Budget Resolution Relies on Overly Optimistic Assumptions About Discretionary Spending
Future discretionary spending cuts, which cannot technically be included in reconciliation bills, are difficult to achieve as credible offsets.
Read MoreWhat Is the Primary Deficit?
The primary deficit is the difference between government revenues and spending, excluding interest payments. Learn more about the U.S. primary deficit.
Read MoreWhat Are Automatic Stabilizers and How Do They Affect the Federal Budget?
To better respond to business cycle fluctuations, many important programs in the federal budget automatically adjust spending based on economic conditions.
Read MoreThe U.S. Forgoes Hundreds of Billions of Dollars Each Year Due to Unpaid Taxes
Cracking down on the tax gap would not only introduce more fairness into the system, but it could be a big help for our nation’s fiscal imbalance.
Read MoreNew CBO Projections Show Lower Short-Term Rates than Previously Expected — but Longer-Term Rates Will Rise
Understanding interest rate trends is critical to the nation’s fiscal outlook because they are a significant factor for interest costs within the budget.
Read MoreQuiz: How Much Do You Know About Social Security?
Social Security is the cornerstone of financial security for millions of Americans and a major part of the federal budget. Take our quiz to see how much you know.
Read MoreThe Next Fiscal Cliff: Big Tax Decisions to Make in 2025
Some TCJA provisions were made temporary to limit the negative fiscal impact of the 2017 bill. It sets up a significant decision point for policymakers next year.
Read MoreHow Do We Tax the Top 1% — And What That Means for the Federal Budget
The top 1 percent pay a significant share of all federal taxes, while also benefitting disproportionately from preferential tax treatment.
Read MoreThe Debt Ceiling Will Be Reinstated on January 1 — Here’s What’s at Stake
One of the first, and most consequential, decisions facing newly elected lawmakers will be what to do with the debt ceiling.
Read MoreHow Does the Federal Government Subsidize Healthcare Under the ACA — and What Does It Cost?
Take a closer look at the coverage options and costs associated with ACA subsidies, and how they fit into overall healthcare spending.
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