
U.S. could face default by August if Congress doesn't address debt ceiling, Bessent says
CBSN
Washington — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told congressional leaders Friday that the federal government could be unable to pay its bills as soon as August if Congress doesn't act, urging lawmakers to address the debt limit by mid July.
In a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, Bessent said after reviewing April tax filings, "there is reasonable probability that the federal government's cash and extraordinary measure will be exhausted in August," noting that Congress is scheduled to be in recess.
"Therefore, I respectfully urge Congress to increase or suspend the debt limit by mid-July, before its scheduled break, to protect the full faith and credit of the United States," Bessent said.

Horse racing excitement is set to continue on Saturday night when the second part of the Triple Crown launches at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. The Preakness Stakes, also known as the annual run for the Black-Eyed Susans, comes just two weeks after the season kicked off with the Kentucky Derby.

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