NADA Commends Congressional Leaders for Extending 'Cash for Clunkers' Program

Washington DC August 11, 2009; Both the House and Senate leadership were critical to keeping the “Cash for Clunkers” program up and running. And NADA, recognizing that the popular “clunkers” program was almost out of cash, was first to notify government officials and Congress that something needed to be done to keep the program operating. Before leaving Washington for the August recess, both the House and Senate worked at an unusually fast pace to approve an additional $2 billion “clunkers” extension.

Within hours of learning the program was running out of money, the House voted 316-109 in favor of H.R. 3435 to approve the additional funding. “House leaders, both Democrat and Republican, including Appropriations Chairman David Obey, D-Wis., deserve special recognition for getting the measure quickly through the House,” said David Regan, vice president of legislative affairs.

In the Senate, Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., worked diligently to clear a packed pre-recess agenda, so there could be a vote on H.R. 3435. Within days, the Senate responded by defeating six amendments which would have ended the program, and instead approved the House’s $2 billion addition. Republican support in the Senate was essential. Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., the lead Republican on the bill, helped shore up votes.

With members of Congress now back in their districts for the August recess, NADA’s Legislative Office is recommending that dealers be sure to thank their members who voted for the program’s extension. “The passage of the ‘clunkers’ extension assures that this successful stimulus will continue during one of the most important auto retail sales periods of the year,” Regan added.