But any savings have been outweighed so far by higher spending on health and retirement programs and rising interest payments, Treasury Department spending records show.
Overall, the government spent about $710 billion between Jan. 21 and Feb. 20, Treasury daily spending data shows, up from the roughly $630 billion during a comparable period last year. Independent budget experts said the figures illustrate the relentless pressures incurred by an aging population and a ballooning debt load.