Summary
The article discusses the imbalance in U.S. government spending between programs for seniors and those for children. In 2023, the government spent significantly more per senior than per child, highlighting a gap shaped by politics and budget priorities.
Key Facts
- In 2023, the U.S. government spent over $37,000 per senior compared to $7,300 per child under 19.
- Government spending for seniors includes programs like Social Security and Medicare, which are automatic and take up a large part of the federal budget.
- Programs for children, like education and childcare, rely on discretionary spending, which depends on annual budget decisions.
- Around $4.1 trillion of federal outlays in 2024 went to mandatory programs such as Social Security and Medicare.
- Discretionary spending, which covers children's programs and more, was about $1.8 trillion.
- National debt interest payments surpassed defense spending in 2024, reaching $881 billion.
- Since 1980, the national debt has increased four times as a share of the GDP.
- By 2034, spending on children's programs is projected to fall to 1.9% of GDP, down from 2.4% in 2019.
