The U.S. budget deficit has grown to more than $1.3 trillion in the first half of the fiscal year.

An obscure bookkeeping matter has become the latest flashpoint in Congress as Democrats accuse Republicans of violating Senate norms.

The Congressional Budget Office says it expects the federal budget deficit to drop by $188 billion this fiscal year to $1.5 trillion.

Vacant high-ranking positions across the executive branch could be taking a toll on the Biden administration.