Mandatory benefits took 62% of federal spending in 2026 Q3, against 49% 50 years earlier and 27% in 1929
Interest on the debt 16.8% of spending, 4.0% of GDP (higher than 77% of the years since 1929) · total federal spending 24.0% of GDP against a century average of 19.2% · the latest quarter at an annual rate
Macro · Macro · BEA · 29 Sep 2026