Dale E. Kildee (MI05) - Press Releases - Kildee Leads Effort to Extend “Cash for Clunkers"

	For immediate release July 31, 2009	Contact: Erin Donar 202-225-3611

	Kildee Leads Effort to Extend “Cash for Clunkers"
	Legislation will redirect $2 billion in stimulus funds to the program

	Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Dale E. Kildee (D-MI), Co-Chair of the Congressional Automotive Caucus and Representative from Flint, MI, the birthplace of General Motors, joined his colleagues to introduce legislation to extend the tremendously successful cash for clunkers program. The legislation, H.R 3435, Making Supplemental Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2009 for the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Program, of which Congressman Kildee is an original co-sponsor, redirects $2 billion from the economic stimulus bill to the program. This legislation passed the House of Representatives by a margin of 316 to 109. Congressman Kildee released the following statement: “When we passed the cash for clunkers legislation last month, I said that it would provide a much needed boost to our auto industry, clean up our environment, help us achieve energy independence and stimulate our economy as a whole. After just one week, this program is already proving to be a tremendous victory for the American economy, and there is no better proof of success than success. Thousands of Americas have utilized this program to buy roughly 250,000 new, more fuel efficient vehicles and our auto manufacturers are seeing a surge in sales as a result. This unprecedented response from consumers is proof that the government can successfully stimulate the economy. I have been working closely with the White House, the Auto Task force and my Congressional colleagues to add additional funds to the program to keep it up and running and the White House has made every assurance that vouchers will continue to be honored while we work to extend the program. This program has been an unprecedented success and there are no plans to suspend it. To continue this positive momentum, I joined my colleagues today to introduce legislation to redirect $2 billion from the economic stimulus bill to the cash for clunkers program. I am proud that the House of Representatives came together in a bipartisan manner to swiftly pass this important legislation. I urge my Senate colleagues to do the same as quickly as possible.”

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