How $52 Billion on Nuclear Security is Spent

Stephen I. Schwartz , Deepti Choubey Resource Page January 12, 2009

Summary

Total appropriations for nuclear weapons and related programs in fiscal year 2008 were at least $52.4 billion. Of which, only $5.2 billion is spent on preventing the spread of nuclear weapons, weapons materials, technology, and expertise.

Related Topics

What is nuclear security spending?
Nuclear security spending is how much the United States spends to operate, maintain, and upgrade its nuclear arsenal; defend against nuclear attack; prevent the further spread of nuclear weapons, weapons materials, technology, and expertise; manage and clean up the radioactive and toxic waste left over from decades of nuclear weapons production and compensate victims of past production and testing activities; and prepare for the consequences of a nuclear or radiological attack.

How much does the United States spend on nuclear security?
Total appropriations for nuclear weapons and related programs in fiscal year 2008 were at least $52.4 billion. That’s not counting related costs for classified programs, air defense, antisubmarine warfare, and most nuclear weapons-related intelligence programs. Of which, only $5.2 billion is spent on preventing the spread of nuclear weapons, weapons materials, technology, and expertise.

How is the $52.4 billion spent?

Nuclear forces and operation support: $29.093 billion (55.5 percent)
Missile defense: $9.188 billion (17.5 percent)
Deferred environmental and health costs: $8.299 billion (15.8 percent)
Nuclear threat reduction: $5.165 billion (9.9 percent)
Nuclear incident management: $700 million (1.3 percent)

Which agencies receive nuclear security dollars and how much?

Department of Defense: $33.9 billion
Department of Energy: $15.9 billion
Department of Homeland Security: $907 million
Department of Justice: $612 million
Department of Labor: $582 million
Department of State: $242 million
Department of Health and Human Services: $119 million

Source: http://carnegieendowment.org/2009/01/12/how-52-billion-on-nuclear-security-is-spent/87g

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