How Much Does the Government Spend on International Affairs?
Federal spending for international affairs, which supports American diplomacy and development aid, is a small portion of the U.S. budget.
Read MoreWhat Is Inflation and Why Does It Matter?
Here’s an overview of inflation, why it matters, and how it’s managed.
Read MoreThe Highway Trust Fund Explained
The funding structure of the Highway Trust Fund requires serious, long-term changes, but how to approach reform remains a topic of debate.
Read MoreWhat Is Stepped-Up Basis on Capital Gains and How Does It Affect the Federal Budget?
The step-up in basis is a provision in tax law that relates to how assets — such as stocks, bonds, or real estate — are valued and taxed after their owner passes away.
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 MoreHow Does the Capital Gains Tax Work, and What Are Some Proposed Reforms?
While the capital gains tax affects anyone selling a capital asset, higher-income individuals are typically subject to the tax more so than average Americans.
Read MoreWhat Is the SALT Cap?
The deduction of state and local tax payments from federal income taxes has been a subject of debate among economists and policymakers over the past few years — with significant implications for our budget and fiscal outlook.
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 MoreThe 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 MoreWhat Is the National Debt Costing Us?
Programs that millions of Americans depend on and care about may be feeling a squeeze from interest costs on our high and rising national debt.
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