AI Generated Image

What to watch as Treasury's Bessent testifies before Congress

CNBC • September 15, 2026 • business

Key Points:

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will testify before the House Financial Services Committee, highlighting the success of U.S. economic sanctions against Iran and rising wages for the lowest-income Americans.
Bessent is expected to face questions on inflation, energy prices, interest rates, and the growing federal debt amid rising oil prices and high consumer costs.
Democrats may challenge Bessent on President Trump's pressure on the Federal Reserve to avoid raising interest rates despite a 3.4% increase in the consumer price index.
The national debt surpassing $40 trillion and rising Treasury yields could draw scrutiny regarding the administration's fiscal policies and their impact on affordability for consumers.
Despite challenges, Bessent and Republicans may point to strong stock market performance, low unemployment at 4.1%, and faster wage growth for the bottom 25% of earners as positive economic indicators.

Trending Business