The Senate will approve another $2 billion for the popular "cash for clunkers" program, probably by the end of the week, confident Democrats predicted Tuesday as Republican efforts to block the funding faded. "We'll pass cash for clunkers. Before we leave here," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. "The vast majority will be voting for this," added Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich. The Senate is scheduled to begin a month-long summer recess Friday.
Many Republicans, realizing that constituents and auto dealers were pushing hard to continue the program, reluctantly agreed. "I don't get a sense anyone will block it," said Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H., top Republican on the Senate Budget Committee.
The program apparently exhausted its original $1 billion in a few days. The program allows consumers to get up to $4,500 if they trade in old gas-guzzling vehicles for newer, more fuel efficient models.
The Obama administration, which Monday warned that the program would end if the Senate didn't go along with the House of Representatives' bill to add $2 billion to the program, was upbeat Tuesday. "I think the last thing any politician wants to do is cut off the opportunity for somebody who wants to get a rebate to buy a new automobile," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. |