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CONTACT: Nate Goodman
[email protected], (804) 381-8020
New Advocacy Organization, Concord Action, Formed as Congress Considers Major Budget Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Concord Coalition, a nonprofit organization focused on addressing America’s rapidly growing national debt, named former Congresswoman Carolyn Bourdeaux as its new Executive Director and launched a new 501(c)4 advocacy organization, Concord Action, to marshal grassroots support for fiscal responsibility.
“America’s runaway debt is a crisis we cannot afford to ignore. We are $36 trillion in the hole already, and we have no plan to put things on a better path.” said Carolyn Bourdeaux, Executive Director of The Concord Coalition and Concord Action. “I hear over and over from individuals across the political spectrum that our exploding national debt keeps them up at night, as they worry for their future and their children’s future. I’m proud to join The Concord Coalition and to launch Concord Action at this critical moment to help mobilize these concerns into action. We must urge our leaders to secure our future by paying for priorities and putting our nation on stronger fiscal and economic footing.”
While a member of Congress, Bourdeaux was a leader in reaching across the aisle to develop fiscal solutions. She championed legislation to improve the budget and led bipartisan efforts including the Blue Dog Task Force on Fiscal Responsibility and Government Reform. Prior to her work in Congress, Bourdeaux served as Director of Georgia’s Senate Budget and Evaluation Office during the Great Recession, where she helped lawmakers work across divides to balance the state’s budget. In her new role with The Concord Coalition and Coalition Action, she will continue her work to advance a pragmatic, nonpartisan approach to our nation’s fiscal health.
“In 1994, when we were asked to chair the Bipartisan Commission on Entitlement and Tax Reform, both Democrats and Republicans agreed that the $3.4 trillion debt was a sizable crisis,” said Bob Kerrey and John Danforth, Co-Chairs of The Concord Coalition. “Thirty years later, with the debt at $36 trillion, politicians have tossed restraint to the wind for too long. Carolyn Bourdeaux understands that this is a critical moment for our country. We are glad to have her on board to lead The Concord Coalition and launch Concord Action to drive grassroots advocacy for responsible policies and sustainable debt.”
The current national debt is more than $36 trillion, or about $106,000 per person. At 123% of GDP, the national debt is larger than the United States economy. In 2024, the interest payments alone on the national debt cost the US $882 billion, which is more than the country spent on national defense. Debt is contributing to inflation and high interest rates, slowing economic growth, threatening our national security, and creating an unfair burden for our future. The American people overwhelmingly want lawmakers to address the national debt. A recent poll shows that 84% of voters across party lines agree that stabilizing the national debt should be a top priority for lawmakers in 2025.
“The rising national debt affects every American, and it’s never been more important to amplify the voices of millions who want to build a stronger, more sustainable future for our country,” said Michael Peterson, Chairman and CEO of the nonpartisan Peter G. Peterson Foundation. “Carolyn brings a wealth of experience reaching across the aisle for common sense budget solutions, and she will help make sure the groundswell of grassroots support for fiscal responsibility is heard loud and clear in Washington.”
Leaders working to advance fiscal responsibility applauded The Concord Coalition’s decision to launch Concord Action to engage grassroots at this critical moment, and its choice of Carolyn Bourdeaux to lead this important effort.
“I am proud to be a founding board member of Concord Action, and to work with Carolyn Bourdeaux to bring the voices of grassroots activists around the country to advocate for fiscal policies to strengthen our economy and protect our country,” said Maya MacGuineas, President, Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. “When she was a member of Congress, Carolyn worked across divides to advance responsible policies and create a strong outlook for our economy. I know she will bring her experience and passion to this new role.”
“As I step down as Executive Director after 30-plus years, I’m confident that Carolyn Bourdeaux is the right person to grow and strengthen the grassroots voice for fiscal and generational responsibility through the work of The Concord Coalition and the new Concord Action,” said Bob Bixby, outgoing Executive Director of The Concord Coalition. “Carolyn is smart, tough, and knows how to work across party lines to get results.”
“Carolyn’s work at Concord Coalition will be vital to building support for policies that create a sustainable fiscal foundation for our country,” said Sara Mogulescu, President of The Volcker Alliance. “At Volcker Alliance, we are continuously working to advance public service that helps government be a more responsible steward of our resources. We have worked with Carolyn Bourdeaux in various roles over the years and know she embodies principled leadership in public service at the state and national level and a true commitment to strengthening our democracy and economy.”
The Concord Coalition was founded in 1992 with the goal of educating and empowering everyday citizens across the country to speak out about unsustainable economic policies like the growing national debt.
To learn more about The Concord Coalition or about Concord Action, visit concordaction.org and concordcoalition.org.
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