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US May Take Big Stake in Big 3

Draft bill creates 'auto czar' for firms' reorganization

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 9, 2008 6:40 AM CST

(Newser) – As a $15 billion auto industry rescue takes shape, the terms of the plan would give government a major stake in the Big Three and allow it to guide a bankruptcy-like restructuring process, the Wall Street Journal reports. Under the terms of draft legislation, the US could take shares worth at least 20% of loans made; the firms would also have to curb execs’ pay and dividend payments on the watch of a government “auto czar.”

The czar, who would be named by President Bush, could lead restructuring negotiations and oversee any transaction worth more than $25 million. But the administration isn’t satisfied with the terms of the current bill, instead aiming for tougher rules on the industry. Still, the bill, which would extend bridge loans to tide companies over through March, will mean a financial “haircut” for everyone from labor to dealerships to executives, said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. 

Auto workers gather outside the Potemkin auto dealership to express support of a federal aid package for ailing automakers during a rally in New York, Dec. 8, 2008.
Auto workers gather outside the Potemkin auto dealership to express support of a federal aid package for ailing automakers during a rally in New York, Dec. 8, 2008.   (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, with House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank, D-Mass., at right,  talks about a possible auto bailout on Capitol Hill, Monday, Dec. 8, 2008.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, with House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank, D-Mass., at right, talks about a possible auto bailout on Capitol Hill, Monday, Dec. 8, 2008.   (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
In this Nov. 18, 2008 file photo, General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner, from right, Chrysler CEO Robert Nardelli, and Ford CEO Alan Mulally testify on Capitol Hill.
In this Nov. 18, 2008 file photo, General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner, from right, Chrysler CEO Robert Nardelli, and Ford CEO Alan Mulally testify on Capitol Hill.   (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)
Kenneth R. Feinberg, who oversaw the 9/11 victims' compensation fund, has emerged as a candidate to be the auto czar in charge of a bailout for Detroit's Big Three automakers.
Kenneth R. Feinberg, who oversaw the 9/11 victims' compensation fund, has emerged as a candidate to be the "auto czar" in charge of a bailout for Detroit's Big Three automakers.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
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