WASHINGTON D.C. – In less than one week, the “Cash for Clunkers” (CARS) program generated over 200,000 automobile purchases. The $1 billion in stimulus funds used for the program is resulting in nearly $5.5 billion of new economic activity, therefore, Congressman Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-Santa Clarita) supports giving the President authority to transfer $2 billion already appropriated under the Recovery Act to continue the CARS program.
“I’m very supportive of the Cash for Clunkers program, which is providing a needed boost to flailing dealerships in the 25th Congressional District of California. When federal dollars are directed correctly, these are precisely the types of results we are supposed to see in industry and the economy. The CARS program is an example of how the entire stimulus bill should have been crafted; it’s amazing to see what good can come from putting tax dollars back in the hands of the taxpayer.
“Ironically, I’ve been fighting to also get federal support for our California veterans, who are trying to get a college education after returning from deployments and after their terms of service in the Armed Forces. While I am obviously supportive of the CARS program, I have to vigorously ask how the Majority located $2 billion overnight to continue the program but can’t find a dime to help veterans that will be affected by a technical glitch in the post-911 GI Bill.”
The House overwhelmingly supported continuation of the CARS program with a vote of 316 to 109.
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