McConnell downplays prospect of debt default

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday attempted to calm fears of a prospective default on the national debt amid an ongoing standoff between the White House and House Republicans over the spending limit.

The nation hit its $31.38 trillion debt limit in January of this year, prompting Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to implement "extraordinary measures" to pay the government's bills. She has repeatedly warned that lawmakers must reach a deal by June 1 to avert a default. While Democrats have advocated for a clean increase to the spending limit, Republicans have sought to pair any such increase with spending caps to tackle the national debt.

The Kentucky Republican contended the negotiations had not strayed far from convention, noting that "[t]he last 10 times we raised the debt ceiling, there were things attached to it. This is not that unusual. It is almost entirely required when you have divided government."

"I think everybody needs to relax," he added, according to The Hill.

He further expressed optimism that the nation would avert a default and lawmakers would reach some compromise measure to raise the debt ceiling.

"Regardless of what may be said about the talks... the president and the Speaker will reach an agreement," he asserted. "It will ultimately pass on a bipartisan vote in both the House and the Senate. The country will not default."

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.