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Congress' New Whipping Boy: The Fed

Bernanke & Co. run into populist ire over Wall St bailouts, unemployment

By Jane Yager,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 23, 2009 8:54 AM CST
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(Newser) – When Fed Chair Ben Bernanke goes before Congress next month seeking a second term, he'll run straight into cantankerous legislators riding a tide of populist rage over the Wall Street bailout and high unemployment. While the Fed acted decisively to bail out the financial markets last year, it's widely viewed as having ignored the broader economy—and Congress is looking for some serious oversight.

Ron Paul has gone it alone for decades in his anti-Fed crusade, but the AP reports that these days he counts some 307 reps and 30 senators in favor of his bill to crack the whip. But economists warn that congressional efforts to rein in the Fed's powers could harm the reserve bank's ability to aid the recovery. Says one former Fed member: "This badgering by Congress, even if there is populist sentiment, is inappropriate."

Ben Bernanke is probably in for a talking-to when he heads to Capitol Hill next month to seek out a second term.
Ben Bernanke is probably in for a talking-to when he heads to Capitol Hill next month to seek out a second term.   (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
ConcernedAmerican
Nov 23, 2009 4:56 AM CST
I am just left wondering what secrets are the FED really scared of letting out?
DontLikeYou___
Nov 23, 2009 3:32 AM CST
{{{ But economists warn that congressional efforts to rein in the Fed's powers could harm the reserve bank's ability to aid the recovery. }}} ---- In case you didn't notice, that is a shot across the bow of Dr. Paul and others. If Congress wants to play tough, the Fed will F up the economy.
DontLikeYou___
Nov 23, 2009 3:31 AM CST
Viva Dr. Paul

 
Congress • Ben Bernanke • Congressional oversight • Federal Reserve • Ron Paul • unemployment • populist • financial crisis • Wall Street bailout • anger Federal Reserve

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