National debt

A Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning fighter jet is shown at the Singapore Airshow in 2014

The Pentagon Won Big With the Debt Ceiling Bill The Pentagon Won Big With the Debt Ceiling Bill

And thanks to a loophole in the budget deal, national security spending will only increase.

Jul 3, 2023 / William D. Hartung and Julia Gledhill

Biden and McCarthy sitting in chairs in the Oval Office

Next Time, Dammit, Just Default Next Time, Dammit, Just Default

Democrats feared a monster called “default”—but it’s just another Washington scare story.

Jun 9, 2023 / James K. Galbraith for The Nation

Student loan borrowers and advocates gather for the People's Rally to Cancel Student Debt during the Supreme Court hearings on Student Debt Relief on February 28, 2023, in Washington, D.C.

Congress Is Sticking Students With the Check Congress Is Sticking Students With the Check

The recent debt agreement will abolish the pandemic-era pause on student debt repayments—hitting the youngest generation of voters the hardest.

Jun 6, 2023 / Chris Lehmann

The US Capitol in Washington, DC, US, on Friday, June 2, 2023. The Senate passed legislation to suspend the US debt ceiling and impose restraints on government spending through the 2024 election, ending a drama that threatened a global financial crisis. Photographer: Nathan Howard/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Once More, the Washington Debt Ceiling Ritual Ends in a Lousy Deal Once More, the Washington Debt Ceiling Ritual Ends in a Lousy Deal

What cuts there are come in all the wrong places.

Jun 5, 2023 / Katrina vanden Heuvel

Representatives Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), Pramila Jayapal D-Wash.), and Cori Bush (D-Mo.) talk with reporters outside the U.S. Capitol after the House passed the Fiscal Responsibility Act

Here’s Why Principled Progressives Opposed a Cruel and Destructive Debt Ceiling Deal Here’s Why Principled Progressives Opposed a Cruel and Destructive Debt Ceiling Deal

These Democrats defied their president and their party leaders to vote against a deal that harms families, the poor, and the environment.

Jun 2, 2023 / John Nichols

American 100 Dollar Bills Above U.S. Capitol

Democrats Settled for a Raw Deal Democrats Settled for a Raw Deal

Biden’s concession to the House Freedom Caucus on the debt ceiling is nothing to celebrate.

May 31, 2023 / Chris Lehmann

Joe Biden delivers remarks in the Roosevelt Room of the White House

There’s Never a Debt Ceiling for the Military-Industrial Complex There’s Never a Debt Ceiling for the Military-Industrial Complex

While the Biden-McCarthy deal denies food to hungry people, it increases Pentagon spending by tens of billions.

May 31, 2023 / John Nichols

Joe Biden meets with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in the Oval Office

The Debt Deal Is a Tragedy The Debt Deal Is a Tragedy

The debt-limit agreement entrenches long-term austerity. It was a huge GOP win.

May 30, 2023 / James K. Galbraith

Congressional Republicans Host Bicameral Debt Crisis News Conference

The Next Debt Ceiling Showdown The Next Debt Ceiling Showdown

Even after two Obama-era clashes over spending limits, Democrats are still looking for a "grand bargain."

May 19, 2023 / Chris Lehmann

Kevin McCarthy and Marjorie Taylor Greene in session

Only Republicans Want to Push Us Into Default Only Republicans Want to Push Us Into Default

How McCarthy, McConnell, and Greene are Martin, Barton, and Fish all over again.

May 17, 2023 / James D. Zirin

x