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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.
Latest Articles
Infographic: What Is the Debt Ceiling?
Increasing the debt ceiling allows the Treasury to borrow funds to pay for government obligations that have already been incurred as the result of laws and budgets approved by the President and Congress.
How Does Inflation Affect the Federal Budget?
Rising inflation usually prompts higher interest rates, which in turn boost interest paid on the federal debt and thereby increase annual deficits.
Debt Ceiling Update: What’s at Stake
If lawmakers do not agree on raising or suspending the debt limit before the extraordinary measures are exhausted, there would be severe consequences.
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Sep 4, 2025
How Does Inflation Affect the Federal Budget?
Rising inflation usually prompts higher interest rates, which in turn boost interest paid on the federal debt and thereby increase annual deficits.
Jul 14, 2025
What Are Interest Costs on the National Debt?
Interest costs are on track to become the largest category of spending in the federal budget.
May 19, 2025
Moody’s Downgrade of U.S. Credit Rating Highlights Risks of Rising National Debt
For the first time ever, all three major credit ratings agencies have downgraded U.S. credit below their top rating.
May 19, 2025
New Report: Rising National Debt Will Cause Significant Damage to the U.S. Economy
On all key financial metrics, from GDP and investment to jobs to wages, the growing national debt harms future economic prospects for American citizens.
Apr 23, 2025
The National Debt Can Crowd Out Investments in the Economy — Here’s How
Large amounts of federal debt could “crowd out” investments by the private sector, making the economy less productive and stunting wage growth.
Apr 10, 2025
Chart Pack: Economic Outlook
A selection of charts providing an overview of the U.S. economic outlook.
Apr 8, 2025
How Do Quantitative Easing and Tightening Affect the Federal Budget?
The Federal Reserve plays an important role in stabilizing the country’s economy.