National debt crosses $38 trillion for first time in history

National debt crosses $38 trillion for first time in history


The total national debt of the United States has hit $38 trillion, an unwelcome milestone that comes as lawmakers grapple with a looming fiscal reckoning.

The unwanted achievement comes amid a government shutdown and was reflected in the Treasury Department’s daily updates to the national debt. The federal debt per citizen has now climbed to over $110,000.

Republicans and some centrist Democrats have sounded the alarm about the growing debt and deficits, with the debt first crossing the $1 trillion mark in 1981. But lawmakers have done little to reduce debt and deficits, although Republicans have long called for spending cuts.

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“Grow the economy and cut spending,” Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) said in response to the Washington Examiner asking about what should be done given the new $38

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