The spending of tax dollars for public services is a central function of the federal government. Government workers must be paid. Government programs must be operated. Government supplies must be purchased. Government assistance programs for individuals , for corporations and for special functions like schools and scientific research must be distributed. So detailed information about where and when and how the federal government is spending the taxes it collects is as important as comprehensive data abou t where and when and how the federal agencies and prosecutors are enforcing the law. The range of federal spending is vast. There are Social Security and Medicaid and Medicare payments, federal grants to state and local governments, federal funds to defen se contractors, federal support for numerous insurance and loan programs.

Changes in the mix and amounts of these programs disclose and document important shifts -- sometimes unannounced -- in government priorities. Regional variations in federal spending always are interesting and sometimes raise questions of questionable mana gement practices and even corruption.

Are federal program equitable? Are they efficient? What is the government spending in your backyard?

Information includes actual dollar expenditures (as well as these figures after inflation adjustments), per capita expenditures, percentages and rankings.

For access to how federal funds are distributed within the states, counties, and 90 federal judicial districts:

1. Go to TRAC Express and select the area or agency or program of interest.
2. After choosing the variables, submit your order and the requested information will be returned almost immediately to your browser for printing or downloading.

For more help on which menu item best suits your needs, take the "Guided Tour” which you will find under the "help” menu

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