Default Could Disrupt Federal Operations and Trigger Financial Crisis, Yellen Warns
Speaking to community bankers, Yellen highlighted the unprecedented economic and financial crisis that disruptions to critical federal operations could aggravate. These operations include air traffic control, law enforcement, border security, national defense, and telecommunications systems. The financial crisis resulting from a potential default could amplify the economic downturn's severity.
Debt Limit Increase Necessary to Prevent a Worldwide Financial Panic
The Treasury Secretary emphasized the possibility of financial markets breaking down due to worldwide panic, triggering margin calls, runs, and fire sales. On Monday, Yellen informed Congress that with a debt limit increase, the Treasury could cover the U.S. government's bills until June 1. This fact pressures Republicans in Congress and the White House to reach a deal urgently.
Economic Consequences of Failure to Reach a Deal on the Debt Limit
The failure to negotiate a deal would lead to drastic economic and financial repercussions. Yellen warned that our economy could be plunged into an unprecedented storm, affecting 66 million Social Security beneficiaries, veterans, and military families, who would likely go unpaid. The resulting income shock could initiate a recession, destroying numerous American jobs and businesses.
Rising Borrowing Costs: The Consequence of Standoff Over Federal Debt Limit
Yellen pointed out that the ongoing standoff over the federal debt limit is already increasing borrowing costs and adding to the nation's debt burden. She called on Congress to steer clear of the "eleventh-hour brinkmanship" over the debt ceiling that led to the first-ever downgrade of the U.S. credit rating in 2011.
Urgent Call to Congress to Address the Debt Limit
"Every single day that Congress does not act, we are experiencing increased economic costs that could slow down the U.S. economy," Yellen warned during her speech to the Independent Community Bankers (NASDAQ: ESXB) of America. With millions of American livelihoods hanging in the balance, she urged Congress to address the debt limit issue immediately.
Biden to Meet Congressional Leaders to Discuss U.S. Default Avoidance
On Tuesday, U.S. President Joe Biden is scheduled to meet with Republican House of Representatives Speaker McCarthy and the other top congressional leaders. They aim to devise a strategy to prevent the country's first-ever default.
Lessons from the 2011 Crisis: The Need for Timely Action
Reflecting on the 2011 crisis, Yellen stated that delaying action until the last minute, as lawmakers did when they raised the debt limit just before the government had to halt payments, led to severe consequences. Consumer confidence dropped over 20%, the S&P 500 stock index fell 17%, and mortgage and auto loan costs increased.
Default Risk Jeopardizes U.S. Global Economic Leadership
A U.S. default could tarnish the country's reputation and weaken its global economic leadership. Yellen expressed concern about investors' growing reluctance to hold government debt maturing in early June as the deadlock inflates the overall debt burden.
