Peterson: New CBO Report Shows Fiscal Damage from Budget Deal

NEW YORK — Michael A. Peterson, CEO of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, commented today on the release of updated budget and economic projections from the Congressional Budget Office:
“We all know we are already on a troubling fiscal path, but today’s CBO report shows us that our leaders are making things considerably worse.
“CBO projects that the recent budget deal will add $1.5 trillion, plus interest, to our rapidly growing debt over the next decade. That’s on top of an already unsustainable outlook driven by major structural factors like demographics and rising healthcare costs.
“As we borrow more from tomorrow to pay for today, interest will consume a larger and larger part of the budget, limiting our options and threatening economic opportunities for the next generation.
“The good news is that there is no shortage of options to manage the debt and address key priorities like climate change and national security at the same time. The sooner leaders get to work, the easier and less costly it will be.”
Further Reading
What Are the Economic Costs of Child Poverty?
Child poverty is higher in the United States than in other wealthy countries. Studies show that it has quantifiable economic costs.
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.
Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Healthcare in the United States?
The United States has one of the largest and most complex healthcare systems in the world. Take our healthcare quiz to see how much you know about the cost and quality of the U.S. healthcare system.