Willingness to Do Nothing

On May 9, the Washington Post reported White House to Start Budget Talks with GOP as Debt Ceiling Deadline Nears.

The catch was only after a clean debt ceiling passed with no restrictions.

On May 11, Roll Call reported White House meeting delayed amid staff talks on budget, debt

More Red Ink

On May 12, the Associated Press reported More red ink: Congressional budget agency projects bigger deficits as debt talks continue

The National Economic Council Chimes In 

On May 14, Lael Brainard, director of the National Economic Council, former Vice-Chair of the Fed chimed in on Face the Nation. Brainard Says Budget Deal Talks Constructive, Bank System Sound.