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It's All Politics

U.S. Interest Payments A Growing Fiscal Menace

February 17, 2011 • Interest payments on the national debt are forecast by 2018 to crowd out much of U.S. spending. Experts worry that the deteriorating fiscal situation could drive up the interest rates the U.S. must pay, further worsening the situation.

Federal Deficits, Debt Elude Easy Answers

Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner testifies before the House Budget Committee, March 2009. J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo hide caption

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J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo

It's All Politics

Federal Deficits, Debt Elude Easy Answers

November 16, 2010 • Taming deficits and the debt is difficult because of ideological differences but also complexity. It was easier to send men to the Moon than ending deficits and the debt because we weren't concerned with fairness.

Deficit Panel Puts Social Security, Mortgage Deduction On Table

President Obama meets with members of the fiscal responsibility commission, April 27, 2010. J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo hide caption

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J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo

It's All Politics

Deficit Panel Puts Social Security, Mortgage Deduction On Table

November 10, 2010 • But a political firestorm is likely; many of the cuts and tax increases would be very unpopular. Among the proposals are cuts to Social Security and Medicare and and end to very popular tax deductions and credits.

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