Summary

The deal to raise the federal debt ceiling passed in Congress Thursday night, ahead of the government's borrowing authority maxing out next week. Congressional Correspondent Lisa Desjardins reports. (Note: This segment aired hours before the Senate passed the debt ceiling bill.) For a transcript of this story, click here . News wrap alternative : Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching! You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.

Five Facts

1. When was the federal government of the U.S. set to run out of money unless the current bill was passed?


2. How does the debt ceiling limit how much money the federal government can spend?


3. What are some of the ways this bill seeks to lower federal debt?


4. Why have some Republicans and Democrats criticized the bill or voted against it?


5. Who would be most affected by the federal government being unable to pay its bills?

Focus Questions

What are some of the ways this debt ceiling bill seeks to save money, and what are some parts of the bill that aren't about saving money at all? Do you think these elements of the bill will be helpful or harmful? News analysis : Why do you think this piece focuses so much on the politics of the bill and not as much the content of the bill? Alternative : See, Think, Wonder : What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What story would you want to find out more about? Where would you go to learn more?

For More

What students can do : What is the national debt and why is it important? As a class, read this explainer from the U.S. Treasury on debt and deficit, and then discuss as a class — what are the long-term consequences of federal debt? How do you think Congress should manage this debt?