Chart Archive: Fiscal Solutions by the Numbers

The Peter G. Peterson Foundation is committed to finding solutions to our nation’s long-term fiscal challenges, thereby helping to secure a strong economic future for all Americans. Below please find an archive of charts prepared by the Foundation that help to visualize many of today's pressing fiscal issues.

Attribution Policy:

If you would like to use any of these charts, please credit the "Peter G. Peterson Foundation" and provide the pgpf.org website URL and hyperlink. If you would like to include one of our charts in a commercial product, please email copyright@pgpf.org.

Peter G. Peterson Foundation Chart Pack:

The PGPF chart pack illustrates that budget-making involves many competing priorities, limited resources, and complex issues. In this set of charts, we aim to frame the financial condition and fiscal outlook of the U.S. government within a broad economic, political, and demographic context.

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Mandatory programs and interest costs will take over more of the federal budget, crowding out discretionary programs.
Mandatory Spending Is Growing over Time
Discretionary spending funds a wide range of programs.
Discretionary Spending Breakdown
Non-defense discretionary programs include spending for investments.
Composition of Nondefense Discretionary Spending
Spending on federal entitlement programs will more than double between 1985 and 2050.
The Growth of Entitlement Programs
Non-defense discretionary spending funds a wide range of programs
Non-Defense Discretionary Breakdown
The composition of defense spending has changed over time.
Defense Spending Over Time
Defense spending covers a wide range of activities.
Categories of Defense Spending
Historically, debt and deficits rose with wars and economic downturns. Today, they rise from factors such as growing healthcare costs and an aging population
Debt & deficits, 1855-2051
Interest costs are projected to outpace important investments in our future.
Interest Costs Outpacing Investments
Spending on foreign affairs accounts for slightly more than 1 percent of total federal spending
Spending on Foreign Affairs

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