"US Budget Deficit Estimate Falls 24%"

July 8 (Bloomberg) —— Rising tax payments and a growing economy may push the U.S. federal deficit down to $325 billion or lower, a 24 percent decline from the previous estimate, the Congressional Budget Office said.

The agency, in a monthly snapshot for fiscal 2005 that ends on Sept. 30, said tax payments and spending were running ahead of the year—ago pace. As a result this year's deficit ``will be significantly less than $350 billion, perhaps below $325 billion.''

Ed Lasky   7 8 05