Capitol Desk
Why Does Congress Keep Kicking the Fiscal Can?
And avoids the hard choices while deficits explode.
by Richard K. Vedder
April 3, 2026, 10:07 PM
Americans correctly believe that the federal government is notoriously fiscally inefficient and irresponsible. This inefficiency is particularly noticeable regarding the legislative branch. The nation endures government shutdowns and massive budget deficits despite general prosperity because Congress lacks the political will to reach compromises or enact painful reforms (like reducing massive entitlements, raising taxes, downsizing federal bureaucracy, ending congressional earmarks, or selling government land or other assets). Recent massive lines at airports in March 2026 arose not from the weather but because of the Capitol Hill budgetary stalemate. (RELATED: Partial Government Shutdown Pushes Airport Security to Its Limits)
“What we’ve got in Washington is a credentialed ruling elite that cares more about keeping their jobs than doing their jobs.”
As a consequence of the Keynesian Revolution that upended an unwritten but generally honored fiscal mandate to balance budgets, current congressional job security suggests the perceived political costs from reducing the $39 trillion national debt through reduced spending or increased taxes far exceed the political benefits gained from being fiscally responsible. The government literally shuts down too often from political stalemates related to budgetary issues, and Congress hasn’t passed a complete, timely (much less balanced) budget in many years: fiscal year 2026 will be the 25th consecutive year of running budget deficits, imperiling our global economic leadership as well as future generations. (RELATED: The CBO’s Latest Report and the Choice Between Reform and Disorder)
I have worked and consulted with many congressmen, testifying at their hearings over several decades. They are mostly hard-working, bright, and reasonable people. Most have generally good, if not sterling, moral character, although the addiction to the money and fame associated with political power provides notable exceptions, leading occasionally to criminal convictions (Sen. Robert Mendenez and Representative George Santos are two recent examples). Especially worrisome: legislative branch dysfunctionality seems to be growing. Why does the system work so poorly these days? (RELATED: Is it 2006 for 2026 Senate Republicans?)
https://spectator.org/why-does-congress-keep-kicking-the-fiscal-can/
