As Americans struggle with high prices, a new national survey conducted by Public Opinion Strategies and released Wednesday by National Taxpayers Union finds voters overwhelmingly believe the country is in an affordability crisis and that cutting government spending is the most effective way to rein in the national debt and bring down costs.
The nationwide survey of registered voters shows 89% believe the U.S. is facing an affordability crisis, while 88% say the $37 trillion national debt will eventually have a real impact on them and their families.
“Americans understand that the federal government’s overspending has consequences, and families are paying the price,” Pete Sepp, President of National Taxpayers Union, said. “Voters want leaders to rein in spending before the national debt and inflation do even more damage to household budgets.”
When asked how best to reduce the debt:
- 54% say cutting government spending
- 32% say growing the economy
- Only 13% say raising taxes
Voters draw a direct link between fiscal policy and rising prices. Among those who say the country faces an affordability crisis, 74% agree that cutting government spending and reducing the national debt is one way to bring down prices.
The survey was conducted January 12–14, 2026, among 800 registered voters nationwide using a mixed-mode methodology and has a margin of error of ±3.46 percentage points. The survey included 38% self-identified Republicans, 35% Democrats, and 25% independents or unaffiliated voters.
National Taxpayers Union is the only free-market organization for taxpayers that unites effective advocacy with useful research about how to limit taxes, spending, and regulation at every level and branch of government—state, federal, administrative, and judicial.