While Congress narrowly avoided a government shutdown, the budget process is just beginning—and Washington’s economic balancing act is growing more precarious by the day.

The continuing resolution passed on Friday keeps the government funded through the end of the fiscal year on September 30. That means Congress has about 6 months to strike a budget deal.

Meanwhile, the economy is struggling. Tariffs and policy uncertainty in Washington have upended consumer and business confidence, sending markets into correction territory, with the S&P 500 down 10% since its mid-February highs.

Adding to the complexity, the U.S. national debt recently hit $36 trillion, with the deficit increasing since January despite DOGE's cuts to government. There are conflicting perspectives on how President Trump’s tariffs will impact the deficit and debt.

To help us sort through it all, we are hosting a call with Dr. Douglas Holtz-Eakin, President of the American Action Forum and former Director of the Congressional Budget Office, next Friday, March 21, at 3:00 PM ET.

Dr. Holtz-Eakin is a widely respected economist and knows the ins and outs of the budget process better than anyone. We will discuss federal funding, the national debt, tariffs, and the economic outlook for the year ahead.