Why the US Should Reduce Its Debt Now
Our Privacy Policy has been updated! The Conference Board uses cookies to improve our website, enhance your experience, and deliver relevant messages and offers about our products. Detailed information on the use of cookies on this site is provided in our cookie policy. For more information on how The Conference Board collects and uses personal data, please visit our privacy policy. By continuing to use this Site or by clicking "OK", you acknowledge our privacy policy and consent to the use of cookies.  Our Privacy Policy has been updated! Detailed information on the use of cookies on this site is provided in our cookie policy and our privacy policy. 
TCB Tourch
Loading...
  • logoImage
  •  
    • US
    • EUROPE
    • ASIA
  • 2

    Close
    • Insights
        • Insights
        • Explore by Center
          • Explore by Center
          • CED
            Committee for Economic Development

          • Economy, Strategy & Finance

          • Governance & Sustainability

          • Human Capital

          • Marketing & Communications

        • Explore by Content Type
          • Explore by Content Type
          • Reports

          • Upcoming Webcasts

          • On Demand Webcasts

          • Podcasts

          • Charts & Infographics

        • Trending Topics
          • Trending Topics
          • Artificial Intelligence (AI)

          • Navigating Washington

          • Geopolitics

          • US Economic Forecast

          • Sustainability

          • Future of Work

    • Events
        • Events
        • Upcoming Events
          • Upcoming Events
          • People First: Opportunity and Access

          • CHRO Summit: Navigating through a Tsunami of Change

          • Future: People Asia

          • Executive Compensation in a Disruptive World

          • CED Distinguished Leadership Awards Celebration

          • The 2025 IBI/Conference Board Health and Productivity Forum

          • Explore all Upcoming Events

        • Member-Exclusive Programs
          • Member-Exclusive Programs
          • Center Briefings

          • Experts Live

          • Roundtables

          • Working Groups

          • Expert Briefings

    • Data
        • Data
        • Consumer Confidence Index

        • Data Central

        • TCB Benchmarking

        • Employment Trends Index

        • Global Economic Outlook

        • Leading Economic Indicators

        • Help Wanted OnLine

        • Labor Markets

        • Measure of CEO Confidence

        • Human Capital Benchmarking &
          Data Analytics

        • CMO+CCO Meter Dashboard

    • Centers
        • Centers
        • Our Centers
          • Our Centers
          • Committee for Economic Development

          • Economy, Strategy & Finance

          • Governance & Sustainability

          • Human Capital

          • Marketing & Communications

        • Center Membership
          • Center Membership
          • What Is a Center?

          • Benefits of Center Membership

          • Join a Center

    • Councils
        • Councils
        • Find a Council
          • Find a Council
          • Economy, Strategy & Finance

          • Governance & Sustainability

          • Human Capital

          • Marketing & Communications

        • Council Membership
          • Council Membership
          • What is a Council?

          • Benefits of Council Membership

          • Apply to a Council

    • Membership
        • Membership
        • Why Become a Member?
          • Why Become a Member?
          • Benefits of Membership

          • Check if Your Organization is a Member

          • Speak to a Membership Associate

        • Types of Membership
          • Types of Membership
          • Council

          • Committee for Economic Development

          • Economy, Strategy & Finance

          • Governance & Sustainability

          • Human Capital

          • Marketing & Communications

          • Insights

        • Already a Member?
          • Already a Member?
          • Sign In to myTCB®

          • Executive Communities

          • Member-Exclusive Programs

    • About Us
        • About Us
        • Who We Are
          • Who We Are
          • About Us

          • In the News

          • Press Releases

          • Our History

          • Support Our Work

          • Locations

          • Contact Us

        • Our Community
          • Our Community
          • Our Leadership

          • Our Experts

          • Trustees

          • Voting Members

          • Global Counsellors

          • Careers

          • This Week @ TCB

    • Careers
    • This Week @ TCB
    • Sign In to myTCB®
      • US
      • EUROPE
      • ASIA
    • Insights
      • Insights
      • Explore by Center
        • Explore by Center
        • CED
          Committee for Economic Development

        • Economy, Strategy & Finance

        • Governance & Sustainability

        • Human Capital

        • Marketing & Communications

      • Explore by Content Type
        • Explore by Content Type
        • Reports

        • Upcoming Webcasts

        • On Demand Webcasts

        • Podcasts

        • Charts & Infographics

      • Trending Topics
        • Trending Topics
        • Artificial Intelligence (AI)

        • Navigating Washington

        • Geopolitics

        • US Economic Forecast

        • Sustainability

        • Future of Work

    • Events
      • Events
      • Upcoming Events
        • Upcoming Events
        • People First: Opportunity and Access

        • CHRO Summit: Navigating through a Tsunami of Change

        • Future: People Asia

        • Executive Compensation in a Disruptive World

        • CED Distinguished Leadership Awards Celebration

        • The 2025 IBI/Conference Board Health and Productivity Forum

        • Explore all Upcoming Events

      • Member-Exclusive Programs
        • Member-Exclusive Programs
        • Center Briefings

        • Experts Live

        • Roundtables

        • Working Groups

        • Expert Briefings

    • Data
      • Data
      • Consumer Confidence Index

      • Data Central

      • TCB Benchmarking

      • Employment Trends Index

      • Global Economic Outlook

      • Leading Economic Indicators

      • Help Wanted OnLine

      • Labor Markets

      • Measure of CEO Confidence

      • Human Capital Benchmarking & Data Analytics

      • CMO+CCO Meter Dashboard

    • Centers
      • Centers
      • Our Centers
        • Our Centers
        • Committee for Economic Development

        • Economy, Strategy & Finance

        • Governance & Sustainability

        • Human Capital

        • Marketing & Communications

      • Center Membership
        • Center Membership
        • What is a Center?

        • Benefits of Center Membership

        • Join a Center

    • Councils
      • Councils
      • Find a Council
        • Find a Council
        • Economy, Strategy & Finance

        • Governance & Sustainability

        • Human Capital

        • Marketing & Communications

      • Council Membership
        • Council Membership
        • What is a Council?

        • Benefits of Council Membership

        • Apply to a Council

    • Membership
      • Membership
      • Why Become a Member?
        • Why Become a Member?
        • Benefits of Membership

        • Check if Your Organization is a Member

        • Speak to a Membership Associate

      • Types of Membership
        • Types of Membership
        • Council

        • Committee for Economic Development

        • Economy, Strategy & Finance

        • Governance & Sustainability

        • Human Capital

        • Marketing & Communications

        • Insights

      • Already a Member?
        • Already a Member?
        • Sign In to myTCB®

        • Executive Communities

        • Member-Exclusive Programs

    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Who We Are
        • Who We Are
        • About Us

        • In the News

        • Press Releases

        • This Week @ TCB

        • Our History

        • Support Our Work

        • Locations

        • Contact Us

      • Our Community
        • Our Community
        • Our Leadership

        • Our Experts

        • Trustees

        • Voting Members

        • Global Counsellors

        • Careers

        • This Week @ TCB

    • Careers
    • Sign In to myTCB®
    • Download TCB Insights App
  • Insights
    Insights

    Our research and analysis have helped the world's leading companies navigate challenges and seize opportunities for over 100 years.

    Explore All Research

    Economic Indicators

    • Explore by Center
    • CED
      Committee for Economic Development
    • Economy, Strategy & Finance
    • Governance & Sustainability
    • Human Capital
    • Marketing & Communications
    • Explore by Content Type
    • Reports
    • Upcoming Webcasts
    • On Demand Webcasts
    • Podcasts
    • Charts & Infographics
    • Trending Topics
    • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
    • Navigating Washington
    • Geopolitics
    • US Economic Forecast
    • Sustainability
    • Future of Work
  • Events
    Events

    Our in-person and virtual events offer unmatched opportunities for professional development, featuring top experts and practitioners.

    See Everything Happening This Week

    Sponsor a Program

    • Upcoming Events
    • People First: Opportunity and Access

      June 12 - 13, 2025

      CHRO Summit: Navigating through a Tsunami of Change

      June 24, 2025

      Future: People Asia

      September 04 - 05, 2025

    •  
    • Executive Compensation in a Disruptive World

      September 16 - 17, 2025

      CED Distinguished Leadership Awards Celebration

      October 08, 2025

      The 2025 IBI/Conference Board Health and Productivity Forum

      October 16 - 17, 2025

    • Member-Exclusive Programs
    • Center Briefings
    • Experts Live
    • Roundtables
    • Working Groups
    • Expert Briefings
    • Explore by Type
    • Events
    • Webcasts
    • Podcasts
    • Member-Exclusive Programs
    • Center Briefings
    • Experts Live
    • Roundtables
    • Working Groups
    • Expert Briefings
  • Data
    Corporate Disclosure Data

    TCB Benchmarking

    Real-time data & analytical tools to benchmark your governance, compensation, environmental, human capital management (HCM) and social practices against US public companies.

    Economic Data

    All Data

    See current direction and trends across key indicators

    Consumer Confidence Index

    US consumers' thoughts on the economy, jobs, finances and more

    Data Central

    One-stop, member-exclusive portal for the entire suite of indicators

    Labor Markets

    Covering all aspects of labor markets, from monthly development to long-term trends

    Measure of CEO Confidence

    Examines the health of the US economy from the perspective of CEOs

     

    Recession & Growth Trackers

    See the current and future state of 16 economies.

    Global Economic Outlook

    Track the latest short-, medium-, and long-term growth outlooks for 77 economies

    Leading Economic Indicators

    Track the state of the business cycle for 12 global economies across Asia and Europe

    Help Wanted OnLine

    Track the status of job markets across the US through online job listings

    Other Featured Data

    Human Capital Analytics Tools

    Tools to understand human capital management and corporate performance

    CMO+CCO Meter Dashboard

    Tracks the impact, resources, and satisfaction of CMOs and CCOs

  • Centers
    Centers

    Centers offer access to world-class experts, research, events, and senior executive communities.

    Our Centers
    • Committee for Economic Development
    • Economy, Strategy & Finance
    • Governance & Sustainability
    • Human Capital
    • Marketing & Communications
    Center Membership
    • What Is a Center?
    • Benefits of Center Membership
    • Join a Center
  • Councils
    Councils

    Councils are invitation-only, peer-led communities of senior executives that come together to exchange knowledge, accelerate career development, and advance their function.

    Find a Council
    • Economy, Strategy & Finance
    • Governance & Sustainability
    • Human Capital
    • Marketing & Communications
    Council Membership
    • What Is a Council?
    • Benefits of Council Membership
    • Apply to a Council
  • Membership
    Membership

    Membership in The Conference Board arms your team with an arsenal of knowledge, networks, and expertise that's unmatched in scope and depth.

    • Why Become a Member?
    • Benefits of Membership
    • Check if Your Organization is a Member
    • Speak to a Membership Associate
    • Types of Membership
    • Council
    • Committee for Economic Development
    • Economy, Strategy & Finance
    • Governance & Sustainability
    • Human Capital
    • Marketing & Communications
    • Insights
    • Already a Member?
    • Sign in to myTCB®
    • Executive Communities
    • Member-Exclusive Programs
  • About Us
    About Us

    The Conference Board is the global, nonprofit think tank and business membership organization that delivers Trusted Insights for What's Ahead®. For over 100 years, our cutting-edge research, data, events and executive networks have helped the world's leading companies understand the present and shape the future.

    Learn more about Membership

    • Who We Are
    • About Us
    • In the News
    • Press Releases
    • Our History
    • Support Our Work
    • Locations
    • Contact Us
    • Our Community
    • Our Leadership
    • Our Experts
    • Trustees
    • Voting Members
    • Careers
    • This Week @ TCB
Check if You're a Member
Create Account
Forgot Your Password?

Members of The Conference Board get exclusive access to the full range of products and services that deliver Trusted Insights for What's Ahead ® including webcasts, publications, data and analysis, plus discounts to conferences and events.

C-SUITE PERSPECTIVES

Why the US Should Reduce Its Debt Now

In this episode, Steve Odland, and Dr. Lori Esposito Murray discuss the federal debt, where it stands today, and what can be done to get it under control.

  • Email
  • Linkedin
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Copy Link
  • Transcript

In this episode, The Conference Board President and CEO, Steve Odland, and Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, President of the Committee for Economic Development, the public policy center of The Conference Board (CED), discuss the federal debt, where it stands today, and what can be done to get it under control. Tune in to find out:

  • How has the national public debt risen over time? What have been the main drivers?
  • What is the optimal debt-to-GDP ratio?
  • What is driving the urgency to reduce the public debt?
  • Why have some recent presidents said debt doesn’t matter?
  • What fiscal policies will help get the debt under control?
  • How long will it take to reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio to a responsible level?
Why the US Should Reduce Its Debt Now

Don’t miss an episode of C-Suite Perspectives

Sign Up for Episode Alerts

Listen on

In this episode, The Conference Board President and CEO, Steve Odland, and Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, President of the Committee for Economic Development, the public policy center of The Conference Board (CED), discuss the federal debt, where it stands today, and what can be done to get it under control. Tune in to find out:

  • How has the national public debt risen over time? What have been the main drivers?
  • What is the optimal debt-to-GDP ratio?
  • What is driving the urgency to reduce the public debt?
  • Why have some recent presidents said debt doesn’t matter?
  • What fiscal policies will help get the debt under control?
  • How long will it take to reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio to a responsible level?

Return to podcast series

Experts in this series

Join experts from The Conference Board as they share Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead®

Steve Odland

Steve Odland

President and CEO
The Conference Board

Read Bio

Dr. Lori Esposito Murray

Dr. Lori Esposito Murray

Senior Fellow for National Security & Managing Dir…
Council on Foreign Relations…

Read Bio

C-Suite Perspectives

C-Suite Perspectives is a series hosted by our President & CEO, Steve Odland. This weekly conversation takes an objective, data-driven look at a range of business topics aimed at executives. Listeners will come away with what The Conference Board does best: Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead®.

C-Suite Perspectives provides unique insights for C-Suite executives on timely topics that matter most to businesses as selected by The Conference Board. If you would like to suggest a guest for the podcast series, please email csuite.perspectives@conference-board.org. Note: As a non-profit organization under 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code, The Conference Board cannot promote or offer marketing opportunities to for-profit entities.


Episodes

  • Zscaler’s Secret to Success: Be Obsessed with Customers

    C-Suite Perspectives / 02 Jun 2025

    In an always-online world, companies need modern protection. That's where Zscaler comes in.

    • Email
    • Linkedin
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Copy Link
    • Transcript
  • The State of the Economy for May 2025

    C-Suite Perspectives / 27 May 2025

    Confidence is on the rise again after April’s deep slump. What factors helped rebuild consumers’ outlook in May?

    • Email
    • Linkedin
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Copy Link
    • Transcript
  • What New Polling Says About Tariffs, Immigration and More

    C-Suite Perspectives / 27 May 2025

    Get insights on the president’s polling 100 days in and how Americans view crucial domestic issues.

    • Email
    • Linkedin
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Copy Link
    • Transcript
  • What’s Russia’s Next Move in Ukraine—and in Europe?

    C-Suite Perspectives / 19 May 2025

    Find out the major issues prolonging the Russia-Ukraine war and the potential Russian threat to Finland and the Baltics.

    • Email
    • Linkedin
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Copy Link
    • Transcript
  • What's on the White House Agenda for the Next 100 Days?

    C-Suite Perspectives / 12 May 2025

    As the Trump presidency enters its second 100 days, what should we expect next?

    • Email
    • Linkedin
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Copy Link
    • Transcript
  • CHROs in the Boardroom: What’s Trending, What’s Next?

    C-Suite Perspectives / 05 May 2025

    How can CHROs continue being a strategic partner while helping companies navigate the future of work?

    • Email
    • Linkedin
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Copy Link
    • Transcript
View more episodes

Other Related Resources

Article

House Passes Reconciliation Bill and Senate Next Steps

House Passes Reconciliation Bill and Senate Next Steps

May 29, 2025

Newsletters & Alerts

Regulators Reportedly Considering Easing Some Capital Standards for Large Banks

Regulators Reportedly Considering Easing Some Capital Standards for Large Banks

May 28, 2025

Article

The Types of Presidential Actions

The Types of Presidential Actions

May 27, 2025

Additional Resources

Federal Budget Tracker

Federal Budget Tracker

May 22, 2025

Newsletters & Alerts

Policy Alert: House Republicans Propose Excise Tax on Remittances

Policy Alert: House Republicans Propose Excise Tax on Remittances

May 21, 2025

Article

Next Steps in Reconciliation: House Committee Markups

Next Steps in Reconciliation: House Committee Markups

May 16, 2025

Newsletters & Alerts

Policy Alert: Incumbent Labor Party Wins Australian Election

Policy Alert: Incumbent Labor Party Wins Australian Election

May 15, 2025

Newsletters & Alerts

Policy Alert: Stablecoin Bill Fails Key Senate Vote

Policy Alert: Stablecoin Bill Fails Key Senate Vote

May 15, 2025

Podcasts

What's on the White House Agenda for the Next 100 Days?

What's on the White House Agenda for the Next 100 Days?

May 12, 2025

Newsletters & Alerts

Policy Alert: UK and US Reach Agreement for Trade Deal

Policy Alert: UK and US Reach Agreement for Trade Deal

May 08, 2025

Newsletters & Alerts

Policy Alert: Executive Order on Promoting US Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Policy Alert: Executive Order on Promoting US Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

May 07, 2025

Newsletters & Alerts

Policy Alert: Administration Eliminates Federal Funding for NPR and PBS

Policy Alert: Administration Eliminates Federal Funding for NPR and PBS

May 07, 2025

Article

Reauthorization of the Defense Production Act

Reauthorization of the Defense Production Act

May 02, 2025

Article

The Next One Hundred Days – and Beyond: What Lies Ahead

The Next One Hundred Days – and Beyond: What Lies Ahead

April 29, 2025

Additional Resources

Presidential Actions

Presidential Actions

April 23, 2025

Article

Congress Agrees to Budget Resolution to Unlock Reconciliation

Congress Agrees to Budget Resolution to Unlock Reconciliation

April 16, 2025

Article

Attempt to Shift Power: Changes to Federal Election Administration

Attempt to Shift Power: Changes to Federal Election Administration

April 04, 2025

Article

CBO View: Tax Bill, Debt Ceiling, and Long-Term Projections

CBO View: Tax Bill, Debt Ceiling, and Long-Term Projections

April 03, 2025

Article

The Administration’s View on Impoundment

The Administration’s View on Impoundment

March 27, 2025

Newsletters & Alerts

Policy Alert: Firing Democratic FTC Commissioners

Policy Alert: Firing Democratic FTC Commissioners

March 19, 2025

Article

Inside Another Last-Minute Deal to Fund the US Government

Inside Another Last-Minute Deal to Fund the US Government

March 14, 2025

Article


House Passes Reconciliation Bill and Senate Next Steps

House Passes Reconciliation Bill and Senate Next Steps

May 29, 2025

Newsletters & Alerts


Regulators Reportedly Considering Easing Some Capital Standards for Large Banks

Regulators Reportedly Considering Easing Some Capital Standards for Large Banks

May 28, 2025

Article


The Types of Presidential Actions

The Types of Presidential Actions

May 27, 2025

On Demand Webcasts

Financial Services: What Next from the New Administration?

Financial Services: What Next from the New Administration?

March 20, 2025

On Demand Webcasts


Financial Services: What Next from the New Administration?

Financial Services: What Next from the New Administration?

March 20, 2025

Conference Board Sample Web Chat
chatbot-Icon TCB Logo
chatbot-Icon
Navigating Washington - Sign up to receive the latest business insights related to executive orders, new laws, and changing regulations.
ABOUT US
  • Who We Are
  • Annual Report
  • Our History
  • Our Experts
  • Our Leadership
  • In the News
  • Press Releases
MEMBERSHIP
  • Become a Member
  • Sign In to myTCB®
  • Access Experts
  • Member-Only Events
  • Data & Benchmarking
  • Manage Account
EXPLORE
  • Centers
  • Councils
  • Latest Research
  • Events
  • Webcasts
  • Podcasts
  • This Week @ TCB
CONTACT US
  • Americas
    +1 212 759 0900
    customer.service@tcb.org
  • Europe/Africa/Middle East
    +32 2 675 5405
    brussels@tcb.org
  • Asia
    Hong Kong | +852 2804 1000
    Singapore | +65 8298 3403
    service.ap@tcb.org
CAREERS
  • See Open Positions
Terms Of Use | Privacy Policy | Event Code of Conduct | Trademarks
© 2025 The Conference Board Inc. All rights reserved. The Conference Board and torch logo are registered trademarks of The Conference Board.
The use of all The Conference Board data and materials is subject to the Terms of Use. Reprint requests are reviewed individually and may be subject to additional fees.The Conference Board reserves the right to deny any request.
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Event Code of Conduct | Trademarks
© 2025 The Conference Board Inc. All rights reserved. The Conference Board and torch logo are registered trademarks of The Conference Board.
The use of all data from The Conference Board data and materials is subject to the Terms of Use. Reprint requests are reviewed individually and may be subject to additional fees.The Conference Board reserves the right to deny any request.

Thank you for signing up. You will now receive CEO Insights for What's Ahead every Wednesday morning. You can unsubscribe at any time or manage your preferences to receive more content from The Conference Board.

Announcing The Conference Board AI Virtual Conference Series

Explore the Impact of AI on Your Business

Members receive complimentary registration - Learn more >>