U.S. Treasury bonds are long-term debt securities issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to help finance government spending. They typically have maturities ranging from 10 to 30 years and pay interest to investors every six months. The interest rate, known as the coupon rate, is set at the time of issuance. These bonds are considered one of the safest investments because they are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. Investors often buy them to preserve capital and earn a steady income, making them a popular choice for conservative investment portfolios.