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Explore news and announcements from the Peter G. Peterson Foundation.
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Our charts frame the fiscal outlook of the U.S. government within a broad economic, political, and demographic context.
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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.
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.
How Does the Capital Gains Tax Work Now, 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.
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Issues
Dec 10, 2025
The Fed Reduced the Short-Term Rate Again, but Interest Costs Remain High
High interest rates on U.S. Treasury securities increase the federal government’s borrowing costs.
Dec 4, 2025
What Types of Securities Does the Treasury Issue?
Let’s take a closer look at a few key characteristics of Treasury borrowing that can affect its budgetary cost.
Nov 25, 2025
7 Key Trends in Poverty in the United States
Thirteen percent of the U.S. population lives in poverty. Learn more about the demographic and regional variations in the poverty rate.
Nov 13, 2025
Experts Identify Lessons from History for America Today
A distinguished group of experts to evaluate America’s current fiscal landscape with an historical perspective.
Nov 5, 2025
Healthcare Spending Will Be One-Fifth of the Economy Within a Decade
Healthcare spending in the United States is rising, with serious implications for the federal budget.
Nov 3, 2025
Four Reasons Why a Government Shutdown Is Harmful
It may be counterintuitive, but government shutdowns are expensive. They are also bad for the economy.
Oct 22, 2025
With $38 Trillion in Debt, Is the U.S. Headed for More Credit Downgrades?
Three successive downgrades of the U.S. credit rating should alarm elected leaders, but our national debt remains on an unsustainable trajectory.