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.
Image credit: Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
Further Reading
The United States Is Adding to the National Debt Faster Than Ever
The nation’s debt is growing at a historic rate and eclipsing all-time highs.
Infographic: The National Debt Is Now More than $37 Trillion. What Does That Mean?
Although the national debt affects each of us, it may be difficult to put such a large number into perspective.
How Does the Aging of the Population Affect Our Fiscal Health?
As a large portion of the American population lives well beyond retirement age, the total cost of providing healthcare will grow as well.