Initial Biden / McCarthy Debt Ceiling Talks Positive
February 6, 2023
At 9pm on Tuesday, President Joe Biden delivers the State of the Union address to Congress following a productive meeting with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy last week over the debt ceiling.
- What's next: Biden and McCarthy plan to meet again soon.
Why it matters: The start of what could otherwise have been tense and unproductive conversations over how to lift the debt limit are instead very productive and businesslike, creating stability and optimism for a deal.
What they’re saying: McCarthy described the meeting as “a very nice conversation for more than an hour,” and both Biden and McCarthy emphasized that they respect each other. “It doesn’t mean we’re going to agree…but let’s treat each other with respect,” Biden said.
Why it matters: President Joe Biden’s budget director told MSNBC that the White House and Congressional Republicans will reach a budget deal and avert a breach of the debt ceiling: