Tax Policy Center

Fiscal Facts

April 17, 2023
The federal government spent $752 billion on national defense, or about 12% of total federal expenditures in FY 2022, compared to over 40% in the 1960s. Over time, more spending has been towards Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.
Fact: 
The federal government spent $752 billion on national defense, or about 12% of total federal expenditures in FY 2022, compared to over 40% in the 1960s. Over time, more spending has been towards Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.