On Wednesday, Powell may aim to puncture speculation about the Fed curtailing its bond purchase program
The measure aims to encourage consumers and businesses to borrow and spend
Jobless claims reach highest levels since August
Layoffs soared by 17.6% in November, driven by job cuts at restaurants, bars and hotels
It's the first time since April that jobs have been shed
Central bank expects to keep short-term benchmark interest rate near zero through at least 2023
Congress has yet to agree on another round of urgently needed financial aid
Shelton’s past writings have questioned the Fed’s political independence
The Federal Reserve chair also warned of continued weakness after the pandemic
Too little support would create “unnecessary hardship for households and businesses,” the Fed chair says