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PBS NewsHour

Explaining the national debt and how we got here

Season 2025 Episode 156 | 8m 03s

Republicans in Congress are hashing out a new tax cut and spending bill that's projected to add trillions to the national debt. Economics correspondent Paul Solman explains the ballooning national debt, how we got here and what it means for our economy and future generations.

Major corporate funding for the PBS NewsHour is provided by Care.com, Consumer Cellular, and Fidelity. Funding for the PBS NewsHour Weekend is provided by Mutual of America. For a complete list of funders for the PBS NewsHour and PBS NewsHour weekend, click here.
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Episode: S2025 E156 | 57:46
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PBS NewsHour
GOP Sen. Johnson on opposing Trump's budget in current form
GOP Sen. Ron Johnson explains why he opposes Trump's budget in its current form
Clip: S2025 E156 | 5:36
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PBS NewsHour
Breaking down Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' and its impact
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Clip: S2025 E156 | 4:57
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PBS NewsHour
News Wrap: Mexico's suit against gun manufacturers blocked
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Clip: S2025 E156 | 5:20
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Clip: S2025 E156 | 4:39
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PBS NewsHour
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Clip: S2025 E156 | 9:04
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Clip: S2025 E156 | 4:08
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PBS NewsHour
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Clip: S2025 E156 | 3:09
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June 6, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
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