Capital Briefs: Senate Backs Greenspan; Rivlin Squeaks In

The Senate overwhelmingly approved Federal Reserve Board Chairman Alan Greenspan for a third four-year term Thursday.

Also approved to the board were Alice Rivlin and economic forecaster Laurence Meyer.

Mr. Greenspan's renomination was passed by a 91-7 margin. Sen. Tom Harkin and several other Democrats voted against his confirmation.

Sen. Harkin said he opposed the nomination because Mr. Greenspan's anti- inflation policies were hurting economic growth. The Iowa Democrat had held up the Fed nominations for three months until Republicans agreed last week to allow debate on Mr. Greenspan's performance.

Ms. Rivlin's nomination to be Fed vice chairman was approved 57-41 - the closest vote on a Fed nominations in at least 30 years. Many Republicans, including Banking Committee Chairman Alfonse M. D'Amato, voted against the former White House budget director's appointment. They complained she did not adequately answer their questions about White House budget projections.

Mr. Meyer's nomination was approved 98-0.

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