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
What Is R Versus G and Why Does It Matter for the National Debt?
The combination of higher debt levels and elevated interest rates have increased the cost of federal borrowing, prompting economists to consider the sustainability of our fiscal trajectory.
Rising Interest Costs on the National Debt Are Crowding Out America’s Future
Growing interest costs on the national debt matter because of their effect both inside the federal budget as well as on the overall economy.
What Are the Consequences of a High and Rising National Debt?
The high and rising national debt harms the economy, makes life less affordable, and jeopardizes the economic prosperity of Americans.