<h1>Senate confirms White House economist to Federal Reserve Board in narrow 48-47 vote, raising independence concerns</h1> The Senate confirmed a White House economist to the Federal Reserve Board by a 48-47, largely party-line vote, giving the administration greater influence ahead of a likely rate cut; the nominee will complete an unexpired term through January and said he would resign his White House post only if appointed to a full term. Opposition lawmakers warned the nominee's plan to take unpaid leave rather than fully relinquish his executive branch role undermines Fed independence. The confirmation occurs amid a separate legal setback for the administration's attempt to remove a sitting Fed governor and as the Fed prepares for a probable near-term policy rate reduction.