And-drum roll please- check out the opening line to see whose fault it’s going to be!
The retreat by Republicans from threats to push the United States into a debt crisis has stayed the hand of at least one credit ratings agency, but that does not mean the United States is suddenly safe.
The country has retained its top triple-A rating from Moody’s Investors Service and Fitch Ratings, despite rising debt levels. It was downgraded by one notch in 2011 by Standard & Poor’s after a chaotic debt ceiling battle. On Monday, Fitch said the recent debt ceiling extension eliminates the immediate risk to the rating.
But going forward, the emerging signs of lawmakers working together are not likely to be enough to head off more downgrades of U.S. government debt, which is used as a benchmark for borrowing costs and considered the safest of safe havens.
So…if you’re the one piling on the debt…FREE PASS! If, on the other hand, you want to be the adult in the room…
Four more years, kids, four more years.
