WASHINGTON — Terms and phrases like the debt ceiling, reconciliation and continuing resolution may sound like complicated government policies and procedures.
However, the issues and policies are quickly consuming Washington with each having the potential to impact your life.
The debt problem
The debt ceiling is the legal limit on the total amount of federal debt the government can accrue.
It currently stands at $28.4 trillion.
Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen wrote last week to Congress that “extraordinary measures” are being taken right now to keep America’s debt below that number, but she said she is running of resources and needs it raised.
Yellen stressed if Congress doesn’t raise it by the end of October, “the United States of America would be unable to meet its obligations for the first time in our history.”
The impact could be widespread.
Social Security checks and veteran benefits could be delayed. People's 401k would likely lose value because the threat of a default would disrupt the markets.
As for where the debate stands, Democrats could raise the debt limit on their own. However, they want Republicans to raise it with them, arguing Democrats did it when former President Donald Trump was in office.
Republican leaders have said they have no interest in contributing to any more Democratic spending.
Keeping the government open
The next key debate involves a "continuing resolution.”
That’s important because, in addition to issues with the debt, the federal government is set to run out of money on Oct. 1.
A “continuing resolution” is needed to keep the federal government running. If it doesn’t happen, national parks could be forced to close and federal workers could temporarily lose out on paychecks.
Democrats, for the moment, appear poised to pass something to keep the government running. However, that vote still hasn’t been scheduled.
Reconciliation debate
All of this is happening as Democrats are trying to pass President Joe Biden’s multi-trillion dollar spending bill through the “reconciliation” process since it’s generating no Republican support.
What is reconciliation?
It allows for spending bills to pass by a simple majority vote in the Senate and not the usual 60 votes, which are usually needed to break a filibuster.
This bill, which would raise taxes on high-income earners making more than $400,000 and businesses, would impact employer and employee's taxes, potentially while also creating new programs like paid family leave and free community college.
