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National Debt

What is national debt and how does it affect our economy?

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National Debt

Federal Reserve losses contribute to federal deficit

by Sabri Ben-Achour
Oct 24, 2023
When the central bank makes money, it hands it to the Treasury. But now it's losing money as it pays interest to banks on their deposits.
The Fed is, among other things, a bank for banks, and it pays interest to those banks. Those interest rates have gone up. Above, the Eccles building, which houses Fed governors' offices.
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
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National Debt

Why don't we talk more about revenue when we talk about the U.S. budget deficit?

by Kimberly Adams
Oct 23, 2023
The vast majority of federal revenue comes from taxes, and the drop in 2023 revenue was mostly due to a drop in individual income taxes.
The vast majority of federal revenue comes from taxes.
Daniel Slim/AFP via Getty Images
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National Debt

Why the U.S. budget deficit grew so much in the last year

by Sabri Ben-Achour and Alex Schroeder
Oct 23, 2023
No surprise: Inflation, higher interest rates and the pandemic all play a role.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
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National Debt

Federal government shutdowns cause economic distress for tribes

by Savannah Peters
Sep 28, 2023
The U.S. government is obligated by treaty to provide certain services to tribal nations. Shutdowns force tribes to take on those costs.
The headquarters of the Yurok Tribe in Northern California in 2021. During the government shutdown in 2013, the tribe had to furlough about 70 employees.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
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National Debt

The SNAP work reporting requirement age just rose by one year. It's already affecting who gets benefits.

by Ali Budner
Sep 11, 2023
The upper age limit for SNAP recipients (able bodied, without dependents) who have to prove they’re working or looking for work at least part time has just risen from age 49 to age 50. Eventually it'll go up to age 54.
"We estimate that up to 750,000 individuals could lose [SNAP] benefits," said Ed Bolen with the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Above, a sign alerting customers that a store accepts SNAP benefits.
Scott Heins/Getty Images
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National Debt

What lawmakers are fighting over when they fight about appropriations

by Kimberly Adams
Aug 9, 2023
The portion of federal spending being determined by what’s called the appropriations process is relatively small.
The amount of nondefense discretionary spending that Congress fights over every year is getting smaller.
Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
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National Debt

Is the Fed actually going to pull off a "soft landing"?

by Matt Levin
Jun 14, 2023
If the Fed can tamp down inflation without sparking a recession, it would be only the second time in history in U.S. history.
Hold the applause for Federal Reserve Chair Jay Powell — there's more work to do before the economy can make a soft landing.
Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images
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National Debt

What will new welfare work requirements mean for recipients?

by Sabri Ben-Achour , Krissy Clark and Ariana Rosas
Jun 12, 2023
New work requirements on welfare were part of the debt ceiling deal. How might they affect benefit recipients?
The new work requirements in the debt ceiling deal may negatively impact older people's access to food aid and other benefits, says "The Uncertain Hour" host Krissy Clark.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
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National Debt

The founder of the world’s largest hedge fund on debt, government spending and education

by David Brancaccio , Alex Schroeder and Erika Soderstrom
Jun 5, 2023
Ray Dalio talks educational spending, taxes and more.
Bridgewater Associates Founder and Co-Chairman Ray Dalio speaks onstage during TechCrunch Disrupt San Francisco 2019.
Kimberly White/Getty Images for TechCrunch
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National Debt

What the debt ceiling deal means for your student loans

by Hannah Baggenstoss
Jun 2, 2023
A debt ceiling deal has been made, and student loan borrowers will have to start making payments again later this summer.
President Joe Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan is awaiting a decision by the Supreme Court.
Jemal Countess/Getty Images
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