G-7 interested in debt ceiling, Sullivan says.

White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan Discusses Debt Ceiling at G-7 Meeting

The topic of the debt ceiling negotiations in Washington has been a point of interest for President Joe Biden and his aides at the Group of Seven leaders meeting in Japan. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan spoke about the negotiations on Saturday in Hiroshima, admitting that it is definitely a subject of interest at the G-7. Countries are seeking “a sense” of how the negotiations, which were temporarily suspended, are “going to play out.”

Confidence in Avoiding Default

Sullivan expressed President Biden’s confidence in avoiding default, stating that he believes they can drive to an outcome where default is avoided. However, there are serious differences between Democrats and Republicans regarding welfare program work requirements and energy project permitting reform concessions as Republicans demand spending cuts to extend the country’s borrowing authority.

Working Toward a Bipartisan Solution

Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre followed Sullivan at the G-7 briefing and stated that the White House will “work hard toward a reasonable bipartisan solution” that can pass the House and Senate. When asked whether the debt ceiling negotiations had undermined Biden among world leaders, Jean-Pierre responded with a short “not at all.”

Debt Ceiling Negotiations Restarted

Debt ceiling negotiations restarted after Republicans abandoned the talks, with Rep. Garret Graves (R-LA) describing them as “not productive” and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) adamant that the federal government has “to spend less than we spent the year before.” At the direction of the Speaker of the House, the negotiations were reengaged, and a candid discussion took place regarding where things need to be and what’s reasonable and acceptable.

Conclusion

The debt ceiling negotiations are a hot topic at the G-7 meeting, and the White House is working hard to find a reasonable bipartisan solution that can pass the House and Senate. Despite serious differences between Democrats and Republicans, President Biden is confident that they can avoid default.