Context:
In little more than a week, the US government could default on its borrowings — an unprecedented situation that could potentially hit economies worldwide — if Congress doesn’t raise the nation’s debt ceiling.
About US Debt Ceiling:
- It is the total amount the US government is allowed to borrow to finance its expenditure, such as paying salaries and welfare allowances.
- Current limit: $31.4 trillion.
- Introduced in: In 1917 when the US entered World War I.
- Constitutionally, Congress controls the government’s purse strings.
- Purpose:
- To make it easier for the executive to operate without having to turn to Congress every time it wanted to spend
- To allow the government to borrow as required as long as it is kept under the debt limit approved by Congress.
Possible impacts if the govt defaults:
- The government would no longer have the money to function, and would have to decide who gets salaries, and how much.
- Harm to the global leadership position of the USA and questions about its ability to defend national security interests.
- US’s credit rating would be downgraded, making future borrowing more expensive.
- Probable weakening of the dollar and the collapse of stock markets.
News Source: Indian Express
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