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Cover Story

Cover Story - Spanish Version

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Comprehension Quiz

Teacher's Guide and Worksheets

The Money Mess Goes On

The U.S. economy had another difficult week. On September 29, the House of Representatives rejected a $700 billion plan to protect companies and bank customers (see TFK, 10/3/08, page 2).

When Congress voted no, the value of stocks fell. A stock is a share in a company. When economic conditions are bad, stock prices are low.

On October 1, the Senate passed its own version of the rescue package. It lets more businesses and people pay lower taxes.

Senators John McCain and Barack Obama flew back to Washington, D.C., for the vote. McCain warned, "If we fail to act, the gears of our economy will grind to a halt." Obama agreed. "This is what we need to do right now to prevent the possibility of a crisis turning into a catastrophe," he said.

Senators hope the House will agree to the new version of the plan.

Next: The High Price of Milk