WASHINGTON (AP) - Sen. Kent Conrad, the incoming chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, met with Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke on Wednesday.

Conrad, D-N.D., said the two had a wide-ranging talk about "significant fiscal issues facing the country," such as the housing market and the weakening U.S. dollar.

"It was a get-to-know-you session," Conrad said. "We had a very substantive discussion and I was impressed by him and the seriousness that he brings to these issues."

He said he could not characterize any of Bernanke's comments on issues because of potential effects to the stock market.

Conrad has promised to use his position on the Budget Committee to "get us on a path to balancing the budget."

The committee sets budget rules and caps on spending - a priority for Conrad, who has complained for years about mounting federal debt.