Two Democrats Back Kevin Warsh’s Fed Chair Nomination

AOL.com reported Tuesday that the Senate has voted to move Kevin Warsh‘s Federal Reserve Board of Governors nomination forward, clearing a significant procedural hurdle. The 49-44 vote sets Warsh on course for full confirmation within days to succeed Jerome Powell, whose term as Fed chair expired Friday.

Two Democrats Provide the Margin

The nomination cleared the Senate floor vote with two Democratic senators breaking from their party. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) and Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) joined the Republican majority in backing the procedural advance. No Republican voted against the motion. Their support proved decisive in a chamber where partisan lines have otherwise held firm on Trump administration appointments.

Fetterman, who has drawn attention for a series of departures from Democratic orthodoxy, told comedian Bill Maher last week that he felt increasingly isolated within his own party. He cited disagreements over government shutdowns and other core issues. He has also backed other Trump nominees, including the heads of the Department of Homeland Security and the Justice Department.

Also Read: Fed Officials Signal Patience on Rate Cuts Amid Tariff Uncertainty

A Nomination Long in the Making

Warsh, 56, served as a Fed governor between 2006 and 2011. He was widely viewed during that tenure as a hawkish voice on inflation policy. President Trump first put Warsh forward as his preferred successor to Powell, but the path to confirmation was blocked for a period by Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.).

Tillis had refused to advance any Fed nominees through the Senate Banking Committee while the Justice Department was conducting a criminal investigation into Powell and the central bank. The North Carolina senator later confirmed he would support Warsh after receiving assurances that the inquiry had been closed.

Also Read: What Kevin Warsh’s Fed Chairmanship Could Mean for Interest Rates

What Comes Next for the Fed

With the procedural vote now cleared, a full confirmation vote is expected in the coming days. The Fed itself has indicated that Powell will remain chair pro tempore until Warsh is formally sworn in, which could happen as early as next week.

Markets will be watching closely. Warsh’s inflation-hawk reputation and perceived alignment with the White House on rate policy could shift expectations for the Fed’s rate path in the second half of the year.

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