02:36 PM EDT, 08/13/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Richmond Fed President Tom Barkin (nonvoter) said that uncertainty remains regarding the path of inflation and whether rate increases will be needed to bring it down to the 2% goal or if will slow on its own.

Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack (voter) said that the FOMC should begin the process of raising interest rates now to bring down inflation, saying that recent softer price data have not convinced her that inflation is on a clear path downward.

Recent comments of note:

(Aug. 5) Fed Governor Lisa Cook (voter) cited reasons that inflation could slow but said that she could support a rate increase if it does not.

(Aug. 5) Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari (voter) said in an interview with CNBC that he would prefer gradual rate increases sooner, perhaps as early as the September FOMC meeting, rather than be forced to raise rates rapidly later.

(Aug. 4) Philadelphia Fed President Anna Paulson (voter) said that she is "keeping an open mind" regarding the path of monetary policy and will allow incoming information to determine whether the current level of restrictiveness is appropriate to slow inflation or if more is required.

(Aug. 3) New York Fed President John Williams (voter) said in an interview with Reuters that monetary policy is appropriate to continue to put downward pressure on inflation, but it may be necessary to act if that is not the case.