Since 9/11, Federal Spending Has Increased Much Faster Than Inflation

Federal Revenue and Spending: A Book of Charts

Since 9/11, Federal Spending Has Increased Much Faster Than Inflation

Total nominal spending has increased 97.6 percent since 1992, while the Consumer Price Index has increased a relatively modest 47 percent, which means that government spending is growing much faster than inflation. Less than half of the increase in federal spending came from defense and homeland security spending.

Year-to-Year Percentage Change in Federal Spending and Inflation (Consumer Price Index), 1992–2007

Federal Revenue & Spending Chart Graphic Featuring Discretionary and Mandatory Spending

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Source: Outlays from FY 2009 Historical Tables, Budget of the United States Government, Table 8.1; CPI-U from Economic Report of the President, 2007, Table B-60.