Senator Peters Helps Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Examine National Security Threats Posed by Growing National Debt

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) introduced bipartisan legislation to improve our understanding of the national security threats posed by the United States’ growing national debt and net interest. The National Net Interest is National Security Act would require key Administration officials to issue a report every four years examining how the current U.S. financial situation may impact our ability to effectively respond to emerging economic or geopolitical crises and meet mandatory spending obligations. Peters introduced the bill with U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA).

“Our country is on an unsustainable fiscal path, with the total national debt higher than it's been at any other time in our nation’s history. It’s critical that we understand and raise awareness of the long-term impacts that high federal debt and interest payments could have on both our economic and national security,” said Senator Peters. “This bipartisan legislation would provide lawmakers and the American public with the knowledge we need to address our current financial situation with the urgency it deserves.”

“As the high and rising debt threatens to crowd out vital national priorities, from private investment to public infrastructure to military readiness, we thank Sens. Cassidy (R-LA) and Peters (D-MI) for drawing attention to the need for immediate action to reduce deficits, through their bipartisan introduction of the National Net Interest is National Security Act of 2025,”says Michele Stockwell, President of Bipartisan Policy Center Action (BPC Action).

The National Net Interest is National Security Act would require the report to be issued within one year as part of the National Defense Strategy. The report would also analyze the impacts that the national debt and net interest have on the global standing of the U.S. dollar, the U.S. credit rating, as well as current inflationary and interest rates.

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