Big Bucks For Your Gas Guzzling Clunker May Be On The Way
Two days ago the House of Representatives, through its Energy and Commerce Committee, reached agreement on the “Cash for Clunkers” proposals by combining elements of H.R. 520 and H.R. 1550. Also a good sign, the Obama administration and Speaker Pelosi praised it. In the House, when the Speaker’s on your side bills move to the floor.
A difficulty though is that the House agreement will not be a “stand alone” proposal. It’ll be added into a larger energy bill and it may suffer from that. Also, who knows what the Senate will do to it when it gets the House-passed energy bill? Senator Feinstein has her own bill there, and it’s environmentally tougher (S. 247). It’s beginning to look, though, like the Democrats are going to employ their majority status in a more “blunt instrument” fashion, so we’ll see – perhaps the energy bill that will include the “cash for clunkers” proposal will be pushed through via the reconciliation process thus removing the filibuster from the GOP obstructionism toolbox. And a deal with Feinstien will not scuttle the bill, it’ll likely strengthen it.
Here’s the chart from the House Energy and Commerce Committee fact sheet. See where your beloved, but expendable, clunker fits:
While many applaud this idea, many oppose it. For example, the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and others like independent repair shops, auto restorers, customizers, some environmentalists, etc. Here’s a good article about the opposition. They’ve got their points, but I’m sitting here looking out the window at my company car and dreaming hopeful happy dreams . . .
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