Total and On-budget Deficits and Surpluses, 1940-2009* (in billions of $2009)

NPP In Action

"As the national organizer for two US tours of Iraqi trade unionists, I ensured that local organizers had the resources needed to make these events a success. NPP's fact sheets were by far one of the most useful tools we provided. Organizers across the country appreciated how these sheets brought the issue of the war home."

- Thomas Bacon, National Organizer

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Total and On-budget Deficits and Surpluses, 1940-2009* (in billions of $2009)

The federal budget is classified into 'on-budget' and 'off-budget' items. 'Off-budget' spending includes the Social Security Trust Funds and the U.S. Postal Office.

The Social Security Trust Funds have produced large surpluses in recent years. Hence, the total budget deficit is smaller than what it would be if we subtracted these surpluses. The Social Security system is funded through dedicated payroll taxes. Thus, using the Social Security surpluses to fund other types of spending, which is essentially what takes place, means that the policy-makers are using one type of tax to fund other types of activities.