Bernanke: Default on debt would increase deficit

Author: 
Associated Press
Publication Date: 
Fri, 2011-07-15 08:36

Republicans have held up an increase in the borrowing limit after expressing concerns of growing spending that has widened the federal deficits. But Bernanke says a failure to boost the borrowing limit would amount to a “self-inflicted” wound. That’s because it would drive up interest costs on the $14.3 trillion debt and reduce government revenues by slowing economic growth.
The government hit its borrowing limit in May. The Treasury Department says it will default on its debt if the limit is not raised by Aug. 2.

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