U.S. Debt Ceiling Seen Reaching $41.1 Trillion in 2027 as Congress Faces New Standoff

According to CNBC, analysts project the U.S. will hit the $41.1 trillion debt ceiling in 2027, forcing Congress to raise or suspend the limit before the Treasury Department exhausts its extraordinary measures to avoid default. The report said a possible Democratic takeover of one or both chambers in November's midterm election could set up a confrontation with Republican President Donald Trump, while some Republicans are weighing a debt-ceiling increase this year or during the lame-duck session after the election. Trump last week proposed a $5,000 dividend for every American if Republicans win the midterms, a move the report said could bring the U.S. to the debt ceiling faster. Rep. Eric Burlison said discussions are already underway about handling the issue in the lame duck if Republicans lose the midterms, but he said a blanket increase would not get his vote. Rep. Chip Roy said he would not support raising the debt ceiling without massive spending restraint and reforms. The report said Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune would need to navigate a narrow House margin and likely Democratic support in the Senate, while Democrats signaled they would seek leverage if they win in November.