Federal Deficits and Surpluses, 1800 to Present

Jun 16, 2021 Prior to the Great Depression deficits were unusual in the U.S. Budget. Surpluses occurred in about two-thirds of the years between 1809 to 1929.

Prior to the Great Depression deficits were unusual in the U.S. Budget. Surpluses occurred in about two-thirds of the years between 1809 to 1929.

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Peter G. Peterson Foundation Chart Pack:

The PGPF chart pack illustrates that budget-making involves many competing priorities, limited resources, and complex issues. In this set of charts, we aim to frame the financial condition and fiscal outlook of the U.S. government within a broad economic, political, and demographic context.
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Solutions Initiative 2024

Seven think tanks from across the ideological spectrum all agree that we are on an unsustainable fiscal path, and we need to change course.

National Debt Clock

See the latest numbers and learn more about the causes of our high and rising debt.