The Federal Government Has Borrowed Trillions. Who Owns All that Debt?
Most federal debt is owed to domestic holders, but foreign ownership is much higher now than it was about 50 years ago.
Read MoreThe United States Spends More on Defense than the Next 9 Countries Combined
Defense spending by the United States accounted for nearly 40 percent of military expenditures by countries around the world in 2023.
Read MoreThe National Debt Can Crowd Out Investments in the Economy — Here’s How
Large amounts of federal debt could “crowd out” investments by the private sector, making the economy less productive and stunting wage growth.
Read MoreGrowing National Debt Sets Off Alarm Bells for U.S. Business Leaders
Debt rising unsustainably threatens the country’s economic future, and a number of business leaders have signaled their concern.
Read MoreWhat Is R Versus G and Why Does It Matter for the National Debt?
The combination of higher debt levels and elevated interest rates have increased the cost of federal borrowing, prompting economists to consider the sustainability of our fiscal trajectory.
Read MoreDebt vs. Deficits: What’s the Difference?
The words debt and deficit come up frequently in debates about policy decisions. The two concepts are similar, but are often confused.
Read MoreInfographic: How the U.S. Tax System Works
One issue that most lawmakers and voters agree on is that our tax system needs reform.
Read MoreSocial Security Reform: Options to Raise Revenues
Here are the pros and cons for three approaches to increasing funds dedicated to Social Security.
Read MoreInfographic: U.S. Healthcare Spending
Improving our healthcare system to deliver better quality care at lower cost is critically important to our nation’s long-term economic and fiscal well-being.
Read MoreWhat Is Inflation and Why Does It Matter?
Here’s an overview of inflation, why it matters, and how it’s managed.
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