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Congress to Big 3: Ball's in Your Court

By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 20, 2008 3:05 PM CST

(Newser) – After failing to strike a deal today on a possible bailout for the Big Three automakers, Congressional leaders offered the firms one more chance to push for the $25 billion lifeline they've requested, the Detroit News reports. Lawmakers will wait until December and require concrete plans for the money before proceeding. “The best way to proceed is to give them another opportunity to make their case,” Harry Reid said.

A bipartisan agreement to provide the funds immediately was to go to a vote today, but that plan dissolved after House leaders raised objections, which key senators echoed. “The key here is accountability and viability,” said Reid, the Senate majority leader. “That's what we're seeking. That's not too much to ask.”

GM headquarters in Detroit, Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008. Democratic leaders in Congress sidetracked legislation to bail out the auto industry. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

House Majority Whip James Clyburn, Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, Chris Dodd, and Harry Reid during a news conference today on Capitol Hill to discuss the auto industry bailout. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Sen. Harry Reid, flanked House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, gestures during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

General Motors Chief Executive Officer Richard Wagoner, Chrysler Chief Executive Officer Robert Nardelli, and Ford Chief Executive Officer Alan Mulally. (AP Photo)

The Big Three sit down. (AP Photo)

Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid at a news conference on the auto industry bailout, Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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Congress to Big 3: Ball's in Your Court

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Nancy Pelosi • Congress • Chrysler • Harry Reid • General Motors • Ford • auto industry • bailout

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Dems Push Paulson to Fund Big 3 Automakers

Pelosi, Reid want $700B bailout to aid GM, Ford, and Chrysler

Dodd Endorses Big 3 Bailout as CEOs Hit Hill Again

Senate Democrat enlisted to work on compromise package

House Likely to Vote on Auto Bailout This Afternoon

Senate likely tomorrow; GOP has harsh words

Big 3 Bailout Plan Goes to White House

Measure has provision for watchdog, but other questions remain

Saving Detroit: It's Now or Never

Auto industry in danger of going under while lawmakers haggle over lifeline

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Newser By Users

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