Federal Budget Analysis

Tax Day 2012

March 21, 2012

On April 17, 2012, your 2011 federal income tax return is due to the IRS. Where did the federal government spend your income taxes during fiscal year 2011?

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Primary Stakes

March 5, 2012

The presidential election is about voters’ vision for how the federal government should serve the American people, so National Priorities Project is examining the extent to which residents of key primary states currently rely on federal support. Federal money often comprises a third or more of state budgets, while residents of those states receive thousands of dollars of direct federal assistance from programs ranging from Social Security and Medicare to Pell Grants or unemployment compensation.

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President Obama's Fiscal Year 2013 Budget

Feb. 29, 2012

On Feb. 13, the president released his budget proposal for FY 2013. National Priorities Project looks at the numbers, the history behind them, and why the president's budget matters.

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Analysis of Fiscal Year 2013 Pentagon Spending Request

Feb. 16, 2012

On February 14, 2012 the Obama Administration released the government's Fiscal Year 2013 budget request. The budget proposal includes $525 billion for the Department of Defense, not including funding for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan or the nuclear weapons activities of the Department of Energy. The Pentagon is seeking ways to reduce spending by $487 billion over the next decade.


Talking About Military Spending and the Pentagon Budget – Fiscal Year 2013 (And Beyond)

Feb. 8, 2012

An FAQ focused on the immediate and long-term impact of projected Pentagon spending.


An Economy That’s Built to Last: The 2012 State of the Union Address

Jan. 26, 2012

National Priorities Project takes apart President Obama’s last State of the Union Address in his first term as president.


Year End Wrap-Up

Sept. 28, 2011

September 30th marks the end of the fiscal year for the U.S. Government, and if you've had trouble following events in Washington, you're in good company. NPP pulls together key events of 2011 and offers a look ahead to critical decisions awaiting our elected officials.


End of the Year Military Spending Wrap-Up

Aug. 26, 2011

In the coming weeks the “Super Committee” of twelve Senators and Members of Congress will begin deliberating ways to generate as much as $1.5 trillion in deficit reduction over a decade. Beginning with the military, NPP will create a clearer picture of the budgetary decisions that await the Committee.


What's at Stake?

Aug. 22, 2011

What's at Stake? offers 50 state-level briefs focused on the local impact of war spending.


Military Recruitment 2010

June 30, 2011

Approximately one quarter of all military spending goes towards the recruitment, retention, wages and benefits for military personnel.  Each year, National Priorities Project (NPP) reports on military recruitment in an effort to better understand these expenditures by focusing on active-duty Army recruits.