Before starting their August Recess, on Friday, July 31, 2009, the United States House of Representatives passed legislation that would continue the Cash-for-Clunkers (CARS) program. By a vote of 306-109, the House voted in favor of putting another $2 billion into the program that gives people a rebate when they trade-in their old “gas guzzlers” for a more fuel-efficient automobile.As Bob Meyer of Brownfield reports, the source of the funding is money from the Department of Energy’s (DOE) renewable energy loan guarantee program. Apparently, the funds were not presently being used for renewable energy projects and, so, were available. However, some renewable energy advocates would like to see those funds stay in the guarantee loan program. They argue projects are lined up to use the funds, but that the DOE has been slow in developing the necessary regulations. To read the Meyer’s story click here.
CQ Politics reports that the extra funding was needed because the car-trade-in program had already used the $1 billion previously allocated for it in the program's first week. To read the CQ Politics story click here.
The legislation still has to pass the Senate and be signed by President Obama before the funds become available to the CARS program. The Senate is set to begin their August Recess, and according to CQ Politics, the CARS funding is on the legislative calendar to be completed before adjournment.
However, Senate passage is no guarantee. Patrick O’Connor is reporting in Politico that a few Republican Senators may block the legislation. Senator Jim DeMint told “Fox News Sunday” that:
However, Senate passage is no guarantee. Patrick O’Connor is reporting in Politico that a few Republican Senators may block the legislation. Senator Jim DeMint told “Fox News Sunday” that:
"The role of the federal government is not to run the used-car business,” Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) said on “Fox News Sunday.”
“I just think this is a great example of the stupidity coming out of Washington
right now.”
Additionally, Janie Lorber reports for the New York Times blog "The Caucus," that Senator John McCain’s spokesperson said on Friday, July, 31, 2009, that the Arizona Senator would lead a filibuster of the bill to put more money into the program.
To read the Politico story click here.
To read the New York Times blog click here.
To visit the government website on the CARS program click here.
To read the New York Times blog click here.
To visit the government website on the CARS program click here.
Posted: 08/03/09
