**GAO-08-411T**                      Published: Jan 29, 2008. Publicly Released: Jan 29, 2008.                  

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## Highlights

GAO has for many years warned that our nation is on an imprudent and unsustainable fiscal path. During the past 3 years, the Comptroller General has traveled to 25 states as part of the Fiscal Wake-Up Tour. Members of this diverse group of policy experts agree that finding solutions to the nation's long-term fiscal challenge will require bipartisan cooperation, a willingness to discuss all options, and the courage to make tough choices. At the request of Chairman Conrad and Senator Gregg, the Comptroller General discussed the long-term fiscal outlook, our nation's huge health care challenge, and the shrinking window of opportunity for action.

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## Topics

Budget and Spending

Budget activitiesBudget administrationBudget deficitBudgetsEconomic analysisEconomic policiesFiscal policiesHealth care costsPolicy evaluationMedicare