The Bleak Long-Run Outlook: US Fiscal Policy and How to Improve It

The Bleak Long-Run Outlook: US Fiscal Policy and How to Improve It

The United States is slowly but surely headed toward a federal debt crisis certain to inflict serious economic hardship on future generations. Today, the amount of federal debt held by the public stands at $14.8 trillion (all figures in this paper are in US dollars). While the US economy is expected to grow 76 percent in the next 30 years, that debt burden will, in inflation-adjusted terms, increase by over 240 percent during that time. Returning to a sustainable fiscal outlook will require hard choices and a clear understanding of both what led us to this point and the economic consequences of inaction.

Republicans Forge Ahead With Tax Reform

Republicans Forge Ahead With Tax Reform

“The House bill and the Senate bill are not identical but are very much on the same page, according to Alex Brill, a resident fellow at AEI, a conservative think tank. Most changes will be technical in nature and carried out by the conference committee. According to Brill, reconciliation might take longer than lawmakers have predicted, but he is confident that the differences will ultimately get resolved.”

The Case for Fiscal Reform: Lessons from the Anglosphere

The Case for Fiscal Reform: Lessons from the Anglosphere

Federal fiscal reform in the United States is increasingly necessary but over the last two decades has remained elusive. Part of the reason for the inaction reflects different political preferences and priorities. Part of it reflects differing views about the possible economic and social effects of controlling public spending and fiscal deficits. The result is that the US federal debt continues to grow unabated, which poses an increasing threat to future generations of citizens.

Corporate Rate Cut: A Gradual Phase-in Would Be Best

Corporate Rate Cut: A Gradual Phase-in Would Be Best

Both the House’s tax bill and the Senate Finance Committee’s bill slash the corporate income tax rate from 35 to 20%, a much needed reform that will pull capital into the United States and grow the economy. Thankfully, both bills cut the corporate rate on a permanent basis.

Opportunities for Tax Reform: Remarks From House Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX)

Opportunities for Tax Reform: Remarks From House Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX)

Following his remarks, Chairman Brady joined AEI’s Alex Brill for a discussion on the potential opportunities and impacts of tax reform. Mr. Brill asked Chairman Brady about the features of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and the ways in which the act would affect different individuals. Mr. Brill discussed the significance of the corporate tax rate cut and the change in standard deduction that tax reform would bring. Chairman Brady concluded by emphasizing the importance of moving to a simpler tax system.