United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says she's "confident" lawmakers will reach a deal to avert a US debt default amid fears of a fiscal catastrophe.
The top US diplomat made the remarks in a prepared speech to be given to business leaders in Hong Kong.
It came as the White House and top lawmakers scramble to reach a deal to avoid a disastrous default on the country's debt.
Democrats and Republicans have been sparring over a measure to raise the $US14.3 trillion debt ceiling, allowing Washington to pay its bills past a 2 August deadline, while cutting $US2.7 trillion in spending over 10 years.
