Statement on CBO’s Budget & Economic Outlook Summary

NEW YORK — Michael A. Peterson, President and CEO of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, commented today on the Congressional Budget Office’s Budget and Economic Outlook summary:
“Today’s CBO report highlights the fact that our budget outlook has worsened considerably since last year. Unfortunately, we remain on a dangerous debt path, which threatens our future economy.
“CBO indicates that the positive era of declining deficits since the recession has come to an unfortunate end. The 2016 deficit will climb to $544 billion — $105 billion more than last year. By 2022, annual deficits will once again exceed the trillion mark — reaching $1.4 trillion in 2026 and totaling $9.4 trillion over the next 10 years. Interest costs alone will total $5.8 trillion over the next 10 years.
“CBO makes clear that America’s fiscal outlook over the long term remains unsustainable, and threatens our economy. The 2016 election is an important opportunity for a national conversation, as voters across the country are calling on candidates to put forward their plans to secure America’s fiscal and economic future.”
Further Reading
National Debt Projected to Hit 175% GDP; Interest Totals $99 Trillion
Compared with the previous 30-year projections, spending will be higher, revenues lower, interest rates and interest payments elevated, and the national debt significantly larger.
Federal Healthcare Costs on Track to Reach $3.1 Trillion by 2036
Federal healthcare programs are among the fastest-growing drivers of federal spending, and their continued growth will put significant upward pressure on the national debt.
Quarterly Treasury Refunding Statement: Higher Borrowing Compared to Last Year
Key highlights from the most recent Quarterly Refunding include an increase in anticipated borrowing of $249 billion compared to the same period in the previous year.