Monday, August 3, 2009

Cash For Clunkers On the Rocks

The Obama administration will suspend the "cash for clunkers" program unless the Senate provides $2 billion more for the popular car incentive plan, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said Sunday.



He said he expects the current $1 billion pool to be exhausted by the end of this weekend. The House approved an additional $2 billion on Friday and the administration is pressing the Senate to go along before its summer vacation begins at week's end.



"If we don't get the $2 billion from the Senate ... we would have to suspend the program next week," LaHood said in an interview with C-SPAN's "Newsmakers" show. He said the administration "will continue the program until we see what the Senate does and I believe the Senate will pass this."



At least one GOP senator questioned the need to speed the money.



"This is crazy to try to rush this thing through again while they're trying to rush through health care, and they want to get on to cap and trade electricity tax," said Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C. "We've got to slow this thing down."



I find it disturbing when I watch the car commercials on TV. Both local and nationwide ads are promoting this program. The administration intended the program not just to stimulate car sales, but to get gas guzzling, polluting vehicles off the streets and put more efficient vehicles on the streets. That apparently isn't happening. Many vehicles being offered are trucks, SUV's, and larger cars. Cars being traded in are often less than five year old, are no less fuel efficient that the ones being bought and no less polluting.



At least those taking advantage of the program are getting back some of their tax dollars.

2 comments:

lady di August 3, 2009 at 11:08 AM  

govt is also in the process of extending the unemployment benefits for another 13 weeks so these unfortunate souls can make a few payments before the repo man shows up. Wake me when the chocolate bars are being distributed..........

Red August 3, 2009 at 11:32 AM  

Another 'bubble' that wen it bursts, we're going to have to 'recover' from. It's awesome having another socialist/Dem in charge to spend us into oblivion. If driving down our economy is his goal, he is well on his way to accomplishing that.

About This Blog

This blog is about my opinions and world view.  I am a conservative, evangelical Christian.  Generally speaking, if you post a comment, I'll allow you to express your view.  However, if you say something hateful, untruthful, or just generally something I don't like, I may remove it.

  © Blogger templates The Professional Template by Ourblogtemplates.com 2008

Back to TOP