Most Americans believe Congress can balance the budget by eliminating waste, not by cutting Social Security or raising taxes.
Key Takeaways
- 69% of voters support a constitutional amendment requiring Congress to pass a balanced budget—nearly identical to our 2022 poll.
- A strong majority believe it is possible to balance the federal budget without raising taxes or cutting benefits in programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.
- 7-in-10 voters agree it’s possible to save hundreds of billions of dollars per year by reducing waste and fraud in entitlement programs.
- These views are bipartisan and broadly held—including among swing voters and voters not aligned with the GOP.
Voters overwhelmingly support a constitutional requirement to balance the federal budget—and they believe it can be done without raising taxes or cutting earned benefits. Instead, most say the solution lies in cutting waste, not making Americans sacrifice more.
WHY IT MATTERS
With deficits projected to exceed $1.5 trillion per year indefinitely, budget hawks often argue that hard choices are necessary—either raise taxes or cut popular benefits. But voters don’t see it that way.
Instead, they believe waste, fraud, and mismanagement are the main culprits—and that responsible leadership can balance the budget without harming seniors or working families.
HOW TO USE THIS DATA
The data supports a clear and popular message:
👉 “Balance the budget. Cut the waste. Protect earned benefits.”
This message unites swing voters, “Unconverted MAGA” voters, and core conservatives—without triggering opposition from those who rely on government programs.
What We Tested
We asked voters three key questions:
- Do you support a constitutional amendment requiring Congress to pass a balanced federal budget?
- Do you believe it’s possible to balance the budget without raising taxes or cutting benefits?
- Do you believe the government could save hundreds of billions of dollars a year in Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security just by reducing waste and fraud?
Click on the image below to read the full report…or read the summary below.
Support for a Balanced Budget Amendment is Broad and Strong
- 69% of all voters support a balanced budget amendment, with 75% support among Republicans, 70% among swing voters, and 56% among Democrats.
- Support holds across all generations, with Boomers (78%), Millennials (63%), and even Gen Z (63%) in favor.
Voters Believe It’s Possible Without Tax Hikes or Benefit Cuts
- 66% of voters agree the federal budget can be balanced without touching Social Security, Medicare, or raising taxes.
- Among swing voters, support is even stronger at 67%.
- Even a majority of Democrats (61%) agree it’s possible.
7 -in-10 Say We Can Cut Hundreds of Billions Through Waste Reduction
- 73% of all voters believe the federal government could save hundreds of billions by eliminating waste and fraud from entitlement programs.
- Agreement is widespread—including 74% of Republicans, 72% of swing voters, and 63% of Democrats.
- Gen Z and Millennials—demographics often seen as more supportive of government benefits—show majority support for this approach.
The Bottom Line
The idea of balancing the budget—without painful cuts or tax hikes—isn’t just wishful thinking to voters. It’s common sense. They want to see discipline in Washington, not handwringing about impossible choices.