.2 trillion: the US deficit through March — halfway through FY2026.
The $1.9T full-year projection assumes the second half runs lighter. But mandatory spending and interest payments are structurally fixed. They don't respond to quarterly reviews.
Discretionary spending — the part Congress actually debates — is less than 15% of the budget.
You can't cut your way out of a mandatory spending problem with a discretionary tool.
The $1.9T full-year projection assumes the second half runs lighter. But mandatory spending and interest payments are structurally fixed. They don't respond to quarterly reviews.
Discretionary spending — the part Congress actually debates — is less than 15% of the budget.
You can't cut your way out of a mandatory spending problem with a discretionary tool.