Follow Us: Google+
 
Bankrate.com

taxes

Debt debacle a matter of semantics?

The bottom line is that Congress must find some common ground on the debt ceiling -- and soon. If lawmakers don't act, the ramifications would be immediate. The United States would be entirely dependent upon incoming cash to cover costs.

In addition to the global effects of such a situation, many U.S. citizens who rely on federal money would find their benefits cut or gone.

The Bipartisan Policy Center, a think tank based in Washington, D.C., and founded by former U.S. senators from both parties, examined publicly available data from Daily Treasury Statements and has calculated that on Aug. 3 alone the Treasury would be $20 billion short.

Cash flow analysis for Aug. 3, 2011
Cash flow analysis
Source: Bipartisan Policy Center

And the fiscal battles won't stop even after the debt ceiling issue is resolved. Capitol Hill is facing an Oct. 1 deadline to enact the fiscal year 2012 budget.

News alert Create a news alert for "taxes"

advertisement

Show Bankrate's community sharing policy
            Connect with us
Overnight Averages
Product Rate +/- Last week
30 yr fixed
3.73%
3.65%
15 yr fixed
2.85%
2.79%
5/1 ARM
2.60%
2.59%
View rates in your area:
Product Rate +/- Last week
30K HELOC
5.21%
5.21%
30K Home Equity Loan
6.09%
6.11%
50K HELOC
4.76%
4.76%
View rates in your area:
Product Rate +/- Last week
48 Mo Used Car
2.92%
2.97%
48 Mo New Car
2.44%
2.45%
36 Mo Used Car
2.88%
2.92%
View rates in your area:
Product Yield +/- Last week
6 Mo CD
0.45%
0.41%
1 Yr CD
0.67%
0.63%
5 Yr CD
1.24%
1.22%
Compare rates:
Product Rate
Low Interest Cards 11.01%
Balance Transfer Cards 15.92%
All Variable 15.24%
Compare rates:  
advertisement
Most Read
  1. 8 eerie ghost towns
  2. Headlight requirements by state
  3. Nick Nolte's house for sale
  4. 6 tips for successful yard sale
  5. Social Security traps to avoid
  6. 7 sedans for the young at heart
  7. 10 cars for a midlife crisis
  8. Ali Landry's house for sale
  9. 7 Social Security benefits
  10. 5 car models that lose value
Looking for FREE tax advice?
From Federal and State tax law changes, to rates and tools, our expert advice will help you stay informed.
advertisement
Memorial Day weekend shoppers in three states will get bigger bargains, thanks to sales tax holidays.
Partner Center
advertisement

Advertising Disclosure: Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. Bankrate may be compensated in exchange for featured placement of certain sponsored products and services, or your clicking on links posted on this website.