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Federal budget · FY2024

Where does US international affairs spending go?

$73 billionin FY2024 · 1.1% of all federal spending

International Affairs covers everything the US federal government spends outside its borders: diplomatic operations (the State Department's roughly 270 embassies and consulates), foreign aid (USAID development assistance, PEPFAR global health, humanitarian relief), and military assistance to partner nations (Foreign Military Financing — Israel, Ukraine, and Jordan are typically the largest recipients).

The total is around $73 billion in FY2024, or roughly 1% of federal spending — a fraction of the share most people guess in polls. About $35B flows through USAID for bilateral aid programs, $20B funds State Department operations, $8B goes to FMF, and the rest covers UN dues, refugee admissions, and international broadcasting (Voice of America, Radio Free Europe).

Where the money goes inside international affairs

Agency- and program-level breakdown for FY2024.

  • USAID & Foreign Aid$35 billion

    Bilateral development assistance, global health programs (PEPFAR), humanitarian aid, food assistance.

  • State Department Operations$20 billion

    Diplomatic posts, embassies, consular services, passport and visa processing, foreign service.

  • Foreign Military Financing$8 billion

    Grants/loans for partner militaries to buy US weapons. Israel and Ukraine are typically the largest recipients.

  • International Organizations & Programs$5 billion

    US dues to the UN, World Bank, IMF, and other multilateral institutions.

  • Other International (refugees, narcotics, broadcasting)$5 billion

    Refugee admissions, international narcotics & law enforcement, Voice of America / Radio Free Europe.

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