There’s little question that the federal deficit is a challenge. Economic stimulus funding and a down economy have put the deficit at record highs for the current year, and the future is not encouraging. Discipline and belt-tightening are needed, but the Congress is not very dependable in those areas. The latest idea is a commission to develop a plan independent of the Congress or the President.

Learn more:

White House weighs new panel to tackle deficit
     Bipartisan commission considered as White House seeks to show resolve on a problem that dogs its broader agenda
The Wall Street Journal, November 26, 2009

Wave of debt payments facing the U.S. government
The New York Times, November 23, 2009
(A ‘perfect storm’ of factors is likely to increase debt costs dramatically, and soon.)

The Government in 2020: An Illustrated Guide to the Next 10 Years
National Journal:, November 7, 2009
(A fascinating introduction to the history and likely future of the federal deficit.)

Stemming the tide: America’s fiscal deficit
     Unprecedented levels of government debt may require radical solutions
The Economist, November 19, 2009
(A candid look at what deficit reduction may mean.)