STATEHOUSE (Feb. 18, 2026) – A resolution co-authored by State Reps. Andrew Ireland (R-Indianapolis) and Julie McGuire (R-Indianapolis) 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.
Ireland 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.
"Our country's debt has grown so enormously that it defies belief, and it's currently projected to increase by trillions more in the next decade," Ireland said. "We are clearly on an unsustainable path that exposes the U.S. to security threats and saddles future generations with impossible deficits. This resolution is a call to action for federal lawmakers to give this emergency the attention it warrants."
McGuire said 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.
"For years, Indiana Republicans have made our state a model for responsible fiscal budgeting," McGuire said. "We've kept our focus on providing an enviable tax climate for Hoosiers and businesses while funding critical services and maintaining sensible reserves. It's past time our representatives in the nation's capital follow suit."
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. Andrew Ireland (R-Indianapolis) represents House District 90,
which includes a portion of Marion County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Julie McGuire (R-Indianapolis) represents House District 93,
which includes a portion of Marion County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
