| Health Care: | $ |
Medicare Contribution:ⓘPrimarily fund hospital, hospice, and nursing home expenses for elderly and disabled individuals. These contributions ensure that eligible individuals receive essential healthcare coverage through Medicare. | $ |
Medicaid Contribution:ⓘUsed to fund the Medicaid program, which provides health coverage to eligible low-income individuals and families. The financing is shared between states and the federal government, with no pre-set limit, ensuring access to medical care and program administration. | $ |
Affordable Care Act Subsidies:ⓘFinancial assistance provided to eligible individuals and families, reducing their health insurance premiums and making coverage more affordable. | $ |
Medical Research and Development:ⓘInvestment made by the federal government in scientific research aimed at advancing medical knowledge, improving treatments, and finding cures for diseases. This funding supports critical research conducted by institutions, scientists, and organizations to enhance public health and save lives. | $ |
Children’s Health Insurance:ⓘReferred to as ‘CHIP’, this federal program provides low-cost health coverage to children in families that earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid. CHIP covers routine check-ups, immunizations, doctor visits, prescriptions, dental and vision care, inpatient and outpatient hospital care, laboratory and X-ray services, and emergency services. | $ |
Center for Disease Control (CDC):ⓘThis funding supports critical activities such as disease surveillance, research, emergency response, and health promotion. In the context of federal expenses, the CDC’s mission is akin to a vigilant health guardian, tirelessly working to keep our nation healthy and safe. | $ |
Federal Drug Administration (FDA):ⓘFederal agency responsible for protecting and promoting public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of food, drugs, medical devices, and other products. It conducts annual and multi-year budgeting to support nationwide public health protection programs. | $ |
Other Health Programs and Agencies:ⓘDiverse range of health-related initiatives funded by the federal government. Includes, but not limited to, funding for the National Institute of Health (NIH), and the Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA). | $ |
| Social Security: | $ |
Average Retirement Contribution:ⓘA financial safety net for retirees. It’s a federal program that provides regular income to eligible individuals after they stop working. Think of it as a cozy nest egg that ensures retirees can sip their metaphorical lemonade while enjoying the sunset of life. | $ |
Average Disability Contribution:ⓘAmount paid by workers and their employers into the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. | $ |
| Defense: | $ |
General Operations:ⓘRefers to the expenses incurred by the Department of Defense (DoD) in carrying out its operations. These expenses cover a wide range of activities, including personnel costs, maintenance, training, and other essential functions that support national defense. | $ |
Military Wages:ⓘCompensation provided to service members in the military. It includes basic pay, allowances for housing and subsistence, and the federal income tax advantage due to these allowances not being subject to federal income tax. | $ |
Hardware & Equipment:ⓘAcquisition and maintenance of military assets such as tanks, aircraft, ships, and weapons systems. These critical resources ensure our national security and defense readiness. | $ |
DoD Research and Development:ⓘFunding allocated by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) for scientific and technological advancements related to national security. It covers areas such as weapon systems, military equipment, and cutting-edge technologies that enhance our defense capabilities. | $ |
Nuclear Deterrance & Atomic Energy:ⓘResponsible for maintaining a safe, secure, and effective nuclear weapons stockpile. It also works to reduce global nuclear threats, strengthen key science and technology capabilities, provide nuclear propulsion systems for the U.S. Navy, and modernize nuclear security infrastructure. | $ |
Other Intel & Logistics:ⓘFederal expense that encompasses various activities related to intelligence gathering, logistics, and support within the defense sector. It includes funding for intelligence agencies, strategic planning, and the management of military operations. | $ |
| National Debt Interest: | $ |
Interest Payments:ⓘThe monthly installments on a colossal national ‘credit card’. Imagine Uncle Sam swiping that card to cover budget deficits (when expenses exceed revenues). The interest is the fee he pays to the financial institutions (bondholders, foreign governments, and even domestic investors) for lending him money. | $ |
| Social Welfare: | $ |
Food & Nutrition Assistance:ⓘSupports the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program. It provides eligible families and individuals with financial assistance to purchase food. | $ |
Unemployment Insurance:ⓘProvides financial support to workers who have lost their jobs. In most states, the basic program offers up to 26 weeks of benefits, replacing about half of workers’ previous wages, with the federal government covering only administrative costs. | $ |
Housing Assistance:ⓘFederal programs aimed at making housing more affordable for low-income families. These programs provide rental assistance, ensuring that housing costs do not exceed 30% of a family’s income. | $ |
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF):ⓘFederally funded, state-run program that provides financial assistance to families facing hardship. Recipients may qualify for help with food, housing, home energy, child care, and job training. | $ |
Supplemental Security Income (SSI):ⓘProvides monthly payments to adults and children with disabilities or blindness and limited income and resources. It also supports people age 65 and older without disabilities who meet financial qualifications. SSI is funded by general tax revenues, not Social Security taxes, and eligibility is based on income and asset limits. | $ |
Other Social Welfare Services:ⓘBroad range of federal programs and initiatives aimed at supporting low-income individuals and communities. These services include cash assistance, health insurance, food aid, housing subsidies, energy and utilities subsidies, and education and childcare assistance. | $ |
| General Government: | $ |
Federal Employee Retirement & Disability:ⓘEncompasses benefits provided to eligible federal workers. If an employee becomes disabled, they may qualify for FERS disability retirement payments, which differ from regular retirement benefits. | $ |
Domestic Law Enforcement:ⓘFunding allocated for various law enforcement agencies and components within the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), and United States Attorneys offices. | $ |
Judiciary & Corretional systems:ⓘFederal expenses related to the administration of justice, correctional facilities, and legal services. It encompasses funding for institutions like the Bureau of Prisons, which manages federal prisons and provides services to inmates, as well as resources for the Federal Judicial Center and the United States Courts. | $ |
Congress:ⓘCosts associated with the functioning of Congress and other government agencies. It covers activities related to legislation, oversight, administration, and support services for elected officials and their staff. | $ |
Other General Government Services:ⓘAssociated with providing various services to the general public. These services can include areas like fire and police protection, which are typically funded by the government. However, it’s important to note that these expenses are not directly tied to specific program statutes or regulations. | $ |
| Veteran Affairs: | $ |
Veteran Income Insurance:ⓘThe Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) sets annual income limits for VA health care eligibility. These limits determine whether veterans qualify for free care or if their income falls below the threshold. | $ |
Veteran Healthcare:ⓘIncludes services such as doctor visits, hospital care, medications, and other health-related support. The VA is committed to providing free health care for conditions related to military service and for veterans with catastrophic disabilities and disability ratings of at least 50%. | $ |
Other Veteran Support:ⓘRange of non-healthcare benefits and services provided to veterans, dependents, survivors, and caregivers. These services may include burial allowances, re-employment rights, and other forms of assistance to support veterans and their families. | $ |
| Domestic Affairs: | $ |
Commerce Stimulus:ⓘRefers to the third round of Economic Impact Payments (EIP3s) disbursed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Treasury Department. These payments were authorized by Congress in the American Rescue Plan Act, enacted on March 11, 2021. Eligible individuals automatically receive an Economic Impact Payment of up to $1,400 (or $2,800 for married couples filing jointly), plus $1,400 for each qualifying dependent. | $ |
Highways, Roads, Other Transport:ⓘFederal Highway Administration (FHWA) oversees these expenses and ensures that the Highway Trust Fund (HTF)covers the costs associated with maintaining and improving the nation’s transportation infrastructure. This includes funding for road construction, highway maintenance, bridge repairs, and other transportation-related projects. | $ |
Water & Air Transport:ⓘExpenses related to travel within the United States using common carrier conveyances such as railroads, aircraft, sailing vessels, buses, streetcars, and other usual means of transportation. | $ |
Community Development:ⓘSupports economic growth, infrastructure improvements, and social well-being in local communities. These efforts often involve partnerships with Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), which include community development banks, credit unions, and other organizations. | $ |
NASA & Scientific Development:ⓘFederal funding allocated to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). This investment supports space exploration, scientific research, cutting-edge technology, climate data, and inspires future leaders in science and engineering. | $ |
| Education: | $ |
K12 & Vocational Schooling:ⓘPrimary and secondary education (kindergarten through 12th grade) as well as vocational or trade schools. These expenses cover costs such as tuition, fees, and other educational necessities for eligible students. | $ |
Higher Education:ⓘFinancial support provided by the government to promote access to post-secondary education. This includes expenses related to Student Scholarships, Student Loans, Research Funding, American Opportunity Credit, Lifetime Learning Credit, Work-Study Programs, and other facility expenses. | $ |
Labor Training:ⓘWork-related education that taxpayers can deduct. These expenses may include tuition, books, supplies, lab fees, transportation costs, and other educational expenses. It’s a way to alleviate the financial burden of pursuing higher education and improve skills for work purposes. | $ |
Public Works:ⓘEducation expenses related to work-related education fall under the category of “Public Works” as a federal expense. Taxpayers who may be eligible to deduct these expenses include self-employed individuals, Armed Forces reservists, qualified performing artists, and fee-based state or local government officials. To qualify, the education must either maintain or improve skills needed in your present work or be required by your employer or the law to maintain your current salary, status, or job. | $ |
| Natural Resources: | $ |
Environmental Protection Agency:ⓘFederal agency responsible for safeguarding the environment and public health. It oversees regulations related to clean air, water quality, hazardous waste management, and pollution prevention. | $ |
Farm Assistance & Agricultural:ⓘSupporting farmers, ranchers, and forest managers. These expenses cover a range of programs aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture, conserving natural resources, and ensuring food safety. Examples include funding for the Farm Service Agency (FSA), which administers programs like the Conservation Reserve Program, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), which provides technical assistance for conservation practices12. | $ |
Energy:ⓘVarious initiatives related to energy production, consumption, and environmental stewardship. It includes tax preferences for fossil fuel industries, funding for research and development of energy technologies, and efforts to promote clean and sustainable energy sources. | $ |
National Parks & Recreation:ⓘSupports the preservation, maintenance, and management of national parks, historic sites, and recreational areas. It ensures that these natural and cultural treasures are accessible to the public while safeguarding their integrity and ecological balance. | $ |
| International Affairs: | $ |
Internaitonal Humanitarian Aid:ⓘSupports global health programs through the State Department and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), including efforts to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. It also funds maternal and children’s health initiatives in other countries. Additionally, this category provides humanitarian assistance and protection through programs such as International Disaster Assistance, Migration and Refugee Assistance, and Food for Peace. | $ |
Foreign Military Aid:ⓘSupport for other countries by providing resources such as military equipment, training, or financial assistance. It’s a foreign policy tool used by the U.S. government to strengthen alliances, promote stability, and enhance security globally. While it accounts for a small portion of the federal budget, it plays a crucial role in maintaining international relations and safeguarding shared interests. | $ |
Foreign Services:ⓘA critical role in advancing U.S. interests abroad. It encompasses fully staffed embassies and consulates that represent Americans worldwide. These diplomatic efforts ensure favorable relations with foreign countries and promote peace, security, and economic prosperity. Additionally, for U.S. Foreign Service employees whose positions require maintaining relations abroad, there’s a nontaxable allowance for representation expenses | $ |
| Total Tax Paid: | $ |
