Republican lawmakers are considering raising the U.S. debt ceiling by roughly $4 trillion during the post-election lame-duck session, potentially using budget reconciliation to avoid needing Democratic votes. House Budget Chair Jodey Arrington has floated this proposal, which follows a $5 trillion increase to $41 trillion in 2025 and aims to address borrowing needs expected to become more pressing in 2027. Congress also faces a Dec. 11 government-funding deadline.