Government spending articles
Get unbiased data and visuals on federal budgets, state and local governments, foreign aid, disasters relief, and other government programs.
What is Medicaid and how many Americans use it? | Episode 2 of Just the Facts: Do You Qualify?
JUST THE FACTS · 7:15M
What is subsidized housing? | Episode 3 of Just the Facts: Do You Qualify?
JUST THE FACTS · 7:36M
How much US government debt is owned by other countries?
About 25.2%, as of June 2025, or $9.13 trillion. When the federal government spends more money than it collects in revenue, it sells US Treasury securities to bring in cash and pay for the difference. People, governments, corporations, and investment funds like retirement accounts — both US and international — can purchase these.
Updates quarterlyWhat does the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) do?
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is a subdivision of the Department of Commerce responsible for advising the president on telecommunications and information policy issues. It was established in 1978.
Updates annuallyWhat does the Census Bureau (CENSUS) do?
The Bureau of the Census (Census Bureau) is a subdivision of the US Department of Commerce responsible for collecting and analyzing data about the population and economy of the United States. The agency conducts the decennial census, which provides data for government representation, allocation of federal funds, and policy making. It also conducts numerous other surveys on topics such as housing, business, and demographics. It was established in 1902.
Updates annuallyWhat does the Secret Service (USSS) do?
The US Secret Service (USSS) is a subdivision of the Department of Homeland Security responsible for safeguarding the nation's financial infrastructure and payment systems, as well as protecting national leaders, visiting heads of state and government, designated sites, and National Special Security Events. The agency's dual mission includes investigating and preventing financial crimes such as counterfeiting, credit card fraud, and cybercrime, while also ensuring the security of the President, Vice President, their families, and other high-profile officials. It was established in 1865.
Updates annuallyWhat does the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) do?
The Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) is a subdivision of the Department of Labor responsible for ensuring the security of retirement, health, and other workplace-related benefits for America's workers and their families. The agency enforces the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and provides assistance to workers in understanding their rights and benefits. It also oversees the administration of pension plans and health plans to ensure compliance with federal regulations. It was established in 1974.
Updates annuallyWhat does the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) do?
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is a subdivision of The Executive Office of the President responsible for assisting the President in overseeing the preparation of the federal budget and supervising its administration in Executive Branch agencies. The OMB evaluates the effectiveness of agency programs, policies, and procedures, assesses competing funding demands among agencies, and sets funding priorities. It also ensures that agency reports, rules, testimony, and proposed legislation are consistent with the President's budget and administration policies. It was established in 1970.
Updates annuallyWhat does the Farm Service Agency (FSA) do?
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is a subdivision of the Department of Agriculture that administers farm loans, commodity and marketing programs, conservation efforts, and disaster assistance. Its programs help stabilize farm income, support land and water conservation, provide credit to new or disadvantaged farmers, and aid recovery from natural disasters. The agency was established in it's current form in 1994.
Updates annuallyWhat does the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) do?
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is a subdivision of the US Department of Justice responsible for enforcing the controlled substances laws and regulations of the United States. The agency aims to reduce the availability of illicit controlled substances on the domestic and international markets. It also works to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations and collaborates with other agencies to combat drug-related crimes. It was established in 1973.
Updates annuallyWhat does the Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) do?
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is a subdivision of the Department of Homeland Security responsible for overseeing lawful immigration to the United States. The agency administers the nation's naturalization and immigration system, processes applications for citizenship, and manages the issuance of various immigration benefits. It also ensures the integrity of the immigration system by preventing fraud and enhancing security measures. It was established in 2003.
Updates annuallyWhat does the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE) do?
The Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE) is a subdivision of the US Department of Education responsible for administering and overseeing programs that prepare individuals for postsecondary education and the workforce. OCTAE focuses on improving career and technical education, adult education, and literacy, ensuring that all students and adults have the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a global economy. It was established in 1966.
Updates annuallyWhat does the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) do?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a subdivision of the US Department of Labor responsible for ensuring safe and healthy working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance. OSHA's mission is to prevent work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths by issuing and enforcing rules (called standards) for workplace safety and health. It was established in 1970.
Updates annuallyWhat does the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) do?
The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is a subdivision of the US Department of Agriculture responsible for administering the nation’s domestic nutrition assistance programs. These programs include the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the National School Lunch Program, and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The agency aims to provide children and low-income individuals access to food, a healthful diet, and nutrition education. It was established in 1969.
Updates annuallyWhat does the Bureau of the Fiscal Service (BFS) do?
The Bureau of the Fiscal Service (BFS, Fiscal Service) is a subdivision of the US Department of the Treasury responsible for managing the government's accounting, central payment systems, and public debt. The agency ensures the effective and efficient management of federal finances by providing accurate and timely financial information, promoting the use of electronic financial services, and overseeing the issuance of government securities. It was established in 2012.
Updates annuallyWhat does the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) do?
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is a subdivision of the Department of Health and Human Services responsible for promoting the economic and social well-being of families, children, individuals, and communities. The agency runs programs that provide services and support for vulnerable populations, including child welfare, early childhood education, and family assistance. It was established in 1991.
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 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 Foreign Claims Settlement Commission (FCSC) do?
The Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States (FCSC) is a subdivision of the Department of Justice responsible for adjudicating claims of US nationals against foreign governments. It was established in 1954.
Updates annuallyWhat does the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) do?
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is a subdivision of the US Department of Justice responsible for enforcing federal laws related to the regulation of alcohol, tobacco, firearms, explosives, and arson. The agency's primary mission is to protect communities from violent criminals, criminal organizations, the illegal use and trafficking of firearms, the illegal use and storage of explosives, acts of arson and bombings, acts of terrorism, and the illegal diversion of alcohol and tobacco products. It was established in 1972.
Updates annually