A set of new budget estimates from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) reveals that even if the President’s budget were implemented in full, debt would still exceed its all-time high by the end of the decade and the deficit at that point would reach $2 trillion. The updated estimates in the Mid-Session Review also assume steady economic growth and no major unforeseen events, such as the 2008 recession or the COVID-19 pandemic. While the $3.3 trillion in deficit reduction proposed in the President’s budget is a step in the right direction, the numbers make clear that it is not enough, as deficits would remain well above levels typically seen during stable economic times. The report serves as a reminder that the country is on an unsustainable fiscal path; however, the good news is that many solutions are available to chart a sustainable fiscal path forward.
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Further Reading
National Debt Projected to Hit 175% GDP; Interest Totals $99 Trillion
Compared with the previous 30-year projections, spending will be higher, revenues lower, interest rates and interest payments elevated, and the national debt significantly larger.
Federal Healthcare Costs on Track to Reach $3.1 Trillion by 2036
Federal healthcare programs are among the fastest-growing drivers of federal spending, and their continued growth will put significant upward pressure on the national debt.
Quarterly Treasury Refunding Statement: Higher Borrowing Compared to Last Year
Key highlights from the most recent Quarterly Refunding include an increase in anticipated borrowing of $249 billion compared to the same period in the previous year.