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The national debt that the government owes to the public stands at nearly $29 trillion, with $7 trillion maturing this year alone. This creates a pressing need for the government to find ways to pay back or "roll over" this debt. Unlike individuals, who are often faced with the harsh reality of surpluses and bankruptcies, the government continues to borrow with little concern for repayment. Since 2000, the U.S. has not experienced a budget surplus, consistently accumulating more debt to cover expenditures.