2009 Federal Revenue and Spending Book of Charts

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Obama's Budget Would Return Defense Spending to Pre-9/11 Levels

At 4.7 percent of GDP, defense spending is currently about a half percentage point of GDP below the 45-year historical average and well below Cold War and Vietnam War levels. Under President Obama's plan, defense spending will drop to 3 percent of GDP, a near record low.

National Defense Spending as a Percentage of GDP

National Defense Spending
 
 
Source: White House Office of Management and Budget.

Key Research:
Federal Spending

Defense Spending Remains Below Historical Levels Despite the War on Terror



Federal Spending Grew Nearly Seven Times Faster Than Median Income



Federal Spending Is Growing Faster Than Federal Revenue



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



Federal Spending Has Increased Steadily Regardless of Congressional Leadership



Federal Spending per Household Is Skyrocketing



FY 2009 Had the Second-Highest Number of Earmarks in History Despite Change in Congressional Leadership



Mandatory Spending Has Increased Five Times Faster Than Discretionary Spending



Mandatory Spending Will Increase by $7,538 per Household in 2009



Medicare and Medicaid Spending Will Rise with Increasing Health Care Costs



Obama's Budget Would Return Defense Spending to Pre-9/11 Levels



Total Government Spending More Than Doubled Since 1965