Peterson: New CBO Report a Reality Check for Lawmakers

NEW YORK — Michael A. Peterson, CEO of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, commented on today’s release of the 2019 Long-Term Budget Outlook by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO):
“As America’s leaders consider costly new spending proposals and tax cuts, today’s CBO report is a timely reality check.
“It’s bad enough that our annual deficit will soon reach $1 trillion, but CBO’s long term projections show that the deficit will continue growing into the future, with no end in sight. These clear projections should motivate our lawmakers to begin managing the debt immediately, and budgeting responsibly to help America meet its most pressing challenges.
“We owe it to coming generations to create a stronger, smarter fiscal foundation. CBO’s report shows us that failing to address the debt will result in reduced opportunities, resources and quality of life for our kids and grandkids.
“The good news is that it’s entirely within our control to build a better future for our nation. Earlier this month, we announced the results of our Solutions Initiative, in which seven think tanks from across the political spectrum each put forward comprehensive budgets to significantly reduce our national debt. These plans show the many ways available to put America on a fiscal path that will allow greater economic opportunity and prosperity for the future.”
Further Reading
Growing Momentum for a Fiscal Commission in Congress
A fiscal commission would provide the space and structure for lawmakers to comprehensively review the entire budget and improve the fiscal path of the U.S.
Senators We Elect in 2026 Will Have to Deal with Automatic Social Security Cuts
Without congressional action within the next six years, millions of Social Security recipients will face an automatic benefit cut of approximately 22 percent.
What Is Stagflation, and How Would It Affect the National Debt?
Stagflation is rare, but when it does happen, it can have significant negative consequences for the economy and the national debt.