Three Years of Sounding the Debt Alarm at Cato and on the Debt Dispatch
Our Annual Recap, this time as a five-part series
As we close out our third year, we’re once again taking stock of what our team has been working on—and the impact we’re making (see our first and second year recaps, here and here). As the debt outlook has darkened — Congress increased deficits yet further, gimmicks remain prevalent in fiscal policymaking, and all three credit rating agencies have now downgraded the US government debt — the Debt Dispatch has grown into a space where complex fiscal debates are broken down with clarity and candor.
We’re challenging myths about Social Security, exposing budget sleights of hand, and are working with members of Congress to advance stronger guardrails on emergency spending and to advance an effective fiscal commission. Our work has sparked debate, drawn in new voices, and is reaching more high-impact congressional offices than ever.
With a new look, and a growing community of readers (thank you for being part of it!), and increasing impact, we’re ending the year not just chronicling fiscal dysfunction but proactively shaping the conversation about how to fix the US fiscal crisis.
A Big Year for the Debt Dispatch
This year marked a new chapter for the Debt Dispatch as we introduced a new design, opened the platform to guest contributors, accepted paid subscriptions (thanks to your generous pledges!), and significantly grew our audience.
In April, we unveiled a new logo—selected with the help of our readers—that reflects our mission to deliver clear, credible, and timely insights on America’s fiscal challenges.
Soon after, we opened the Debt Dispatch to guest contributions, publishing eleven guest posts on timely and often provocative topics. These included a three-part debate on whether states should be allowed to opt out of Social Security, a breakdown of Senate budget gimmicks, and thoughtful takes on everything from misleading Social Security narratives to a strong balanced budget rule. We welcome additional submissions that share our commitment to liberty-oriented fiscal reform. Reach out if you have something to share!
Importantly, our reach is growing. From about a year ago, our subscriber base has grown from 2,400 to nearly 3,900—a 62.5 percent increase. Notably, at a House Budget Committee hearing late last year, several members of Congress—Rep. Blake Moore (R-UT), Rep. Tom McClintock (R-CA), and former Rep. Bob Good (R-VA)—shouted out the Debt Dispatch as a valuable resource on budget policy:
Moore: “I get a lot of spam in my email. It gets really really bloated right now. But [Debt Digest] is the one I read!”
McClintock: “My thanks for your daily newsletter. It’s one of the best that I see every day. Please keep it up!”
Good: “Ms. Boccia, appreciate you being here. I read your Debt Digest. I read it this morning.”
We’re excited to keep building a platform that informs and advances the conversation on how to fix America’s fiscal mess – thanks for spreading the word and supporting the Debt Dispatch with your readership, shares, and financial contributions to the Cato Institute and this Substack.
This five-part series will recount key fiscal debates over the past year and the impact we’ve had on them:
1. Three Years of Sounding the Alarm at Cato and Building the Debt Dispatch
2. One Big Bloated Blunder (OBBBA) and Advancing Emergency Spending Reforms
3. DOGE, Rescissions, and Executive Impoundment
4. Reckoning with Fiscal Reality as the Debt Threat Intensifies
5. Political Handouts with No Social Security Reform in Sight