Merrifield and Poulson’s message is clear, timely, and on point: well-chosen fiscal rules that constrain and impose discipline on democratic government budget policies are a sine qua non of enduring prosperity and social well-being.

Marvin Phaup, George Mason University

Merrifield and Poulson clearly show the fiscal challenges that lie ahead for the United States government, and drawing from experience—both good and bad—from Switzerland and other European countries, suggest a set of fiscal rules to limit deficit spending. Their ideas are both sensible and politically palatable. They provide a superb blueprint for fiscal reform.

Randall G. Holcombe, Florida State University

The debt and growing obligations of the American welfare state are unsustainable and pose huge burdens on our children and grandchildren. Merrifield and Poulson carefully show how America can resolve our most pressing domestic problem in a realistic fashion. Essential reading for those seeking public policy solutions to the debt crisis.

Richard Vedder, Ohio University