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Democratic Sens. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland and Brian Schatz of Hawaii have reintroduced a bill to get rid of the national debt limit set by Congress. The Biden House Democrats are finding themselves in uncharted waters after President-elect Donald Trump and House Republican leaders proposed a clean debt limit House Democrats are finding themselves in uncharted waters after President-elect Donald Trump and House Republican leaders proposed raising the federal But this policy mechanism, known as the debt limit or debt ceiling, has no effect on federal spending or the amount we need to borrow; it only restricts the Treasury Republicans have called for a debt-prioritization plan that includes a reduction in the record growth of federal spending before allowing an increase in the debt Dozens of House Democrats have proposed legislation that would eliminate the debt ceiling, which would allow the government to borrow without any limit set by Congress. Congress last addressed the debt ceiling in June 2025 as part of a legislative package negotiated by President Biden and then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. That deal They could agree to suspend the debt ceiling until some date in the future, which allows members of Congress to avoid voting on a measure with a specific number Boyle, the Pennsylvania Democrat, formally embarked on his campaign to eliminate the debt ceiling in 2025, introducing legislation then with a single line of text:

US Democrats Push to Eliminate the Debt Ceiling: What You Need to Know

Are US Democrats on the verge of eliminating the debt ceiling? A growing chorus of voices is calling for its repeal, arguing it's an unnecessary and potentially damaging political tool. Dozens of House Democrats have proposed legislation that would eliminate the debt ceiling, which would allow the government to borrow without any limit set by Congress.

What's the Debt Ceiling? But this policy mechanism, known as the debt limit or debt ceiling, has no effect on federal spending or the amount we need to borrow; it only restricts the Treasury's ability to pay for existing obligations already approved by Congress. Democratic Senators Lead the Charge: Democratic Sens. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland and Brian Schatz of Hawaii have reintroduced a bill to get rid of the national debt limit set by Congress. This isn't a new fight. Boyle, the Pennsylvania Democrat, formally embarked on his campaign to eliminate the debt ceiling in 2025, introducing legislation then with a single line of text: aiming to streamline government finances. The Republican Response: Republicans have called for a debt-prioritization plan that includes a reduction in the record growth of federal spending before allowing an increase in the debt. The debate highlights the stark differences in fiscal philosophies between the two parties. Past Debt Ceiling Crises: Congress last addressed the debt ceiling in June 2025 as part of a legislative package negotiated by President Biden and then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. That deal, which temporarily suspended the debt ceiling, illustrates the political brinkmanship often associated with this issue. They could agree to suspend the debt ceiling until some date in the future, which allows members of Congress to avoid voting on a measure with a specific number. Trump Era Complications: The Biden House Democrats are finding themselves in uncharted waters after President-elect Donald Trump and House Republican leaders proposed a clean debt limit. The Biden House Democrats are finding themselves in uncharted waters after President-elect Donald Trump and House Republican leaders proposed raising the federal [debt limit]. The political landscape has shifted, making a bipartisan solution even more challenging. Why Eliminate the Debt Ceiling? Proponents of eliminating the debt ceiling argue it's a redundant and harmful tool that creates unnecessary economic uncertainty. They believe it gives undue leverage to the minority party and can lead to government shutdowns and potential defaults on US debt. What's Next? The future of the debt ceiling remains uncertain. The battle between Democrats and Republicans over government spending and the debt limit is likely to continue, making this a crucial issue to watch in the coming months.

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