After Friday's unexpected termination of debt limit discussions, progressive politicians urged President Joe Biden to bypass Congress to avoid a default.
The White House refuses. It released a muted statement saying it sees no cause to end discussions. Its private message is far blunter.
In recent days, senior Biden officials have warned progressive groups and politicians that the 14th Amendment, which states that the "validity of the public debt" cannot be questioned, is not a feasible way to avoid debt limit debates.
Three individuals involved with the negotiations said doing so would be hazardous and unstable.
After months of study, some White House officials believe Biden may declare the debt ceiling illegal to avoid default.
However, Biden aides have warned progressives that such a move would spark a court struggle, hurt the economy, and weaken worldwide trust in U.S. creditworthiness. Officials fear that even the impression of more seriously discussing the 14th Amendment might derail delicate discussions.
After months of study, some White House officials believe Biden may declare the debt ceiling illegal to avoid default. However, Biden aides have warned progressives that such a move would spark a court struggle, hurt the economy, and weaken worldwide trust in U.S. creditworthiness.
Officials fear that even the impression of more seriously discussing the 14th Amendment might derail delicate discussions.
“They have not ruled it out,” said a White House aide who requested anonymity to disclose negotiations. It is not in the plan.
After negotiators momentarily left the table on Friday, the administration's strong distrust of the 14th Amendment as an off-ramp raises the debt ceiling discussions' stakes.
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