Budget and Deficit

Among the disappointing lessons of the budget deal: More spending makes politicians on both sides of the aisle a little more merry.

For the first time in decades, the sequester actually reduced federal discretionary spending, rather than just slowing the rate of growth. That was a huge achievement and is almost certainly one of the primary reasons why the economy is picking up steam again. If the Ryan-Murray agreement passes, the sequester is dead; there won’t be any resurrection.

With the next round of sequester spending restraints scheduled to hit in 2014, we’re about to find out which Republicans have the courage of their supposed limited government convictions.

IPI joins with orther organizations in a letter recommending consideration of a variety of strategies to reduce spending, and increase revenue, through privatization policies.

The sky didn’t fall, job creation picked up instead of slowing down, and in the process we’ve managed to begin the process of restraining federal spending.

Without significant changes, entitlements could soon take every dollar of federal revenue.

Each US taxpayer now has a federal-debt liability of $1.1 million, and rising.

The two-week shutdown rattled many people and businesses, especially those who depend on the government. But what's causing the real damage is the president’s incessant quest to raise taxes and increase regulations and government spending.

Treasury Secretary Jack Lew has been telling the country two different stories about the government’s ability to pay Social Security benefits during the debt-ceiling crisis. So which one is true?

One week into the shutdown and it appears the predictions of an imminent Republican defeat have been greatly exaggerated—and they might even win.