Peterson Foundation Statement on 2018 Midterm Election Results

NEW YORK — Michael A. Peterson, CEO of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, commented today on the results of this week’s midterm elections:
“As policymakers begin to prepare for the new landscape in Washington, they have both a requirement and a valuable opportunity to work together on fiscal solutions. Divided government means we need bipartisanship to address America’s most critical challenges, including our rising national debt.
“When it comes to our national debt, Americans are in agreement — eight in 10 voters across party lines want the new Congress to prioritize and solve this issue.
“With the return to trillion-dollar deficits this year, and growing interest costs outpacing investments in our future, this new Congress can’t afford to turn its back on our national debt. It is essential to find a bipartisan path to build a fiscal foundation for continued economic growth and prosperity for the next generation.”
Further Reading
Lawmakers are Running Out of Time to Fix Social Security
Without reform, Social Security could be depleted as early as 2032, with automatic cuts for beneficiaries.
What Is the National Debt Costing Us?
Programs that millions of Americans depend on and care about may be feeling a squeeze from interest costs on our high and rising national debt.
Interest Costs on the National Debt Are Reaching All-Time Highs
The most recent CBO projections confirm once again that America’s fiscal outlook is on an unsustainable path — increasingly driven by higher interest costs.