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DeLauro Praises, Votes in Favor of “Cash for Clunkers” Bill

June 9, 2009

Helps consumers purchase more fuel-efficient vehicles, while boosting auto sales

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (D-CT) praised "cash for clunkers" legislation – the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act (H.R. 2751) – which would allow consumers to trade in their old, gas-guzzling vehicles and receive vouchers worth up to $4,500 to help pay for new, more fuel efficient cars and trucks. This will result in meaningful reductions in auto emissions and fuel consumption, while providing much-needed stimulus for our ailing automakers.

"With this piece of legislation we are able to accomplish a multitude of goals – help consumers purchase more fuel efficient vehicles, which means they pay less at the gas pump and help boost sales of our domestic auto and related industries, all while helping our environment," said DeLauro. "The ‘cash for clunkers' program will benefit our economy, help end our dependence on foreign oil and is another step toward a greener, cleaner future."

The program will help consumers starting July 1, 2009 and will be available for one year. It is estimated that this bipartisan measure will spur the sales of up to 1 million more fuel efficient cars and trucks – creating jobs and shoring up car dealerships – and save over 250 million gallons of gas. Germany, France, and the United Kingdom have enacted similar programs in recent months and in Germany, the measure boosted car and truck sales by more than 20%.

Supported by the Big Three, unions (AFL-CIO and UAW), car dealers, business groups (NAM and Chamber of Commerce) and the Obama administration, this will deliver consumer savings, increase vehicle demand, and help save American jobs, while cutting greenhouse gas emissions and reducing our dependence on foreign oil.