2009 Federal Revenue and Spending Book of Charts

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Obama's Budget Would Send Debt to Levels Not Seen Since World War II

In 2008, publicly held debt as a percentage of the economy (GDP) was 40.8 percent, nearly five points below the historical average. Under President Obama's budget, this figure would more than double to 81.7 percent by 2019, and interest payments alone on this debt would be $100 billion more than Obama projects to spend on the entire Department of Defense.

Debt Held by the Public as a Percentage of GDP

Debt Held by the Public as a Percentage of G
 
 
Source: White House Office of Management and Budget; Congressional Budget Office.

Key Research:
Debt and Deficits

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Obama's Budget Would Send Debt to Levels Not Seen Since World War II



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