Federal Spending Analysis
Data-driven, taxpayer-focused analysis of how Washington spends your money. No spin, no partisanship — just the numbers and what they mean.
Where Your Taxes Actually Go
A cent-by-cent breakdown of every dollar Washington spends. Medicare, Social Security, defense, interest on the debt — and why most Americans have no idea where their money goes.
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Where Your Taxes Actually Go
A cent-by-cent breakdown of every dollar Washington spends — Medicare, Social Security, defense, interest, and the rest.
The $34 Trillion Time Bomb
Interest on the debt now costs more than national defense. Here's how we got here — and where we're headed.
The $247 Billion Waste Machine
Improper payments, fraud, and the GAO's high-risk list — a taxpayer's guide to government waste.
Where Did $6 Trillion in COVID Money Go?
The largest spending spree in American history — PPP fraud, EIDL abuse, and trillions with little oversight.
Defense vs. Education
We spend 12x more on the military than the Department of Education. Is that the right balance?
$700 Billion to Private Contractors
Meet the companies that profit most from your tax dollars — defense oligopolies, no-bid deals, and the revolving door.
$20,000+ Per American
Federal spending per person has doubled since 2017. Here's what you're paying for.
Which States Get More Than They Pay?
Net donor states vs. net recipient states — the surprising geography of federal dependency.
The Return of Earmarks
Congress banned pork barrel spending in 2011. A decade later, it's back with a new name.
How the Federal Budget Actually Works
Continuing resolutions, omnibus bills, shutdowns, and why Congress hasn't passed a budget on time since 1997.
Interactive Tools
Go beyond reading — explore the data yourself.