Several leading economists from former President Barack Obama's administration have endorsed Kevin Hassett, President Donald Trump's choice to chair his Council of Economic Advisers, the Washington Examiner reported Monday.
In a letter signed Monday by 44 economists to Sens. Michael Crapo, R-Idaho, and Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, who head the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, they commended Hassett for his bipartisan approach to policy, saying he had "consistently made an effort to reach out to a wide range of people from across the ideological spectrum ... to promote economic dialogue."
Several of the economists who signed the letter played key roles in shaping Obama's policies including Christina Romer, a former council chair who helped shape the 2009 stimulus package, and Peter Orzog, former budget director who played a key role in healthcare legislation.
It also was signed by former Council Chair Jason Furman and former Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernake. The letter was signed by several prominent conservative economists and former Republican officials as well, including former Fed chairman Alan Greenspan.
"While we disagree on many issues, as economists, we all agree that the Nation would be well served if Kevin Hassett is confirmed as Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers," the letter stated.
Hassett is scheduled for a confirmation hearing on Tuesday before the Senate Banking Committee. He is currently a scholar at the American Enterprise Institute.
© 2023 Newsmax. All rights reserved.