STATEHOUSE (Feb. 17, 2026) – A resolution co-authored by State Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) recognizing the seriousness of the U.S. national debt and its threat to national security recently passed the House Ways and Means Committee. It also urges Congress to commit to establishing an effective regular order for budgeting.
VanNatter said House Resolution 28 arose because nearly $8 trillion of national debt is owned by individuals not located in the U.S., and more than $800 billion in debt is owned by individuals in China, posing a serious threat to the country's security. The current outstanding public debt of the U.S. totals more than $38 trillion, with the debt owed per citizen rising to $112,000.
"The growing national debt should alarm every American, as it weakens our financial stability and threatens our national security," VanNatter said. "Indiana has shown that fiscal responsibility and balanced budgets are achievable, and we are asking our federal leaders in Washington to do the same."
Multiple federal officials have noted the national security risks associated with the country's outstanding debt, including former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Michael Mullen and former Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats. Improvements in the business climate in populous countries, along with aging populations around the world, will also likely contribute to higher global interest rates, which would squeeze all U.S. policy priorities, including defense and foreign policy.
VanNatter said this resolution builds upon earlier momentum from state elected officials who have offered their support for Congress and the President to act on reducing the national debt. In a formal letter addressed to President Donald Trump and members of Congress, 90 state elected officials urged Washington, D.C., officials to tackle the debt crisis, including Indiana Gov. Mike Braun, Indiana State Comptroller Elise Nieshalla and Indiana Treasurer Daniel Elliot.
The resolution now moves to the full House for consideration. To learn more about HR 28 and follow session, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) represents House District 38,
which includes all of Carroll and Tipton counties, and
portions of Cass, Clinton, Howard and Tippecanoe counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
