Biden Calls Debt Ceiling Talks With Congressional Leaders ‘Productive,’ Rules Out Default

The president concedes that unilateral action will not fix the problem but hints that a short-term debt ceiling extension could be on the table

President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the debt ceiling at the White House in Washington on May 9, 2023. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

President Joe Biden met with congressional leaders on Tuesday following a three-month deadlock between the White House and Congress over the debt ceiling, which has threatened a default on the nation’s financial obligations.

Following the meeting with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and other congressional leaders, Biden told reporters that the meeting was “productive” and that he would do everything in his power to prevent the United States from defaulting on its debt obligation.