Biden and congressional leaders strike optimistic tone after debt ceiling meeting

President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy met Tuesday afternoon to discuss a way to break the logjam on the debt ceiling, with fears of a self-inflicted economic calamity growing as Republicans demand spending cuts. Leaving the meeting, congressional leaders hinted at some progress. McCarthy, R-Calif., said that the sides remain “far apart” but that “it is possible to get a deal by the end of the week.”