Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) accused President Biden of being "afraid" to negotiate about the budget and debt ceiling, blaming him for the potential default on loans that could occur if the U.S. fails to raise the debt ceiling by June. McCarthy stated that Biden's actions could jeopardize Medicare and Social Security, as "not just the Highway Trust Fund, but Medicare and Social Security becomes insolvent, so it automatically gets cut." McCarthy introduced a budget plan to members of his party last week that would raise the debt ceiling by over $1 trillion but also return federal spending to 2022 levels and cap growth at 1 percent annually. He criticized Biden for ignoring the issue and not negotiating since their meeting in February. Republicans led the way in putting forward a plan, McCarthy said. However, it should be noted that Democrats have not yet presented a proposal themselves.

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