Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. US Federal Reserve Chairman Warns of Extended Recession VOA News U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warned Wednesday of the threat of a prolonged recession resulting from the viral outbreak. He urged Congress and the White House to act further to prevent long-lasting economic damage. Speaking in Washington, Powell said that while efforts to provide relief by both the Federal Reserve and Congress have helped, the uncertainty of the pandemic threatens to drive a deeper and longer recession, which could have lasting damage to the nation's economic productivity. "Avoidable household and business insolvencies can weigh on growth for years to come," he said. Powell said additional rescue aid from Congress, though costly, would be "worth it if it helps avoid long-term economic damage and leaves us with a stronger recovery." He said that is a decision for "our elected representatives who wield powers of taxation and spending."