Number: RL31590
Title: The Federal Government Debt: Its Size and Economic Significance
Authors: Brian W. Cashell, Government and Finance Division 
Abstract: That there is more than one measure of federal debt may lead to some confusion. This report explains the different measures of the U.S. government debt, discusses the historical growth in the debt, identifies the current owners of the debt, presents comparisons with the public debt in other countries, and examines the potential economic risks associated with a growing federal debt.
Pages: 12
Date: January 29, 2008