Peterson Foundation: More Debt is the Last Thing America Needs

NEW YORK — Michael A. Peterson, Chairman and CEO of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, commented today on news reports that the House Ways and Means Committee is considering a new round of unpaid for tax cuts that would add hundreds of billions of dollars to the national debt:
“Last year’s tax legislation did major damage to our fiscal outlook — adding trillions to our national debt. After this irresponsible policy, it’s especially disappointing that lawmakers are looking to dig the hole even deeper. More debt is the last thing America needs.
“The administration recently acknowledged we have returned to trillion dollar annual deficits — an overdue admission that reflects how dire our fiscal outlook really is.
“Lawmakers should absolutely take a second look at tax policy, not to extend the irresponsibility, but to implement reforms that actually improve our fiscal situation.”
Further Reading
How Does the Capital Gains Tax Work, and What Are Some Proposed Reforms?
While the capital gains tax affects anyone selling a capital asset, higher-income individuals are typically subject to the tax more so than average Americans.
What Are the Consequences of a High and Rising National Debt?
The high and rising national debt harms the economy, makes life less affordable, and jeopardizes the economic prosperity of Americans.
6 Ways the Rising National Debt Can Fuel a Fiscal Crisis
The national debt is now as large as the entire U.S. economy, and the risk is increasing as the country accumulates debt faster than ever.