Explains the pervasiveness and complexity of the many federal lending programs, their effect on the overall economy, the costs, as well as the benefits and risks they pose, and actions that should be taken to ensure such programs are more efficient and effective. - Provided by publisher

"Examines the role that taxes currently play, the likely effects of recently introduced health savings accounts, the challenges of administering major subsidies for health insurance through the tax system, and options for using the tax system to expand health insurance coverage"--Provided by...

"Addresses the challenges of making financial systems more inclusive, emulating successful ventures in new markets, and utilizing technologies and government policies to support the expansion of financial access. Examines many dimensions of financial access, including measuring financial access,...

Updates and expands the assessment of the long-term budgetary outlook, addressing such issues as the collapse of the congressional budgetary process and the threat posed by the termination of discretionary spending caps. Concludes with a look at how the nation's deficit will affect America now...