Department of Justice
DOJ · FY2025 spending data
Enforces federal law through the FBI, DEA, ATF, and U.S. Marshals. Operates the federal prison system, prosecutes criminal cases, represents the government in civil litigation, and oversees immigration courts. Spends $8.5 billion in contracts covering everything from prison operations to IT systems.
💰 Taxpayer Accountability
Federal prison costs alone consume billions, yet recidivism rates suggest the system isn't delivering on rehabilitation. The department's expanding surveillance capabilities and growing reliance on contractors for sensitive law enforcement functions raise questions about both cost-effectiveness and civil liberties.
Total Spending
$11.2B
Total Contracts
$8.5B
Total Grants
$2.7B
Budget Growth (FY17→25)
-2.5%
-$292.0M
Contracts vs Grants
Spending Breakdown
Contracts
$8.5B
76.1% of total spending
Grants
$2.7B
23.9% of total spending
Historical budget trend data is not available for this agency. FY2025 contract and grant totals shown.
How This Agency's Growth Compares
Department of Justice grew -2.5% from FY2017 to FY2025 — #17 growing of 18 major agencies.
| # | Agency | Growth % | Growth $ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Department of Energy | +154.4% | +$49.4B |
| 2 | Department of Homeland Security | +153.1% | +$44.4B |
| 3 | General Services Administration | +107.7% | +$12.9B |
| 4 | Department of Transportation | +97.4% | +$66.5B |
| 5 | Department of the Interior | +90.5% | +$8.8B |
| 6 | Department of State | +84.0% | +$16.2B |
| 7 | Department of Health and Human Services | +66.7% | +$809.9B |
| 8 | Social Security Administration | +64.9% | +$643.6B |
| 9 | Department of Defense | +52.8% | +$173.1B |
| 10 | Department of Agriculture | +49.9% | +$61.7B |
| 11 | Department of Housing and Urban Development | +43.8% | +$23.7B |
| 12 | Department of Veterans Affairs | +41.7% | +$84.8B |
| 13 | Department of Education | +28.1% | +$21.1B |
| 14 | National Aeronautics and Space Administration | +24.4% | +$4.5B |
| 15 | Railroad Retirement Board | +15.1% | +$1.9B |
| 16 | Department of Labor | +10.1% | +$1.1B |
| 17 | → Department of Justice | -2.5% | -$292.0M |
| 18 | Agency for International Development | -26.6% | -$4.4B |
Related Pages
Budget Functions
How federal spending is categorized by purpose and function.
Read more →Top Contractors
Which companies receive the most federal contract dollars.
Read more →Spending Explosion
How federal spending has grown dramatically since 2017.
Read more →Sub-Agencies
Detailed spending by sub-agencies and bureaus.
Read more →Source: USASpending.gov · U.S. Department of the Treasury