Tariffs as Budget Pay-Fors: Three Revenue Options for Congress

Tariffs as Budget Pay-Fors: Three Revenue Options for Congress

As the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects a $1.9 trillion federal deficit for fiscal year 2026, Congress is under increasing pressure to identify durable budget pay-fors. In most cases, that discussion quickly narrows to three familiar choices: raise domestic taxes, cut spending, or continue borrowing more. But tariffs warrant more serious consideration.

Are Tariffs a Burden? CPA Senior Economist Mihir Torsekar Debates The Tax Foundation at Ohio State University

Are Tariffs a Burden? CPA Senior Economist Mihir Torsekar Debates The Tax Foundation at Ohio State University

If there is one Washington, D.C.-based organization that is outspoken against the positions of CPA, it’s the Tax Foundation. They have been instrumental in getting many legislators to believe tariffs would be a “tax” upwards of $1,000 per household.