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News
July 2, 2026
The National Debt Can Crowd Out Investments in the Economy — Here’s How
Large amounts of federal debt could “crowd out” investments by the private sector, making the economy less productive and stunting wage growth.
July 2, 2026
The President’s Budget Doesn’t Address National Debt, and Calls for Highest Defense Spending in History
As lawmakers prepare the fiscal year 2027 (FY2027) appropriation bills, the Administration’s budget submission sets out its funding requests for executive agencies. The Administration would increase total discretionary spending from the $1.7 trillion enacted in fiscal year 2026 to $1.8 trillion in fiscal year 2027. However, the submission does not substantively address major mandatory spending…
June 30, 2026
Chart Pack: Economic Outlook
A selection of charts providing an overview of the U.S. economic outlook.
June 25, 2026
5 Facts About Rising Income Inequality in the United States
The concentration of income toward high earners has become more pronounced over the last 30 years.
June 25, 2026
How Much Do We Spend on the Federal Workforce?
Here, we examine the federal government’s expenditure on its workforce, the evolution of its size over time, and the opportunities for budget savings.
June 25, 2026
As Inflation Hits 3-Year High, Voters Deeply Concerned about National Debt and Affordability
“Inflation just hit a three-year high, and voters understand that the rising debt and interest rates are adding to their daily affordability challenges,” said Michael A. Peterson
June 23, 2026
Rising National Debt Increases Costs for American Families and Businesses
Federal fiscal policy is a significant but often overlooked factor in the affordability of vehicles, homes, and small business loans.
June 22, 2026
Chart Pack: The U.S. Budget
A selection of key charts that give an overview of the major components in the U.S. federal budget.
June 22, 2026
Payroll Taxes: What Are They and What Do They Fund?
Payroll taxes fund social insurance programs including Social Security and Medicare and are the second-largest source of revenues for the federal government.
June 18, 2026
Tax Reform Alone May Not Be Enough to Stabilize the National Debt
A new report from the Tax Foundation breaks down the drivers of the fiscal imbalance and concludes that tax increases alone cannot solve the problem.