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US Lawmakers Race to Prop Up Economy Slammed by Coronavirus

Katherine Gypson

   U.S. lawmakers are racing to try to offset some of the severe damage
   wrought on the economy by attempts to contain the coronavirus.

   The stock market plunged again Wednesday -- wiping out most of its
   gains under President Donald Trump's administration -- as activity in
   public places across the country grounds to a halt.

   With factories, businesses, restaurants and schools shutting down and
   industry in shambles, workers are facing layoffs, cutbacks in hours or
   having to make the difficult choice of working while ill due to the
   lack of paid sick leave.

   Democratic and Republican leaders have dismissed concerns the U.S.
   Congress should follow the example of quarantining, arguing that
   lawmakers must stay in Washington to immediately address the prospect
   of soaring unemployment rates and a looming recession.

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