T
The Daily Insight

Is it constitutional for Congress to borrow money?

Author

Mia Ramsey

Published Mar 15, 2026

Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution gives Congress the power “To borrow Money on the credit of the United States.” At first, Congress authorized each debt issuance, often for a specific purpose.

Where does Congress borrow money from?

Borrowing it by selling Treasury securities (savings bonds, notes, and Treasury bills)

Why does the US government have debt?

Simply explained, the federal government generates a budget deficit whenever it spends more money than it brings in through income-generating activities. These activities include individual, corporate, or excise taxes. The national debt is simply the net accumulation of the federal government’s annual budget deficits.

Is Congress allowed to borrow money on behalf of us?

The Congress shall have Power * * * To borrow Money on the credit of the United States.

What does the borrow money power mean?

Congress, under Article I, section 8, of the Constitution, may “borrow money on the credit of the United States.” This power is ordinarily exercised through the sale of bonds or the issuance of bills of credit. “Borrowing Power .” Encyclopedia of the American Constitution. . Encyclopedia.com.

Does Congress have power of the purse?

Congress—and in particular, the House of Representatives—is invested with the “power of the purse,” the ability to tax and spend public money for the national government.

Who has the power to borrow money on the credit of the US?

Article I, Section 8, Clause 2 gives Congress the power “to borrow Money on the credit of the United States.” How important is Congress’s commerce power? The commerce power- the power of Congress to regulate interstate and foreign trade—is granted in the Commerce Clause of the Constitution.

Who controls Congress power of the purse?

United States. In the federal government of the United States, the power of the purse is vested in the Congress as laid down in the Constitution of the United States, Article I, Section 9, Clause 7 (the Appropriations Clause) and Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 (the Taxing and Spending Clause).

What is the budget for the US military?

The Defense Department is asking Congress for $715 billion in its fiscal 2022 budget, an increase of about $10 billion from what was allocated in 2021. President Joe Biden’s budget proposal seeks $753 billion overall for national defense, a 2% uptick over the prior year.