WASHINGTON: Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke on Thursday offered an optimistic view on the US economy's prospects to Democratic senators, but warned that "tough decisions" were ahead on dealing with long-term budget deficits and healthcare costs, according to lawmakers present.
Bernanke, whose term as chairman ends on Jan 31, told a private lunchtime meeting with senators that the reduction in federal budget deficits and the country's improving energy position were "all positives" contributing to a healthier US economy, according to Senator Thomas Carper of Delaware.