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Treasury Warns Congress of August Default Risk Without Debt Ceiling Action

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urges lawmakers to raise or suspend the debt limit by mid-July, as extraordinary measures are expected to run out during the August recess.

Overview

  • Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has formally requested Congress to address the debt ceiling by mid-July to avoid a potential default in August.
  • The Treasury has been using extraordinary measures since January to meet financial obligations after the U.S. hit its $36 trillion debt limit.
  • Bessent emphasized that waiting until the last minute to act could destabilize markets, harm consumer confidence, and increase borrowing costs.
  • House Republicans aim to include a debt ceiling increase in a sweeping budget reconciliation bill advancing President Trump’s agenda, but internal divisions have delayed progress.
  • A failure to address the debt ceiling could result in severe economic consequences, including a U.S. default and global financial instability.