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Economic Report - What the US 'Debt Ceiling' Means
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There has been a lot of talk about the "debt ceiling"
the United States. The debt ceiling is a legal limit on
much the federal government can borrow. Political disputes over that amount
concerned investors in recent weeks. American lawmakers must negotiate a new
ceiling every time the federal debt reaches that legal limit. National
grows when a government spends more money than it has available.
offer bonds and other investments to raise money to pay for
spending. In return, the government promises to repay, with interest, the
who buy these securities. The financial demands of World War One
American lawmakers to establish a total debt limit. In 1917, Congress
that the president could borrow up to a set amount without
approval. Congress has agreed to change the debt limit 10 times
2001. But the major parties may disagree on spending levels or
the need to borrow to pay for government operations. Other nations
United States Treasury securities because they are considered the safest investment
the world. The partial shutdown of the federal government led to
concern about the safety of these investments. Congress agreed to re-open
government without enforcing the debt ceiling only one day before borrowing
the legal limit. Lawmakers agreed to let the president decide what
Treasury Department could borrow through February 7th. Congress must now negotiate
new debt limit and resolve other budgetary issues in order to
another crisis. For VOA Learning English, I'm Carolyn Presutti.
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