Protecting all Americans from foreign and domestic enemies is one of the most essential functions for any country. Since the end of World War II, the U.S. has taken on the added duty of protecting its allies and ensuring global stability. The goal of this spending is to ensure Americans can continue to enjoy freedom and peace through a strong national defense, as well as through federal law enforcement that help maintain rule of law at home.

In this cateogry:

Military operations and maintenance (35%) funds the basic activities of the Armed Forces.
Military personnel (20%) includes pay and benefits for servicemembers and their families.
Military procurement (16%) includes development and purchase of weapons, vehicles, aircraft, and ships.
International operations (7%) includes spending on diplomacy and foreign aid.
Justice and law enforcement (8%) includes funding for federal agencies that conduct investigations and enforce laws domestically, including the FBI, Drug Enforcement Agency, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Nuclear weapons (3%) covers programs related to keeping nuclear weapons and technology secure.
General government and disaster relief (5%) includes spending for Congress and the Executive Branch, as well as systems that help protect the country from physical and economic disasters.
Other (7%) covers spending on security-adjacent activities such as military construction and military family housing.

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