Senate Banking Committee moves forward with Kevin Warsh confirmation hearings for Federal Reserve chair

The Senate Banking Committee agreed on February 13, 2026, to proceed with confirmation hearings for Kevin Warsh, the nominee put forward by President Donald Trump to lead the Federal Reserve. This decision is a pivotal step in the nomination process, aimed at ensuring leadership continuity as the term for the current chair, Jerome Powell, concludes in mid-May. The committee's move to advance the process comes at a time when the window for confirmation is narrowing, making the scheduling of hearings a critical development for the transition.

This procedural step was taken despite a hold placed on the nomination by a key senator. By moving forward with the hearings, the committee is prioritizing the transition schedule for the central bank of the United States US. The advancement of the nomination process affects the prospects for leadership continuity and the institutional independence of the Federal Reserve during this transition period. The committee's decision to act despite the legislative hold highlights the urgency of the mid-May deadline.