The United States moved perilously closer to an economy-rattling default.
Lagarde calls resolving Washington standoff as soon as possbile "‘mission-critical.”
Managing Director Christine Lagarde also urged more austerity from the embattled government in Athens.
Repeats IMF's position that sequestration has cut U.S. economic growth.
Christine Lagarde faces questions over controversial financial deal she oversaw as French finance minister.
IMF managing director shows no signs of backing down in the Fund's clash with the EU over how Athens can bring its debt down to a sustainable level.
The extension "will mitigate the impact on the economy."
Countries should not sacrifice growth for the sake of austerity.
Christine Lagarde said "more needs to happen, and faster."
