The Myth of Independence

Congressional historian Sarah Binder joins neighbor and investment manager, Mark Spindel in a look at the history of the relationship between the Federal Reserve and its legislative parent, Congress. The result is the Princeton University Press book The Myth of Independence: How Congress Governs the Federal Reserve.

Central to the book is the notion that the two institutions are interdependent rather than independent. The authors advocate that through legislation over the years, Congress has set up the Federal Reserve to bear the brunt of blame during times of financial crisis. This blend of political science, history, and economics was a hit for our panel. Why is it important to realize the relationship between Congress and the Fed is interdependent? What roles do transparency and accountability play in the relationship?

Host Jeffery Jenkins (@jaj7d) is joined by guests, Anthony Orlando (@AnthonyWOrlando), Matthew Kahn (@mattkahn1966 ‏), and Pamela Clouser McCann (bio here).

For links and more, check out the showpage.