![A Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning fighter jet is shown at the Singapore Airshow in 2014](https://www.thenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/lockheed-martin-singapore-ss-img.jpg)
The Pentagon Won Big With the Debt Ceiling Bill The Pentagon Won Big With the Debt Ceiling Bill
And thanks to a loophole in the budget deal, national security spending will only increase.
Jul 3, 2023 / William D. Hartung and Julia Gledhill
![Biden and McCarthy sitting in chairs in the Oval Office](https://www.thenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/debt-limit-mccarthy-biden.jpg)
Next Time, Dammit, Just Default Next Time, Dammit, Just Default
Democrats feared a monster called “default”—but it’s just another Washington scare story.
Jun 9, 2023 / Editorial / James K. Galbraith for The Nation
![Student loan borrowers and advocates gather for the People's Rally to Cancel Student Debt during the Supreme Court hearings on Student Debt Relief on February 28, 2023, in Washington, D.C.](https://www.thenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GettyImages-1470266339.jpg)
Congress Is Sticking Students With the Check Congress Is Sticking Students With the Check
The recent debt agreement will abolish the pandemic-era pause on student debt repayments—hitting the youngest generation of voters the hardest.
Jun 6, 2023 / Chris Lehmann
![The US Capitol in Washington, DC, US, on Friday, June 2, 2023. The Senate passed legislation to suspend the US debt ceiling and impose restraints on government spending through the 2024 election, ending a drama that threatened a global financial crisis. Photographer: Nathan Howard/Bloomberg via Getty Images](https://www.thenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GettyImages-1258373524-1.jpg)
Once More, the Washington Debt Ceiling Ritual Ends in a Lousy Deal Once More, the Washington Debt Ceiling Ritual Ends in a Lousy Deal
What cuts there are come in all the wrong places.
Jun 5, 2023 / Katrina vanden Heuvel
![Representatives Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), Pramila Jayapal D-Wash.), and Cori Bush (D-Mo.) talk with reporters outside the U.S. Capitol after the House passed the Fiscal Responsibility Act](https://www.thenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GettyImages-1258342570.jpg)
Here’s Why Principled Progressives Opposed a Cruel and Destructive Debt Ceiling Deal Here’s Why Principled Progressives Opposed a Cruel and Destructive Debt Ceiling Deal
These Democrats defied their president and their party leaders to vote against a deal that harms families, the poor, and the environment.
Jun 2, 2023 / John Nichols
![American 100 Dollar Bills Above U.S. Capitol](https://www.thenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/GettyImages-520453398.jpg)
Democrats Settled for a Raw Deal Democrats Settled for a Raw Deal
Biden’s concession to the House Freedom Caucus on the debt ceiling is nothing to celebrate.
May 31, 2023 / Chris Lehmann
![Joe Biden delivers remarks in the Roosevelt Room of the White House](https://www.thenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/GettyImages-1258256345.jpg)
There’s Never a Debt Ceiling for the Military-Industrial Complex There’s Never a Debt Ceiling for the Military-Industrial Complex
While the Biden-McCarthy deal denies food to hungry people, it increases Pentagon spending by tens of billions.
May 31, 2023 / John Nichols
![Joe Biden meets with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in the Oval Office](https://www.thenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/biden-mccarthy-debt-ceiling-getty.jpg)
The Debt Deal Is a Tragedy The Debt Deal Is a Tragedy
The debt-limit agreement entrenches long-term austerity. It was a huge GOP win.
May 30, 2023 / James K. Galbraith
![Congressional Republicans Host Bicameral Debt Crisis News Conference](https://www.thenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/GettyImages-1491033193.jpg)
The Next Debt Ceiling Showdown The Next Debt Ceiling Showdown
Even after two Obama-era clashes over spending limits, Democrats are still looking for a "grand bargain."
May 19, 2023 / Chris Lehmann
![Kevin McCarthy and Marjorie Taylor Greene in session](https://www.thenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/taylor-greene-mccarrthy-ap-1.jpg)
Only Republicans Want to Push Us Into Default Only Republicans Want to Push Us Into Default
How McCarthy, McConnell, and Greene are Martin, Barton, and Fish all over again.
May 17, 2023 / James D. Zirin