Yellen stands by Fed’s low interest-rate policies

Associated Press

WASHINGTON

Janet Yellen made clear Thursday that she’s prepared to stand by the Federal Reserve’s extraordinary efforts to pump up the economy when she’s chairman, if that’s what it needs.

During a two-hour confirmation hearing before the Senate Banking Committee, Yellen embraced her so-called “dovish” reputation and expressed strong support for the Fed’s low interest-rate policies. And she warned critics that any potential harm those policies pose are outweighed by the risk of leaving a still-weak economy to survive without them.

“I believe that supporting the recovery today is the surest path to returning to a more normal approach to monetary policy,” she said.

Yellen faced tough questions, particularly from Republicans. But she also drew praise from senators in both parties and is expected to be confirmed by the full Senate, becoming the first woman to lead the powerful central bank.

A committee aide said that Banking Chairman Tim Johnson, D-S.D., plans a vote as soon as possible, potentially next week.

“We have the utmost respect for you,” Sen. Joe Manchin, a centrist Democrat from West Virginia, told Yellen.

Her testimony represented a strong defense of the Fed’s policies pursued under Chairman Ben Bernanke, which were launched to combat the Great Recession and the financial crisis.

The latest efforts include spending $85 billion a month on bond purchases, which are intended to lower long-term interest rates and promote faster economic growth.

The Fed also has said it plans to keep its key short-term rate near zero at least until unemployment falls to 6.5 percent. The rate now is 7.3 percent.