Our national debt is at an all-time high, totaling more than $38 trillion as of December 2025. That puts the debt owed per U.S. citizen at $112,000. More than $8 trillion of that debt is owned by individuals outside the U.S., including over $800 billion owned by individuals in China. This not only poses a threat to our state's balanced budget, but also to national security.
To address these concerns and urge more action on the federal level, I co-authored House Resolution 28 asking Congress to take the growing debt seriously and commit to establishing efforts to get our national finances in order.
The last time our nation saw a federal budget surplus was 2001 and in fiscal year 2024 the federal government spent over $1 trillion more than its generated revenue. With no actions taken to control spending in Congress, it is up to the states to urge change.
In the last two decades, Hoosier Republicans have prioritized Indiana's financial security. Maintaining low debt while funding essential government services ranks us the 4th lowest state in debt per capita. Indiana is 1 of only 13 states to earn the highest AAA credit rating from all three major rating agencies. Our general fund in fiscal year 2025 was nearly 7% above revenue for the previous fiscal year, even as Indiana was 1 of 8 states to lower its income tax rate. We've demonstrated how disciplined budgeting and stable regulations can make a huge difference in the financial health of a government.
House Resolution 28 urges Congress to see the threats this overwhelming debt has to our national security and to take actions to work toward sustainable solutions.
To stay updated on all my legislation and follow the 2026 session, visit iga.in.gov.
As your state representative, I am advocating for the needs and voices of House District 16. Please reach out to my office with any questions at in.gov/h16 or by calling 317-232-9819.
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State Rep. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) represents House District 16,
which includes portions of Jasper, Pulaski, Starke and White counties.
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