US Weighs 'War Bonds'

The government has had little trouble finding people willing to lend it money so far.

National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow speaks to reporters at the White House, Feb. 7, 2019.
National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow speaks to reporters at the White House, Feb. 7, 2019.
AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File

The White House is considering coronavirus “war bonds” to fund the federal response to the pandemic.

Larry Kudlow, the director of the national economic council, says the federal government, like most Americans, should make the most of low interest rates.

The U.S. government has had little trouble finding people willing to lend it money so far, even without anything branded as “war bonds.” It’s been able to borrow at interest rates near record lows despite ballooning deficits, as investors around the world look for safe places to park cash.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is preparing to announce a 108 trillion yen ($1 trillion) economic package to help the country weather the coronavirus crisis. Abe said Monday he plans to disclose details of the package as early as Tuesday.

Abe is expected to announce a state of emergency Tuesday, at least for cities like Tokyo.

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