The Impact of Sequester Cuts on the Defense Budget

These two charts by Mercatus Center senior research fellow Veronique de Rugy examine the impact of sequester cuts on the defense budget. The figures in both charts represent defense budget authority, that is, departments’ and agencies’ legal authority to spend. This metric is distinct from budget outlays, which represent actual spending amounts. 

Data from the Congressional Budget Office’s most recent budget outlook (released on February 5, 2013) are used to illustrate the projected growth in spending and compared with historical data from the Office of Management and Budget.