AL050222
Waiting in the Wings
Although the Senate last week confirmed Lael Brainard as the Fed’s new vice chair, Mr. Powell, Mr. Jefferson, and Ms. Cook remain on hold. The reason is political and powerful: the White House needs all the Democratic votes it can get to confirm Ms. Cook, several Democrats are out with Covid, and Mr. Powell’s confirmation is being held hostage to hers. All this will work itself out and all of the nominees will get confirmed, but it will take time. Similarly, Michael Barr will soon get his confirmation hearing to serve as Fed supervisory vice chair and then on to confirmation absent any untoward remarks or unknown facts Republicans can use to block him.