RESOURCES
Research, analyses, and news from the Peter G. Peterson Foundation
Featured Article
Press Releases
Explore news and announcements from the Peter G. Peterson Foundation.
Chart Packs
Our charts frame the fiscal outlook of the U.S. government within a broad economic, political, and demographic context.
Polling
Our polling tracks the public’s views about our fiscal and economic condition and the progress elected leaders are making in addressing it.
Popular Articles
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.
How Does the Capital Gains Tax Work, and What Are Some Proposed Reforms?
While the capital gains tax affects anyone selling a capital asset, higher-income individuals are typically subject to the tax more so than average Americans.
Understanding the New Senior Deduction in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
The senior deduction adds complexity to the tax code, and fewer than half of seniors will benefit from it.
Explore All Resources
SEARCH
SORT
Type
Issues
Jul 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.
Jul 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…
Jun 30, 2026
Chart Pack: Economic Outlook
A selection of charts providing an overview of the U.S. economic outlook.
Jun 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.
Jun 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.
Jun 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.
Jun 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.