Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 05/2013

The Congress Should Support IMF Governance Reform to Help Stabilize the World Economy

Edwin M. Truman

March 2013

Peterson Institute for International Economics

Abstract

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) continues to play an indispensable role in stabilizing the world economy and financial system, but it will need assistance (particularly from the US Congress) if it is to continue to help troubled and strong countries alike. US leadership has been crucial in promoting reform of the IMF. Legislation is now before the Congress to cement recent reform agreements. That legislation will strengthen the IMF without the need to authorize one additional dime of the taxpayers' money and with no economic, financial, or political downside for the United States.