Debt Ceiling

House Speaker John Boehner says he is willing to negotiate budget issues with President Barack Obama without any conditions.

As the government shutdown begins its second week, a dangerous new deadline is on the horizon.

Democrats controlling the Senate are planning to try to pass a stand-alone measure to increase the government's borrowing cap, challenging Republicans to a filibuster showdown that could unnerve financial markets as the deadline to a first-ever default on U.S. obligations draws closer.

The House has passed a bill to permit the government to borrow enough money to avoid a first avoid default for at least four months, defusing a crisis looming next month and setting the stage for a springtime debate over taxes, spending and the deficit.

-- House Republicans are teeing up a vote this week on a new debt ceiling bill, marking the first legislative battle of President Obama's second term and one that could determine whether the country once again risks default over a political fight.

Republican officials say the House will vote Wednesday on an increase in the nation's debt limit, a move designed to prevent a first-ever government default.

A Republican official says the GOP-controlled House will vote next week to permit the government to borrow more money to meets its obligations.