Defense Spending Is on the Decline Despite the War on Terrorism

Federal Revenue and Spending: A Book of Charts

Introduction
Contents
Federal Revenue
Taxes & Tax Rates
Federal Spending
Budget Comparisons
Projected Spending
Download
About

Defense Spending Is on the Decline Despite the War on Terrorism

Although the United States is currently spending a significant portion of GDP on the military, defense spending has actually declined significantly since the early 1960s.

Discretionary Spending as a Percentage of GDP

Federal Revenue & Spending Chart Graphic featuring Budget Comparisions

Source: Outlays from the the FY 2009 Historical Tables, Budget of the United States Government, Table 8.1, and Congressional Budget Office, Long-Term Budget Outlook, December 2007.

Heritage Foundation Leadership for America

Defense Spending Is on the Decline Despite the War on Terrorism

Discretionary Spending as a Percentage of GDP

Source: Outlays from the the FY 2009 Historical Tables, Budget of the United States Government, Table 8.1, and Congressional Budget Office, Long-Term Budget Outlook, December 2007.