Bernanke gives upbeat assessment of economy to U.S. senators

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke on Thursday offered an optimistic view on the U.S. economy's prospects to Democratic senators, but warned that "tough decisions" were ahead on dealing with long-term budget deficits and healthcare costs, according to lawmakers present. Bernanke, whose term as chairman ends on January 31, told a private lunchtime meeting with senators that the reduction in federal budget deficits and the country's improving energy position were "all positives" contributing to a healthier U.S. economy, according to Senator Thomas Carper of Delaware. Carper added that Bernanke said that "the next several years are more encouraging, but we can't forget those long-term challenges and they involve among other things programs that are concerned with healthcare." An aging U.S. population will put increasing pressure on the federal government as it struggles to provide retirement and healthcare benefits to the elderly, poor and disabled.