Some argue that fiscal consolidation by gradual permanent reductions in spending would be expansionary for high-debt countries, as occurred in some historical episodes. Others maintain that a temporary increase in spending now would boost growth.
有人指出，通过渐进式持久减支进行的财政整合对高债务国家来说是扩张性的，有历史先例为证。也有人坚持认为目前暂时性增支能提振增长。两者都有可能是扩张性的——也有可能都不是，取决于细节和环境。由于许多国家在同时实施整合，利率已经处于低位；而对美国来说——它占据着全球经济总量的20%多，并发行着全球储备货币——谨慎地从其他财政历史经验中归纳教训才是明智的。