Priority or Afterthought? Children and the Federal Budget

This document indicates that Federal expenditures on children from 1960–2017 call into question the extent to which the United States is making children a priority in the budget. The share of domestic spending that is focused on children is projected to decline unless Congress takes proactive measures to reverse the trend. As Congress considers budget resolutions, annual appropriations bills, and reauthorizations, they should ensure that resources are available to help the nation’s children reach their full potential. Congress should reauthorize the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, strengthen tax policy for children and families, reauthorize No Child Left Behind, and expand investments in early childhood education.