---
title: "Deficit Rises as a Priority, Terrorism Slips"
description: "While an equal number of Americans (69%) list the federal budget deficit and terrorism as top priorities for President Obama and Congress in 2012, the deficit has risen in importance and terrorism has fallen since 2007."
date: "2012-01-27"
authors:
  - name: "Russell Heimlich"
    job_title: "Former web developer"
    link: "https://www.pewresearch.org/staff/russell-heimlich/"
url: "https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2012/01/27/deficit-rises-as-a-priority-terrorism-slips/"
---

# Deficit Rises as a Priority, Terrorism Slips

The federal budget deficit stands out as the fastest growing policy priority for Americans, largely because of a big increase in the number of Republicans expressing concern about the issue, according to the Pew Research Center’s annual public priority poll, conducted Jan. 11-16. Nearly seven-in-ten (69%) Americans view reducing the budget deficit as a top priority – an increase of 16 points since 2007 and the highest this figure has been since 1994.

The number of Republicans who view the budget deficit as a top priority has spiked to 84% from 68% a year ago; it was just 42% five years ago.

Fighting terrorism is viewed as a top policy priority by 69% of people surveyed. However, that figure is down 11 points since 2006, in part because Republicans are placing far less emphasis on terrorism. Currently, 72% of Republicans view terrorism as a top priority, down from 83% a year ago and 93% five years ago. The prioritization of fighting terrorism has seen less change among Democrats and independents. [Read More](https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2012/01/23/public-priorities-deficit-rising-terrorism-slipping/?src=prc-number)