USDA
Financial Overview
Federal Agencies, The Power and Purpose
The United States government is a vast and complex network of agencies, each with its own unique mission and responsibilities. These agencies play a vital role in shaping our lives, from ensuring the safety of our food and water to protecting our national security. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the most important federal agencies, their functions, and their impact on our society. Here is a structured overview of the major U.S. Federal Executive Departments and some of their key agencies. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. Each department has numerous sub-agencies and offices.
Department of Agriculture (USDA)
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is responsible for developing and executing federal policies related to farming, forestry, rural economic development, and food safety. Founded in 1862, the USDA works to support American agriculture, ensure food security, preserve natural resources, and revitalize rural communities.
Key Agencies and Functions
Conducts research to develop solutions to agricultural problems and provide information access to ensure high-quality, safe food production.
Protects agricultural health by preventing the introduction of foreign pests and diseases, and monitoring existing agricultural problems.
Provides economic research and analysis to inform public and private decision-making on agriculture, food, and rural issues.
Implements agricultural policy, administers credit and loan programs, and manages conservation programs to help farmers.
Administers nutrition assistance programs including SNAP, school meals, and WIC to reduce hunger and improve nutrition nationwide.
Ensures the nation's commercial meat, poultry, and egg products are safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled.
Manages and protects 154 national forests and 20 grasslands covering 193 million acres of land.
Provides loans, grants, and loan guarantees to support essential services and economic development in rural communities.
Department of Commerce (DOC)
The Department of Commerce promotes job creation, economic growth, sustainable development, and improved living standards for all Americans. It works with businesses, universities, and communities to enhance commerce, technological innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Department Overview
The Department of Commerce (DOC) drives economic growth and opportunity through various programs and initiatives.
Economic Development & Trade
Agencies focused on business growth, exports, and economic development:
NOAA & Weather Services
Agencies monitoring oceans, atmosphere, and climate:
Data & Innovation Services
Agencies supporting data collection and technological development:
Department of Defense (DOD)
The Department of Defense (DOD) is America's oldest and largest government agency, responsible for providing military forces to deter war, protect national security, and preserve peace and freedom for the United States and its allies.
Department of Defense
The DOD is America's oldest and largest government agency, responsible for providing military forces to deter war, protect national security, and preserve peace and freedom for the United States and its allies.
Military Branches
- Department of the Army - America's primary land force
- Department of the Navy - Maritime operations and naval warfare
- U.S. Marine Corps - Expeditionary and amphibious operations
- Department of the Air Force - Air, space, and cyberspace superiority
Intelligence & Research
- National Security Agency (NSA) - Cryptologic and cybersecurity intelligence
- Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) - Military intelligence collection and analysis
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) - Breakthrough technologies for national security
Support Agencies
- Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) - Global supply chain management
- National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) - Geospatial intelligence and mapping
- Missile Defense Agency (MDA) - Ballistic missile defense systems development and deployment
Department of Education (ED)
The Department of Education oversees national education initiatives through four key divisions focused on student financial aid, education research, civil rights enforcement, and overall educational leadership.
Department of Education (ED)
Department of Education (ED) is responsible for providing leadership on national efforts to improve education.
Federal Student Aid (FSA)
Federal Student Aid (FSA) - Provides financial assistance to students pursuing higher education through loans, grants, and work-study programs.
Institute of Education Sciences (IES)
Institute of Education Sciences (IES) - The research arm of the Department of Education, focused on providing scientific evidence to ground education practice and policy.
Office of Civil Rights (OCR)
Office of Civil Rights (OCR) - Ensures equal access to education and promotes educational excellence through enforcement of civil rights.
Department of Energy (DOE)
The Department of Energy (DOE) advances America's national, economic, and energy security while promoting scientific and technological innovation across the energy landscape.
National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) - Enhances global security through the management of nuclear weapons, nonproliferation efforts, and naval reactor programs, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of America's nuclear deterrent.
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) - Spearheads cutting-edge research and development of clean energy technologies, driving sustainable solutions for homes, transportation, businesses, and industry to reduce environmental impact.
Office of Science (SC)
Office of Science (SC) - Serves as the nation's premier agency for fundamental scientific research in energy, managing robust research programs across physics, computing, biological sciences, and enabling groundbreaking discoveries through world-class national laboratories.
Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM)
Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) - Pioneers innovative technologies for carbon capture, utilization, and storage while developing cleaner methods to extract and utilize fossil resources, balancing America's energy needs with critical environmental stewardship goals.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
The HHS serves as America's principal agency for protecting public health, advancing medical research, and ensuring the delivery of essential human services to vulnerable populations nationwide.
HHS Overview
The Department of Health and Human Services is America's principal agency for protecting public health, advancing medical research, and ensuring essential human services delivery nationwide.
Family and Community Services
Administration for Children and Families (ACF) - Promotes economic and social well-being of families, children, and communities through grant-making and policy initiatives
Administration for Community Living (ACL) - Supports older adults and people with disabilities to live independently through integrated programs and advocacy
Healthcare Research and Quality
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) - Produces evidence to make healthcare safer, higher quality, more accessible, and more equitable
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Protects America from health threats by conducting critical science and providing health information to prevent and respond to diseases
Healthcare Services
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) - Administers Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program, providing healthcare to over 100 million Americans
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - Ensures the safety and efficacy of drugs, medical devices, the food supply, cosmetics, and other consumer products
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) - Improves access to healthcare for people who are geographically isolated or economically vulnerable
Indian Health Service (IHS) - Provides federal health services to American Indians and Alaska Natives from federally recognized tribes
Research and Mental Health
National Institutes of Health (NIH) - The nation's medical research agency supporting scientific studies that turn discovery into health
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) - Leads public health efforts to advance behavioral health and reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
The Department of Homeland Security coordinates national security efforts across multiple agencies focusing on border security, emergency management, transportation security, immigration services, and cybersecurity to protect the United States from threats and hazards.
Technology and Security
  • Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
HUD focuses on creating sustainable communities and affordable housing through four key divisions: Federal Housing Administration (mortgage insurance), Fair Housing Office (anti-discrimination), Public and Indian Housing (affordable housing programs), and Community Planning (integrated community development).
Federal Housing Administration (FHA)
Federal Housing Administration (FHA) - Provides mortgage insurance on loans made by FHA-approved lenders, making homeownership more accessible.
Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO)
Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) - Works to eliminate housing discrimination, promote economic opportunity, and achieve diverse, inclusive communities.
Public and Indian Housing (PIH)
Public and Indian Housing (PIH) - Ensures safe, decent, and affordable housing, creates opportunities for residents' self-sufficiency and economic independence.
Community Planning and Development (CPD)
Community Planning and Development (CPD) - Develops viable communities by promoting integrated approaches that provide decent housing and suitable living environments.
Department of the Interior (DOI)
The Department of the Interior (DOI) is responsible for protecting America's natural resources and cultural heritage, managing 500 million acres of federal lands (approximately 20% of U.S. land), over 700 million acres of subsurface minerals, and 1.7 billion acres of the Outer Continental Shelf. The DOI serves as steward to America's 423 national parks, supports over 574 federally recognized Native American tribes, and oversees federal water resource management.
Key Bureaus and Their Functions
Manages the 63 national parks and 360 other protected areas covering 85 million acres, welcoming over 300 million visitors annually
Conducts research on ecosystems, natural hazards, water resources, and maintains the nation's geological mapping system
Provides services to 1.9 million American Indians and Alaska Natives, manages 56 million acres of tribal trust lands
Administers 245 million acres of public lands for multiple uses including energy development, recreation, and conservation
Manages 567 national wildlife refuges, protects endangered species, and enforces federal wildlife laws
Oversees water resource management, operates 338 reservoirs that provide water to 31 million people and irrigate 10 million acres of farmland
Manages development of offshore energy and mineral resources in an environmentally and economically responsible way
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE)
Regulates surface coal mining operations and reclaims abandoned mine lands, having reclaimed over 295,000 acres since its founding
Department of Justice (DOJ)
The Department of Justice serves as America's primary federal law enforcement agency and legal representative. It works to enforce federal laws, prevent terrorism, combat organized crime networks, prosecute fraud, protect civil rights, and ensure the fair administration of justice.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
The FBI investigates terrorism, counterintelligence threats, cybercrime, public corruption, civil rights violations, and other federal crimes.
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
The DEA enforces controlled substances laws, investigates major drug trafficking organizations, and coordinates drug-related intelligence.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
The ATF regulates firearms industry, investigates illegal weapons trafficking, and enforces federal laws related to arson and explosives.
U.S. Marshals Service
The U.S. Marshals apprehend federal fugitives, protect the federal judiciary, operate the Witness Security Program, and manage seized assets.
Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP)
The BOP manages the federal prison system, providing humane custody and care while preparing inmates for successful community reentry.
Civil Rights Division
The Civil Rights Division enforces federal statutes prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, disability, religion, and national origin.
The DOJ represents the United States in court, operates the federal prison system, works with state and local partners to reduce violent crime, and provides critical resources to law enforcement agencies nationwide.
Department of Labor (DOL)
The Department of Labor safeguards worker rights, oversees workplace safety, and manages labor standards while collecting critical employment statistics through specialized agencies.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
OSHA ensures safe and healthful working conditions by setting and enforcing standards and providing training, outreach, education and assistance.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
BLS is the principal federal agency responsible for measuring labor market activity, working conditions, and price changes in the economy.
Wage and Hour Division (WHD)
WHD enforces federal minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and child labor requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
The DOL is responsible for protecting the rights of workers, ensuring safe working conditions, and promoting sound labor-management relations.
Department of State
The State Department is responsible for leading America's foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity.
Department of State
Leading America's foreign policy through diplomacy and international relations to protect American interests worldwide.
U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
Provides international development assistance to support economic growth, reduce poverty, and promote democratic values abroad.
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Delivers critical passport and visa services to American citizens and foreign nationals seeking to visit or immigrate to the United States.
Foreign Service
Provides diplomatic representation abroad through a corps of professionals stationed at embassies and consulates around the world.
Department of Transportation (DOT)
The DOT is responsible for ensuring a fast, safe, efficient, accessible, and convenient transportation system that meets our vital national interests and enhances the quality of life of the American people. With an annual budget exceeding $90 billion, the DOT oversees critical infrastructure initiatives across all transportation modes.
Primary Transportation Agencies
Regulates civil aviation safety, aircraft certification, airports, air traffic management, and develops new aviation technology standards
Supports state and local governments through financial and technical assistance for the construction, maintenance, and preservation of the National Highway System
Reduces vehicle-related crashes, injuries, and fatalities through enforcement of vehicle performance standards and partnerships with state and local governments
Promotes safe rail transportation through regulation, enforcement, and investment in passenger and freight rail infrastructure and technology
Supports public transportation systems through grants for buses, subways, light rail, commuter rail, and ferries, providing technical assistance for transit planning nationwide
Additional Transportation Agencies
Maritime Administration (MARAD)
Oversees maritime transportation and shipping industry
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)
Ensures safe transportation of energy and hazardous materials
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
Regulates commercial vehicle safety and operations
Together, these agencies work to maintain America's position as a global transportation leader while addressing emerging challenges in automation, sustainability, and infrastructure resilience.
Department of the Treasury
The Treasury Department is responsible for maintaining a strong economy and creating economic and job opportunities by promoting conditions that enable economic growth and stability at home and abroad, strengthen national security by combating threats and protecting the integrity of the financial system, and manage the U.S. Government's finances and resources effectively.
Home to financial policy development and economic leadership
Collects $4.9T annually through the Internal Revenue Service
Produces and regulates America's currency through the U.S. Mint
Protects the integrity of America's financial system through FinCEN
Manages federal finances with a $16.1B operating budget
Promotes conditions for domestic and international economic stability
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
The Department of Veterans Affairs serves America's veterans through three primary divisions: the Veterans Health Administration providing healthcare at 1,255 facilities, the Veterans Benefits Administration managing disability compensation and education benefits, and the National Cemetery Administration maintaining 155 national cemeteries.
Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is America's largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year. The VHA provides everything from primary care to specialized services like traumatic brain injury treatment, spinal cord injury care, and prosthetics.
Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) oversees the delivery of benefits and services to Veterans, their dependents, and survivors. These benefits include compensation for service-connected disabilities, pension for wartime Veterans, education assistance through the GI Bill, home loan guarantees, life insurance, and vocational rehabilitation.
National Cemetery Administration (NCA)
National Cemetery Administration (NCA) honors Veterans and their families with final resting places in national shrines and with lasting tributes that commemorate their service and sacrifice to our Nation. The NCA maintains 155 national cemeteries and provides burial benefits to eligible Veterans.
Independent Agencies
Independent agencies of the United States federal government are agencies that exist outside the federal executive departments (those headed by a Cabinet secretary) and the Executive Office of the President. These agencies are established through separate statutes passed by the Congress, and each has its own specific duties. They are not subject to direct control by the President and have a greater degree of independence than Cabinet departments.
Independent agencies have a wide range of responsibilities, from regulating specific industries to providing specialized services to the American public. They play crucial roles in areas such as environmental protection, space exploration, social security administration, communications regulation, securities oversight, consumer protection, intelligence gathering, banking security, postal services, labor relations, equal employment, government services, and personnel management.
The following sections provide information about some of the most significant independent agencies in the U.S. federal government structure.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The EPA is an independent federal agency established in 1970 that protects human health and the environment through regulation of air and water quality, toxic substances, and waste management while enforcing environmental laws.
Clean Water
The EPA establishes and enforces standards for drinking water quality and regulates discharges of pollutants into U.S. waters.
Clean Air
The agency sets national air quality standards and regulates emissions from various sources to improve air quality.
Toxic Substances
The EPA evaluates new and existing chemicals and their risks, and finds ways to prevent or reduce pollution.
Waste Management
The agency develops regulations for hazardous waste management and oversees cleanup of contaminated sites.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is an independent agency of the United States federal government tasked with environmental protection matters. President Richard Nixon proposed the establishment of EPA in 1970, and it began operation on December 2, 1970, after Nixon signed an executive order. The EPA's mission is to protect human health and the environment.
The EPA works to ensure that Americans have clean air, land, and water; national efforts to reduce environmental risks are based on the best available scientific information; federal laws protecting human health and the environment are administered and enforced fairly, effectively, and as Congress intended; and environmental stewardship is integral to U.S. policies concerning natural resources, human health, economic growth, energy, transportation, agriculture, industry, and international trade.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
NASA, established in 1958, is the U.S. federal agency responsible for civilian space programs and aerospace research. From the historic Moon landing to ongoing Mars exploration, NASA continues to advance human knowledge through space exploration, scientific discovery, and technological innovation.
Formation (1958)
NASA was established by the National Aeronautics and Space Act on July 29, 1958, replacing its predecessor, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA).
Moon Landing (1969)
NASA's Apollo 11 mission successfully landed the first humans on the Moon on July 20, 1969, fulfilling President Kennedy's goal.
Space Shuttle Era (1981-2011)
The Space Shuttle program provided regular access to space for scientific research, satellite deployment, and construction of the International Space Station.
Mars Exploration & Beyond
NASA continues to explore Mars with rovers and is developing the Artemis program to return humans to the Moon and eventually send astronauts to Mars.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and space research. NASA was established in 1958, succeeding the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA).
NASA's vision is "To discover and expand knowledge for the benefit of humanity." Its mission is to drive advances in science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration to enhance knowledge, education, innovation, economic vitality, and stewardship of Earth. NASA has led most U.S. space exploration efforts, including the Apollo Moon landing missions, the Skylab space station, the Space Shuttle, and the International Space Station. NASA also supports the International Space Station and oversees the development of the Orion spacecraft, the Space Launch System, and Commercial Crew vehicles.
Social Security Administration (SSA)
The Social Security Administration manages America's largest social insurance program, providing vital retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to over 65 million beneficiaries through a nationwide network of offices, with an annual distribution of approximately $1 trillion.
65M
Beneficiaries
Americans receiving monthly Social Security benefits
$1T
Annual Benefits
Paid to eligible retirees, disabled persons, and survivors
1935
Established
Year the Social Security Act was signed into law
1,200+
Field Offices
Locations serving communities across America
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government that administers Social Security, a social insurance program consisting of retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. To qualify for most of these benefits, most workers pay Social Security taxes on their earnings; the claimant's benefits are based on the wage earner's contributions.
Social Security is the largest social welfare program in the United States. For 2018, the net cost of Social Security was $908.4 billion, an amount corresponding to 4.4% of U.S. GDP. The SSA employs about 60,000 people and provides benefits to over 64 million Americans. The agency's core services include administering retirement benefits, disability benefits, survivors benefits, and supplemental security income for the aged, blind, and disabled.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent agency of the United States government that regulates communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable across the United States.
Broadband Regulation
The FCC regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories.
Broadcasting Oversight
The Commission licenses radio and television broadcast stations, assigns radio frequencies, and enforces regulations regarding program content.
Promoting Competition
The FCC works to ensure a competitive framework for communications services that benefits the American consumer and promotes innovation.
Public Safety Communications
The agency promotes the safety of life and property through the use of wire and radio communications, particularly during emergencies.
The FCC was formed by the Communications Act of 1934 to replace the radio regulation functions of the Federal Radio Commission. The FCC took over wire communication regulation from the Interstate Commerce Commission. The FCC's mission is to "make available so far as possible, to all the people of the United States, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, or sex, rapid, efficient, Nation-wide, and world-wide wire and radio communication services with adequate facilities at reasonable charges."
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
The SEC is an independent federal agency that protects investors, maintains fair markets, requires corporate disclosure, and enforces securities laws through regulation and prosecution of violations.
Investor Protection
The SEC works to protect investors by ensuring markets are fair, orderly, and efficient, and by enforcing securities laws against market manipulation.
Market Regulation
The Commission oversees securities exchanges, securities brokers and dealers, investment advisors, and mutual funds to promote market transparency and prevent fraud.
Corporate Disclosure
The SEC requires public companies to disclose meaningful financial and other information to the public, enabling investors to make informed decisions.
Enforcement
The agency investigates and prosecutes civil cases against individuals and companies for violations of securities laws and regulations.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is an independent agency of the United States federal government that holds primary responsibility for enforcing federal securities laws, proposing securities rules, and regulating the securities industry, the nation's stock and options exchanges, and other activities and organizations, including the electronic securities markets in the United States.
Created by Section 4 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the SEC promotes full public disclosure, protects investors against fraudulent and manipulative practices in the market, and monitors corporate takeover actions in the United States. It also approves registration statements for bookrunners among underwriting firms.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
The FTC is an independent U.S. government agency established in 1914 that enforces antitrust laws and protects consumers from unfair business practices while promoting marketplace competition.
Consumer Protection
The FTC protects consumers by stopping unfair, deceptive or fraudulent practices in the marketplace. The Commission conducts investigations, sues companies and people that violate the law, develops rules to ensure a vibrant marketplace, and educates consumers and businesses about their rights and responsibilities.
Competition
The FTC enforces antitrust laws, which prohibit anticompetitive mergers and business practices that could harm consumers by resulting in higher prices, lower quality, fewer choices, or reduced rates of innovation. The Commission monitors business practices, reviews potential mergers, and challenges them when appropriate to ensure that the market works according to consumer preferences.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is an independent agency of the United States government whose principal mission is the enforcement of civil U.S. antitrust law and the promotion of consumer protection. The FTC shares jurisdiction over federal civil antitrust enforcement with the Department of Justice Antitrust Division.
The FTC was established in 1914 with the passage of the Federal Trade Commission Act, signed by President Woodrow Wilson. The FTC is headquartered in the Federal Trade Commission Building in Washington, DC. The agency is headed by five Commissioners, each serving seven-year terms, nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. No more than three Commissioners can be of the same political party.
Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is a civilian foreign intelligence service of the federal government of the United States, tasked with gathering, processing, and analyzing national security information from around the world, primarily through the use of human intelligence (HUMINT).
1
Intelligence Collection
The CIA gathers information needed by policymakers through various means, primarily human intelligence operations abroad.
2
Intelligence Analysis
Analysts transform raw intelligence into finished products providing insights, forecasts, and warnings to government officials.
3
Covert Action
When directed by the President, the CIA conducts operations that influence conditions abroad while concealing U.S. involvement.
4
Counterintelligence
The Agency works to protect U.S. secrets and operations from discovery by foreign intelligence services.
5
Foreign Liaison
The CIA maintains relationships with intelligence services worldwide to share information and coordinate activities.
As one of the principal members of the United States Intelligence Community, the CIA reports to the Director of National Intelligence and is primarily focused on providing intelligence for the President and Cabinet of the United States. Unlike the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which is a domestic security service, the CIA has no law enforcement function and is mainly focused on overseas intelligence gathering, with only limited domestic intelligence collection. The CIA serves as the national manager for coordination of HUMINT activities across the U.S. intelligence community. It is the only agency authorized by law to carry out and oversee covert action at the behest of the President.
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is an independent agency created by the Congress to maintain stability and public confidence in the nation's financial system. The FDIC insures deposits; examines and supervises financial institutions for safety, soundness, and consumer protection; makes large and complex financial institutions resolvable; and manages receiverships.
Deposit Insurance
The FDIC insures deposits in banks and thrift institutions for at least $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, for each account ownership category. Since the FDIC was established in 1933, no depositor has lost a penny of FDIC-insured funds due to bank failure.
Bank Supervision
The FDIC directly examines and supervises about 4,000 banks and savings banks for operational safety and soundness, more than half of the institutions in the banking system. Banks can be chartered by the states or by the federal government. Banks chartered by states also have the choice of whether to join the Federal Reserve System.
Consumer Protection
The FDIC promotes public understanding of the financial system and sound financial management principles. The FDIC also examines banks for compliance with consumer protection laws, including the Fair Credit Billing Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Truth-In-Lending Act, and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
Resolution of Failed Banks
When a bank fails, the FDIC is ordinarily appointed as receiver. In that capacity, it assumes responsibility for protecting insured depositors and maximizing the value of the failed bank's assets. The FDIC manages the resolution process to minimize disruption to the banking system and maintain public confidence.
United States Postal Service (USPS)
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is an independent agency of the executive branch of the United States federal government responsible for providing postal service in the United States, including its insular areas and associated states. It is one of the few government agencies explicitly authorized by the United States Constitution.
The USPS traces its roots to 1775 during the Second Continental Congress, when Benjamin Franklin was appointed the first postmaster general. The Post Office Department was created in 1792 with the passage of the Postal Service Act. It was elevated to a cabinet-level department in 1872, and was transformed by the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970 into the United States Postal Service as an independent agency.
The USPS employs more than 600,000 workers, making it one of the largest civilian employers in the country. It operates the largest civilian vehicle fleet in the world, with over 200,000 vehicles. The Postal Service is legally obligated to serve all Americans, regardless of geography, at uniform price and quality.
National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is an independent federal agency that protects the rights of private sector employees to join together, with or without a union, to improve their wages and working conditions. The NLRB conducts hundreds of workplace elections and investigates thousands of unfair labor practice charges each year.
What is the NLRB?
The National Labor Relations Board is an independent federal agency vested with the power to safeguard employees' rights to organize and to determine whether to have unions as their bargaining representative. The agency also acts to prevent and remedy unfair labor practices committed by private sector employers and unions.
Laws Enforced
The NLRB enforces the National Labor Relations Act of 1935 (also known as the Wagner Act). The Act is the primary law governing relations between unions and employers in the private sector. It guarantees the right of employees to organize and to bargain collectively with their employers, and to engage in other protected concerted activity.
Structure
The NLRB has two primary functions: conducting representation elections and investigating unfair labor practice charges. The agency is led by a five-person Board and a General Counsel, all of whom are appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate.
Protected Rights
The NLRB protects the rights of employees to engage in "protected concerted activity," which is when two or more employees take action for their mutual aid or protection regarding terms and conditions of employment.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is a federal agency that administers and enforces civil rights laws against workplace discrimination. Established by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the EEOC investigates discrimination complaints and can file suits on behalf of alleged victims against private employers.
Race Discrimination Protection
The EEOC enforces laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, which occurs when an employee or job applicant is treated unfavorably because of their race or characteristics associated with race.
Sex Discrimination Protection
The Commission protects against discrimination based on sex, including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation. This includes sexual harassment and unequal treatment based on sex.
Disability Rights Enforcement
The EEOC enforces the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities and requires reasonable accommodations.
Age Discrimination Prevention
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act protects people who are 40 or older from discrimination because of age, including in hiring, firing, promotions, and benefits.
The Commission works to prevent discrimination through outreach, education, and technical assistance programs. It has the authority to investigate charges of discrimination against employers covered by federal civil rights laws, including those based on national origin, religion, genetic information, and retaliation for reporting discriminatory practices.
General Services Administration (GSA)
The General Services Administration (GSA) is an independent agency of the United States government established in 1949 to help manage and support the basic functioning of federal agencies. GSA employs about 12,000 federal workers, has an annual operating budget of roughly $20 billion, and oversees $66 billion of procurement annually.
Federal Acquisition Service
The Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) provides buying platforms and acquisition services to federal agencies for a broad range of items from office supplies to motor vehicles. FAS manages more than 200 billion dollars of federal assets and purchases approximately 65 billion dollars in products and services for federal agencies annually.
Public Buildings Service
The Public Buildings Service (PBS) acquires and manages thousands of federal properties and provides workplaces for federal customer agencies and superior value to the American taxpayer. PBS is one of the largest public real estate organizations in the world, with an inventory of over 370 million rentable square feet in thousands of buildings across the United States.
Technology Transformation Services
The Technology Transformation Services (TTS) applies modern methodologies and technologies to improve the public's experience with government. TTS helps agencies make their services more accessible, efficient, and effective with modern applications, platforms, processes, personnel, and software solutions.
GSA contributes to the management of about $500 billion in U.S. federal property, divided between 8,300 owned and leased buildings and a 215,000 vehicle motor pool.
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
NARA is an independent federal agency established in 1934 that preserves America's historical documents, maintains official government records, and ensures public access to these materials. It safeguards foundational documents like the Declaration of Independence and Constitution while preserving only 2-5% of federal records deemed to have enduring value.
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is an independent agency of the United States government charged with preserving and documenting government and historical records and with increasing public access to those documents. NARA is officially responsible for maintaining and publishing the legally authentic and authoritative copies of acts of Congress, presidential directives, and federal regulations.
The National Archives was established in 1934 by President Franklin Roosevelt, but its major holdings date back to 1775. The agency captures, preserves, and makes available the records of the U.S. Government that document the rights of American citizens, the actions of federal officials, and the national experience. NARA keeps only those federal records that are judged to have continuing value—about 2 to 5 percent of all records generated in any given year. These valuable records are preserved and are available to the public, whether they are using them for genealogy research, to write a book, to make a legal claim, to produce a documentary, or for any other reason.
Small Business Administration (SBA)
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is a United States government agency that provides support to entrepreneurs and small businesses. The mission of the Small Business Administration is "to maintain and strengthen the nation's economy by enabling the establishment and viability of small businesses and by assisting in the economic recovery of communities after disasters".
Access to Capital
The SBA provides a variety of financial assistance programs for small businesses that have been specifically designed to meet key financing needs, including debt financing, surety bonds, and equity financing.
Entrepreneurial Development
The SBA provides free individual face-to-face and internet counseling for small businesses, and low-cost training to existing and potential small business owners.
Government Contracting
The SBA works to ensure that small businesses receive a fair portion of government contracts and subcontracts, helping small businesses compete for opportunities in the federal marketplace.
Advocacy
The SBA serves as the voice for small business within the federal government, advocating on behalf of small business concerns and working to ensure that small businesses receive fair treatment from government agencies.
The SBA was established in 1953 by President Eisenhower with the signing of the Small Business Act. The agency provides loans, loan guarantees, contracts, counseling sessions and other forms of assistance to small businesses. The SBA also works with banks and other lending institutions to make loans to small businesses. The agency has at least one office in each state.
Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is an independent agency of the United States Federal Government that manages the government's civilian workforce. Established by the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 to replace the Civil Service Commission, OPM's mission is to "recruit, retain and honor a world-class workforce to serve the American people."
Federal Employment
OPM provides human resources, leadership, and support to federal agencies and helps the federal workforce achieve their aspirations as they serve the American people. The agency directs human resources and employee management services, administers retirement benefits, manages healthcare and insurance programs, oversees merit-based and inclusive hiring into the civil service, and provides a secure employment process.
Retirement Services
OPM administers retirement programs for federal employees under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). These programs provide retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to federal employees and their families.
Healthcare & Insurance
OPM administers the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Program, the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP), the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP), and the Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS).
Merit System Accountability
OPM ensures federal agency human resources programs are effective and meet merit system principles and related civil service requirements. OPM works directly with agencies to help them improve their HR programs and is accountable for ensuring human capital management becomes a strategic part of the government's core business practices.
Financial Overview (FY 2024)
Federal agencies collectively manage nearly $5 trillion in budgets, driving economic growth and providing essential services to Americans. This massive financial ecosystem represents approximately 20% of the U.S. GDP and touches virtually every aspect of American life from national defense to healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.
The federal budget process involves complex appropriations determined by Congress, with funds allocated based on national priorities, statutory obligations, and discretionary spending decisions made by elected officials.
Key Budget Highlights
The Department of Defense maintains the largest discretionary budget allocation, reflecting America's commitment to national security and global military readiness. Its $753.50 billion funds everything from personnel salaries to weapons development and overseas operations.
The Department of Health and Human Services manages the largest overall budget at $1.70 trillion, primarily funding Medicare and Medicaid programs that provide healthcare coverage to millions of Americans. The expenditure exceeding budget indicates supplemental funding requirements to meet statutory healthcare obligations.
The Social Security Administration oversees $1.30 trillion in payments to retirees, disabled workers, and eligible dependents through the nation's largest social safety net program, funded primarily through dedicated payroll taxes.
Notably, the Department of the Treasury collects approximately $4.90 trillion in federal revenue through various taxation mechanisms, while the United States Postal Service and General Services Administration operate on self-funding models that cover their operational costs through service fees rather than tax dollars.
Budget Pie (FY 2024)
Economic Impact
Agency spending creates jobs, stimulates economic growth, and improves quality of life through essential services and infrastructure development. Federal expenditures represent direct investment in communities across America, supporting both public and private sector employment through contracts, grants, and direct service provision.
Every federal dollar spent generates additional economic activity through multiplier effects as businesses and individuals receiving government payments subsequently spend those funds in their local economies. Economic analyses suggest that certain types of federal spending, particularly on infrastructure and research, yield significant long-term returns on investment through increased productivity and innovation.
Federal Workforce & Salary Distribution
Based on publicly available data, here's a table summarizing the number of employees for select U.S. federal agencies. The federal government employs nearly 4 million workers across its departments, with the Department of Defense accounting for over 72% of all personnel.
Here is an estimated salary breakdown for federal agencies based on publicly available employee counts and an average federal salary of approximately $91,000 per employee. Security-focused departments (Defense, Homeland Security, Veterans Affairs) account for nearly 85% of all federal employees and salary expenditures.
Security-focused departments (Defense, Homeland Security, Veterans Affairs) account for nearly 85% of all federal employees and salary expenditures.
The horizontal bar chart above visually represents the distribution of federal employees across major agencies, measured in thousands. The Department of Defense (DoD) dramatically dominates the federal workforce with approximately 2,845,000 employees, dwarfing all other departments combined. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) follow as the second and third largest employers with 250,000 and 235,000 employees respectively. The Department of Justice (DOJ), Treasury, and Department of Agriculture (USDA) each employ between 100,000-114,000 personnel. The remaining federal agencies are consolidated into the "Other" category, collectively employing about 299,000 workers. This visualization highlights the extraordinary size of the defense establishment compared to other federal entities.
What’s Next?
We’re Building FedGPT & More
The U.S. government generates massive amounts of data, but most of it is complex, submerged in long reports, and difficult to access. We believe every citizen should have easy, real-time access to government insights—whether it's budget breakdowns, policy summaries, agency efficiency, or contract transparency.
That’s why we’re creating FedGPT and several other AI-powered, data-driven tools to make government information more accessible, transparent, and engaging for the public.
Our Vision
We want to build the ultimate AI-powered government assistant that:
  • Answers any U.S. government-related question instantly.
  • Tracks & explains federal budgets, agency spending, and policies.
  • Exposes political influence by analyzing lobbying, donations, and contracts.
  • Empowers citizens with real-time, interactive tools for transparency.
  • Enables businesses to find government contracts easily.
  • Uses AI to detect spending inefficiencies, conflicts of interest, and policy impacts.
What We’re Working On
We’re actively developing the following AI and data-driven tools:
FedGPT: The AI-Powered Government Assistant
  • Ask any government-related question and get instant, real-time answers.
  • Powered by machine learning & live data feeds.
  • Simplifies laws, policies, budgets, and agency operations.
Live Federal Agency & Spending Tracker
  • Real-time search engine for agency budgets, policies, salaries, and contracts.
  • Uses data visualizations & interactive reports to track government efficiency.
  • Ranks agencies by budget size, effectiveness, and spending transparency.
“Follow the Money” Political Influence Tracker
  • See which companies donate to which politicians.
  • Tracks lobbying efforts, campaign contributions, and policy changes.
  • Uses AI to detect potential conflicts of interest in contracts and spending.
Government Contract & Procurement Watchdog
  • Searchable database of every government contract.
  • AI highlights who gets the most contracts & why.
  • Helps small businesses compete for federal deals.
Economic & Taxpayer Impact Tools
  • A tax calculator showing where your tax dollars go.
  • Policy impact visualizations to track government spending over time.
  • State-level funding breakdowns to compare state vs. federal spending.
How You Can Get Involved
We can’t build this alone! Whether you’re a developer, data scientist, policy expert, journalist, or citizen passionate about transparency, we’d love to collaborate.
Ways to Contribute
  • Developers & AI Engineers → Help build AI models, APIs, and data pipelines.
  • Data Scientists & Analysts → Work on real-time government data analysis.
  • Policy & Legal Experts → Simplify complex laws & regulations for the public.
  • Journalists & Researchers → Investigate trends in spending, lobbying, and policy.
  • Designers & UX Experts → Help us create intuitive, interactive user experiences.
  • Citizens → Share ideas, spread awareness, and test features.
Let’s Build the Future of Government Transparency Together!
If you're interested in collaborating, have ideas, or want to contribute, reach out to us!
Contact Us:
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Let’s make government data open, transparent, and AI-powered for everyone!