By Kevin Lavery, WKAR News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-852582.mp3
Washington, D.C. – (WKAR) - Michigan's congressional delegation is praising House passage of a bill that extends funding to the popular "Cash for Clunkers" program. Now, they say they're gearing up for some resistance in the Senate.
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The Cash for Clunkers trade-in program proved so popular it ran out of federal funding after just one week. The House today approved an additional $2 billion to keep it afloat.
Michigan's congressional delegation says that's a boon for car makers, parts suppliers and dealerships. Rep. Mark Schauer (D-Michigan) says support might not be so strong in the Senate.
"Looks like we've identified funds that are available, the White House has been very cooperative, and then I think it's going to be a little bit of a tougher challenge in the Senate, but I know that Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin are ready to do their part," Schauer says.
Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Michigan) says the additional funding package imposes no new taxes.
"It is using existing money already appropriated, already sitting in the pot that we can use to locally stimulate this economy," Rogers says. "And we're hoping that generates enough interest that they'll call the Senate and get the Senate moving so that we can get this thing taken care of and get this extension done."
The House now goes on its annual August recess. The Senate could take up the bill next week, before it leaves on its break August 7.