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Federal Spending

Federal budget deficit and government spending

The federal budget deficit and government spending levels are key issues for the 2026 cycle, with new tax cuts expected and high U.S. deficits posing risks to bond markets and long-term fiscal stability. Delaware's congressional delegation faces pressure on how to vote on spending bills and tax cut extensions.

How should Delaware's federal representatives address the growing national budget deficit?

How important is this to you?

Sources

Morgan Stanley — https://www.morganstanley.com/insights/articles/investor-guide-political-trends-2026
Political pressures, high U.S. deficits and oil price spikes pose challenges for an embattled Fed, potentially fueling bond volatility, higher long-term rates and a weaker dollar.
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, D+2 advantage.
Positions on this issue  ·  liberal → conservative
  1. Raise taxes on the wealthy and corporations substantially to eliminate the deficit while protecting social spending.
  2. Let the tax cuts for the wealthy expire and invest savings in healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
  3. Pursue a bipartisan balanced approach: modest revenue increases and targeted spending reductions together.
  4. Prioritize spending cuts to entitlement programs and discretionary spending while keeping tax cuts in place.
  5. Enact a balanced budget amendment, dramatically cut federal spending, and make all tax cuts permanent.