Congressional Debt Clocks

The following table estimates the increase in Total Public Debt Outstanding, or gross debt, for each current (C) and past (P) member of the 115th, 116th, 117th, 118th and 119th Congress (House (H) and Senate(S)) and president and vice president (E) during the times she or he was in office. 

The amount of debt is the Total Public Debt Outstanding sourced from the U.S. Treasury’s “Debt to the Penny” website. For current members (C) it is calculated using the gross debt on a current date less the gross debt on debt when they first assumed one of those offices. Then an estimated increment is added to show how much the debt is increasing. The debt for past members (P) is calculated as the debt on the day the member left office, minus the debt (or in some cases the approximate debt) when that member first assumed office. Adjustments were made for those members who left office and returned. 

From time to time, a former Member of Congress who served before the 115th Congress may become a candidate for federal office. To provide voters with additional historical context, the U.S. Debt Forum may include that individual’s prior congressional service in the Congressional Debt Clocks. These additions are made solely for educational purposes and are applied consistently regardless of political party or office sought. The Congressional Debt Clocks do not endorse or oppose any candidate or political party. Their purpose is to provide historical information regarding the growth of the U.S. national debt during a candidate’s prior congressional service so voters can make more informed decisions.

The amount does not include the costs of accrued liabilities for federal employee and veteran benefits payable (estimated at $15.5 trillion at 9/30/25) or Other Liabilities (estimated at $2 trillion at 9/30/25) or the present value of social insurance net expenditures – the future obligations for social insurance (social security and medicare estimated at $88.4 trillion at 9/30/25).

The Pledge column indicates if we believe they took the Taxpayer Protection Pledge (Y), did not take (N) or uncertain (?) the Taxpayer Protection Pledge. We believe this to be correct. If not, please notify us.

The Congressional Debt Clocks are intended to educate, not advocate. They do not attempt to assign responsibility to any individual elected official for changes in our national debt or evaluate an official’s voting record. Officials who served longer will generally show larger increases because the clocks measure cumulative debt growth over time. Changes in our national debt also reflect decisions made over many years by multiple Congresses and presidential administrations, as well as economic conditions, emergencies, interest costs and existing legal obligations. 

To the best of our knowledge, no Elected Representative has taken accountability for any portion of the increase in our national debt during their tenure.  If an elected representative believes any of this information is incorrect, the member may submit written documentation for review to support their position. When reviewed, and if accepted, the information will be adjusted accordingly. 

At August 18, 2026  – Total Public Debt Outstanding was $40.047 Trillion. 

To help visitors and members of the media explore the resource click the My Representative Demo button to display a demonstration Congressional Debt Clock to experience the functionality of the resource without featuring any specific elected official.