#美国消费者物价指数发布在即 Federal Reserve Chair Powell Congressional Hearing May Be Disrupted

According to Republican Congressman French Hill, Powell may miss the February congressional hearing due to charges from the Department of Justice grand jury. The charges relate to his testimony last June before Congress regarding headquarters renovations, with prosecutors suspecting perjury.

If confirmed, this would be a rare situation in Federal Reserve history—an incumbent chair unable to fulfill the statutory semiannual congressional testimony duty due to a criminal investigation, directly impacting the coherence of U.S. financial policy.

The reaction on Capitol Hill has been unusually swift. Republican Senator Thom Tillis has stated that until the investigation is resolved, pressure will be applied to all new Fed nominees. Meanwhile, several lawmakers have expressed "serious concerns" over DOJ involvement, with political tensions clearly rising.

Why is the market tense?
February is traditionally a window for the Fed to release policy signals. If Powell is absent, key policy guidance could be missing, meaning markets will need to adjust expectations amid greater uncertainty. Historically, when central bank leaders become embroiled in controversy, it often leads to sharp market volatility and reassessment of risk assets.

Currently, Fed spokespeople have refused to comment. Tensions between Washington and Wall Street are escalating, and every subsequent piece of news could become a market turning point. For traders of crypto and traditional assets, this month warrants close attention to policy developments.