Few Cries From Congress for a Second Resurrection of “Cash for Clunkers”

One day after the Obama administration announced it would end the "cash for clunkers" program for good, the auto-state lawmakers who championed its creation have largely aligned with the decision and refrained from pushing for a third installment of the taxpayer-subsidized auto-purchase rebates.

20090731_cash_for_clunkers_33.jpg(Photo: MPR)

Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI) told the Detroit News that Congress should add $1 billion more to the "clunkers" pot, but widespread complaints from auto dealers who are footing the bill for the rebates amid slow government reimbursement have led to frustration from some of the program’s fans on the Hill.

Rep. Betty Sutton (D-OH), the original author of the "clunkers" provision that ended up becoming law, said in a statement today that "the multiple
goals that we set for the program were indeed accomplished," suggesting the rebates have run their course. Sutton added:

I look forward to working
with the Administration and my colleagues in the House and Senate on future
initiatives that will continue the momentum gained through the ["cash for clunkers] program
toward an improved and stable economy.

The relative quiet from the Michigan delegation on the auto-industry benefit may not last long. With Congress poised to work next month, lawmakers could attempt to restart the program against the administration’s wishes. But for now, it appears that "clunkers" is in its last throes.

(ed. note: Your regular companion at Streetsblog Capitol Hill will be taking some time away from the Potomac next week. Posting will continue on a lighter schedule; look out for thoughts from inestimable contributor Ryan Avent and the good folks at the Streetsblog Network.)

ALSO ON STREETSBLOG

As “Cash for Clunkers” Sputters, a Privately Funded Spinoff Picks Up

|
The U.S. DOT began signaling yesterday that it would bring the "cash for clunkers" program to an end amid growing unease from auto dealers about the government’s slow pace of reimbursement and General Motors’ decision to begin fronting "clunkers" repayments to its own salesmen. (Photo: AmericaJR.com) But with auto-industry forecasters predicting a cool 1 million […]

“Cash for Clunkers” Coming to a Close?

|
The Obama administration plans to close the door on the politically popular and environmentally slipshod auto trade-in program known as "cash for clunkers," according to a report this afternoon in the Wall Street Journal: Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said Wednesday he would disclose within two days updated figures on the program, including how much of […]

Separating Myth from Fact on “Cash for Clunkers”

|
As debate rages on in the capital over whether to keep assisting the auto industry by giving out more "cash for clunkers" rebates, two assertions are becoming commonplace: the program is helping diminish U.S. oil consumption, and the program is not paid for with new money. (Photo: AP) The first argument was reiterated on Friday […]

GAO: Economic Recovery Benefits of ‘Cash for Clunkers’ Are ‘Uncertain’

|
"Cash for clunkers," the White House’s much-touted program encouraging trade-ins for more fuel-efficient autos, had an "uncertain" impact on economic recovery, according to a new audit from the independent Government Accountability Office (GAO) — largely because it remains unclear how many of the car sales it spurred would have occurred without taxpayer subsidies. Were "clunker" […]