MARTIN CRUTSINGER
AP Economics Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell warned Tuesday that the U.S. economy faces a deep downturn with "significant uncertainty" about the timing and strength of a recovery. He cautioned that the longer the recession lasts, the worse the damage that would be inflicted on the job market and businesses.
In testimony to Congress, Powell stressed that the Fed is committed to using all its financial tools to cushion the damage from the coronavirus. But he said that until the public is confident the disease has been contained, "a full recovery is unlikely." He warned that a prolonged downturn could inflict severe harm — especially to low-income workers who have been hit hardest.
Powell delivered the first of two days of semi-annual
