U.S. hits its $31.4 trillion debt ceiling

The U.S. government reached its $31.4 trillion borrowing limit today (January 19th), amid a standoff between the Republican-controlled House of Representatives and Democrat-controlled Senate. This impasse could lead to a fiscal crisis in a few months.

Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told congressional leaders that her department had begun using extraordinary cash management measures that could stave off default until June 5th. Yellen warned that the June date was subject to “considerable uncertainty” due to the challenge of forecasting payments and government revenues months into the future. “I respectfully urge Congress to act promptly to protect the full faith and credit of the United States,” she told congressional leaders in a letter today.

However, at present, there is no sign that either Republicans or Democrats are willing to budge.