Nebraska Panhandle News

U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts has countered a claim by Senator Elizabeth Warren regarding the role of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) in consumer protection within the banking industry. During a hearing of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Ricketts responded to Warren's assertion that the CFPB is "the only cop on the beat" for consumers.

Ricketts stated, “I want to address something that the Ranking Member started talking about, which was characterizing the CFPB as being the cop on the beat here,” adding that other entities like state Departments of Banking, OCC, FDIC, and FTC also investigate consumer complaints against banks. He emphasized not scaring consumers into thinking they lack protection.

The discussion occurred during questioning of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Ricketts expressed concerns over inflation and federal spending while noting an increase in prices under President Biden's administration. He highlighted issues such as grocery prices rising by 22% and rents by 23%.

Ricketts also focused on the Federal Reserve’s balance sheet expansion since 2019. He remarked on its growth from $4.1 trillion pre-pandemic to a peak of $8.9 trillion in 2022 before being reduced to $6.85 trillion through quantitative tightening measures.

Powell explained that quantitative easing would be considered only when interest rates are at zero, indicating current conditions do not warrant such actions.

Ricketts encouraged Powell to continue with quantitative tightening to ensure readiness for future economic challenges.