Federal Reserve Accountability and Oversight
The Fed paid over $200 billion in interest to banks last year, with 40% going to foreign institutions, while American households faced severe erosion of purchasing power.
Fed’s independence has become a shield against oversight, allowing it to avoid accountability for actions like interest payments to banks.
Fed’s $630 billion operating loss since September 2022 is being covered by Treasury revenues, a direct consequence of its interest payments to banks.
Monetary Policy Concerns
Fed’s interest payments to banks, at 4.4% on $3.4 trillion in cash balances, create a perverse system benefiting banks over American households.
Fed’s high interest rates are a genuine obstacle to business expansion and job creation, preventing inflation reduction through increased supply.
Fed’s rule-bound approach to monetary policy is based on the discretionary judgment of a small group, rather than sound money principles.
Proposed Reforms
Judy Shelton proposes a 50-year gold-backed Treasury bond to link the US dollar to gold, providing a sound money anchor for stable monetary systems.
Calls for exposing Fed’s models and constructs to Congress to understand mechanisms and justify its powers, which have developed without regulatory oversight.
Financial Implications
Fed’s $1 trillion in unrealized losses from long-term bonds bought at near-zero rates would be recognized if sold, potentially wiping out income and Treasury remittances.
Fed’s independence is eroded by self-funding, 14-year staggered terms, and a revolving door between Fed and Treasury positions.