Senate passes bill suspending federal debt ceiling until May 19 . The Democratic-controlled Senate passed legislation on Thursday extending the federal government 's ability to borrow new money through mid-May , delaying a partisan standoff that some analysts warn could derail a fragile economic recovery . Obama likely to sign the bill , which also passed the House . Comment: Congress also confronting budget sequester and government funding deadlines .
Senate passes bill suspending federal debt ceiling until May 19 . Obama likely to sign the bill , which also passed the House . Comment: Congress also confronting budget sequester and government funding deadlines .