Statement on Reinstatement of the Statutory Debt Limit

NEW YORK — Michael A. Peterson, President and CEO of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, commented today on the reinstatement of the statutory debt limit. In a separate report released today, the Peterson Foundation estimates that lawmakers will have to act to raise the debt limit by October or November of 2015 to avoid a technical default.
Peterson said,
“Lawmakers have the opportunity and responsibility to work together to ensure that we don’t return to the damaging pattern of government-by-crisis. As the economic recovery is finally taking hold, uncertainty, brinksmanship and self-inflicted crises are exactly what we don’t need. Our elected leaders should use this as an opportunity to work together over the coming months on a bipartisan plan that sets our nation on a sustainable long-term fiscal path. Doing so would not only strengthen the current recovery, but help build a foundation for future growth, opportunity and prosperity.”
In 2013, Macroeconomic Advisers published a study analyzing the economic effects of fiscal brinksmanship. The study found that the fiscal brinksmanship in 2010-2013 cost the economy 900,000 jobs, and that an actual default would have even more severe economic consequences.
Further Reading
Should We Eliminate the Social Security Tax Cap?
There have been a number of proposals to increase, eliminate, or otherwise adjust the payroll tax cap as a way to shore up Social Security’s finances.
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.
No Taxes on Tips Will Drive Deficits Higher
Here’s how this new, temporary deduction will affect federal revenues, budget deficits, and tax equity.