Ben Bernanke said...

Let me just say that we are quite aware of these portfolios, and we are addressing them in at least two ways.

The economy needed help from Congress--if not from additional spending (on roads and bridges for example), then at least...

I sincerely believe our central bank's actions have provided critical support for our Nation's economic recovery.

Banks are not going to lend out the reserves at a rate lower than they can earn at the Fed.