The standing collection · Fiscal Policy

The deficit has a name — it depends who you ask.

−6.2%

of GDP — federal deficit in FY2025 — toggle "Who Passed It" vs "As Spent" to see how credit shifts

Party-coded bars span every federal budget since 1901. Color each bar by president, Senate, or House — then flip between 'As Spent' and 'Who Passed It' to see how fiscal responsibility shifts.

1945202619012026

Attribution

As Spent— Party in office the year money was spentWho Passed It— Party in office the prior year, when the budget was passed

Color by

ℹBudget year view: Each bar's color reflects who controlled the presidency the prior year — when the budget was written and passed. Toggle to "As Spent" to compare.

Democrat

41 years in view

Surplus: 12.3%

Deficit: -118.1%

Republican

40 years in view

Surplus: 1.6%

Deficit: -130.2%