Debt ceiling negotiations cause concern for voters and politicians alike.

Americans who rely on government assistance to make ends meet fear the consequences of the ongoing debt-ceiling negotiations in Washington. Congressional Republicans are pushing for tougher work requirements for federal benefits, while President Joe Biden has suggested he's open to such restrictions. Families across America are watching with trepidation as the decisions made in those debt-ceiling talks could have real-life consequences. The negative economic effects of a default could cause instability in interest rates, increases in credit card rates, and difficulty borrowing money. Some Americans hope for a default to "wake up" the American people to whom they elect into office.