Bessent takes flak from Democrats over affordability in Senate hearing

Published February 5, 2026 2:45pm ET



Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent faced questions about inflation and affordability during a Thursday hearing before the Senate, as Democrats work to blame the Trump administration for the dissatisfaction felt by households.

Bessent appeared before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, where he presented the Financial Stability Oversight Council’s 2025 Annual Report. Democrats on the panel used the opportunity to push Bessent on cost-of-living-related issues.

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