A series of discouraging reports on the U.S. economy has brought sharp criticism from the Democrat who heads a key economic committee.
Senator Charles Schumer said Friday reports showing a declining job market and record-high foreclosures are more evidence that the U.S. economy is headed for recession.
Schumer accuses the Bush administration of doing far too little to fend off the economic crisis.
White House spokesman Tony Fratto says the economy is in for a "difficult quarter," but notes that the new stimulus plan is just getting underway. He says it should restore economic growth.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
