U.S. debt ceiling row infographic
Graphic shows U.S. national debt and raises to the debt ceiling over the past two decades.
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POLITICS

U.S. debt ceiling row

By Duncan Mil

January 28, 2014 - Just four months after a confrontation over the U.S. budget led to a 16-day shutdown of the government, President Barack Obama and Congress face a renewed standoff over raising the debt ceiling.

As part of the deal to reopen government in mid-October, the debt limit was suspended until February 7.

Treasury Secretary Jack Lew has warned Congress that the debt ceiling must be raised before that date “to ensure orderly financing of the government.” The Treasury can use so-called "extraordinary measures" after that point to keep borrowing and paying the nation's bills for just a few weeks.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 28/01/2014; STORY: Graphic News; PICTURES: Associated Press
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