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Our charts frame the fiscal outlook of the U.S. government within a broad economic, political, and demographic context.
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Our polling tracks the public’s views about our fiscal and economic condition and the progress elected leaders are making in addressing it.
Popular Articles
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.
Social Security Will Be Depleted By 2032, and Other Takeaways From the Trustees Report
Social Security’s primary trust fund is projected to be depleted by 2032, at which point, benefits for every recipient will be automatically cut by 22 percent.
How 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.
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Jun 25, 2026
How Much Do We Spend on the Federal Workforce?
Here, we examine the federal government’s expenditure on its workforce, the evolution of its size over time, and the opportunities for budget savings.
Jun 22, 2026
Chart Pack: The U.S. Budget
A selection of key charts that give an overview of the major components in the U.S. federal budget.
Jun 16, 2026
10 Largest Budget Functions
Here are the top ten spending categories for the federal budget.
Jun 10, 2026
Debt 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.
Jun 8, 2026
How Do Quantitative Easing and Tightening Affect the Federal Budget?
The Federal Reserve plays an important role in stabilizing the country’s economy.
Jun 3, 2026
How Much Government Spending Goes to Children?
Interest costs on the national debt are expected to rapidly outstrip spending on children in coming years.
May 21, 2026
What Is a Value-Added Tax and Should the United States Have One?
Almost all developed economies have a value-added or similar consumption tax — but the United States does not.