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Our charts frame the fiscal outlook of the U.S. government within a broad economic, political, and demographic context.
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Our polling tracks the public’s views about our fiscal and economic condition and the progress elected leaders are making in addressing it.
Popular Articles
The Federal Government Has Borrowed Trillions. Who Owns All that Debt?
Most federal debt is owed to domestic holders, but foreign ownership is much higher now than it was about 50 years ago.
Chart Pack: The U.S. Budget
A selection of key charts that give an overview of the major components in the U.S. federal budget.
Understanding the New Senior Deduction in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
The senior deduction adds complexity to the tax code, and fewer than half of seniors will benefit from it.
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Feb 17, 2026
Chart Pack: Fiscal Outlook
The national debt is already at its highest level since just after World War II, and annual deficits are on an upward trajectory.
Feb 12, 2026
What Is the National Debt Costing Us?
Programs that millions of Americans depend on and care about may be feeling a squeeze from interest costs on our high and rising national debt.
Feb 12, 2026
Interest Costs on the National Debt Are Reaching All-Time Highs
The most recent CBO projections confirm once again that America’s fiscal outlook is on an unsustainable path — increasingly driven by higher interest costs.
Feb 11, 2026
New Report: National Debt Outlook Gets Worse as Interest Costs Exceed $1 Trillion Annually
A new CBO report shows that the national debt outlook worsened from last year’s projections.
Jan 22, 2026
What’s the Difference Between the Trade Deficit and Budget Deficit?
The terms “budget deficit” and “trade deficit” can be conflated, but they are distinct measurements of important fiscal and economic concepts.
Jan 21, 2026
The Federal Government Has Borrowed Trillions. Who Owns All that Debt?
Most federal debt is owed to domestic holders, but foreign ownership is much higher now than it was about 50 years ago.
Dec 10, 2025
The Fed Reduced the Short-Term Rate Again, but Interest Costs Remain High
High interest rates on U.S. Treasury securities increase the federal government’s borrowing costs.