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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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Jan 14, 2026
Budget Basics: How Does Social Security Work?
Social Security is the largest single program in the federal budget and typically makes up one-fifth of total federal spending.
Dec 16, 2025
Budget Basics: Unemployment Insurance Explained
The Unemployment Insurance program is a key counter-cyclical tool to help stabilize the economy and speed recovery during downturns or crises.
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
Can We Raise the Retirement Age and Protect Vulnerable Workers?
Some policy options aim to protect economically vulnerable workers or those who are unable to delay retirement because they work in physically demanding occupations.
Nov 3, 2025
What Is SNAP? An Overview of the Largest Federal Anti-Hunger Program
SNAP has a positive effect on poverty and food insecurity, with a relatively small effect on the federal budget.
Oct 30, 2025
Should We Eliminate the Social Security Tax Cap?
There have been a number of proposals to increase, eliminate, or otherwise adjust the payroll tax cap as a way to shore up Social Security’s finances.
Sep 9, 2025
Spending on Veterans in the Budget
This piece examines spending on veterans within the budget and outlines the factors that have pushed it higher in recent years.