Federal Spending & Budget Deficit
The federal budget deficit is a growing concern as Congress debates spending priorities heading into the 2026 midterms. Pew Research finds 33% of voters trust neither party on the deficit, and Democrats hold only a slight edge (D+2). Arkansas receives significant federal funding for rural infrastructure, Medicaid, and agriculture — making federal budget decisions especially consequential for the state.
Where do you stand?
Should Arkansas's congressional delegation prioritize reducing the federal budget deficit?
How important is this to you?
✓ You told us where you stand
Sources
Pew Research Center — https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2026/07/23/as-the-2026-midterms-approach-economy-is-front-and-center
Policies to deal with the budget deficit: 33% say the Democratic Party, 31% say the Republican Party, 33% say neither — D+2 advantage.
Governing Magazine — https://www.governing.com/politics/the-biggest-issues-to-watch-in-2026
States will be scrambling to manage new priorities and demands from Washington, tighten their belts in a tough budget cycle.
Positions on this issue · liberal → conservative
- Reduce the deficit by raising taxes on corporations and the wealthy while protecting all social spending.
- Pursue a balanced approach of moderate spending reforms and targeted tax increases to shrink the deficit.
- Cut wasteful federal programs while protecting Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security from reductions.
- Implement broad federal spending cuts, including entitlement reform, to meaningfully reduce the deficit.
- Pass a balanced budget amendment and immediately slash federal spending across all departments.