Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke had a private lunchtime meeting with senators on Thursday
According to Senator Thomas Carper of Delaware, Bernanke:
- offered an optimistic view on the U.S. economy’s prospects
- warned that “tough decisions” were ahead on dealing with long-term budget deficits and healthcare costs
- Said the reduction in federal budget deficits and the country’s improving energy position were “all positives”
- said that “the next several years are more encouraging, but we can’t forget those long-term challenges and they involve among other things programs that are concerned with healthcare.”
Bernanke did not speak to reporters upon leaving the meeting. A spokeswoman for the U.S. Fed declined to comment.
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