Heritage: Most New Spending Since 2001 Unrelated to the War on Terrorism

Executive Summary

Following the attacks of September 11, 2001, Americans called on Washington to spend the resources necessary to fight terrorists abroad, protect the homeland, and rebuild New York City. Total federal spending has grown 16 percent since 2001. However, only 45 percent of all new federal spending since 2001 has been related to defense and the 9/11 attacks. The remaining 55 percent was spent on programs unrelated to the war on terrorism.

In fact, in 2003, federal spending topped $20,000 per household (inflation-adjusted) for the first time since World War II.

View the full report from the Heritage Foundation