The CDC’s stark warning came on the same day that White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow dismissed the threat of coronavirus, telling CNBC the virus was “contained.” His remark echoed President Trump’s assessment Tuesday that coronavirus was “very well under control.” On Capitol Hill, lawmakers grilled senior administration officials over their response to the crisis. This is Republican Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana, who blasted acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf for struggling to produce basic facts about the coronavirus outbreak.

Sen. John Kennedy: “Mr. Secretary” —

Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf: “My budget supports” —

Sen. John Kennedy: “You’re supposed to keep us safe.”

Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf: “My budget supports the men and women of the Department of Homeland Security.” —

Sen. John Kennedy: “You’re the secretary of homeland security.”

Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf: “Yes, sir.”

Sen. John Kennedy: “And you can’t tell me if we have enough respirators.”

Meanwhile, U.S. stock markets plunged for the second straight day Tuesday, with the Dow Jones falling by nearly 1,900 points this week on fears the coronavirus will further damage the global economy.