The numbers: The U.S. government recorded a monthly budget deficit of $215 billion in February, up 12% from the same month last year due to lower revenue and higher spending. For the first five months of the fiscal year, the government’s deficit is $391 billion, $40 billion more than the shortfall during the same period last year.

What happened: Revenues were down 9% in February from same month last year. Withholding taxes were 2% lower, the Treasury Department report said. Spending was $7 billion more than in the same period a year ago. Outlays for net interest on the public debt increased by 9% to $28 billion. The rise in spending was led by gains in military spending and for the aftermath of last years’ hurricanes.