Beyond Zombie Rule: Reclaiming Fiscal Sanity In A Broken Congress

In his provocative new book, "Beyond Zombie Rule," renowned economist Eugene Steuerle sounds the alarm on a critical yet underappreciated threat to American prosperity and democracy. Yet it will never be solved simply by whether Democrats or Republicans win the presidency or control of Congress. "We've created a system where the dead hand of past Congresses controls an increasing portion of our national budget," Steuerle writes. "It's as if fiscal zombies are ruling from the grave, leaving current and future generations with less and less ability to address the challenges of their time."
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See Steuerle's C-SPAN interview with James Capretta, where he discusses Zombie Rule, 9-23-2024
https: //www.c-span.org/video/?538597-1/aei-discussion-fiscal-policy-federal-budget
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Steuerle argues that well-intentioned but increasingly outdated spending and tax programs are devouring an ever-larger share of federal resources. Absent significant reform, any new Congress will quickly discover that every dollar of growing revenues has already been committed before they first walk through the doors of the Capitol. These past choices leave little room for new investments in education, infrastructure, environmental improvement, support for the long-neglected working class, and other priorities crucial for upward mobility and economic growth. Our kids and their future are among the biggest losers.

"Beyond Zombie Rule" isn't just a diagnosis of the problem. It traces its roots to policy decisions made decades ago and then presents a bold vision for reform. Steuerle, who has been instrumental in advancing the most significant reform of the U.S. income tax in history, as well as significant increases in several government programs for children, contends that both parties must face reality. They cannot keep all their promises for growth in spending forever faster than our income, along with taxes well below what is necessary to support even current expenditures.

They must also restore fiscal democracy. After all, those living tomorrow should have significant flexibility to orient resources to tomorrow's opportunities rather than yesterday's problems. "The longer we wait, the more painful the eventual reckoning will be," Steuerle warns.

For policymakers, economists, and concerned citizens alike, "Beyond Zombie Rule" offers an essential roadmap for navigating America's spending, tax, and budget future and ensuring the nation's continued economic vitality.