Senate Confirms Kevin Warsh to Lead Fed in Narrowest-Ever Vote

The Senate narrowly confirmed Kevin Warsh as chair of the Federal Reserve, setting up the most controversial leadership transition at the US central bank in decades and a test of its political independence.

The 54-45 vote Wednesday was the slimmest confirmation margin ever for a head of the central bank, reflecting polarized politics in Congress and Democratic fears that Warsh will bend to President Donald Trump’s demands to rapidly lower interest rates.