Has the U.S. Government Ever “Defaulted”?

Research ReportCRS ReportVersion 3

R44704

Has the U.S. Government Ever “Defaulted”?

Published Dec 8, 2016Updated Jun 20, 2025

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The Congressional Research Service is a nonpartisan policy and legal analysis arm of the Library of Congress. CRS reports are written for members of Congress and their staff, not the public — but they’re made available openly through Congress.gov.

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HR 692114th Congress
Default Prevention Act
Oct 22, 2015 · Received in the Senate.
S 1555114th Congress
Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015
Dec 14, 2016 · Became Public Law No: 114-265.

Has the U.S. Government Ever “Defaulted”?

Legislation this report covers