WASHINGTON, D.C.  -  During these tough economic times, one of the best things Congress can do is to help protect and strengthen the jobs we have.

The numbers say it all. The unemployment rate for Alabama in March was 9 percent, double what it was this time a year ago, at 4.3 percent.

That’s where Congress can help. Times are very difficult for all of us in East Alabama, and to help improve our economy, I am working hard to develop common sense solutions that could help protect our jobs and help boost our confidence as consumers.

When you think about a leading industry in the state of Alabama, you tend to recognize the automobile industry. 

Just in East Alabama, we are home to Hyundai in Montgomery, and Honda in Lincoln. Soon, Kia will open a new plant just over the Georgia line.

These companies and the supplier plants that support them employ thousands of folks across the Third Congressional District.

Just this month, on May 6th, Honda Manufacturing in Lincoln celebrated their 10th Anniversary. I would like to recognize Honda and congratulate them on 10 successful years. But we need that success to continue along with that of all the car manufacturers in the United States.

Earlier this year, I introduced the Consumer Auto Relief, or CAR Act. Over time, this bill could help protect our jobs in East Alabama and encourage lenders to lend

working families money to buy a new car. The bill would incentivize buyers to purchase new cars now.  The bill breaks down into three 90-day periods of Federal tax deductions after enactment of the bill.

In the first 90 days, buyers would receive a $7,500 Federal tax deduction, the second 90 days a $5,000 deduction and the third 90 days a $2,500 deduction.

In addition, interest paid as well as state and local taxes paid on the purchase in 2009, would be completely tax deductible.

On the lending side, lenders would catch a break by being able to deduct 50 percent of earnings on all new consumer car loans during this nine month period. Hopefully, this would help free up tight credit lines.

This week, it’s been reported Congress may pass legislation to encourage folks to buy a new car. That’s good news, but I hope it’s legislation that helps all auto makers and families. My hope is Congress will revisit the CAR Act to help keep our automobile industry, especially in East Alabama, thriving.

Since in the month of May we also observe Memorial Day, I hope all of us will continue to remember the sacrifices of all of our Veterans. We owe them all our deepest sense of gratitude. Let us all also continue to pray for our brave men and women in uniform serving overseas and their families back home.

Please continue to share your concerns with me at www.house.gov/mike-rogers.