by Calculated Risk on 2/01/2006 03:02:00 PM

"By passing these reforms, we will save the American taxpayer another $14 billion next year, and stay on track to cut the deficit in half by 2009." George W. Bush, SOTU Address, Jan 31, 2006

After four months, Fiscal 2006 continues to set new records for the YTD increase in National Debt. For the first four months of fiscal year 2006, the National Debt increased $263.4 Billion to $8.196 Trillion as of Jan 31, 2006.


Click on graph for larger image.

The previous record for the first four months was in fiscal 2005 with an increase in the National Debt of $248.7 Billion.

Each month I will plot the YTD increase in the National Debt and compare it to the proceeding years. I expect fiscal 2006 to set a new record for the annual increase in the National Debt.

NOTE: I quoted the SOTU address last night for two reasons: first, $14 Billion is an inconsequental amount compared to the US budget, and second, there is no way the US will "cut the deficit in half" by 2009. George W. Bush has no credibility on the budget:

"... our budget will run a deficit that will be small and short-term" George W. Bush, SOTU Address, Jan 29, 2002