The Biden administration remains unyielding in its insistence that the debt ceiling be raised despite opposition from the Republicans.
When reporters on Thursday blamed Vice President Biden for the lack of progress in averting a U.S. debt default, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre became irritated with them.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy had prepared a budget in response to a request, but the Biden administration had done nothing, a reporter from a local news outlet pointed out at a press briefing at the White House.
Someone from the press expressed concern, saying, “Is the president risking [the economy] and Congress by dragging out this process?”
Taking risks is not something the president plans to do. Jean-Pierre was incensed when he heard the statement, “Congress is the one taking the risk here.” It’s not humorous to watch Speaker McCarthy and the MAGA faction engage in risky political humor. These political antics have far-reaching consequences.
She suggested that the quickest and easiest approach to deal with the problem of not defaulting would be to bring a bill to the floor. This is a must-have since the law requires it. This is not something that can be argued about.
“But doesn’t everyone bear responsibility, including and especially the president?” the reporter pressed.
Jean-Pierre stressed that Congress “holds the responsibility” for preventing a default.
Nonetheless, the President remarked, “Show me your budget. The journalist said, “He didn’t say, ‘a budget that I agree with.’ Doesn’t the president now have to take full responsibility?
After being asked “many, many times,” Jean-Pierre eventually said, “I already answered the question.” I quote: “This is a constitutional duty that Congress has, and Speaker McCarthy is playing games.”
McCarthy’s budget proposal, unveiled earlier this week, has been panned by both Biden and Democrats.
There will be no discussion of changing the present budget rules unless Republicans agree to raise the debt ceiling, as the Biden administration has said repeatedly.