates annuallyWhat does the Department of Veterans Affairs do?
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a cabinet-level executive branch agency responsible for providing healthcare services, benefits programs, and access to national cemeteries for the nation's veterans and their dependents. It was established as the Veterans Administration in 1930 and elevated to cabinet status in 1989.
Updates annuallyWhat does the Department of Transportation do?
The Department of Transportation (USDOT, DOT) is a cabinet-level executive branch agency responsible for overseeing national transportation systems and infrastructure. Its functions include developing and implementing federal transportation policies; ensuring the safety and efficiency of highways, railroads, air travel, and maritime transport; and administering funding for transportation projects including local transit systems. It was established in 1966.
Updates annuallyWhat does USAID do?
USAID (US Agency for International Development) is an independent executive branch agency responsible for administering foreign aid and economic development assistance outside the US. Its functions include supporting economic growth, global health, and education; providing humanitarian aid in response to crises; and advancing US foreign policy goals through partnerships. It was established in 1961 as part of the Foreign Assistance Act.
Updates annuallyWhat does the Department of Health and Human Services do?
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is a cabinet-level executive branch agency responsible for overseeing public health policy and administering funding for health programs and services. The department's functions include managing national health programs like Medicare and Medicaid, advancing medical research, ensuring food and drug safety, and promoting health equity for all individuals. It was established in 1980 after the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare was reorganized into separate entities.
Updates annuallyWhat is IES and what does it do?
The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) is the nonpartisan research, evaluation, and statistics office of the Department of Education. Its main functions are funding research to test new approaches to education, evaluating federal programs for educational effectiveness, and reporting data on how well the nation is educating its students. IES is the smallest component of the Education Department. The department requested $283.8 billion of its fiscal year 2025 budget; the institute accounted for 0.29% of that. In 2024, the Department of Education was the sixth highest-funded federal agency.
Feb 20, 2025This chart tells you everything you want to know about government spending
Each year, the federal government takes in trillions of dollars in revenue and spends those trillions (and often more) to address its domestic and global objectives. Dividing this budget by revenue sources and spending programs across the branches of government provides a wealth of insight into how the federal government works, where its spending priorities lie, and how it funds programs. Government spending data is a part of USAFacts’ backbone, and we believe that American taxpayers — the shareholders responsible for providing most government resources — are entitled to information on how the federal government operates. That starts with the budget. In this data visualization — called a Sankey chart — USAFacts breaks down the most recent federal budget data:
Feb 6, 2025How many people work for the federal government?
As of November 2024, the federal government employed just over 3 million people. The number of federal employees has topped 3 million since September 2024. The last time the government could claim that many employees was in September 1994. Federal employment numbers peaked at 3.4 million in 1990 and the most recent low was in 2014, with 2.7 million. Federal government employees work at departments or agencies housed under one of the three branches of government — executive, legislative, or judicial, though most federal agencies are under the federal executive branch. Across all US industries, it’s the 15th-largest workforce overall. How has the federal workforce changed over time? Between 1929 and 1945, the United States was grappling with the Great Depression and World War II. President Franklin D. Roosevelt introduced the New Deal in 1933, and over the next five years established numerous new federal agencies – agencies requiring people to staff them. Some agencies created during this period are still around, like the Social Security Administration and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Dec 19, 2024