Ben Bernanke: “Congress needs to do whatever it takes to address the economic crisis.”

the unemployment rate right now is not a very good measure by itself of the economy.

Yes, my suggestion to Congress is to consider possibilities that involve somewhat less restraint in the near term and more action to make sure that we are on a sustainable path in the long run.

Our goals are Main Street, our goals are jobs, our goals are low inflation.

It is also important, of course, for community banks to be well-capitalized so that they can continue to lend during difficult periods.