Biden expects to meet lawmakers Tuesday for debt talks, says he is optimistic

[May 15, 2023]  REHOBOTH BEACH, Delaware (Reuters) -U.S. President Joe Biden said on Sunday he expects to meet with congressional leaders on Tuesday for talks on a plan to raise the nation's debt limit and avoid a catastrophic default.

U.S. President Joe Biden speaks to reporters before boarding Air Force One as he departs for Dover, Delaware, from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, U.S., May 13, 2023. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts

Speaking to reporters in Delaware, Biden said he remained optimistic about agreeing on a deal.

Biden had been scheduled to meet with lawmakers on Friday but the meeting was postponed.

Biden said he had received an update on how talks had gone between administration staffers and their congressional counterparts.

"I remain optimistic because I'm a congenital optimist," Biden said. He said he believed there was a desire on both sides to reach an agreement. "I think we’ll be able to do it.”

Biden said he still planned to leave on a trip to Japan this week for a meeting of G7 leaders. He has been scheduled to leave on Wednesday.

(Reporting by Jeff Mason; Editing by Chris Reese and Cynthia Osterman)

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