McCarthy-'Progress' Made On Debt Ceiling, But Now In 'Crunch Time'

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) speaking on Capitol Hill now. Mica Soellner at Punchbowl News: "McCarthy said he thinks “progress” was made last night on talks...McCarthy dismisses concerns by House Freedom Caucus. He says they don’t know the contours of the deal. Spending still an issue here despite progress. "

• Seollner: "McCarthy defends himself on engaging in talks early on Feb. 1 — “I thought we made progress yesterday. I thought we made progress again today.”
• Chad Pergram at Fox News: 'McCarthy on how much more time they have to get a debt ceiling deal. Says “Every day narrows down.” Calls this “crunch time.” McCarthy has not directly spoken to Biden [in the last 24 hours]'.
• Says that he will continue to work today, and will work 'until we get it done'.
• Politico on the timeline over the coming days: “Lawmakers are all set to leave for Memorial Day weekend, but key negotiators are sticking around. The House isn’t scheduled to come back until Tuesday, but lawmakers have been told they’ll have 24 hours notice before returning, and 72 hours to review any legislation. So, next Tuesday is the earliest day on the schedule for them to pass a bill, unless House leaders claw back part of the Memorial Day weekend.”
• For more info see our latest US Daily Brief.