Good afternoon, everyone. To begin, id like to say a few words about paul volker who as you know passed away earlier this week. Paul volker served as Federal Reserve chair from 1979 to 1987. He accomplished many things during his long and distinguished career at the fed and elsewhere. Hes best known for leading the fight to tame the doubledigit inflation he inherited, laying the prosperity we enjoy today. But what is perhaps most admirable about him more than his accomplishments was his character. He believed that there was no higher calling than Public Service and he dedicated the lions share of his life to it. With courage, tenacity and integrity he pursued the policies he believed would benefit all americans. My colleagues and i continue to draw inspiration from his example. Turning to todays meeting, my colleagues and i decided to leave our rate unchanged after lowering it a total of 0. 75 . We based our decisions on judgment of how best to achieve the goals congress has given us,