Congressional Budget Office
Coverage of Congressional Budget Office in the Nexus archive.
- Trump-class battleship program will cost $275 billion, CBO report says
A Congressional Budget Office report estimates the Trump-class battleship program will cost $275 billion, with the first ship priced at $23.4 billion and subsequent units at $18 billion each. The program would produce 15 nuclear-powered battleships by 2056, the largest surface combatants since World War II, but faces challenges including increased shipyard tonnage demands and industry delays highlighted by the Government Accountability Office.
- Price tag for Trump’s D.C. deployment of National Guard: $1.4B more through 2029
The deployment of National Guard troops to Washington, D.C. under President Trump is projected to cost taxpayers over $1.4 billion through 2029. The 'Make DC Safe and Beautiful' mission, which includes renovating landmarks and reducing crime, is allocated $605 million in the next fiscal year, with $375 million for payroll and $230 million for operational expenses. Initial deployment began in August 2025 with 800 troops, now exceeding 4,600.
- First Trump-class battleship could cost more than $23B: CBO
The Congressional Budget Office estimates that 15 nuclear-powered battleships would cost $275 billion. The first Trump-class battleship could exceed $23 billion in cost.
- Lawrence faults Barrett over Medicaid cuts, renews Medicare for All push
William Lawrence, a Democratic congressional candidate, criticized the One Big Beautiful Bill Act for imposing Medicaid work requirements and increasing uninsured individuals by 10 million by 2034. Health professionals warned of reduced access to care and higher hospital costs. Lawrence renewed his push for Medicare for All.
- US stealth fighter surge risks a readiness nosedive
The US military’s shift toward stealthier fifth- and sixth-generation fighter aircraft risks reducing fleet availability, according to a Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report. The report warns this trend could widen the gap between advanced technology and the combat numbers required for prolonged conflicts.
- Food assistance advocates ask Congress to delay GOP megabill shift of SNAP costs to states
Advocates and public health experts urge Congress to delay a Republican-backed law requiring states to share costs for SNAP benefits, which will go into effect in October 2027. The law, signed by President Donald Trump, mandates states with high SNAP error rates to cover some program costs, leading to a reduction of 4.5 million beneficiaries, including 1.5 million children. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the changes will reduce federal spending by $190 billion over 10 years.
- Food assistance advocates ask Congress to delay GOP megabill shift of SNAP costs to states
Advocates and public health experts urge Republicans in Congress to delay a provision in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act requiring states to share costs of SNAP benefits starting October 2027. The law, signed by President Donald Trump in 2026, could result in over 4.5 million people losing food assistance, including 1.5 million children, as states take on financial responsibility for SNAP error rates.
- Food assistance advocates ask Congress to delay GOP megabill shift of SNAP costs to states
Advocates and public health experts urge Congress to delay a Republican-backed law requiring states to share Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) costs, arguing it will reduce access to food assistance for millions, including 1.5 million children. The law, signed by President Trump, mandates states with high SNAP error rates begin covering some costs starting October 2027, projected to cut federal spending by $190 billion over ten years.
- The national debt is over 100% of GDP and most of Congress is ignoring wishes to rein it in. It’s time to amend the Constitution
The U.S. national debt exceeds 100% of GDP at $31.68 trillion, with projections reaching 175% of GDP in 30 years. Historical data shows economic slowdowns when debt surpasses 90% of GDP, while 36.5% of 2025 individual income taxes will service debt, rising to 50.6% by 2036. Past fiscal controls like the Budget Enforcement Act and Gramm-Rudman-Hollings have failed, prompting calls for a constitutional amendment under Article V.
- You Don’t Need to Vote for Socialists to Get Universal Health Care
The Trump administration's rollback of social spending has led to millions losing Medicaid and rising health insurance premiums. Bernie Sanders advocates for Medicare for All to address the crisis, but the article argues restoring Biden-era subsidies could be a simpler solution. The Congressional Budget Office projects a significant increase in the number of uninsured Americans by 2028.
- United States’ $39 trillion national debt will mean fewer jobs at lower wages for Gen Z, according to think tank
A report by the Peter G Peterson Foundation, using analysis from EY’s QUEST practice, warns that rising U.S. national debt could reduce jobs and wages for Gen Z and Gen Alpha by 2075. EY projects 3.6 million fewer jobs by 2075 under current fiscal trends, with wages declining by 5.3% compared to a stabilized debt scenario.
- House Republicans to huddle with CBO chief amid reconciliation talks
House Republicans will meet with Congressional Budget Office Director Phillip Swagel to discuss strategies for advancing a reconciliation bill funded by cuts to fraud in Medicare, Medicaid, and other programs. The bill faces challenges as current CBO scoring methods may not fully offset its costs, prompting GOP leaders to explore alternative approaches.
- One year after ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’: 98K fewer Pennsylvanians on SNAP
One year after President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Pennsylvania saw a 11% drop in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) enrollment, with 98,000 fewer residents receiving food benefits due to new requirements. The law includes work mandates and reduced federal aid, drawing criticism from advocates like Rep. Brendan Boyle, who called it 'robbing from the poor to give money to the ultra and mega wealthy.'
- One year after ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’: 98K fewer Pennsylvanians on SNAP
One year after President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Pennsylvania saw an 11% drop in SNAP enrollment, with 98,000 fewer participants due to new work requirements. The law includes Medicaid work requirements and tax cuts for billionaires, criticized by Rep. Brendan Boyle as disproportionately harming the poor and increasing the national deficit.
- New Jersey is set to charge companies with workers on Medicaid. Other states may follow
New Jersey is implementing a fee on companies with employees covered by Medicaid to help fund the program amid federal policy changes. Other states like California, Colorado, and Oregon are considering similar measures, citing fairness and rising Medicaid costs as key reasons. Business groups and some liberal organizations oppose the policy.
- New Jersey is set to charge companies with workers on Medicaid. Other states may follow.
New Jersey is implementing a fee on companies whose workers use Medicaid, with other states like California considering similar measures. The policy aims to fund Medicaid as federal changes increase state costs and potentially reduce coverage. Companies will be charged based on the number of Medicaid beneficiaries among their employees.
- New Jersey is set to charge companies with workers on Medicaid. Other states may follow.
New Jersey is implementing a fee on companies with employees covered by Medicaid to help fund the program amid federal policy changes. Other states like California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington are considering similar measures, with California directing its administration to explore options for future employer charges.
- Condemned to plutocracy? The relentless rise of US inequality
The article examines the persistent rise of income inequality in the US, highlighting that Obama-era policies reduced the income share of the top 1% by over a fifth and increased the share for the poorest fifth to 7.9%. It questions whether the country has appetite for further redistribution despite these gains.
- Condemned to plutocracy? The relentless rise of US inequality
Elon Musk benefits from America's growing inequality. Obama's policies reduced income for the top 1% and increased it for the poorest fifth, but the article questions if there is appetite for further redistribution.
- The Job Market Is Thawing
The U.S. job market is showing signs of improvement with an average of 114,000 jobs added monthly in 2024, a notable increase compared to 10,000 jobs monthly in 2025. The previous hiring slowdown was linked to immigration enforcement under President Trump and fluctuating tariff policies, but recent job gains span sectors like healthcare, hospitality, and construction.
- Senate panel approves Department of War name change
The Senate Armed Services Committee approved changing the Pentagon's name to the Department of War, advancing a rebranding effort initiated by President Donald Trump. The House Armed Services Committee also supported the change, signaling a strong chance of the name becoming law despite criticism from some lawmakers.
- This may be the maximum level of U.S. debt that’s sustainable before interest payments trigger a default crisis that even steep tax hikes can’t fix
The Penn Wharton Budget Model warns that U.S. debt exceeding 210% of GDP could trigger a crisis where even steep tax hikes cannot cover interest payments. Current debt is 100% of GDP, with projections reaching 175% by 2056, and healthcare cost growth could accelerate the threshold. A 15-percentage-point tax hike on labor income is proposed as a solution, but factors like higher interest rates and market instability could worsen risks.
- House Republicans endorse Trump’s Department of War renaming
House Republicans on the Armed Services Committee voted to codify President Trump's executive order renaming the Pentagon as the Department of War in the annual defense bill. The proposal faces Senate resistance but has been endorsed by Trump and Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, while Democrats criticized it as wasteful and semantic nonsense.
- US can control immigration, end tax breaks for seniors and other commentary
The article argues that the US can control illegal immigration through enforcement, citing the Congressional Budget Office's assertion that a president willing to enforce laws could achieve this. It also references ending tax breaks for seniors as another point of discussion.
- Rock-bottom immigration rates leave mark on U.S. economy
President Trump's immigration crackdown is causing a significant slowdown in U.S. population and job growth, with economists warning of long-term productivity declines. Federal Reserve analysis and a Congressional Budget Office projection highlight reduced labor force growth, while a Yale study estimates a potential 4.6 million fewer working-age people by 2033 due to immigration reductions.
- Democrats in US Senate want ‘true costs’ of Iran war estimated by official scorekeeper
Senate Democrats requested the Congressional Budget Office to estimate the costs of the Iran war, emphasizing the need for transparency and accurate legislative oversight. They highlighted discrepancies between administration estimates and independent analyses, asking for scenarios including prolonged conflict and troop deployment.
- Democrats in US Senate want ‘true costs’ of Iran war estimated by official scorekeeper
U.S. Senate Democrats requested the Congressional Budget Office to estimate the 'true costs' of the Iran war, emphasizing transparency and discrepancies between administration and independent cost projections. The letter, signed by multiple senators, asks for comprehensive budgetary assessments under various scenarios.
- Democrats in US Senate want ‘true costs’ of Iran war estimated by official scorekeeper
U.S. Senate Democrats requested the Congressional Budget Office to provide an official cost estimate for the Iran war, citing discrepancies between administration projections and independent analyses. The senators emphasized the need for transparency and accurate information to inform legislative oversight.
- The Pentagon says Trump’s Iran war has cost $29B. Democrats want CBO to check the math.
The Pentagon reported that Trump’s Iran war has cost $29 billion, prompting Senate Democrats to request the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to verify the costs. The senators emphasized the need for transparency and accurate estimates, noting discrepancies between the administration’s figures and independent projections.
- Democrats in US Senate want ‘true costs’ of Iran war estimated by official scorekeeper
Senate Democrats requested the Congressional Budget Office to estimate the 'true costs' of the Iran war, citing discrepancies between administration figures and independent projections. They emphasized the need for transparency and comprehensive legislative oversight.
- Democrats in US Senate want ‘true costs’ of Iran war estimated by official scorekeeper
U.S. Senate Democrats requested the Congressional Budget Office to provide a comprehensive cost estimate for the Iran war, highlighting discrepancies between administration projections and independent analyses. They emphasized the need for transparency and accurate legislative oversight.
- Democrats in US Senate want ‘true costs’ of Iran war estimated by official scorekeeper
U.S. Senate Democrats requested the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to provide an official cost estimate for the Iran war, citing discrepancies between the administration's $29 billion figure and higher projections from independent analysts. The senators emphasized the need for transparency and legislative oversight to ensure accurate public understanding of the conflict's financial impact.
- Democrats in US Senate want ‘true costs’ of Iran war estimated by official scorekeeper
U.S. Senate Democrats requested the Congressional Budget Office to provide a comprehensive cost estimate of the Iran war, emphasizing transparency and legislative oversight. The letter highlights discrepancies between administration estimates and independent projections, asking for scenarios including prolonged conflict and troop deployment.
- Democrats in US Senate want ‘true costs’ of Iran war estimated by official scorekeeper
U.S. Senate Democrats requested the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to estimate the 'true costs' of the Iran war, citing discrepancies between administration projections and independent analyses. They emphasized the need for transparency and legislative oversight regarding the conflict's budgetary impact.
- Trump's proposed 'Golden Dome' estimated to cost $1.2 trillion
The proposed 'Golden Dome' missile defense program is estimated to cost $1.2 trillion over 20 years, far exceeding the initial price tag of $175 billion. The Congressional Budget Office analysis reveals a significant increase in costs. The program's estimated cost has raised concerns.
- CBO estimates Golden Dome will cost $1.2 trillion over 20 years
The Congressional Budget Office estimates the Golden Dome missile defense system will cost $1.2 trillion over 20 years. The acquisition costs for a national missile defense system total more than $1 trillion. The estimate was released in a 12-page report.
- Trump’s proposed ‘Golden Dome’ estimated to cost $1.2 trillion, far more than he initially said
President Donald Trump's proposed 'Golden Dome' missile defense program is estimated to cost $1.2 trillion, far exceeding the initial estimate of $175 billion. The system aims to detect, intercept, and stop missiles at all stages of a potential attack. The Congressional Budget Office published a report with this new analysis.
- What is, and isn't, worrying about 100% debt to GDP
The US national debt has surpassed its gross domestic product, with a debt-to-GDP ratio of over 100%, and is projected to continue rising to 120% by 2036. The Congressional Budget Office projects federal revenue will be 17-18% of GDP, while expenditures will be over 23% of GDP. This gap is expected to lead to an ever-rising debt-to-GDP ratio.
- States Rush To Figure Out How To Enforce Trump’s Medicaid Work Requirements
State officials are uncertain about enforcing Trump's Medicaid work requirements, with a deadline of January 1, 2027, and are taking various approaches, including using artificial intelligence. The new work rules require Medicaid beneficiaries to work or participate in qualifying activities for at least 80 hours each month. Federal guidance is not expected until June.
- Pentagon urges Congress to codify 'Department of War' name change it estimates will cost $52 million
The Pentagon has requested congressional approval to permanently rename the Department of Defense to the Department of War, estimating the rebranding will cost $52 million. The cost is lower than the Congressional Budget Office's $125 million projection, and the change includes renaming the Secretary of Defense to Secretary of War. The proposal faces bipartisan criticism, with Democrats condemning the expense amid economic challenges, while some Republicans support the move.