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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
      • Fiscal Outlook

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Moody’s Downgrade of U.S. Credit Rating Highlights Risks of Rising National Debt

By briteweb | May 19, 2025
Capitol dome at night

For the first time ever, all three major credit ratings agencies have downgraded U.S. credit below their top rating.

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New Report: Rising National Debt Will Cause Significant Damage to the U.S. Economy

By jcurry | May 19, 2025
People shop at a home improvement store

On all key financial metrics, from GDP and investment to jobs to wages, the growing national debt harms future economic prospects for American citizens.

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The Federal Government Has Borrowed Trillions. Who Owns All that Debt?

By briteweb | May 13, 2025
Peter G. Peterson Foundation National Debt Clock in Washington DC

Most federal debt is owed to domestic holders, but foreign ownership is much higher now than it was about 50 years ago.

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The President’s “Skinny Budget” Reallocates Priorities for Appropriations

By aklawitter | May 2, 2025
Image of Trump signing a document.

President Trump’s budget would maintain discretionary spending at the same amount — but would reallocate billions from other programs into defense and homeland security.

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

By briteweb | April 23, 2025
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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Growing National Debt Sets Off Alarm Bells for U.S. Business Leaders

By svillarreal | April 21, 2025
View of skyscraper buildings from the ground.

Debt rising unsustainably threatens the country’s economic future, and a number of business leaders have signaled their concern.

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

By amymcleod | April 17, 2025
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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High Interest Rates Left Their Mark on the Budget

By svillarreal | April 17, 2025
Marriner S. Eccles Federal Reserve building

When rates increase, borrowing costs rise; unfortunately, for the fiscal bottom line, that dynamic has been playing out over the past few years.

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Debt vs. Deficits: What’s the Difference?

By briteweb | April 16, 2025
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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Chart Pack: Fiscal Outlook

By briteweb | April 10, 2025
Chart Packs

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

Read More
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