| For immediate release June 11, 2009 |
Contact: Erin Donar
202-225-3611
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| Rep. Kildee Holds Meetings with Auto Industry Representatives, Including Fritz Henderson, CEO of G.M |
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| Washington, D.C. – Congressman Dale E. Kildee (D-MI), Co-Chair of the Congressional Automotive Caucus, has been busy working to help revitalize the auto industry. While the Congressman was initially dismayed by the President’s rejection of the automakers’ viability plans, he knew that White House support would be crucial, and he was determined to remain actively engaged with the White House, General Motors, Chrysler, the United Auto Workers and other stakeholders. Through constant meetings, briefings, conference calls and late night sessions, the Congressman has been a vocal and tireless advocate for working families in Michigan and throughout the country. This week is particularly busy for the Congressman, and includes a meeting with Fitz Henderson, CEO of G.M. where the Congressman will deliver 1,200 letters in support of saving the Garber Buick in Saginaw Township. The Congressman’s full auto-related schedule is below. “As we all know too well, the American domestic auto industry has been suffering a prolonged downturn and families in our communities have been struggling as a result. My home state of Michigan has lost 780,000 jobs over the last ten years, and we continue to suffer from the highest unemployment rate in the Nation, now at 12.9 percent. This means that even more families will be struggling to afford healthcare, pay their mortgages and provide for their children. Our working families need and deserve economic opportunities and we simply cannot allow these devastating job losses to continue,” said Congressman Kildee. “The recent bankruptcy filings by Chrysler, General Motors and others in the auto industry further underscore the critical need for action. That is why I have been working closely with the Administration, car companies, auto workers and other stakeholders to help find the solutions that will get us through this difficult time. I am committed to a strong and vibrant domestic auto industry and I will continue to do everything I can to ensure our auto communities get back on the path to success,” said Congressman Kildee. The Congressman’s auto-related schedule for the week is as follows: Monday, June 8 Bi-partisan meeting with Dr. Ed Montgomery, Director of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers: After Dr. Montgomery visited Flint last month at Congressman Kildee’s request, the Congressman invited Dr. Montgomery to meet with staffers from the Michigan Delegation to follow up on this visit and discuss progress in the auto recovery. Tuesday, June 9 Auto Caucus Briefing with Alan Reuther, Legislative Director for the United Auto Workers: Congressman Kildee and the Congressional Auto Caucus host Alan Reuter from the UAW to brief Members and staff on worker and retiree benefits and other issues. Floor statement in support of H.R. 2751, the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act, or the “Cash for Clunkers” Legislation: With Congressman Kildee’s support, this legislation passed the House of Representatives by a margin of 298 to 119. This legislation will provide consumers with up to $4,500 in vouchers for trading in their old vehicles and purchasing new, more fuel efficient models. Click here to read the Congressman’s statement. Wednesday, June 10 Briefing with Troy Clarke, GM President of North American Operations: Congressman Kildee and other Members of the Michigan Delegation meet with Troy Clarke to discuss the future of G.M. Thursday, June 11 Meeting with Fritz Henderson, CEO of General Motors: The Congressman presents Mr. Henderson with letters in support of the Garber Buick in Saginaw Township staying open. Meeting with the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers: Congressman Kildee and the Congressional Automotive Caucus hosts members of the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers (MEMA) and several supplier CEOs to brief members and staff on the financial state of the industry. For press inquiries regarding Congressman Kildee’s meetings and his work on the auto industry, please call contact Erin Donar at 202-225-3611 or Erin.Donar@mail.house.gov. |
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