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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 U.S. Healthcare System Compare to Other Countries?
Despite higher healthcare spending, America’s health outcomes are not any better than those in other developed countries.
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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 21, 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 13, 2025
Can We Raise the Retirement Age and Protect Vulnerable Workers?
Raising the retirement age could harm workers who would be unable to delay retirement due to physically demanding occupations, disability, or job loss.
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.
Aug 11, 2025
How Does the Aging of the Population Affect Our Fiscal Health?
As a large portion of the American population lives well beyond retirement age, the total cost of providing healthcare will grow as well.