Until mid-2022, it wasn’t easy to defend against unwanted marketing calls.However, since July 1st, an amendment to Act No.127/2005 Coll. on Electronic Communications has been in effect, which prohibits contacting participants for marketing purposes who have not indicated in the public telephone directory that thay wish to be contacted. This does not mean that such calls have completely stopped. Though, if you actively reject them, it could backfire.
Actively rejecting a call is not the solution
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Although the amendment to the Electronic Communications act has reduced the number of unwanted phone calls, fraudsters are constantly becoming bolder. Statistics are alarming, according to the Police of the Czech republic (PČR). According to the PČR, telephone fraud accounts for approximately one-fifth of all criminal activity in the Hradec Králové Region! One step to avoid being caught is not answering unknown numbers. but in that case, you risk missing an significant call that has nothing to do with suspicious activity, such as from a delivery person or an office.
Understanding the US Federal Debt Ceiling
The US federal debt ceiling is a legal limit on the total amount of money the United States government can borrow to meet its existing legal obligations. Failure to raise or suspend the debt ceiling can lead to a default on US debt, with potentially catastrophic economic consequences. As of January 16,2026,the debt ceiling remains a significant point of political contention.
What is the Debt Ceiling?
The debt ceiling is a statutory limit imposed by Congress on the cumulative amount of money the U.S. Treasury can borrow. It doesn’t authorize new spending; rather, it allows the government to pay for expenditures already approved by Congress. The limit applies to most, but not all, federal debt.
Historically, the debt ceiling has been raised or suspended numerous times, often in conjunction with budget agreements. The first debt ceiling was established in 1917 during World War I. Since then, it has been modified over 70 times.
Example: On December 16, 2023, Congress passed a bill to suspend the debt ceiling until January 1, 2025, as part of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023. Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023. This suspension allowed the Treasury to borrow to meet its obligations without hitting the previous debt limit.
Why does the Debt Ceiling Exist?
The debt ceiling originated as a way to make it easier to finance World War I. It was intended to allow the government to borrow money without needing to repeatedly issue bonds for each expenditure. Over time, it evolved into a point of political leverage, used by Congress to attempt to influence federal spending and budgetary policy.
Some argue the debt ceiling is a necessary fiscal constraint, forcing Congress to consider the implications of its spending decisions. Others contend it’s an outdated and risky tool that risks economic instability.The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has consistently warned of the risks associated with approaching the debt ceiling.
Evidence: The CBO published a report on September 26, 2023, detailing the potential economic consequences of failing to raise the debt ceiling. Potential Economic Effects of a Default on U.S. Debt. The report highlighted the possibility of increased interest rates, a recession, and damage to the U.S.’s credit rating.
What Happens if the Debt Ceiling Isn’t Raised?
If the debt ceiling is not raised or suspended,the Treasury Department would be unable to borrow money to pay its obligations. This could lead to a default on U.S. debt, meaning the government would be unable to pay its bills, including Social Security benefits, military salaries, and interest payments on its debt.
The consequences of a default would be severe. Credit rating agencies would likely downgrade U.S. debt, increasing borrowing costs for the government and businesses. Financial markets would likely experience significant volatility, and a recession could occur. The last time the US came close to default was in 2023, causing market uncertainty.
Example: In June 2023, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned that the U.S. could default on its obligations as early as June 5th if Congress didn’t raise the debt ceiling. Statement by Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen. This warning prompted intense negotiations that ultimately led to the passage of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023.
Current Status (as of January 16, 2026)
As of January 16, 2026, the debt ceiling is approximately $34.3 trillion. The suspension enacted in 2023 expired on January 1, 2025, and the Treasury has been employing unusual measures to avoid breaching the limit.Though, these measures are expected to be exhausted in the coming months, necessitating another legislative solution.
Negotiations between the White House and Congress are ongoing, with both sides expressing a desire to avoid a default. However, significant disagreements remain regarding spending levels and potential budget cuts. The current political climate is highly polarized, making a compromise challenging.
Data Point: The national debt currently stands at over $34.6 trillion as of January 15, 2026, according to the U.S.Treasury Department. U.S. National Debt.This figure underscores the urgency of addressing the debt ceiling issue.
