The gentleman from New York, the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr. Meeks, you're recognized for five minutes.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And congratulations, Mr. Chairman.

Let me just jump into this, because in your testimony, you talked about the Federal Reserves, and I quote,

rightful independence in the conduct of monetary policy, which is good.

Now, as the chairman,

Hill has indicated, I also do some foreign affairs work, and I'm very concerned about what's taking place in the state of Hamous and rising cost of gas because we know that when those

prices up go up at the pump, it gauge higher transportation and energy cost of gas because we know that when those prices up go up at the pump,

it's a higher transportation and energy cost, and they work their way through the economy,

generally making groceries, higher in household goods, etc.

So it depends upon handling it.

So if the administration's handling of the conflict with Iran contributes to another inflationary shock, will you make the decision you believe is in the best interest of the American people and the American economy in that rightful independent stance?

Congressman, that is always our commitment to make the best decision we can, consistent with the remit and our understanding of the world.

And as I said to the chairman of the outside, we'll deliver price stability.

So, and that's, you know, still based upon what we've seen from the president thus far.

Now, I just want to be clear, make sure that, because I've got to be clear on this, that if the president publicly pressures you to pursue a different course than the one you believe is in the economic,

that you believe the economic data supports, will you follow the president's wishes or follow

the data?

My commitment to you is to follow the law and follow the data,

follow our very best judgment.

And that's even if he publicly criticizes you for doing it.

If you decide this is the way to go, this is with the data shakes,

and he publicly criticizes you and tells you how disappointed he's in you and all of that.

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