8 Questions About the Debt Ceiling Deal You Should Know How to Answer

Senate leadership announced a bipartisan deal to reopen the government and avoid default on Wednesday — day 16 of the government shutdown and the eve of the debt ceiling deadline.

The deal isn't yet official as the U.S. House of Representatives still must vote on the Senate-approved plan, but a Democratic aide told Reuters that both parties are confident it will pass.

What does this deal mean for the nation's economy, furloughed workers — and the Panda Cam?

1. What is the debt ceiling?

The United States debt ceiling, also know as the debit limit, is the maximum amount of money the government may borrow. It's a legislative mechanism designed to cap the amount of debt the Treasury can issue Read more...