GDP Hurt by Lower Government Spending

Washington, DC, May 30, 2013 -- Falling government spending weighed on the U.S. economy in the first quarter more than initially thought, according to the Commerce Department.

Gross domestic product expanded at a 2.4% annual rate during the first quarter, down from an initial estimate of 2.5%, the Commerce Department said on Thursday.

Growth was held back as government spending fell across all levels of government and as businesses inventories grew at a slower pace.