HOMEPAGE > NEWSROOM

Press Release

For Immediate Release
Contact: Sean C. Bonyun
May 5, 2009
(202) 225-3761

Upton – We Must Fast-Track Agreement on Car Scrappage Bill to Invigorate Michigan's & Nation's Economy
Co-chair of Congressional Auto Caucus applauds breakthrough between White House and Congress to move legislation to get folks back in the showrooms buying cars again

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph), co-chair of the Congressional Auto Caucus, made the following statement today on the agreement struck by congressional leaders and the Administration on "cash for clunkers" legislation.

"Working families have the most to gain from the breakthrough agreement, and I applaud all parties involved for their efforts to get this deal done to save jobs and revitalize the economy throughout the heartland. Now we must fast-track this measure through Congress and get it to the President's desk before the ink on the agreement is dry to help stop the dominoes that are falling against U.S automakers. The first step on the road to recovery is to get Americans back in the showroom buying cars again, and our scrappage bill will do just that. This concept has worked abroad with great success – here at home we'll immediately invigorate domestic auto sales, jumpstart the economy and put folks back to work, not to mention we'll dramatically reduce emissions and our dependence on foreign oil with more fuel efficient vehicles on the road."

Under the agreement, consumers may trade in their old, gas-guzzling vehicles and receive vouchers worth up to $4,500 to help pay for new, more fuel-efficient cars and trucks. The program will be authorized for up to one year and provide for approximately one million new car or truck purchases. The agreement divides these new cars and trucks into four categories – passenger cars, small trucks (and SUVs), large light-duty trucks and work trucks. Upton has called for immediate consideration of the car scrappage plan.

###