Democrats were not as positive about a quick time frame, but the White House called the meetings "productive and direct." Republicans have refused to vote to lift the debt ceiling past its $31.3 trillion limit unless Biden and his Democrats agree to spending cuts in the federal budget. Going forward, the talks will be narrowed for more engagement between House Republicans and the White House, McCarthy said. White House adviser Steve Ricchetti and budget director Shalanda Young will lead discussions for the administration. "We can raise the debt ceiling if we limit what we're going to spend in the future," McCarthy told reporters.

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