Rep. Brad Sherman jokes God wants interest rates low until spring

Maybe Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) was going for something of a Hail Mary on Wednesday when he addressed Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen.

Not satisfied with the usual arguments lawmakers and economists typically make when asking Yellen to hold off on the first federal rate hike in nearly a decade, Sherman invoked the wishes of the Almighty.

“God’s plan is not for things to rise in the autumn, as a matter of fact, that’s why we call it fall. Nor is it God’s plan for things to rise in the winter, through the snow,” Sherman said. “God’s plan is that things rise in the spring. And so if you want to be good with the Almighty, you might want to delay until May.”

SIGN UP for the free Essential Politics newsletter >>

The unscripted line drew smiles from staffers seated behind him and snarky tweets. Sherman later clarified his remarks, writing on Twitter that he doesn't "actually think God has an opinion on monetary policy."

Sherman's San Fernando Valley district stretches from Studio City to Canoga Park to Granada Hills.

Asked if the congressman's comments were a biblical reference, Sherman spokesman Ben Fishel said they were intended as more of a "seasonal" reference.

"It was tongue in cheek," he said. "I guess he was trying to be funny."

Sherman's comments did not seem to have much of an effect on Yellen, who confirmed that a rate hike could come during the December meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee. She described an interest rate hike as “live possibility” if the economy continues to add jobs.

Twitter: @jpanzar 

For more, go to latimes.com/politics.

MORE ON THE 55: CALIFORNIANS IN CONGRESS

Meet the richest man in Congress

Meet the poorest man in Congress

Interactive: How much are they worth?

Democrats ask Obama to fund earthquake early warning system

Central Valley Republicans want immigration reform despite speaker's promise

Congressional Republicans demand plan for collecting El Niño water

Covering the 55