RT.com
23 May 2023, 04:14 GMT+10
The current borrowing limit is a constraint on Washington's ability to meet its obligations, Janet Yellen insists
America's chances of paying its bills after June 1 are "quite low," US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned on Sunday in an interview with NBC's 'Meet the Press'.
According to Yellen, if Congress fails to reach an agreement on raising the country's $31.4 trillion borrowing limit by that time, it will be forced to default on "some bills" shortly after.
"There's always uncertainty about tax receipts and spending. And so it's hard to be absolutely certain about this, but my assessment is that the odds of reaching June 15, while being able to pay all of our bills, is quite low... My assumption is that if the debt ceiling isn't raised, there will be hard choices to make about what bills go unpaid," Yellen said.
The treasury secretary did not say which 'bills' she had in mind, but noted that the government's most immediate obligations range from paying interest on outstanding debt to "obligations to seniors who count on social security, military, contractors who've provided services to the government."
She added that "there can be no acceptable outcomes if the debt ceiling isn't raised."
The administration of US President Joe Biden and Republicans led by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy have been at an impasse over raising the debt ceiling for several months, despite warnings that the US could face its first-ever default unless it is raised by June 1.
Republicans are refusing to agree to the move unless Biden agrees to government spending cuts and curbs on social programs.
Some lawmakers have called on Biden to invoke his powers under the 14th Amendment to the Constitution and bypass Congress and unilaterally raise the debt ceiling. However, Biden told reporters on Sunday that while he has considered doing so, there is likely not enough time before the deadline.
Biden and McCarthy are scheduled to meet again on Monday to discuss the matter.
For more stories on economy & finance visit RT's business section
(RT.com)
Get a daily dose of Knoxville Times news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Knoxville Times.
More InformationSACRAMENTO, California: Fast food workers will now receive $20 per hour in California, after the governor signed a fast food ...
BEIJING, China: In a deal worth US$10 billion at list prices this week, state-owned carrier China Eastern Airlines announced that ...
BEIJING, China: This week, China Evergrande Group said its founder and chairman, Hui Ka Yan, is being investigated over suspected ...
RIVERSIDE COUNTY, California: In his opening statement this week in the first U.S. trial over allegations that a car autopilot ...
SEATTLE, Washington: As part of Washington's efforts to stop Big Tech from monopolizing the most lucrative parts of the internet, ...
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia: As part of Riyadh's efforts to further Saudi Arabia's electrification drive, electric vehicle (EV) maker Lucid announced ...
TALLAHASSEE, Florida: The Florida Lottery said this week that the second-largest lottery winner in U.S. history has come forward to ...
LONDON, UK: This week, the Global Financial Centers index showed that New York remains the world's leading financial center, with ...
KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan: In a significant milestone for its defense capabilities, Taiwan has unveiled its first domestically developed submarine. Although it ...
HONIARA, Solomon Islands: Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare revealed that he opted out of a Pacific Islands leaders' summit at the ...
SACRAMENTO, California: Intending to raise some US$160 million per year to help prevent gun violence, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed ...
MANILA, The Philippines: The Philippines remains steadfast in its resolve not to yield to Chinese efforts to obstruct its fishermen ...