Statements on News Reports on White House and Congress Discussions
Statement by Peter G. Peterson:
“I have long supported the creation of a statutory bipartisan commission that has the capability to make fiscal recommendations that are guaranteed to be voted on in Congress.”
“I urge Congress to strongly consider a bipartisan fiscal commission to put America’s fiscal house in order. If Congress fails to act now to create such a commission by law, then the President should do so by Executive Order and lawmakers should ensure that its recommendations will be voted on. Doing nothing is simply unacceptable.”
“In addition, it would add to the credibility of such a commission if the President would announce specific proposals to reduce the deficit in his next budget.”
Statement by David M. Walker:
“The American people have become increasingly concerned with escalating deficits and debt burdens. The regular legislative process in Washington is broken, and a special commission is needed to help put the federal government’s finances in order.”
“It is clearly preferable for the Congress to pass legislation that establishes a credible fiscal commission that will be guaranteed a vote on its recommendations. However, if Congress won’t act on its own, the President should do so by Executive Order. The time for action has come.”
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Further Reading
United States Is Borrowing at a Higher Rate than the Global Average, Warns IMF
New IMF reports serve as a warning to all countries that global fiscal and economic conditions are veering into dangerous territory.
News from the Quarterly Treasury Refunding Statement
As borrowing has risen, the Treasury has generally been increasing the proportion of bills (maturity of one year or less) in its portfolio of marketable securities.
Quiz: How Much Do You Know About the U.S. Tax System?
The lengthy and complex United States tax code can be difficult to understand. Take our quiz to see how much you really know.