‎CRFB Warns U.S. Government Shutdown Resolution Adds $3.4 Trillion in Debt, Calls for Fiscal Responsibility‎

By: Shawn
‎The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB) sharply criticized Congress following the reported end of America’s longest government shutdown. Maya MacGuineas, CRFB president, described the political stalemate as accomplishing “nothing” while harming individuals and the nation’s global reputation.
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‎CRFB criticizes Congress as government reopens, highlighting $3.4 trillion in new borrowing and warning of unsustainable U.S. fiscal policies.
‎Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
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‎MacGuineas condemned both parties for what she called “fiscal irresponsibility.” The previous standoff centered on $1.5 trillion in health-care subsidies, and the current reopening plan reportedly locks in $3.4 trillion in new borrowing by eliminating the Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) scorecard, a key tool for tracking fiscal balance.
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‎“Lawmakers should stop papering over their fiscal recklessness and face the tough decisions head-on,” MacGuineas said, urging adherence to established fiscal rules.
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‎The shutdown resolution followed Senate approval of an amended Continuing Resolution (CR) on November 10, with the House preparing to vote on the CR-Minibus appropriations bill. The package ensures full-year funding for Agriculture, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction-Veterans Affairs, while extending current funding for other appropriations bills.
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‎CRFB warns the reopening comes at a significant cost. Federal budget estimates from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) show a 12-month deficit of $1.8 trillion between November 2024 and October 2025, with federal debt approaching 100% of GDP.
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‎Lawmakers still face the task of passing nine remaining appropriations bills by the end of January without further increasing national debt. CRFB emphasizes that any extensions must be fiscally responsible, ideally “fully paid for – twice over” under a Super PAYGO approach.
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‎The watchdog stressed the urgency of bipartisan cooperation to reduce health care costs and debt while reopening the government without providing lawmakers a blank check for future borrowing. The CRFB concluded that current levels of governmental dysfunction have set a troubling precedent.

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