When analyzing proposals and programs whose costs depend on whether or not some uncertain variable reaches a specified trigger level, CBO considers a range of possible outcomes and their associated probabilities.
October 2020
Most Vietnam-era veterans are now retired. In 2018, their average income, including the disability compensation that some receive, was roughly comparable with the income of nonveterans their age.
In a cost estimate prepared in October 2000, the Congressional Budget Office estimated that spending for new health care benefits for military retirees would total about $57 billion over the 2003–2010 period; actual costs over that period were about $55 billion.
By CBO’s calculations, the Navy’s new frigate could cost 40 percent more than the service estimates. If the Navy’s estimate proves correct, however, the frigate would be its least expensive surface combatant in the past 50 years.
The federal government ran a budget deficit of $3.1 trillion in fiscal year 2020, CBO estimates, more than triple the shortfall recorded in 2019. The Treasury Department will report the actual deficit for the year later this month.
CBO releases an annual report summarizing completed projects. The agency also publishes quarterly reports, like this one, highlighting recent work and summarizing work in progress.
In 2017, average household income before accounting for means-tested transfers and federal taxes was $21,300 for the lowest quintile and $309,400 for the highest quintile. After transfers and taxes, those averages were $35,900 and $229,700.
CBO examines four policy approaches that could achieve near-universal health insurance coverage.
Congratulations to Theresa Gullo, CBO’s Director of Budget Analysis, on her selection as a fellow by the National Academy of Public Administration. Her selection acknowledges her wealth of public policy knowledge and the outstanding public service she provides to the Congress.