government spending
53 stories related to this topic, newest first.
The IndependentMinister Says Defence Investment Plan Will Be Published When Ready
Pensions minister Torsten Bell declined to give a date for the long-delayed defence investment plan. The Conservatives plan a June 2 vote to require publication within a month of the Armed Forces Bill receiving Royal Assent.
Australia to Pay Nauru $70 Million Annually Under NZYQ Resettlement Deal
Details of the first payment under an Australian government agreement with Nauru for resettling the NZYQ cohort have been released. The arrangement commits Australia to annual payments of $70 million.
reason.comReason.com Op-Ed Advocates Ending Senior Property Tax Breaks
An opinion piece published by reason.com argues that property tax exemptions for senior citizens shift costs to other taxpayers unless governments also cut spending on public services.
New York City Parks Department Plans Two Drinking Fountains at $375,000
The Manhattan project replaces two existing fountains in Riverside Park. A presentation to Community Board 7 in October 2025 listed flood-zone rules, tree-root surveys, backflow prevention, and a new water line. The total budget reached $375,000.
The FederalistWatchdog Reports Government Payments to Southern Poverty Law Center for School Materials
OpenTheBooks documented at least $3.85 million in payments to the Southern Poverty Law Center from public entities since 2016. The funds supported teaching materials in schools across multiple states.
New York PostCalifornia Governor Budget Includes $33,000 for Official Portrait
The governor's proposed 2026-27 budget requests $33,000 from the General Fund for a traditional portrait to hang in the State Capitol. The request comes alongside a separate $20 million proposal to honor living former governors.
techjuice.pkWhite House official says refugee programs cost hundreds of billions
A White House official stated that refugee resettlement programs have cost hundreds of billions of dollars. The official said tightening eligibility rules could help reduce the federal deficit, which stands at $1.8 trillion.
eonline.comJeff Bezos Compares Amazon Operations to New York City Schools
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos said on May 20 that running Amazon like New York City schools would result in six-week package delivery, a $100 fee, and incorrect items. He made the remarks during a CNBC interview discussing taxes and government spending.
Tasmanian Auditor-General Reports $47 Million Spent on HR Program Without Modules Delivered
The Tasmanian auditor-general found the Health Department spent $47 million over four years on a human resources system upgrade that produced no modules. Total program costs are now projected at $119.8 million after responsibility shifted to the Department of Premier and Cabinet.
citizen.co.zaQuebec Premier Defends Spending Pledges After Finance Minister Statement
Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette defended new spending commitments on Saturday after a Radio-Canada report revealed the province's finance minister had warned her about exceeding a $250-million annual fund.
Tasmanian Health Department Directed to Find $702 Million in Savings
The state budget requires the Health Department to identify $702.61 million in operational efficiencies over four years. Treasurer Eric Abetz presented the plan as part of a broader $1.47 billion reduction across government agencies.
yahoo.comYukon Eagle Gold Mine Cleanup Costs Reach $301 Million
Financial records show the receiver has spent $301 million on cleanup at the Eagle Gold Mine since August 2024. The Yukon government has loaned $185 million of a $220 million maximum to cover part of the costs.
thesouthafrican.comSenegal Fuel Subsidy Costs Rise $2 Billion if Oil Hits $115
Senegal's fuel subsidy spending may exceed this year's target by $2 billion if crude oil prices reach $115 per barrel. The increase stems from higher global oil prices linked to the war in Iran.
France 24France Announces 710 Million Euro Energy Aid Package
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced a 710 million euro package to extend support for fishing, farming, and construction sectors. The plan also includes a new bonus for taxi drivers switching to electric vehicles.
thehindu.comLawsuit Over PPP Loans Dismissed in Mississippi
Federal prosecutors dismissed a lawsuit involving Paycheck Protection Program loans in Mississippi. The acting U.S. Attorney General approved the dismissal after determining it served the public interest.
SemaforSaudi Arabia Orders Government Agencies to Freeze Consultancy Payments
Saudi Arabia has directed government ministries and entities to halt payments to strategy advisers, management consultants, and law firms through the end of June. The instruction covers existing contracts and new hiring at agencies including the Public Investment Fund.
reason.comFederal Agencies Increase Spending on Weapons and Ammunition
Immigration enforcement agencies committed more than $144 million to weapons, ammunition, and related items during the first year of President Donald Trump's second term. Other federal agencies have also acquired firearms and protective equipment over recent years.
New York PostMinnesota Daycare Received $231,472 in Federal Pandemic Loans
A Minnesota daycare facility that closed in January received federal pandemic assistance in 2020. Senator Joni Ernst has asked the Small Business Administration inspector general to review how the funds were used.
ReasonBezos Questions Tax Increases on Wealthy as Solution to Affordability Issues
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos said raising taxes on high earners would not address rising costs. He pointed to government waste and existing tax burdens already paid by top earners.
The Sydney Morning HeraldAustralia to Spend $11 Billion Upgrading Collins-Class Submarine Fleet
The federal government will spend $11 billion on upgrades to Australia's Collins-class submarine fleet. The program targets the ageing vessels currently in service.
bbc.co.ukHS2 Project Cost Estimate Rises Above £100 Billion
The British government reported Tuesday that the high-speed HS2 train line could exceed £100 billion to complete. Officials also disclosed additional delays for the scaled-back project.
japantimes.co.jpJapan Considers Bond Market for New Spending to Offset Middle East Conflict Impact
Japan's Finance Minister stated the government is weighing bond issuance to fund new spending measures. The spending aims to counter economic effects from the Middle East conflict. No specific spending amount or timeline was announced.
msnbc.comCongressional Proposal Seeks $100 Billion for IRS Enforcement
A congressional proposal would allocate $100 billion to the IRS for enforcement activities. The measure targets taxpayers with net worth above $50 million and would tax unrealized gains on assets.
ForbesConservative Economists Define Inflation as Currency Shrinkage
Forbes contributor John Tamny argues that inflation refers to a decline in currency value rather than excessive economic growth. The article contrasts this view with Keynesian interpretations linking government spending to price increases.
pbs.orgU.S. Halts Some Medicaid Payments Citing Fraud
The federal government has stopped certain Medicaid payments after identifying what it described as fraud in the program. Vice President JD Vance addressed the issue during a speech in Maine, stating that only Republicans would address fraud in public benefits programs. The move…
bbc.co.ukWhite House Requests $1 Billion for East Wing Security Upgrades and Renovation, Including New Ballroom
ABC News obtained a one-page document detailing how the White House intends to allocate $1 billion for the East Wing project, presented to Senate Republicans on May 13, 2026. The funding request, which includes construction of a ballroom, faces skepticism from GOP senators concer…
ForbesTrump Administration Projects at U.S. Capitol Sites Exceed Initial Budgets
The cost of renovating the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has reached nearly $15 million, nearly ten times the original estimate cited by President Trump. Additional projects including a proposed arch, White House ballroom expansion and statue garden are expected to total at le…
NewsweekVA Approves $596 Million in Facility Upgrades in Q2 FY2026
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has committed more than $1 billion of its record $4.8 billion facilities budget for 2026, part of the largest annual investment in the department's history. The latest $596 million in approvals will fund repairs to aging hospital systems, p…
The GuardianAustralians Must Exhaust Treatment Options to Access NDIS Under Proposed Rules
Proposed legislation would require people with disabilities to exhaust all appropriate treatment options before becoming eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, starting in 2028. The changes form part of a broader overhaul aimed at reducing the program's costs, whi…
foxnews.comU.S. Government Energy Spending More Than Doubled Since 2019 to Exceed $405 Billion in 2025
Government spending on energy exceeded $405 billion in 2025, more than double the level in 2019. The majority of the funds supported investments in energy infrastructure, manufacturing, renewables, efficiency programs and incentives for fuel switching. The International Energy Ag…
swarajyamag.comU.S. Plans $22 Billion Redevelopment of Washington Dulles Airport
Transportation Secretary Duffy said the federal government intends to redevelop Washington Dulles International Airport at a cost of $22 billion. The announcement outlines a major infrastructure project at the airport that serves the Washington metropolitan area. No additional de…
New York PostImmigrant Business Coalition Opposes New York City Public Grocery Store Plan
A new coalition of more than 50 immigrant business chambers has raised over $1 million to fight Mayor Mamdani’s proposal for five city-owned supermarkets that would receive free rent and tax breaks. The group plans to appear at a City Council hearing tentatively set for May 29 an…
Military.comSenate Republicans Advance $1 Billion Secret Service Funding Bill
Senate Republicans are moving forward with a proposal to allocate up to $1 billion for Secret Service security upgrades tied to a White House ballroom construction project. Democrats oppose the spending, arguing it contradicts earlier statements that the project would be funded p…
The Sydney Morning HeraldTreasurer Delivers 2026 Federal Budget
The federal budget for 2026 will be handed down tonight by the Treasurer. The government is expected to break several election pledges in the document. A new report shows median rent is unaffordable for households on median incomes in all but 10 Australian electorates.
bbc.co.ukGovernment to Reallocate €470m Across Departments to Cover Education Overspend
Jack Chambers has written to cabinet colleagues requiring average budget reductions of 0.5 per cent to address a €470 million shortfall in the Department of Education. The levy follows a €250 million overspend by the HSE in the first three months of 2026 and comes as ministers pr…
washingtonpost.comHouse Has Spent $338,000 Since 2004 to Settle Harassment Claims Against Lawmakers
A subpoena has shown that the U.S. House of Representatives paid a total of $338,000 to settle sexual harassment claims against lawmakers from 2004 to the present. The figure was disclosed following a request for information on the use of a fund for such confidential settlements.…
fortune.comNational Capital Planning Commission Seeks More Information on Eisenhower Executive Office Building Paint Proposal
The commission voted unanimously Thursday to defer approval of President Donald Trump’s proposal to paint the granite exterior of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, directing the White House to supply additional information including paint testing data.
SemaforSouth Africa Cuts Fuel Tax Levy as Energy Costs Rise
The government reduced the fuel tax levy last month in a temporary measure projected to cost 17 billion rand. The reduction is scheduled to halve in June and end in July. Officials face challenges in allowing the measure to expire given economic conditions and upcoming local elec…
Washington ExaminerFlorida Closes Alligator Alcatraz Detention Facility After Deporting 22,000
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said the Everglades immigration detention center was always meant to close after processing and deporting around 22,000 detainees. The New York Times reported on May 7, 2026, that the Department of Homeland Security is in talks with Florida officials to…
Fox NewsFlorida Closes Temporary Immigration Detention Center
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thursday the Everglades facility known as Alligator Alcatraz was always intended to be temporary and will shut down once federal permanent sites are operational. The center, which opened last summer, has processed more than 21,000 detainees for depo…
ReasonFlorida Officials Meet With Trump Administration About Everglades Immigration Detention Center
Federal and state officials are in preliminary talks to close the immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades known as Alligator Alcatraz due to high operating costs exceeding $1 million per day. The facility opened last summer and was intended to be temporary, but rei…
news.sky.comTwo British Pubs Close Per Day in Q1 2026
British pubs shuttered at a pace of nearly two per day in the first quarter of 2026, leading to significant job losses amid ongoing economic strains. Meanwhile, Great British Energy seeks non-executive directors at £1,000 per day, drawing criticism during a cost-of-living crisis.…
Washington ExaminerIran War Drives Up Aviation Fuel Prices, Increasing U.S. Wildfire Suppression Costs to $100 Million
Aviation fuel prices have surged since the war with Iran began, potentially driving U.S. wildfire suppression costs above $100 million this year. Private contractors operating most firefighting aircraft can pass on these increases to the government. Experts warn of possible fuel…
theaviationist.comU.S. Air Force Modifies Qatari Jet for Temporary Air Force One Use
The U.S. Air Force has completed modifications and testing on a Boeing 747 jet donated by Qatar, set for temporary use as Air Force One this summer. The jet serves as a bridge until new aircraft are delivered in 2028 amid ongoing delays in the replacement program. Defense officia…
en.globes.co.ilU.S. Public Debt Hits $31.27 Trillion, 100.2% of GDP
U.S. debt held by the public reached $31.27 trillion as of March 31, surpassing the estimated nominal GDP of $31.22 trillion over the prior 12 months. The debt-to-GDP ratio hit 100.2%, according to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. Policymakers and experts expressed…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewPresident Trump Signs Executive Order Prioritizing Fixed-Price Federal Contracts
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on April 30, 2026, directing federal agencies to maximize the use of fixed-price and performance-based contracts. The order aims to promote timely project delivery and accountability in government spending. It applies to new contra…
citizen.co.zaU.S. GDP Rises 2.0% in Q1 2026, Boosted by AI and Government Spending but Offset by Import Surge
The U.S. economy expanded at an annualized rate of 2.0% in the first quarter of 2026, adjusted for inflation, driven by investments in artificial intelligence and a partial recovery in federal government spending. Consumer spending rose modestly, while imports surged, contributin…
riotimesonline.comBrazil Records Largest Budget Deficit Since Pandemic in March
Brazil reported its largest monthly budget deficit since the pandemic in March, exceeding expectations. The deficit resulted from court-ordered payments and increased stimulus measures ahead of the October election. The government attributed the figures to these factors.
koreaherald.comUK Councils Offer Leisure Discounts to Benefit Recipients
Local councils in the UK are providing reduced prices on various leisure activities to benefit recipients, including pub visits and spa treatments. Critics argue this creates perverse incentives in the welfare system. Official data shows a rise in Universal Credit claimants since…
goingconcern.com53 Million Tax Filers Used New Exemptions Ahead of April 15 Deadline, Treasury Reports
The U.S. tax filing deadline is April 15, 2026, for most Americans. Treasury officials reported that more than 53 million filers claimed deductions under provisions from a recent tax and spending law. These include exemptions for tips, overtime, car loan interest, senior deductio…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewUS Government Interest Payments Reach 18% of Revenue in Fiscal Year 2025
The US government allocated 18 cents of every dollar of revenue to interest expenses in Fiscal Year 2025, the highest level since the 1990s. This figure represents a tripling of interest expense as a percentage of revenue since 2015. Projections from the Congressional Budget Offi…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewUS Monthly Interest Payments on National Debt Reach $88 Billion, Matching Defense and Education Spending
The United States spends $88 billion per month on interest for its national debt, an amount equivalent to its monthly expenditures on defense and education combined. This figure was highlighted by Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. She u…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewFrance's Budget Minister States It Is Premature to Set Ambitious Deficit Reduction Target
France's budget minister indicated that it is too early to establish a more ambitious target for reducing the budget deficit, despite a narrower-than-expected gap in the previous year. This position comes amid ongoing fiscal challenges in the eurozone's second-largest economy. Th…