U.S. District Judge John McConnell Jr. said the attempt to pause trillions in federal spending "fundamentally undermines the distinct constitutional roles of each branch of our government." 

Catch up on key developments and the latest in-depth coverage of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Did spending by President Biden and the Democrats rack up the country's debt? Is a default the same as a government shutdown? Here are answers to things people often get wrong about the debt ceiling.

White House chief of staff Jeff Zients says debt limit talks and spending negotiations must be kept separate — despite House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's insistence they be tied together.