The unified budget of the federal government is projected to have a surplus for at least a decade. However, large annual budget deficits over the past 2 decades sharply increased the total amount of debt owed to the public and its associated annual interest payments. This report presents current information on the federal debt, including how debt is defined and measured; who holds federal debt; how much it has grown in recent years; and its significance to the nat. economy. Information is provided in a clear, concise and easily understandable manner for a nontechnical audience. Includes a short bibliography for readers who are interested in more detailed information.