CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WVDN) – State Treasurer Larry Pack today released a joint statement with Del. Tristan Leavitt (R-Kanawha) in support of House Resolution 7, which recognizes the severity of the national debt and threat to national security.
“The national debt represents one of the greatest current public policy challenges in the United States. If we don’t tackle this issue head on, it will hinder our nation’s ability to fund other priorities and potentially put on our nation in financial distress,” Treasurer Pack said. “Even more concerning, status quo spending relies heavily on international debt markets, with a large share of national debt being held abroad with countries such as China. We urge the State Legislature to pass this resolution that acknowledges the debt as a threat to national security and encourages Congress to commit to establishing an effective regular order for budgeting. It’s the least we can do to protect future generations.”
In November 2025, the outstanding public debt of the United States totaled more than $38 trillion, with public debt equaling 124 percent of gross domestic product. The debt owed per citizen has risen to $112,000. More than $8 trillion of the federal debt is owned by individuals not located in the U.S., including more than $800 billion owned by individuals in China.
Del. Leavitt, lead sponsor of HR7, said the time to act is now.
“Our national debt isn’t an abstract number – it’s a strategic vulnerability. This resolution sends a clear message that unchecked federal spending undermines our nation’s security and prosperity,” Del. Leavitt said.
In November 2025, Treasurer Pack and 90 other state leaders from across the country signed a letter to President Donald Trump and members of Congress to address the national debt problem.
To view the full letter, click here.
To view the resolution, click here.
