Amid few outward signs of progress and a looming Aug. 2 deadline, Sen. Bernie Sanders expressed confidence on Wednesday that Congress and the White House eventually will reach agreement on a plan to raise the debt ceiling so the government may continue paying its bills. Sanders continued to make the case for a deficit reduction plan that matches spending cuts with additional revenue from the wealthiest Americans and profitable corporations. He also faulted proposals to lower Social Security benefits. When the wealthy enjoy tax breaks and many corporations pay no federal taxes on billions in profits, he asked, “Do you really think the solution is going to an 85-year-old person and taking $1,000 out of his Social Security check?”