Congressman Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph), co-chair of the Congressional Auto Caucus, applauded Thursday’s (August 6th) Senate approval of emergency legislation to infuse cash into the “Cash for Clunkers” program.  Although the “Cash for Clunkers” 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.  Last week, H.R. 3435 passed the House by a vote of 316 to 109 with 2 members voting present.  The legislation will now head to the White House to be signed into law by the President.

“With the Senate following the House’s lead, we have cleared the final hurdle in ensuring the ‘Cash for Clunkers’ program, which has provided Michigan’s economy a much needed lifeline, will continue uninterrupted through the rest of the summer,” said Upton.  “As of Tuesday, Michigan auto dealers have led the nation in program participation, taking advantage of $44.4 million in vouchers.  This is precisely the shot in the arm our state needed at this most critical time.  Continued and increasing auto sales translates into saved Michigan jobs and the creation of new ones, plain and simple.”

Upon learning of the developing situation last Thursday, Upton helped lead a conference call with the entire Michigan congressional delegation.  The delegation also met first thing the following 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 on the urgent need to continue the program.

“In just a matter of days, by taking funds already set aside, we have done more to stimulate the economy with ‘Cash for Clunkers’ than any government program since the national economy started to slide,” 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.  I am quite pleased that the Senate followed suit in replenishing a program that is successfully stimulating our economy and putting folks back to work.”

Source:  News release from Congressman Fred Upton