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
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What Is the Primary Deficit?
The primary deficit is the difference between government revenues and spending, excluding interest payments. Learn more about the U.S. primary deficit.
What Are Automatic Stabilizers and How Do They Affect the Federal Budget?
To better respond to business cycle fluctuations, many important programs in the federal budget automatically adjust spending based on economic conditions.