US President Joe Biden has hinted that he may virtually attend next week's Group of Seven summit in Hiroshima.

This comes as Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a Republican, remain divided on whether to raise the federal government's debt limit to avoid the risk of a default.

Biden called for cooperation during a meeting with congressional leaders on Tuesday. But after the meeting, McCarthy said that the government must drastically cut spending, if it wants to have the debt ceiling raised.

Biden told reporters on Wednesday that he may have to attend the G7 summit virtually, instead of traveling to Hiroshima. He said the decision will depend on the state of the negotiations.

Biden said a day earlier that canceling the trip was "possible, but not likely."

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said the United States could default as early as June 1. Biden has said that the issue is the single most important thing.