Peterson Foundation Statement on 2018 Midterm Election Results

NEW YORK — Michael A. Peterson, CEO of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, commented today on the results of this week’s midterm elections:
“As policymakers begin to prepare for the new landscape in Washington, they have both a requirement and a valuable opportunity to work together on fiscal solutions. Divided government means we need bipartisanship to address America’s most critical challenges, including our rising national debt.
“When it comes to our national debt, Americans are in agreement — eight in 10 voters across party lines want the new Congress to prioritize and solve this issue.
“With the return to trillion-dollar deficits this year, and growing interest costs outpacing investments in our future, this new Congress can’t afford to turn its back on our national debt. It is essential to find a bipartisan path to build a fiscal foundation for continued economic growth and prosperity for the next generation.”
Further Reading
The Fed Held Its Target Range After Reducing the Short-Term Rate Three Meetings in a Row
High interest rates on U.S. Treasury securities increase the federal government’s borrowing costs.
How Does the United States’ Fiscal Position Compare to Other Countries’?
The United States has higher budget deficits and spends more on interest costs than its peers.
The United States Collects Less Tax Revenue Than Other G7 Countries
The U.S. collects less tax revenues compared with other G7 countries, and that lower level of revenues is a key driver of the national debt.