No, China does not hold more than 50 percent of U.S. debt

By Glenn Kessler, December 29, 2014

At a recent gathering of fact checkers sponsored by the American Press Institute, George Washington University assistant professor Emily Thorson presented some interesting data concerning policy misperceptions held by the American public — perceptions which are common among both liberals and conservatives.

Among the incorrect beliefs held with conviction, no matter the party: China holds more than 50 percent of the U.S. debt; there is no time limit for benefits under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, commonly known as welfare; salaries for all members of Congress is a bigger part of the federal budget than salaries for all members of the military. In other words, these were beliefs not colored by partisanship. (The welfare answer is fascinating given that President Bill Clinton in 1996 signed a bipartisan bill that cut off benefits at 60 months.)