In Brief

摘要

The Senate failed to approve a bailout package (H.R. 7005) for the auto industry Dec. 11, although the White House was considering helping the industry with funds from the Troubled Asset Relief Program. A Senate clo-ture vote, which would have allowed debate on the bailout bill to proceed, failed 52-35, falling short of the 60 votes needed. H.R. 7005, closely resembled the House-passed bailout legislation, H.R. 7321. The House bill would not preclude companies that receive loans from playing a role in lawsuits challenging state emission laws, such as the one in California. An earlier draft version had included such a provision, but it became a sticking point with the White House. The House bill would have required automakers "to comply with applicable fuel efficiency and emissions requirements" (39 ER 2463, 12/12/08).