Blog: The Debt Ceiling and the Dollar

Last week, the debt rating agency Standard & Poor’s signaled that it might downgrade U.S. debt based on the fiscal condition of the country. We explained some of the complexities around the national debt, the “debt ceiling” debate, and the value of the U.S. dollar in a post entitled: “Downgrading U.S. Debt.”

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This week, the House and Senate continue their spring recess, which lasts until the beginning of May.

When it returns, the Senate will once again debate S. 493, the SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011. The bill would extend and expand programs that require certain federal agencies to set aside portions of their research and development budgets for small businesses. (“SBIR” stands for the Small Business Innovation Research program, and “STTR” stands for the Small Business Technology Transfer program.)

Passage of S. 493 would cost just under $1.25 per U.S. family.

S. 493
The SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011
Costs $1.23 per family

What People Think

The SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011 28% For, 72% Against Vote on this Bill

Displayed below are new, updated, and passed items with their cost or savings per family.

New Items

S. 191
The Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Enhancement Act of 2011
Costs $0.01 per family

S. 498
The Independent Task and Delivery Order Review Extension Act of 2011
Costs $0.03 per family

Updated Items

none

Passed Items

P.L. 112-10
The Department of Defense and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011
Costs $13,728.21 per family