Bill · S. 2405· Senate(119-S-2405)
Debt Ceiling Reform Act
- Introduced
- 7/23/2025
- Last activity
- 7/23/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- Sponsored by
- Jeff Merkley
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Debt Ceiling Reform Act aims to prevent the United States from defaulting on its obligations by establishing a process for suspending the debt ceiling. It requires the Secretary of the Treasury to submit certifications to Congress regarding the need for further borrowing. Congress then has a limited time to disapprove the Secretary's request; if they don't, the debt ceiling is suspended.
Yes· 3 of 29
Does this give the federal government more power?+2
The bill potentially increases federal power by granting the Secretary of Treasury authority to suspend the debt ceiling.
Is this likely to grow the economy?+2
Preventing default can lead to better economic growth due to financial stability.
Would children be better off under this?+1
Preventing default protects funding for programs that benefit children.
The opposite
Does this reduce what the federal government owes?-2
The bill could lead to increased national debt due to the potential for unchecked spending if Congress does not act to disapprove the Secretary's request.
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?-1
By giving the Secretary of the Treasury more authority, it reduces congressional fiscal responsiblity.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Prevents Default: The primary positive impact is that the bill aims to prevent the U.S. from defaulting on its financial obligations. This would protect people who rely on government programs and ensure the stability of the economy. This is the main intention of the bill as stated in its title.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Limited Congressional Oversight: The bill gives the Secretary of Treasury more authority to suspend the debt ceiling, which limits Congress's power to check the executive branch. If Congress does not act within 45 days of receiving a request from the secretary, the debt ceiling will be suspended as described in SEC. 2 (a)(1)(B). This could create the possibility of unchecked spending and a growing national debt.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For African Americans+1Good For Asian Americans+1Good For Billionaires+1Good For Business Owners+1Good For Children+1Good For High Income Households+1Good For High Net Worth Individuals+1Good For Hispanic Americans+1Good For Immigrants+1Good For L G B T Q Community+1Good For Low Income Households+1Good For Men+1Good For Middle Aged+1Good For Middle Class Households+1Good For Native Americans+1Good For People With Disabilities+1Good For Retirees+1Good For Rural Residents+1Good For Seniors+1Good For Students+1Good For Ultra High Net Worth Individuals+1Good For Urban Residents+1Good For Veterans+1Good For White Americans+1Good For Women+1Good For Young Adults+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+2Improves Government Transparency+1
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+2Reduces National Debt-2Improves Fiscal Responsibility-1
- 7/23/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Richard DurbinDemocrat · Illinois
Timothy KaineDemocrat · Virginia