US government spent $9.5 billion on paid administrative leave for federal employees
The Guardian · September 16, 2026Original source ↗
What happened
A report from the Government Accountability Office indicates that the US government allocated $9.5 billion to pay federal employees not to work. The use of paid administrative leave increased by 435% from 2023 to 2025, resulting in significantly higher costs compared to previous years.
Why it matters
This funding decision affects taxpayer dollars and raises questions about federal workforce management.
How this story affects people
How does this story affect you if you are a taxpayer?
This spending directly impacts your tax dollars, as the $9.5 billion allocated for paid administrative leave may lead to higher taxes or reduced public services. Increased costs for the government could affect budget allocations for essential programs and services that benefit the public.
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