Since 1970, the U.S. federal government has run deficits for all but four years, 1998–2001. (In fact, no decade since World War Two has on average seen revenue keep pace with spending.) The last time the U.S. had an annual balanced budget was under the 106th Congress.
During the 106th Congress, which in the House of Representatives seated 225 Republicans, 213 Democrats and 2 Independents (the total exceeds 435 due to members who switched party mid-term), all but twenty members voted with their parties at least 80% of the time. Still, a balanced budget.
