What does the US government spend the least money on? This question often surprises many, as the government’s budget encompasses a wide array of sectors, from defense and education to healthcare and infrastructure. However, there are certain areas where the spending is notably low, reflecting the country’s priorities and economic constraints. In this article, we will explore some of the least funded sectors in the US government’s budget.
One of the areas where the US government spends the least is on international aid. While the US is often perceived as a generous donor in global affairs, its spending on foreign aid accounts for a relatively small portion of its budget. In 2020, international aid spending was approximately 1% of the total federal budget, totaling around $50 billion. This includes assistance for humanitarian causes, development projects, and security cooperation with other nations.
Another sector with minimal funding is arts and culture. The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) are two primary government agencies responsible for supporting the arts and humanities. However, their budgets are relatively small compared to other federal programs. In 2020, the NEA had a budget of approximately $150 million, while the NEH received around $180 million. This equates to less than 0.01% of the total federal budget.
Education, particularly at the post-secondary level, is another area where the US government spends the least. While the government provides financial aid in the form of grants, loans, and work-study programs, its direct spending on education is limited. In 2020, the Department of Education’s budget was approximately $83 billion, accounting for less than 3% of the total federal budget. This spending includes grants for students, research funding, and support for educational institutions.
Public broadcasting also falls under the category of low funding sectors. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) receives federal funding to support public radio and television stations. In 2020, the CPB’s budget was around $475 million, which is a tiny fraction of the total federal budget. Despite its limited budget, public broadcasting plays a significant role in providing diverse and informative content to the American public.
Lastly, the government spends the least on environmental protection and conservation. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for protecting human health and the environment, but its budget is relatively small compared to other federal agencies. In 2020, the EPA’s budget was approximately $10 billion, accounting for less than 0.3% of the total federal budget. This funding is used to enforce environmental regulations, conduct research, and provide grants to states and local governments for environmental projects.
In conclusion, the US government spends the least on international aid, arts and culture, education, public broadcasting, and environmental protection and conservation. While these sectors may not receive the highest levels of funding, they still play crucial roles in shaping the nation’s cultural, educational, and environmental landscape. Understanding where the government allocates its resources can provide insight into the country’s priorities and the challenges it faces in addressing various societal needs.
