Powell: U.S. debt is ‘on unsustainable path,’ crimping ability to respond to recession

Paul Davidson
USA TODAY
November 13, 2019

Fed to Congress: It may soon be your turn to save the economy, so get your finances in better shape.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell warned lawmakers Wednesday that the ballooning federal debt could hamper Congress’ ability to support the economy in a downturn, urging them to put the budget “on a sustainable path.”

Powell suggested such fiscal aid could be vital after the Fed has cut its benchmark interest rate three times this year, leaving the central bank less room to lower rates further in case of a recession.

“The federal budget is on an unsustainable path, with high and rising debt,” Powell told the Joint Economic Committee. “Over time, this outlook could restrain fiscal policymakers’ willingness or ability to support economic activity during a downturn.”

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Article URL : https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2019/11/13/interest-rates-powell-tells-congress-federal-debt-unsustainable/2582302001/