Skip to main content
Back to Show
PBS News Hour

How Does the U.S. Debt Ceiling Work and Why Does it Matter?

The United States government hit the legal limit for the amount of money it can borrow Monday, but Treasury officials say they can take other measures to pay the bills. Ray Suarez discusses questions about how the debt ceiling works and the ongoing political debate with The New York Times' Binyamin Applebaum.

Season
August 23, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
26:45
August 23, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
August 22, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
August 22, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
August 21, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
August 21, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
August 20, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
August 20, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
August 19, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
August 19, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
August 18, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
August 18, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
August 17, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
24:09
August 17, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
August 16, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
24:09
August 16, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
August 15, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
56:45
August 15, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
August 14, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
August 14, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
August 13, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
August 13, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
August 12, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
August 12, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
Active loading indicator
California News
Lyle Menendez has been denied parole just like his brother Erik. Here's where things stand
Lyle Menendez has been denied parole just like his brother Erik. Here's where things stand
A day after a state board denied parole for Erik Menendez, his older brother received the same decision Friday.
californianews
Read more
LA asks the port police to monitor and protect the community against ICE
LA asks the port police to monitor and protect the community against ICE
The City of Los Angeles is asking the Los Angeles Port Police force, the specialized law enforcement agency operating 24 hours a day, established to protect the L.A. port, to actively join in protecting and monitoring the community against U.S. federal immigration enforcement, or ICE.
californianews
Read more
Newsom’s Statewide Response to Trump Rigging Texas’ Elections
Newsom’s Statewide Response to Trump Rigging Texas’ Elections
With strong, statewide support, last Thursday, CA Governor Gavin Newsom announced his plans to introduce a legislative package this week for a state constitutional amendment aimed at enabling and empowering California voters with an opportunity to fight back against Trump’s attempted power grab in Texas.
californianews
Read more
Sacramento Report: State Leaders Are Scrambling to Lower Gas Prices
Sacramento Report: State Leaders Are Scrambling to Lower Gas Prices
California may face sticker shock at the gas pump, as electric vehicle programs stall.
californianews
Read more