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With Senate Vote, Congress Refuels 'Clunkers' Program
By Dana Hedgpeth and Perry Bacon Jr.
Washington Post Staff Writers
Friday, August 7, 2009
The government's "Cash for Clunkers" program won a much-anticipated extension Thursday night as the Senate voted to give an additional $2 billion in funding to the popular initiative aimed at boosting stagnant auto sales.
The 60 to 37 vote follows House approval of a similar measure last week and appears to save the government plan from an unexpected early shutdown. The White House supports extending the program, and the new funds are predicted to last until Labor Day, Transportation Department officials have said.
"Cash for Clunkers" appeared in jeopardy last week just days after its official launch. Congress had appropriated $1 billion for the program, which offers vouchers worth up to $4,500 for drivers trading in their gas guzzlers for more fuel-efficient vehicles. But the program drew so much interest that it almost ran out of funds well before its expected expiration in November. Transportation officials warned lawmakers that the plan faced suspension.
The vote on Thursday came after senators considered and rejected several amendments to the legislation. One amendment from Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), would have allowed the trade-ins to be donated to charity or low-income families. The current bill requires that the cars be junked. "We will destroy the opportunity for somebody less fortunate to have that automobile," Coburn said.
"Today's vote is a victory for families and businesses all across the nation," Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) said after the vote.
Seven of 40 Republicans crossed party lines to support the measure, while four Democrats voted against it.