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The Peter G. Peterson Foundation is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization focused on building a brighter economic future for all Americans. Browse our latest content and updates.

News

September 3, 2026

Continuing Resolutions Are Stopgap Measures — But Now We Average Five a Year

While continuing resolutions can help avoid government shutdowns, they should be rarely used. However, CRs have become the norm.

September 3, 2026

What Is a Continuing Resolution?

A continuing resolution is a temporary funding measure that Congress can use to fund the federal government for a limited amount of time.

September 1, 2026

Bond Market Movements Point to Growing Fiscal Risks

As ratings agencies have serially warned, U.S. debt growth is unsustainable, and global investors appear to be weighing the risks of financing U.S. deficits more heavily.

August 27, 2026

How Much Does the Federal Government Spend on Housing Support?

Funding for housing represents a relatively small part of the annual budget and serves some of the most economically vulnerable Americans.

August 25, 2026

U.S. Fiscal Confidence Drops as National Debt Eclipses $40 Trillion

“The United States has recklessly doubled its national debt past $40 trillion in less than a decade, and Americans are deeply concerned about the implications on affordability,” said Michael A. Peterson

August 19, 2026

The Federal Government Has Borrowed Trillions. Who Owns All that Debt?

Most federal debt is owed to domestic holders, but foreign ownership is much higher now than it was about 50 years ago.

August 19, 2026

With $40 Trillion in Debt, Is the U.S. Headed for More Credit Downgrades?

Three successive downgrades of the U.S. credit rating should alarm elected leaders, but our national debt remains on an unsustainable trajectory.

August 19, 2026

The United States Is Adding to the National Debt Faster Than Ever

The nation’s debt is growing at a historic rate and eclipsing all-time highs.

August 19, 2026

Infographic: The National Debt Is Now More than $40 Trillion. What Does That Mean?

Although the national debt affects each of us, it may be difficult to put such a large number into perspective.

August 19, 2026

Peterson Foundation Statement on National Debt Passing $40 Trillion

“For the millions of Americans concerned about affordability, let’s start by asking Washington to take notice that the national debt just hit $40 trillion.”