Government spending articles
Get unbiased data and visuals on federal budgets, state and local governments, foreign aid, disasters relief, and other government programs.
Everything you need to know about a government shutdown
A shutdown of the United States government affects people, government agencies, and businesses not just here, but worldwide.Here are the answers to some of Americans’ most-asked questions about a government shutdown:What is a government shutdown?A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass or the president refuses to sign a spending bill to fund the federal government’s operations. This results in a funding gap that can cause several government functions to be temporarily disrupted. Government shutdowns are often resolved by Congress passing continuing resolutions, which provide short-term funding while negotiations for a long-term solution continue. Every shutdown since 1990 has been ended with a continuing resolution.
Oct 8, 2025What happens during a government shutdown furlough?
When Congress doesn’t pass a law to fund the government, many federal operations pause until new funding is approved. During these periods, known as government shutdowns, some federal employees are placed on temporary unpaid leave, called furloughs, while others continue working in essential roles.
Oct 8, 2025What happens to data during a government shutdown?
When the government shuts down, some operations continue, and some do not. This depends on what the Antideficiency Act defines as excepted, or “essential,” and nonexcepted, or “nonessential.” Like everything else, data maintenance, upkeep, and availability fall into these categories. Government activities and personnel are considered essential and can continue certain functions if they are: Authorized by law (like Social Security payments) Necessary to protect life or property (like law enforcement, medical care, air traffic control, SNAP benefits) Necessary to facilitate an orderly shutdown of the government (like issuing furlough notices). Federal activities can also continue if they are funded separately from annual appropriations. This includes Postal Service operations, which are funded by revenue from postage and other mail services rather than taxpayer appropriations. This also includes the Federal Reserve, which funds its operations independently from the federal budget through income on its own assets.
Oct 6, 2025How much does FEMA spend on disaster response?
Around $31.7 billion per year on average, according to the last five years of data. In 2024, that would have been around 0.47% of the federal budget. This funding goes toward direct aid for individuals, debris removal, repairing public infrastructure, and projects that reduce future disaster risks.
Updates monthlyHow much money does the government spend per person?
The federal government spent $6.8 trillion in 2024, up 6.7% from the previous year after adjusting for inflation. Spending per person totaled $19,932 per person, a 5.6% increase from 2023. Expenditures were distributed across several major categories, with the largest portions going towards Social Security at $4,295, defense and veterans spending at $3,518, and transfers to state and local governments at $3,368.
Sep 30, 2025How are public schools in the US funded?
Primarily from state and local governments. In the 2021–2022 school year, the most recent year of available data, about 44.1% of public school funding came from state sources like income and retail taxes, and another 42.2% came from local sources like property taxes. The federal government provided the remaining 13.7%, often through programs like Title I or IDEA that are aimed at supporting specific student needs. Altogether, public schools received $909.2 billion in funding, or $18,500 per student.
Updates annuallyGovernment shutdown 2025: What to know
In the final week of the fiscal year, the White House’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) sent a memo to agencies directing them to prepare for layoffs in the event of a government shutdown on October 1.Congress is considering budget legislation to continue to fund the federal government into fiscal year 2026. Without another continuing resolution, the current resolution will expire, shutting down the government.
Sep 26, 2025What does the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) do?
The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is a subdivision of the Department of the Interior responsible for managing and administering land held in trust by the US for Native Americans, Native American tribes, and Alaska Natives. The agency provides services directly or through contracts, grants, and compacts to federally recognized tribes. It was established in 1824.
Updates annuallyWhat does the Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) do?
The Office of Insular Affairs is a subdivision of the US Department of the Interior responsible for overseeing federal administration of the US territories. The agency works to ensure that the territories receive appropriate federal support and services and coordinates with territorial governments to address their needs. It was established in 1934.
Updates annuallyWhat does the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) do?
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is a subdivision of the Department of Health and Human Services responsible for improving the quality, safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of healthcare for all Americans. The agency conducts research to provide evidence-based information on healthcare outcomes, quality, cost, use, and access. It also develops tools and resources to help healthcare providers and policymakers make informed decisions. It was established in 1989.
Updates annuallyWhat does the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) do?
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is a subdivision of the Department of Transportation responsible for ensuring the safe and secure movement of hazardous materials through the nation. It was established in 2005.
Updates annuallyWhat does the Office of Community Planning and Development (CPD) do?
The Office of Community Planning and Development (CPD) is a subdivision of the Department of Housing and Urban Development responsible for promoting viable communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment and expanding economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income persons.
Updates annuallyWhat does the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) do?
The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is a subdivision of the Department of Labor responsible for developing and influencing policies and practices that improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities. It was established in 2001.
Updates annuallyWhat does the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) do?
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is a subdivision of the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities responsible for administering grants to America's museums, libraries, and related organizations. It was established in 1996.
Updates annuallyWhat does the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae) do?
The Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae) is a subdivision of the Department of Housing and Urban Development responsible for promoting homeownership by guaranteeing mortgage-backed securities, ensuring that mortgage lenders have the necessary funds to offer loans to homebuyers. It was established in 1968.
Updates annuallyWhat does the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) do?
The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is a subdivision of the Department of Justice responsible for the administration of the federal prison system. The agency ensures that federal inmates are confined in facilities that are safe, humane, cost-efficient, and secure. It also provides programs and services to inmates that facilitate their successful reintegration into society. The Bureau of Prisons was established in 1930.
Updates annuallyWhat does the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) do?
The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) is a subdivision of the Department of Labor responsible for providing job training, and labor market information to prospective job seekers. The agency aims to strengthen the workforce. It offers programs and initiatives to support job seekers, employers, and communities in achieving economic stability and growth. It was established in its current form in 1975.
Updates annuallyWhat does the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) do?
The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) is a subdivision of the Department of the Interior responsible for overseeing the safe and environmentally responsible development of the nation's offshore energy resources. The agency enforces safety and environmental regulations, conducts inspections, and ensures compliance with federal laws to prevent oil spills and other hazards. It also promotes the use of best practices and technologies to enhance safety and environmental protection. It was established in 2011.
Updates annuallyWhat does the Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) do?
The Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) is a subdivision of the Executive Office of the President responsible for offering the President objective economic advice on the formulation of both domestic and international economic policy. The agency analyzes and interprets economic developments, appraises programs and policies of the federal government, and recommends economic policies that will promote employment, production, and purchasing power. It was established in 1946.
Updates annuallyWhat does the Rural Housing Service (RHS) do?
The Rural Housing Service (RHS) is a subdivision of the Department of Agriculture responsible for providing financial assistance and support to improve housing and infrastructure in rural areas. It was established in 1994.
Updates annually