Another report by Open The Books (OTB) reveals more of the same regarding the amount the government spends every year.
In some federal departments, the headcount of government employees has either remained flat or seen moderate growth. But spending continues to soar much further and faster than even inflation, and upticks in spending since 2021 also appear to comport with key priorities of the Biden administration.
Department of Agriculture
OTB says the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is a perfect example of the staff vs. spending pattern. Since 2000, employee counts have shrank from 106,715 to 92,072 in 2024. But annual spending skyrocketed in the same period: in 2000, it was $75.07 billion; by 2024, it was $254.78 billion—339% higher.
The National Foundation for the Arts and Humanities
This agency includes the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute for Museum and Library Services.
Since 2000, the headcount has fluctuated between 416 and 455, settling at 455 in 2024. However, outlays have predictably soared, particularly during the Biden administration. In 2000, NEAH spent $406 million annually; by 2024, it spent $998 million, more than double.
$227,420 from the National Endowment of the Humanities), about linguistics, has an episode called “the little pronoun that could” about a new gender-neutral pronoun being introduced in Swedish. Sacred & Profane ($199,663 from the National Endowment of the Humanities), about American religious life, has an episode on how “Satanists play an important role in American religious and political life, showing us how ideas about religion, pluralism, and the separation of church and state are changing in the U.S.”
Veterans Affairs
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs employee ranks have understandably grown significantly since 2000, as the United States engaged in multiple kinetic wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2000, there were 219,415 employees; by 2024 there were 486,522 employees. The VA had more than double its employee headcount. Over the same period, though, spending grew from $47.04 billion to $345.98 billion. Annual spending had grown 735.5% higher.
“DOGE should examine VA bookkeeping and operations, identifying efficiencies that ensure veterans get what they’re owed amid unprecedented use of benefits and medical appointments,” said Open The Books.
