Statement by U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker on the Senate Confirmation of Janet Yellen

“Congratulations to Janet Yellen on her bipartisan approval today by the US Senate as the next Chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.  She possesses an amazing combination of of stellar experience, judgment and brainpower that will serve our nation economy well.  I look forward to working with her to help create more economic growth, opportunity and jobs for more Americans.  She also is the first female chair of the Federal Reserve system, and is a powerful example of what the best of our nation is all about.  I also want to thank Chairman Ben Bernanke for his service to our nation, which included creative and bold leadership to prevent what could have been a second Great Depression.  We are indebted to his powerful service at a time when our nation needed it most."