Senate Confirms Warsh Fed Chair 54-45 Amid Rising Inflation

Resurgent inflation and questions over central bank independence now confront the Federal Reserve after the Senate confirmed Kevin Warsh as its next chair. The 54-45 vote on Wednesday left only one Democrat in support and marked the narrowest margin for any Fed chair since 1977. Warsh replaces Jerome Powell, whose term ends this week, and will begin his four-year term on Friday.

The confirmation occurred the same day the Labor Department reported producer prices rose 1.4 percent in April and 6 percent over the past year, the largest annual increase in at least three years. Economists at High Frequency Economics noted the figures exceeded expectations and will likely keep pressure on the central bank to proceed cautiously with any rate reductions. Warsh has previously favored a narrower Fed mandate focused on price stability and has questioned expansive communications and balance-sheet policies.

Powell is expected to remain on the Board of Governors after stepping down as chair. One outlet reported that Governor Stephen Miran resigned to clear the way for Warsh, citing an unattributed letter praising future changes in communications and regulatory policy; that resignation has not been confirmed by the Federal Reserve or other major outlets. The single Democratic vote came from Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman. Markets have registered modest moves in anticipation of possible shifts in rate timing and regulatory tone once Warsh assumes the role.