The Two-Handed Economist

8: The Federal Budget Process Is Broken


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John Diamond explains why a weakening labor market is pushing the Federal Reserve to cut the federal funds rate (even in the face of sticky inflation). He also unpacks the looming government shutdown — and why, unless Washington reforms its budget process, we should expect bigger deficits and higher inflation risk.

This conversation was recorded on Sept. 16, 2025. 

Clips used in this episode:

  • Revised job numbers raise new concerns about economic slowdown,” PBS News, Sept. 9, 2025.
  • Follow John Diamond on X (@jw_diamond) and LinkedIn.

    You can follow @BakerInstitute on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Learn more about our data-driven, nonpartisan policy research and analysis at bakerinstitute.org.

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    The Two-Handed EconomistBy Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy