WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph), co-chair of the Congressional Auto Caucus, applauded Friday’s (July 31st) House approval of emergency legislation to infuse cash into the ‘Cash for Clunkers’ program.

Although the program was authorized for $4 billion, only $1 billion had been appropriated, and that amount had been quickly exhausted.  The emergency legislation, H.R. 3435, authorizes the transfer of $2 billion in stimulus funds for the ‘Cash for Clunkers’ program.  H.R. 3435 passed the House by a vote of 316 to 109 with 2 members voting present.  Upton is hopeful that the U.S. Senate will quickly follow suit next week .

“Today, Congress agreed to dust off $2 billion in unspent stimulus funds for a program that has sent shockwaves through our economy in just four days,” said Upton.  “‘Cash for Clunkers’ is a program that has invigorated communities across Michigan and America – the economic ripple effect from ‘cash for clunkers’ has been widespread from the car dealers and local advertisers, to families keeping more of their hard earned dollars, and the taxes that are being collected by cash strapped states at the time of each sale.”

Upon learning of the developing situation Thursday, Upton helped lead a conference call with the entire Michigan congressional delegation.  The delegation also met first thing Friday morning to map out a strategy to ensure the program is quickly infused with cash.  Upton also conferred with Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and White House officials Thursday evening and Friday on the urgent need to continue the program.

“In just four days, we have done more to stimulate the economy with ‘Cash for Clunkers’ than any government program since the economic collapse last autumn,” said Upton.  “We have all suffered through the loss of 1 in 5 manufacturing jobs in the last year and a half – many of them in the auto sector and we cannot afford to lose anymore.  Through ‘Cash for Clunkers,’ automakers, suppliers and auto families are finally seeing the dawn of a new day for the American auto industry.  The Senate must swiftly follow suit and replenish a program that is successfully stimulating our economy and putting folks back to work.”

Source:  News release from Congressman Fred Upton