Chris Van Hollen: “I think everybody in this body now knows that, yesterday, President Biden convened a meeting at the White House to…”

“I think everybody in this body now knows that, yesterday, President Biden convened a meeting at the White House to discuss how the United States would avoid a default--a default on the country, a default on our debt, a default which would be something that has never happened before in the history of the country. The 14th Amendment, section 4 says: The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for services . . . shall not be questioned. ``Shall not be questioned.'' Throughout our history, in good times and bad times, we have always met our obligations as a country, and that is why President Biden wanted to bring together the congressional leaders to discuss making sure that we don't do that for the first time. He was joined, of course, by Speaker McCarthy. He was joined by the minority leader from the House, Congressman Jeffries. From the Senate, he was joined by Majority Leader Schumer and Republican Leader McConnell. I was asked earlier today whether I felt better in the aftermath of this meeting having taken place.…”