Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook

Uproar After NC State Agent 'Fixes' Girl's Lunch Preschooler has to eat chicken nuggets instead of mom's meal »

Congress Nears 'Cash for Clunkers' Deal

Compromise would put voucher at $4,500, nix buy-American clause

By Ambreen Ali, Newser User

Posted May 6, 2009 3:19 PM CDT

(Newser) – Congress is nearing agreement on a “cash for clunkers” plan that would pay Americans to give up their gas-guzzling vehicles. A House plan outlined yesterday focuses on cars and light trucks that yield less than 18 miles per gallon. Owners who junk those will receive a $3,500-$4,500 voucher, depending on the relative efficiency of their new ride, the New York Times.

The compromise plan eases the initial mileage eligibility to just 4 mpg more than the previous car. It excludes used cars, but no longer limits the reduced vouchers to American vehicles. Domestic automakers still support the year-long initiative, which Democrats say will take 1 million cars off roads. The Senate has yet to reach agreement on the Obama-endorsed idea.

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (1)]

Domestic automakers welcome the plan, which would provide Americans incentive to buy new cars. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)

The plan proposes to pay Americans so that they trade in their old cars for more efficient ones. (Shutter stock)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

Scrappage programs implemented in other countries around the world have proven to be very successful in reinvigorating car and truck sales.
- General Motors, in a statement

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

To report an error on this story, notify our editors.

More Newser Stories

Obama: Aloof Image Is Media Creation

Press corps miffed by quiet social life, he suggests

(NEWSER) - President Obama isn't aloof, he says—it's just that he and Michelle don't tend to paint the town red. "My suspicion is that this whole critique has to do with the fact that I don’t go to a lot of Washington parties and, as a consequence, the Washington press corps maybe just doesn’t feel like I’m in the mix enough with them," he tells Time in an interview, noted by Politico . "And they figure, well, if I’m not spending time with them, I must be cold and aloof." More»

Obama Defies Congress With More Recess Appointments

He picks three for National Labor Relations Board

(NEWSER) - President Obama isn't winning much love among his political enemies on Capitol Hill today. Hours after making a controversial recess appointment to lead the new consumer protection agency, the president announced three more—this time to the National Labor Relations Board. The move will please the president's pro-union allies and irritate Senate Republicans who were likely to filibuster the nominees, reports the Hill . More»

House Expects to Clear Payroll Tax Cut Today

Though it's possible dissenting members could delay things

(NEWSER) - The payroll tax cut deal is expected to be ratified today, with congressional leaders planning voice votes that would require just a handful of members to be present, the Washington Post reports. Politico notes that the House will be using unanimous consent rules, however, meaning a dissenting member could force a vote next week. Because of the timing, disapproving members will have a hard time making it back to DC in time, but there are at least two who may object and force House members to return next week. More»

Americans to Congress: Do Your Job

Public frustration over gridlock, politics hits new highs

(NEWSER) - Congress has been extremely unpopular for some time , but Washington's inability to pass a payroll tax cut extension before adjourning for the holidays appears to have people disgusted like never before, reports the AP . "It's just another smack in our face for the working public. We just can't get ahead," said an Illinois construction worker. "I mean, I'm at a loss for words, and I just can't understand it, why they have to keep arguing." More»

Obama Calls Boehner to Press for Payroll Tax Deal

But neither he nor speaker budges

(NEWSER) - President Obama raised the pressure on John Boehner over the payroll tax standoff with a personal phone call today, reports the Hill . But, surprise, surprise, no magical breakthroughs resulted. From the official accounts, it sounds like the two just spouted talking points at each other—Obama telling Boehner to pass the two-month extension and Boehner responding that there's still time for House and Senate negotiators to get together and hammer out a yearlong deal before the year ends. More»

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most thought-provoking and entertaining stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »

Partnering with: Slate

View Newser on the mobile website

Congress Nears 'Cash for Clunkers' Deal