The U.S. debt ceiling will be restored on Thursday, presenting new challenges for congressional Republicans in 2025. President-elect Trump has called on Republican lawmakers to resolve the debt ceiling issue before his inauguration on January 20. U.S. debt has increased from $31.4 trillion in June 2023 to $36.2 trillion. Treasury Secretary Yellen expects the U.S. will reach the debt ceiling between January 14 and 23, at which point the Treasury will take extraordinary measures to avoid default. The Republicans control Congress, but resolving the debt ceiling issue without relying on Democratic support will be very difficult, especially since conservative lawmakers demand that any increase or suspension of the debt ceiling must be accompanied by spending cuts.