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The Peter G. Peterson Foundation is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization focused on building a brighter economic future for all Americans. Browse our latest content and updates.

News

July 18, 2025

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.

July 14, 2025

What Are Interest Costs on the National Debt?

Interest costs are on track to become the largest category of spending in the federal budget.

July 7, 2025

Chart Pack: Fiscal Outlook

The national debt is already at its highest level since just after World War II, and annual deficits are on an upward trajectory.

July 3, 2025

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act Is the Most Expensive Reconciliation Package in Recent History

The legislative package will be the most expensive reconciliation bill in a quarter of a century and will add trillions of dollars to the U.S. debt.

July 3, 2025

Peterson Foundation Statement on Passage of Budget Reconciliation Legislation

The true fiscal damage of the bill may be much greater, if the temporary tax cuts are extended and the delayed spending cuts fail to materialize.

July 2, 2025

Healthcare Costs Are a Major Driver of the National Debt and Here’s the Biggest Reason Why

Improving the U.S. healthcare system will be crucial to providing quality, affordable healthcare and to bettering our nation’s long-term economic and fiscal well-being.

July 1, 2025

Despite Decades of Warnings, Depletion of Social Security’s Trust Fund Is Getting Closer

The depletion dates for Social Security and Medicare’s Trust Funds are rapidly approaching.

June 30, 2025

Lifting the Debt Ceiling Has Been Paired with Budget Reform in the Past

Earlier this year, the United States once again hit its debt ceiling, which is currently capped at $36.1 trillion.

June 30, 2025

U.S. Healthcare System Ranks Seventh Worldwide — Innovative but Fiscally Unsustainable

Spending on healthcare in the United States has far outpaced other major healthcare systems without yielding better outcomes.

June 28, 2025

Peterson Foundation Statement on Senate Reconciliation Bill

“Unfortunately, the Senate reconciliation bill would add trillions of dollars in red ink to our already unsustainable national debt.”