Raw Data: Comparison of Past Debt Ceiling Increases

The following is a comparison of previous increases in the nation's legal ability to borrow money, known as the debt ceiling:

Total increase in debt ceiling under Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton: $3.15 trillion

Total increase in debt ceiling during President Obama's 28 months in office when it hit May 16th: $3.144 trillion

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Under President Ronald Reagan: 17 debt ceiling hikes from $935 billion to $2.8 trillion

Debt ceiling increased $1.865 trillion -- an average of $109.7 billion each hike.

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Under the first Bush administration: six debt ceiling hikes from $2.8 trillion to $4.145 trillion

Debt ceiling increased $1.345 trillion -- an average of $224.1 billion each hike.

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Under Clinton: four debt ceiling hikes from $4.145 trillion to $5.95 trillion

Debt ceiling increased $1.805 trillion -- an average of $451.25 billion each hike.

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Under the second Bush administration: seven debt ceiling hikes from $5.95 trillion to $11.315 trillion.

Debt ceiling increased $5.365 trillion -- an average of $766.4 billion each hike.

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Under Obama: three debt ceiling hikes from $11.315 trillion to $14.294 trillion

Debt ceiling increased $3.144 trillion -- $1.048 trillion each hike.