Američki dug raste, zašto Kongres ne poduzima ništa?

The United States government is spending far more than it can afford, with a proposed budget of $7.4 trillion for fiscal year 2026 against expected revenues of only $5.6 trillion. The gap between spending and income has widened dramatically, contributing to a national debt that now stands at $39.68 trillion, up from $5.7 trillion in January 2001. Despite these alarming figures, Congress has yet to take meaningful steps to address the growing fiscal imbalance. Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives focused heavily on budget-related issues ahead of its summer recess. Among the key proposals was a nearly $95 billion “reconciliation” package aimed at funding the Iran war, supporting struggling farmers, and enhancing election security. However, the legislation lacks any provisions for offsetting costs through spending reductions or tax increases. As a result, the measure will add to the existing deficit, which is projected to reach nearly $2 trillion for fiscal 2026. This pattern of unchecked spending continues to push the country closer to an unsustainable financial trajectory. Congressional leaders have expressed concern over the mounting debt, but neither major political party has made deficit reduction a central priority. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, emphasized the need to keep government operations running smoothly as the November midterm elections approach. Avoiding a government shutdown is a top priority for Republicans, who fear that such an event could harm their chances of retaining control of Congress. Meanwhile, Democrats have largely aligned with the public demand for maintaining essential services without imposing austerity measures or raising taxes. Jessica Riedl, a budget and tax fellow at the Brookings Institution, explains that voter sentiment toward fiscal responsibility has shifted significantly. She notes that many Americans no longer see the connection between rising debt and economic risks like higher interest rates. “Voters no longer believe that deficits matter,” she states, adding that in an era of intense political polarization, both parties claim to support deficit reduction while placing the burden on their opponents. This dynamic has created a situation where fiscal restraint is rarely a shared goal, even among lawmakers who publicly acknowledge the problem. Historically, the U.S. government has managed to achieve budget surpluses under certain administrations. For example, President Bill Clinton signed a balanced budget bill in 1997, marking the beginning of four consecutive years of surpluses. This achievement was the product of bipartisan cooperation between President Clinton and Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich. However, the current political climate is vastly different. The Republican Party, under the influence of President Donald Trump’s populist ideology, favors tax cuts and increased government spending, arguing that such policies stimulate economic growth. On the other hand, the Democratic Party has increasingly embraced progressive policies, including ambitious initiatives like “Medicare for all,” which require substantial new government expenditures. With both parties prioritizing their respective ideological agendas, the prospect of serious deficit reduction appears remote. While some lawmakers advocate for fiscal discipline, these voices remain isolated within their respective parties. The broader political landscape suggests that unless there is a shift in public perception or a willingness to compromise, the U.S. will continue down a path of escalating debt, with potentially severe long-term consequences for the economy and public finances.