The national debt is unstainable

The budget bill passed by the Republican majority in Congress and signed into law by the President is set to increase the national deficit by over $3 trillion.

What happened to the party that once prided itself as the “party of fiscal responsibility?” Political candidates campaigned on the promise of fiscal discipline — so how does increasing the deficit align with that vision? What are the real-world consequences of this massive deficit?

Here’s a look:

•The Peter G. Peterson Foundation warns that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will only worsen future deficits. The federal debt, which is the amount we borrow to cover these deficits, is rapidly approaching its highest level since World War II and projections show it will continue to rise.

•Four major policy research organizations — the Budget Lab at Yale, the Congressional Budget Office, the Tax Foundation, and the Penn Wharton Budget Model — predict that the national debt could surpass $50 trillion.

•Rising debt isn't a trivial problem; it has direct, clear consequences. A ballooning national debt will shrink the nation’s economy, reduce job opportunities, and lower wages for workers. This path leads to economic trouble, especially for everyday Americans and small businesses.

Before the economic fallout hits, we need real tax reform. It’s time to elect political leaders who will act — not just talk — to put our country on a sustainable fiscal path and build a fair financial future for everyone, not just the ultra-rich.

Becky Birch

Marengo