[moneyrunner]

The federal government is spending about $3.6 Trillion annually. $400 billion is over 10% of spending and about 40% of the deficit. I would say that's a big part of the answer. As an added feature, it affects those who are the Right’s biggest foes. What's not to like?

[yadent]

I believe $400 billion pays the annual interest on the national debt or close to it.