What the government being unable to pay the bills could mean for the U.S. economy
CBSN
As President Joe Biden and congressional leaders are in a high-stakes standoff over the debt limit, experts warn it would be catastrophic if leaders do not reach an agreement in time – and launch the economy into chaos. If Congress does not raise or suspend the debt limit, the Treasury Department estimates the United States could run out of money as early as June 1, giving a divided Congress just weeks to reach a deal.
"This would be a huge hit to the economy and really an economic catastrophe," Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told CNBC on Monday. She has warned that there is no action Mr. Biden and the Treasury can take to prevent disaster if Congress does not act.
"If Congress doesn't raise the debt ceiling, the president will have to make some decisions about what to do with the resources we do have, and there are a variety of different options, but there are no good options. Every option is a bad option," said Yellen. "The only option that really leaves our economy in good shape is — and our financial system — is raising the debt ceiling."
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