Washington, DC - Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) made the following remarks on H.R. 3435, legislation that reallocated $2 billion to the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) program. The bill passed the House today 360-109.

“The success of the CARS program in just a few short days has been remarkable.  The program has been doing so well in fact that the initial $1 billion allocated for the program is already running low.  This is a great problem to have and is a sign that the program is not only working and consumers are very interested, but also that CARS is providing a jolt to our economic recovery efforts. 

“This is a simple extension and infusion of money, and the legislation should not get bogged down by calls for changing the program.  That would only serve to stall the extension and confuse consumers.  We cannot and should not make changes to an extremely successful program that has only been operating for a week.  That would be irresponsible. 

“I would add that the additional $2 billion for this program has already been appropriated under ARRA and will not cost the taxpayer an additional dime.

“I urge the passage of this bill.”
 

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