Senators see support for clunker extension

[rickaren]

Senators see support for clunker extension

Posted Tuesday, Aug 4, 2009, 1:43 pm in Employee News

Senate leaders from both parties are interested in striking an immediate $2 billion deal to replenish the cash for clunkers auto sales incentive, while the White House warned the program would cease at week’s end without more money, Reuters reported.

Sens Dianne Feinstein, a Democrat, and Susan Collins, a Republican, said on Monday that the Obama administration had eased their concerns about the program and recommended the chamber approve the proposed remedy as soon as possible, the news service said. “The program appears to be running very well,” Feinstein said at a news conference about the month-old “clunker” incentive that offers consumers up to $4,500 to trade in older cars for new, more fuel efficient vehicles.

Until Monday, Feinstein and Collins were seen as potential obstacles over concerns the program was not yielding sufficient fuel efficiency improvements, Reuters said. However, they were satisfied with Transportation Department data on Monday showing a nearly 10 percent overall mileage gain compared with trade-ins, mostly light trucks, the story said. (Reuters)