HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

The United States' national debt is on track to double over the next three decades amid a rush of spending by the White House and Congress.

The Social Security Administration revealed its annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026, which is going to boost benefits by 2.8% next year to account for inflation.

The Treasury Department reported federal spending growth has declined under President Trump with outlays falling 2.5% in the third quarter of 2025 compared to Biden era increases.

Social Security's annual COLA calculations are under scrutiny from advocacy groups, with some calling for different metrics to be used to boost or reduce the inflation adjustments.

The U.S. national debt surpassed $38 trillion for the first time this week, growing at a record pace driven by spending stemming from the aging population and elevated interest costs.

Bipartisan lawmakers request the Trump admin remove coffee from its reciprocal tariff measures that are "drastically increasing" costs for two-thirds of Americans who drink coffee daily.

Speaker Mike Johnson reiterates that average Americans "are getting hurt" due to Democrats' fear of backlash from the "far-left think tank" as the federal government shutdown rages on.

Trump administration officials work to stabilize U.S.-China relations after trade war threats, with President Donald Trump prepared to meet Xi Jinping.

Social Security's 2026 COLA announcement was delayed by the government shutdown but will be released Oct. 24, with experts projecting a 2.7% to 2.8% increase.

The Congressional Budget Office reported a $1.8 trillion federal deficit for fiscal year 2025, driven in part by a record $1 trillion interest costs from servicing the national debt.

A group of more than 20 American business advocacy group wrote to Congressional leaders as the government remains shut down.

The Social Security Administration will send two SSI payments in October 2025, with one payment on Oct. 1 and another on Oct. 31 due to the 2025 calendar scheduling.

Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano is set to take on a second role in the Trump administration as he was named the CEO of the Internal Revenue Service.

Millions of seniors may have to wait longer for 2026 Social Security COLA announcement as the government shutdown could delay Bureau of Labor Statistics inflation report.

Trump administration evaluates Social Security reform options as commissioner clarifies raising retirement age is not currently under consideration despite 2034 insolvency projections.