News/Legislation

Dow Drops Sharply During Bailout Vote

The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped by more than 300 points before gaining some of it back during the vote in the House over the $700 billion bailout package.

Before the vote started at approximately 1:30 p.m., the Dow was down about 300 points for Monday. It dropped another 300 points as it appeared that the bill could fail. As of 2 p.m., the Dow was down by 490.79 points for the day.

The vote is still open even though the allotted 15 minutes have elapsed.

So far, 226 members have cast votes against it and only 207 have voted for it. Only one member has not voted. Members are allowed to switch votes.