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Subscribe

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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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      National Debt

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      FY26 Deficit

  • Issues
      • Fiscal Outlook

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      • Strengthening Our Democracy

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How Rising National Debt Drives Up Interest Rates — and What That Means for Americans

By jcurry | August 3, 2026
Townhouses

By adding upward pressure to interest rates, the rising national debt can increase the cost of living for American households.

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

By amymcleod | July 29, 2026
Federal Reserve Kevin Warsh

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

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Affordability and the National Debt

By briteweb | July 20, 2026

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

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Quarterly Treasury Refunding Statement: Higher Borrowing Compared to Last Year

By jcurry | July 14, 2026
Treasury Department

The United States is expected to borrow less over the next six months than it did over the same period last year — but there are signals that borrowing may increase in the months ahead.

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Interest Costs on the National Debt

By jcurry | July 14, 2026

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

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Current Federal Debt & Deficit

By briteweb | July 13, 2026

See the latest numbers on the national deficit for this fiscal year and how it compares to previous years.

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How Does the National Debt Affect Inflation, Housing Costs, and the Job Market for Young People?

By svillarreal | July 10, 2026

The unsustainable national debt poses a risk to our economic future, and young Americans may have the most to lose.

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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.

Read More
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