WASHINGTON – Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers made the following statement today on legislation passed in the U.S. House of Representatives to provide emergency loans to domestic automakers:

“I am pleased that Congress took note of the dire problems that Michigan faces if the auto industry fails. I regret that the state of our domestic auto industry reached this point, but action is needed now. This is not a ‘bailout.’ This is an emergency loan that will help the automotive industry and its suppliers continue operations and preserve jobs.”