HARMAN’S VOTE HELPS RE-FUEL ‘CASH FOR CLUNKERS’

Lawmaker says measure shifts program “back into high gear”

Washington, D.C. -- In response to the overwhelming popularity of the “Cash for Clunkers” program, Rep. Jane Harman (D-CA) today joined in a bipartisan effort to allocate an additional $2 billion to the program. The measure passed by a vote of 316 to 109.

“Hours ago this program was running on fumes,” Harman said. “This vote shifts it back into high gear.”

The Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), as the program is formally known, has been wildly popular with consumers and car dealers.  Intended to fund the program through November 1, the $1 billion initially allocated for CARS was spent in the first month.

CARS is providing a much-needed boost to South Bay car dealerships.  John Elway’s Manhattan Beach Toyota-Scion dealership said its business quadrupled since the program began, and had collected 60-70 “clunkers” during that time.  

“Getting this program back on the road is good for consumers, good for car companies, and good for the environment,” Harman said. “It’s a win-win-win.”

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