Non-Defense Discretionary Spending Increased Steadily While, Defense Spending Fluctuated

Federal Revenue and Spending: A Book of Charts

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Federal Revenue
Taxes & Tax Rates
Federal Spending
Budget Comparisons
Projected Spending
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Non-Defense Discretionary Spending Increased Steadily While, Defense Spending Fluctuated

Non-defense discretionary spending has increased almost continuously — a total of 246 percent since 1965 — while inflation-adjusted discretionary defense spending has fluctuated widely, resulting in periods of a hollow military.

Defense and Non-Defense Discretionary Spending, 1965–2007, in Billions

Federal Revenue & Spending Chart Graphic Featuring Discretionary and Mandatory Spending

Heritage Foundation Leadership for America

Non-Defense Discretionary Spending Increased Steadily While, Defense Spending Fluctuated

Defense and Non-Defense Discretionary Spending, 1965–2007, in Billions

Source: Outlays from FY 2009 Historical Tables, Budget of the United States Government, Table 8.1.