Fed’s Regional Chiefs ‘Fight’ for Monetary Policy Independence

Oct. 30 (Bloomberg) -- Federal Reserve regional bank presidents are trying to ward off congressional efforts to weaken their clout, saying the moves may jeopardize monetary policy independence.

Kansas City Fed president Thomas Hoenig is circulating a book titled “The Balance of Power: The Political Fight for an Independent Central Bank.” Charles Plosser of Philadelphia said on Sept. 29, “we must preserve” the Fed’s structure.

Senate Banking Committee Chairman Christopher Dodd and Barney Frank, his House counterpart, have said they may change how Fed presidents are chosen or curb their power. Presidents aren’t appointed by Congress and are partly selected by banks, which lawmakers say share blame for the financial crisis. The danger is that Congress, by altering the selection process, may gain enough influence over monetary policy to thwart Fed efforts to tighten credit in coming years and keep prices from surging.

“If Congress interferes with the Fed’s ability to do what has to be done, it could have major negative effects on the economy through its impact on inflation,” said former Fed Governor Lyle Gramley, 82. The threat to central bank autonomy “looks to be the worst that I can recall in my lifetime.”

U.S. stocks, bonds and the dollar would collapse if investors perceive Congress violating the independence of the policy-setting Federal Open Market Committee, said Former Fed Governor Laurence Meyer, now vice chairman of Macroeconomic Advisers LLC.

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