War And Anti-Terrorism Spending Or Rampant Growth In Domestic Programs: What Has Caused the Large Increases in Appropriations Bills Since 2001?

Publication Date: February 2004

Publisher: Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (Washington, D.C.)

Author(s): Richard Kogan

Research Area: Banking and finance

Keywords: Fiscal future; Federal budget; Economic projections

Type: Report

Abstract:

Are appropriations growing at out-of-control rates? Is the growth occurring in domestic programs or is it overwhelmingly for defense and related war and terrorism expenses? Do this year’s appropriations bills continue the trend? And what do these figures have to do with deficits? This brief analysis summarizes the facts. How Much Has Been Appropriated? The annual appropriations bills fund about one-third of the budget; the other two-thirds of the budget (programs such as Social Security, Medicare, and interest on the debt) is determined outside of annual appropriations.