U.S. requires equity stakes from national security firms seeking COVID aid

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Treasury Department will ask for an equity stake in publicly traded national security contractors, including defense firms, that seek part of the $17 billion set aside for them in coronavirus relief funds.According to a loan application posted on the Treasury website late Thursday, companies with a Top Secret clearance working for the U.S. government and others with contracts related to the defense production act should submit a loan request by May 1.At a White..