This morning, a debt-sealing deal seems to be on the right path.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy had an optimistic tone yesterday while answering questions about the negotiations.

We'll have those comments for you in just a moment.

And they come as President Biden is busy with world leaders at the G7 summit in Japan.

We'll recap yesterday's events and preview what's ahead,

including a new round of sanctions for Russia aimed at closing loopholes

that Moscow has been using to skirt previous attempts to hold it accountable for the invasion of Ukraine.

Thank you. attempts to hold it accountable for the invasion of Ukraine. Good morning and welcome to way too early on this Friday, May 19th.

I'm John Thlemere. Thanks for starting your day with us.

We'll begin this morning on Capitol Hill, where it appears that at least some progress is being made on the debt ceiling.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy shifted to optimism yesterday on the negotiations, saying a deal

could now be made in time and order to avoid a default.

I just believe where we were a week ago and where we are today is a much better place

because we've got the right people in the room discussing it in a very professional manner

with all the knowledge and all the background from all the different leaders of what they want.

I know and I can see where a deal

can come together. And I think that's important. I can see from our discussions too where everybody

can get to where this could raise the debt ceiling, take concerns what we have about our spending,

take concerns about wanting to limit, save, and grow. I think we can find common good.

Meanwhile, negotiators for President Biden also confirmed that they have made progress.

The White House says that Biden told his team to keep pushing for programs that help everyday Americans.

He did so in a video call from the G7 summit in Japan yesterday.

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