$39 trillion national debt is ‘an embarrassing milestone,’ think tank says. ‘Clearly headed in the wrong direction’

$39 trillion national debt is ‘an embarrassing milestone,’ think tank says. ‘Clearly headed in the wrong direction’

"Markets are paying close attention to our fiscal situation, and every time we hit a new milestone, we risk spooking them," said Maya MacGuineas.

The United States gross national debt crossed $39 trillion on Tuesday, a grim new threshold that a prominent fiscal watchdog says reflects decades of irresponsibility from both Republicans and Democr… [+3511 chars]