The U.S. government reported a $347 billion budget deficit for May, significantly higher than the $240 billion deficit a year earlier. This increase is attributed to pre-payment of some June benefits and higher expenses for interest, Social Security, and defense. May’s outlays rose 22% from last year to $671 billion, partially due to early benefit payments. Receipts for the month were $324 billion, up 5% from May 2023. The fiscal year deficit now stands at $1.202 trillion, a 3% increase from the previous year.