Skip to main content
Back to Show
PBS News Hour

What you need to know about the federal debt ceiling

An agreement between President Trump and Democrats for a three-month extension for the debt ceiling means Congress temporarily ducks a political debate. But the recurring battle will surface again in December. What could happen if we don’t raise the debt limit? Lisa Desjardins explains the history of the debt limit and how it works.

Support Provided By
Season
August 24, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
26:45
August 24, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
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
April 5, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
26:45
April 5, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
January 12, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
26:44
January 12, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
January 11, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
26:45
January 11, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
June 24, 2024 - PBS NewsHour full episode
57:46
Israel's Prime Minister says the intense phase of the war in Gaza will end soon as Israel and the U.S. argue over weapons deliveries.
June 3, 2024 - PBS NewsHour full episode
57:46
After Claudia Sheinbaum becomes the first woman to win Mexico's presidential election, a look at what that means for U.S. relations.
April 21, 2024 - PBS News Weekend full episode
26:44
"PBS NewsHour" asks NATO’s Secretary General if the delayed U.S. aid to Ukraine is too late to make a difference.
Active loading indicator