FISCAL BLOG

The federal budget deficit rose to $666 billion for fiscal year 2017 — an increase of around $80 billion from the previous year.

Lawmakers unveiled a tax overhaul framework recently, outlining a number of changes to individual and corporate taxes.

There are three concepts that relate to how we measure poverty: the poverty rate, poverty thresholds, and poverty guidelines. Each concept has different uses and is important for different reasons.

Lawmakers have unveiled a tax overhaul framework, outlining a number of changes to individual and corporate taxes.

Debates over the debt ceiling and government shutdowns can be confusing, particularly in years when lawmakers must fund the government and raise the debt limit around the same time.

Even if Congress raises the debt limit and avoids default, last-minute brinksmanship alone has the potential to create economic damage.

There's ongoing discussion in Washington about making changes to Medicaid. Learn more about the program.

Social Security and Medicare affect nearly every American at some point in their lives.

Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen emphasized the need for lawmakers to consider for the rising national debt — and its unsustainable trajectory — when considering policy choices.

CBO warns that the “high and rising debt would have serious negative consequences for the budget and the nation,” including reduced incomes for families, an increased likelihood of financial crisis, and decreased flexibility for lawmakers when responding to unexpected challenges.