This report, part of the "Facing Up to the Nation's Finances" initiative, analyzes public thinking about the U.S. government's fiscal future and providing political leaders with six specific, publicly supported steps so that real federal budget reform could take place. The report is based on in-depth analyses of ongoing public opinion research that began last year. "Facing Up to the Nation’s Finances" is an initiative that draws together The Brookings Institution, The Heritage Foundation, The Concord Coalition, Public Agenda and Viewpoint Learning.