policy and budget experts in February, 2013. The authors were asked to provide pragmatic, evidenced-based proposals that would both reduce the deficit and bring broader economic benefits. Proposals included a value added tax and reductions to tax expenditures, among others. Timing of solutions There is significant debate regarding the urgency of addressing the short-term and long-term budget challenges. Prior to the 2008-2009 U.S. recession, experts argued for steps to be put in place immediately to address an unsustainable trajectory of federal deficits. For example, Fed Chair Ben Bernanke stated in January 2007: "The longer we wait, the more severe, the more draconian, the more difficult the objectives are going to be. I think the right time to start was about 10 years ago." However, experts after the 2008-2009 U.S. recession argued that longer-term austerity measures should not interfere with measures to address the short-term economic challenges of high unemployment and slow growth. Ben Bernanke wrote in September 2011: "...the two goals--achieving fiscal sustainability, which is the result of responsible policies set in place for the longer term, and avoiding creation of fiscal headwinds for the recovery--are not incompatible. Acting now to put in place a credible plan for reducing future deficits over the long term, while being attentive to the implications of fiscal choices for the recovery in the near term, can help serve both objectives." IMF managing director Christine Lagarde wrote in August 2011 Total outlays in recent budget submissions 2022 United States federal budget – $6.3 trillion (submitted 2020 by President Biden) 2021 United States federal budget – $6.8 trillion (submitted 2020 by President Trump) 2020 United States federal budget – $6.5 trillion (submitted 2019 by President Trump) 2019 United States federal budget – $4.4 trillion (submitted 2018 by President Trump) 2018 United States federal budget – $4.1 trillion (submitted 2017 by President Trump) 2017 United States federal budget – $4.2 trillion (submitted 2016 by President Obama) 2016 United States federal budget – $4.0 trillion (submitted 2015 by President Obama) 2015 United States federal budget – $3.9 trillion (submitted 2014 by President Obama) 2014 United States federal budget – $3.5 trillion (submitted 2013 by President Obama) 2013 United States federal budget – $3.8 trillion (submitted 2012 by President Obama) 2012 United States federal budget – $3.7 trillion (submitted 2011 by President Obama) 2011 United States federal budget – $3.8 trillion (submitted 2010 by President Obama) 2010 United States