Areas of Common Ground
Despite partisan divides, most Americans agree on these key points:
- âThe current path of federal spending is unsustainable long-term
- âGovernment waste and inefficiency should be eliminated
- âBoth spending cuts and revenue increases will likely be needed
+ 7 more areas of agreement below
What's the Challenge?
The federal government spends more than it collects in revenue, adding to a national debt that now exceeds $34 trillion. Interest payments on this debt consume an ever-larger share of the federal budget. While 57% of Americans express concern about the deficit, politicians from both parties have contributed to the problemâRepublicans through tax cuts and defense spending, Democrats through social programs and healthcare expansion. The challenge is addressing unsustainable debt without harming vulnerable Americans or economic growth.
Where Most Americans Agree
The current path of federal spending is unsustainable long-term
Government waste and inefficiency should be eliminated
Both spending cuts and revenue increases will likely be needed
Social Security and Medicare face funding shortfalls that need addressing
Interest payments on the debt are crowding out other priorities
Politicians in both parties have contributed to the problem
Defense spending should be efficient and auditable
Tax loopholes that benefit special interests should be closed
Future generations shouldn't bear unfair burdens from today's decisions
Economic growth helps but won't solve the problem alone
Source: Pew Research Center 2025, Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget
Current Perspectives from Both Sides
Understanding the full debate requires hearing what each side actually arguesânot caricatures or strawmen.
Progressive Perspective
- â˘Tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations created the deficit crisis
- â˘We can afford social programs if billionaires and corporations pay their fair share
- â˘Cutting Social Security and Medicare benefits harms vulnerable Americans
- â˘Defense spending is bloated and filled with waste from contractors
- â˘Investing in infrastructure, education, and healthcare grows the economy and pays for itself
- â˘Republicans only care about deficits when Democrats propose helping working families
Conservative Perspective
- â˘Excessive government spending and entitlement programs drive unsustainable debt
- â˘We have a spending problem, not a revenue problemâgovernment takes enough already
- â˘Raising taxes kills economic growth and punishes success
- â˘Entitlement reform is essential but Democrats demagogue any proposed changes
- â˘Waste, fraud, and abuse in government programs must be eliminated
- â˘Democrats only propose tax increases, never real spending cuts
These represent current talking points from each side of the political spectrum. Understanding both perspectives is essential for productive dialogue.
Evidence-Based Facts
U.S. national debt exceeded $34 trillion in 2024, over 120% of GDP
Source: U.S. Treasury Department
Net interest on the debt cost $659 billion in 2023, exceeding defense spending
Source: Congressional Budget Office
Social Security and Medicare together account for about 40% of federal spending
Source: Office of Management and Budget
Deficits have exceeded $1 trillion annually under both Republican and Democratic presidents
Source: Congressional Budget Office
Without policy changes, CBO projects debt will reach 180% of GDP by 2050
Learn More
Questions for Thoughtful Debate
What combination of spending cuts and revenue increases is fair and effective?
How do we reform Social Security and Medicare to ensure long-term solvency?
Should we prioritize deficit reduction or economic growth?
What government programs provide the best return on investment?
How do we reduce waste without harming people who depend on government services?
What's a sustainable level of debt relative to GDP?
Should we require balanced budgets except in emergencies?