Biden expects to meet with lawmakers on May 16 to discuss the national debt ceiling

REHOBOTH BEACH, Delaware, May 15 (Reuters) – U.S. President Joe Biden said on Sunday he expected to meet with Congressional officials on Tuesday to negotiate a higher government debt tolerance and prevent a catastrophic default.

The US president was scheduled to meet with lawmakers on Friday, but the meeting was postponed.

“I remain optimistic because I am a born optimist,” Biden said, adding that he believed there was a desire on both sides to reach a deal. “I think we can do it.”

Biden added that he had received an update on the progress of talks between White House staffers and their congressional counterparts.

Biden said he still plans to travel to Japan for a meeting of G7 leaders. His trip is scheduled for Wednesday, and the president had previously said he could cancel it if needed to address the government’s debt ceiling.

The original message in English is available at the code: (Jeff Mason)