Rhino
11-09-2006, 03:07 PM
U.S. Automakers Turn to Dems for Help
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
By TOM KRISHER, AP Business Writer
DETROIT — They won't celebrate in public, but the Big Three domestic automakers are hoping that Democratic control of the U.S. House and perhaps the Senate will bring a government that's more responsive to their plight as they fight for business with Asian competitors.
Top U.S. auto executives have grown increasingly frustrated with the Bush administration and the Republican-controlled Congress on energy policies, health care costs, currency manipulation by other countries and protection of intellectual property.
After months of trying, leaders of the Big Three are scheduled to meet Tuesday at the White House with President Bush, White House spokesman Tony Fratto said Wednesday.
No one is expecting major changes with Democrats holding only a narrow majority in the House, but still, changes could be coming.
"None of this is a slam-dunk for anyone, but I think our prospects on the issues ... are a lot better,"said Alan Reuther, legislative director for the United Auto Workers union, which has sought incentives for flexible-fuel vehicles and help for manufacturers on health care costs for retirees.
Industry-friendly lawmakers already are preparing to push legislation that will help General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co. and DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group......http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2006Nov08/0,4670,ELNCongressAutos,00.html
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
By TOM KRISHER, AP Business Writer
DETROIT — They won't celebrate in public, but the Big Three domestic automakers are hoping that Democratic control of the U.S. House and perhaps the Senate will bring a government that's more responsive to their plight as they fight for business with Asian competitors.
Top U.S. auto executives have grown increasingly frustrated with the Bush administration and the Republican-controlled Congress on energy policies, health care costs, currency manipulation by other countries and protection of intellectual property.
After months of trying, leaders of the Big Three are scheduled to meet Tuesday at the White House with President Bush, White House spokesman Tony Fratto said Wednesday.
No one is expecting major changes with Democrats holding only a narrow majority in the House, but still, changes could be coming.
"None of this is a slam-dunk for anyone, but I think our prospects on the issues ... are a lot better,"said Alan Reuther, legislative director for the United Auto Workers union, which has sought incentives for flexible-fuel vehicles and help for manufacturers on health care costs for retirees.
Industry-friendly lawmakers already are preparing to push legislation that will help General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co. and DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group......http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2006Nov08/0,4670,ELNCongressAutos,00.html