90 Debt Ceiling Changes Since 1940

As of this morning, a total of 90 changes have been made to the nation's debt limit since 1940 (FYI I didn't arbitrarily pick this year - this is as far back as the data from WhiteHouse.gov goes).

If everything goes according to plan, another change to the nation's debt limit will be agreed to by Tuesday afternoon.

Over the last 71 years, Republican presidents have signed 54 changes to the nation's debt ceiling into law, while Democratic presidents have signed 36 changes into law.

Here is a breakdown by president:

Ronald Reagan, R, 18
George H.W. Bush, R, 9
Jimmy Carter, D, 9
Richard Nixon, R, 8
Dwight Eisenhower, R, 7
Lyndon B. Johnson, D, 7
George W. Bush, R, 7
Bill Clinton, D, 6
Franklin D. Roosevelt, D, 6
Gerald Ford, R, 5
John F. Kennedy, D, 4
Barack Obama, D, 3
Harry Truman, D, 1

Note: Barack Obama will very likely increase to 4 over the next day

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22 changes to the nation's debt ceiling have been enacted while the Republicans have held control of the Senate, while 68 changes have been enacted while Democrats have held control of the Senate.

8 changes to the nation's debt ceiling have been enacted while the Republicans have held control of the House, while 82 changes have been enacted while the Democrats have held control of the House.

Source: US Debt Ceiling History 1940-President

Filed under: General Knowledge