Log in or register
Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 19 MAY 2023

The Debt Ceiling Debate In Washington, And Why It Matters

Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney
Explore more from Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney

As businesses take their cues from Washington, it's more important than ever to be aware of the current debates taking place in the nation's capital. One of the most pressing topics currently...

United StatesFinance and Banking
Emily Elaine Coyle
Emily Elaine Coyle
Alice Nettles
Alice Nettles
Author LinkedIn connections

As businesses take their cues from Washington, it's more important than ever to be aware of the current debates taking place in the nation's capital. One of the most pressing topics currently being discussed is the debt ceiling debate; an issue that could have far-reaching impacts across the United States. Buchanan's Federal Government Relations team discusses recent developments involving the debt ceiling, and why it matters for you and your business.

The Debt Ceiling Debate in Washington - Quick Links:

  • What is the Debt Ceiling?
  • Extraordinary Measures & the "X-Date"
  • What Happens if the U.S. defaults?
  • Movement on Capitol Hill
  • What's Next?

The debt ceiling (or debt limit) is the total amount of money the U.S. government (USG) is authorized to borrow in order to meet all previously existing legal obligations. Importantly, the debt ceiling does not authorize new spending commitments. The limit is set by law, which means any changes must be approved

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

View source

Related Articles

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

Related Comparative Guides

See more popular content from

Article

SEC Advances “Responsible Retailization” Through A Potential Accredited Investor Exam And Potential Regulated Fund Reforms

On September 30, 2026, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued two rule proposals and five notices aimed at expanding investors’ access to private markets. The package would add ways to qualify as an accredited investor, including passing a new exam administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), broaden performance-based compensation and modernize regulated funds, including interval funds and business development companies (BDCs).
United StatesFinance and Banking
Proskauer Rose LLP
Proskauer Rose LLP
Article

SEC Proposes Rule Amendments To Expand Retail Access To Private Markets

The SEC has proposed sweeping amendments to expand retail investor access to private market strategies, including changes to performance-based compensation rules for registered investment advisers and modernization of the interval fund framework. The proposals also explore new credential-based pathways for individuals to qualify as accredited investors, potentially opening private offerings to a broader pool of eligible participants.
United StatesFinance and Banking
Duane Morris LLP
Duane Morris LLP
Article

SEC Approves FINRA’s New “Outside Activities” Rule

The Securities and Exchange Commission has approved FINRA Rule 3290, which will replace existing rules governing outside business activities and private securities transactions for registered persons. This new rule narrows the scope to focus on investment-related activities while maintaining similar supervisory obligations for member firms. Understanding the key changes and implementation requirements will be critical for broker-dealers as they update their compliance policies and procedures.
United StatesFinance and Banking
WilmerHale
WilmerHale
Article

New NYSE Delisting Rules: What Microcap Companies Need To Know About The $0.25 Minimum Trading Price

The SEC has approved new NYSE and NYSE American listing rules establishing a $0.25 minimum trading price, effective July 1, 2027. A single closing price below this threshold triggers immediate trading suspension and delisting proceedings with no cure period. Companies trading at low share prices must act now during the transition period to implement reverse stock splits and establish monitoring procedures before this hard floor takes effect.
United StatesFinance and Banking
Bevilacqua
Bevilacqua
Article

SEC Proposes Rule Changes And Seeks Comments On Additional Accredited Investor Pathways

The Securities and Exchange Commission has proposed six new pathways for individuals to qualify as accredited investors, moving beyond traditional income and wealth thresholds. These changes would allow qualification through professional certifications like CPA, CFA, and CFP designations, as well as through a new FINRA-administered exam testing securities knowledge.
United StatesFinance and Banking
Taft, Stettinius & Hollister LLP
Taft, Stettinius & Hollister LLP
Article

Allegheny County Council Passes Paid Parental Leave Policy

On Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the Allegheny County Council passed legislation requiring employers with at least 15 workers to provide 12 weeks of paid parental leave, ending months-long debate on the proposal. We previously reported on the initial 18-week proposal in May 2026 (summarized here), the revised proposed legislation (summarized here), and the Allegheny County Board of Health passing the legislation (summarized here). The measure was passed in an 11-4 vote. It will become effective in one year, as County Executive Sara Innamorato signed the bill on, October 22, 2026.
United StatesEmployment and HR
Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney
Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney
Article

Tenth Circuit Stays Nationwide Eligibility Injunction For Class Of 2022 In Wisne v. NCAA

On August 21, 2026, the Tenth Circuit granted the NCAA’s stay request in Wisne v. NCAA, temporarily restoring the NCAA’s age-based eligibility rules pending resolution of the appeal. Three weeks earlier, Judge Sweeney of the District of Colorado had issued a nationwide injunction that permitted athletes in the Class of 2022 to pursue a fifth year of eligibility.
United StatesLitigation, Mediation & Arbitration
Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney
Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney
Article

Update On CAPE Phase 3 Duty Refunds From U.S. Customs And Border Protection

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has announced that importers with court orders for IEEPA duty refunds on finally liquidated entries can begin filing for those refunds starting October 6, 2026, through the CAPE Phase 3 system. This development follows the Supreme Court's February 2026 decision striking down IEEPA tariffs and represents a critical step for importers seeking refunds on entries liquidated for more than 80 days.
United StatesInternational Law
Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney
Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney
Article

NCAA Enjoined From Enforcing New Fifth-Year Eligibility Rule

A federal court has issued a nationwide injunction blocking the NCAA from enforcing its new five-year eligibility rule against Division I athletes who graduated high school in 2022. The ruling creates immediate compliance challenges for athletic departments as they navigate roster management, revenue-sharing caps, and potential penalties while the NCAA appeals the decision.
United StatesConsumer Protection
Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney
Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney
Article

Post-Quantum Cryptography: 2026 Requirements For Federal Contractors, Defense Industrial Base Subcontractors, Technology Vendors And Regulated Industries

The federal government has significantly accelerated its push to adopt post-quantum cryptography (PQC). Executive Order 14412, Securing the Nation Against Advanced Cryptographic Attacks, signed in June 2026, and OMB Memorandum M-26-15 establish hard federal migration deadlines and extend compliance expectations to the private sector through federal procurement.
United StatesTechnology
Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney
Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney
Article

Defense Counterintelligence And Security Agency Report Reveals Threats To U.S. Cleared Industry

The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency has released its 2026 annual report revealing alarming trends in foreign exploitation of U.S. cleared contractors and sensitive technologies. With over 22,000 suspicious contact reports and 2,900 identified incidents in FY 2025, the report exposes how foreign entities systematically target subject matter experts and leverage cyber operations to access classified information. The analysis highlights critical shifts in threat patterns, communication methods,
United StatesGovernment, Public Sector
Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney
Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney
Article

The House Energy And Commerce Committee’s Fraud Report And The Direction Of Health Care Enforcement

A House Committee staff report proposes shifting federal health care programs from a "pay and chase" to a "detect and prevent" fraud model, identifying high-risk service lines and recommending expanded enforcement authority for CMS. The report examines case examples involving pharmacies, telemedicine platforms, and multi-state schemes, while acknowledging that improper payments encompass a spectrum from documentation errors to deliberate billing fraud.
United StatesFood, Drugs, Healthcare, Life Sciences
Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney
Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney
Article

Proposed IRS And Treasury Rules Tie Racial Nondiscrimination To Tax-Exempt Status For Private Schools And Universities

On September 3, 2026, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued proposed regulations under Section 501(c)(3) that could materially affect private education in the United States. The proposal would apply a broad nondiscrimination standard based on race, color and national or ethnic origin, with significant implications for private schools, colleges and universities seeking or maintaining tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3).
United StatesTax
Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney
Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney