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  • The Fiscal Challenge
    • Our National Debt

      Understand the U.S. national debt, why it matters, and what we can do.

      Understanding the Federal Budget

      Learn about the budget, how it’s created, and how we can fix our budgeting process.

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  • Issues
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The National Debt Can Crowd Out Investments in the Economy — Here’s How

By briteweb | July 2, 2026
Workers on concrete wall form

Large amounts of federal debt could “crowd out” investments by the private sector, making the economy less productive and stunting wage growth.

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The President’s Budget Doesn’t Address National Debt, and Calls for Highest Defense Spending in History

By aklawitter | July 2, 2026
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks from the Cross Hall of the White House on April 1, 2026 in Washington, DC.

For the second year in a row, the Trump Administration has submitted a budget that excludes key fiscal variables such as debt and deficit projections.

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Rising National Debt Increases Costs for American Families and Businesses

By jcurry | June 23, 2026
House for sale

Federal fiscal policy is a significant but often overlooked factor in the affordability of vehicles, homes, and small business loans.

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The Fed Held Its Target Range For the Fourth Meeting in a Row but Interest Costs Remain High 

By amymcleod | June 17, 2026
Federal Reserve Kevin Warsh

High interest rates on U.S. Treasury securities increase the federal government’s borrowing costs.

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Delaying Fiscal Reform is Costly, Annual Treasury Report Warns

By briteweb | June 11, 2026

The Treasury projects that debt as a percentage of GDP will grow to more than five times the size of the U.S. economy in the next 75 years.

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Debt vs. Deficits: What’s the Difference?

By briteweb | June 10, 2026
U.S. Treasury building

The words debt and deficit come up frequently in debates about policy decisions. The two concepts are similar, but are often confused.

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5 Ways Rising National Debt Makes America Less Affordable

By jcurry | June 4, 2026
House for sale

The rising debt contributes to higher inflation and interest rates, which can have significant negative consequences for American families and businesses.

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Affordability and the National Debt

By briteweb | June 3, 2026

The rising national debt has costly economic consequences for American families and businesses.

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What Is R Versus G and Why Does It Matter for the National Debt?

By amymcleod | April 13, 2026
People with shopping bags walking outside.

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.

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Interest Costs on the National Debt

By jcurry | April 13, 2026

See interest costs on the national debt for this fiscal year and projections for the next 10 years.

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