Bernanke: 4-5 years to reach normal unemployment

WASHINGTON -- Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke sketched a more optimistic view of the economy on Friday, but said the Fed's $600 billion bond-buying program is needed because unemployment is likely to stay elevated for up to five more years. Bernanke told the Senate Budget Committee that there's increasing evidence that a "self-sustaining" recovery is taking hold. He said he expects stronger economic growth because consumers and businesses will boost spending this year.