Democrat President Joe Biden’s Treasury Department Secretary Janet Yellen has warned that “time is running out” for America to avoid a catastrophic default on the national debt.
Yellen is urging Congress to lift the debt ceiling to avert a default, which she warns would be devastating for the economy.
According to Yellen, a default will trigger an “unprecedented economic and financial storm.”
“Time is running out,” Yellen warned during remarks to the Independent Community Bankers of America.
“Every single day that Congress does not act, we are experiencing increased economic costs that could slow down the U.S. economy.
Yellen’s department has cautioned that its ability to stave off a default using extraordinary measures could run out by June 1 unless Congress takes action.
The Biden administration has been locked in debate with lawmakers on how to address the looming deadline.
“Our current best estimate underscores the urgency of this moment: It is essential that Congress act as soon as possible,” Yellen said.
“In my assessment — and that of economists across the board — a U.S. default would generate an economic and financial catastrophe.”
The community and regional bankers in Yellen’s audience Tuesday would be among those hit hard by the potential financial crisis.
A default would reverse the country’s economic progress and put the economy in the middle of an “unprecedented economic and financial storm,” Yellen argued.
It would likely lead to a loss of income and spark a recession, she added.
Services such as air traffic control, law enforcement, border security, and national defense, all reliant on federal employees and contractors, could also be disrupted.
President Biden and Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) are expected to continue discussions about a possible deal to raise the borrowing limit.
Republicans have been pushing for a debt ceiling increase that’s tied to spending cuts.
The White House, meanwhile, is advocating for a “clean” hike without any cuts.
Biden has also reportedly considered using the 14th Amendment to raise the ceiling on his own, as a possible last-ditch move if Congress doesn’t act.
“The U.S. Treasury market serves as the very bedrock of the global financial system.
“There’s a reason for that: The world has never doubted that America will pay the principal and interest on its bonds, in full and on time,” Yellen said Tuesday.
“A default would crack open the foundations upon which our financial system is built.”
She continued by warning of “worldwide panic triggering margin calls, runs, and fire sales.”
“Let me be clear: If Congress does not address the debt limit, there are no good options that Treasury or the government can use to save us from catastrophe,” Yellen said.
“Generations of Americans have protected the full faith and credit of the United States.
“That has been a bedrock of our global economic leadership.
“There is no good reason to squander that reputation now — and to trigger a manufactured crisis of our own creation.”
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