bk1983
Off too Kuwait..
- Oct 17, 2008
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This morning, White House press secretary Dana Perino released a statement on the failure of the $14 billion auto bailout. Here's the key passage:
Under normal economic conditions we would prefer that markets determine the ultimate fate of private firms. However, given the current weakened state of the U.S. economy, we will consider other options if necessary including use of the TARP program -- to prevent a collapse of troubled automakers.
The TARP program the acronym stands for the Troubled Assets Relief Program is the $700 billion in bailout money that had been designated to help the financial industry.
Now Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has released a statement signaling that Senate Democrats support the White House's suggestion.
"I am encouraged that the White House seems to be considering using TARP for emergency bridge loans to the Big Three," he said. "Im disappointed that Republicans Senators partisan refusal to compromise prevented us from achieving a sound solution to this problem last night, but appreciative of the Administrations change of heart with respect to TARP."
Indeed, the White House statement represented a shift in the White House's position, which had previously been that TARP should only be used to help financial institutions.
"We have said all along that the Treasury already has the authority and resources to protect millions of Americans who work in our nations struggling auto industry," Reid added. "With the stroke of a pen, Secretary Paulson can reverse what stubborn Republicans did last night recklessly turning their backs on American families whose livelihoods depend on a healthy Detroit and risking further peril to our economy."
And Treasury appears prepared to released the money. A spokesperson released a statement saying this: "Because Congress failed to act, we will stand ready to prevent an imminent failure until Congress reconvenes and acts to address the long-term viability of the industry."
Under normal economic conditions we would prefer that markets determine the ultimate fate of private firms. However, given the current weakened state of the U.S. economy, we will consider other options if necessary including use of the TARP program -- to prevent a collapse of troubled automakers.
The TARP program the acronym stands for the Troubled Assets Relief Program is the $700 billion in bailout money that had been designated to help the financial industry.
Now Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has released a statement signaling that Senate Democrats support the White House's suggestion.
"I am encouraged that the White House seems to be considering using TARP for emergency bridge loans to the Big Three," he said. "Im disappointed that Republicans Senators partisan refusal to compromise prevented us from achieving a sound solution to this problem last night, but appreciative of the Administrations change of heart with respect to TARP."
Indeed, the White House statement represented a shift in the White House's position, which had previously been that TARP should only be used to help financial institutions.
"We have said all along that the Treasury already has the authority and resources to protect millions of Americans who work in our nations struggling auto industry," Reid added. "With the stroke of a pen, Secretary Paulson can reverse what stubborn Republicans did last night recklessly turning their backs on American families whose livelihoods depend on a healthy Detroit and risking further peril to our economy."
And Treasury appears prepared to released the money. A spokesperson released a statement saying this: "Because Congress failed to act, we will stand ready to prevent an imminent failure until Congress reconvenes and acts to address the long-term viability of the industry."
