Time, Money Running Out for “Cash For Clunkers” Program
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Time, Money Running Out for
In Washington, the debate over the
In Washington, the debate over the “Cash for Clunkers” program continues. President Obama is now helping to jump-start the program, after it became so popular, it’s running out of money. The U.S. House of Representatives approved more funding last week, but the Senate has yet to agree. ABC News’ T.J. Winick has more.
Published: August 4, 2009
Washington, D.C.—Friday marks the end of the road for the “Cash for Clunkers” program, unless the Senate approves an additional $2 billion in government incentives.
Mike Kawczynski, bought new car: “So, I’m, like, okay if we’re going to do it, we better do it now.“
You don’t have to sell dealers on the program…in Milwaukee, and across the country, cars have been flying off the lots. In fact, carmakers sold 11 million cars, in July, down from last year, but up from June.
At Ford, they haven’t sold this many new vehicles since November of 2007.
Russ Darrow, car dealer: “This is designed to help stimulate the economy, to get greener cars on the road, and to keep production going.“
To try and keep “Cash for Clunkers” on track, President Obama will lobby 57 Democratic members of the Senate at a White House lunch Tuesday, also the President’s 48th birthday.
Senator Diane Feinstein had been holding out for higher fuel efficiency standards, but late monday, new details on the program chnaged her mind.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, (D) California: “The good news is apparently people are buying more cost efficient vehicles. The best solution is to continue and extend the program as it is.“
Despite renewed momentum to pass the bill, critics argue the government shouldn’t be in the used car business.
Sen. Jim DeMint, (R) South Carolina: “This is a horrible policy idea. And the fact that people buy cars when you give them free money, does not mean that is what the federal government should be doing.“
T.J. Winick, reporting: “If the bill is to pass, sSnators need no motivation to act quickly. After Friday, their month-long recess begins.“
“Cash for Clunkers” is not the only car debate taking place in Washington. There have been a number of fatal accidents, recently, as a result of drivers texting while driving. The Obama administration plans to convene a group of experts next month to address the problem of “texting while driving.“
We’ll have more on this story Tuesday night on News Channel 6.
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