Asks about Congress conversations after break regarding ceasefire, blockade, and upcoming talks.
Sam
Mike Townsend
Congress returning grouchy after hearing voter concerns about war and gas prices.
Gas prices up 21% in March alone; seen as proxy for economy.
Mike Townsend
Congress wants specifics from administration on war goals, timing for Strait of Hormuz opening, and what constitutes winning.
Mike Townsend
Administration asking for war funding; tricky votes ahead with scaled-back but still large amount.
Pentagon asked $200B, White House scaling back to half or less; coming in next couple weeks.
Asks about Kevin Warsh confirmation process and timeline.
Sam
Mike Townsend
Confirmation hearing for Kevin Warsh as Fed chair scheduled for Tuesday next week.
Will face questions about plans to lower rates quickly as president called for.
Mike Townsend
Senator Tillis blocking vote until criminal investigation of Powell resolved; tight timeline before May 15th.
Powell may stay as temporary chair if not confirmed; White House may challenge that.
Mike Townsend
Even if Warsh confirmed, can't magically lower rates; FOMC majority not thinking about lowering rates soon.
12 voting members; Warsh will have hard time convincing others to act quickly.