Government Spending & the Deficit

If Congress passes the Oct. 1 deadline without either a new set of spending bills or a continuing resolution, nonessential operations would be forced to shut down.

The food stamp program is one of the larger federal social welfare initiatives, and in its current form has been around for nearly six decades.

Democrats hold the edge on many issues, but more Americans agree with Republicans on the economy, crime and immigration. Inflation remains the top concern for Republicans and Republican-leaning independents, with 77% saying it is a very big problem. For Democrats and Democratic leaners, gun violence is the top concern, with about 81% saying it is a very big problem.

Americans are split on the size and role of the government, though reducing the budget deficit is a higher priority than it was last year.

As concern about federal spending rises among both Democrats and Republicans, here's a primer on the national debt of the United States.

Americans now see reducing the budget deficit as a higher priority for the president and Congress to address than in recent years. But strengthening the economy continues to be the public’s top policy priority.

Americans’ views of the economy remain negative; most say prices have gotten worse while job availability has improved.

Pew Research Center’s political typology sorts Americans into cohesive, like-minded groups based on their values, beliefs, and views about politics and the political system. Use this tool to compare the groups on some key topics and their demographics.

Americans show more support than opposition for two infrastructure bills; majorities favor raising taxes on large businesses and high-income households.

More Americans say the Biden administration made a "good faith" effort working with the opposition than say the same of GOP leaders.