Reps. Sánchez Votes to Boost "Cash for Clunkers" Program

Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Linda Sánchez voted to increase funding for the "cash for clunkers" program. The initial launch has been so successful in encouraging Americans to trade in their old gas guzzlers for new fuel-efficient cars, that funding ran out the first week it was made available to American consumers and Congress is acting quickly to extend it.

The program allows consumers to trade in their old, gas-guzzling cars for vouchers worth up to $4,500 to help pay for new, more fuel-efficient vehicles. Almost 200,000 cars have already been sold through the program, and it is expected to spur the sale of up to 800,000 more fuel-efficient cars and trucks, while stimulating the ailing auto industry and reducing our dependence on foreign oil.

"This is a smart program that will help accelerate our clean energy economy, cut down on pollution, and save money at the pump," said Rep. Linda Sánchez. "It goes a long way towards getting Americans back to work and behind the wheel of cleaner, more environmentally-friendly cars."

The legislation provides rebates for cars and trucks in the following four categories:
* Passenger Cars: The old vehicle must get 18 mpg or less. New vehicles with improvement of at least 4 mpg will get a $3,500 voucher. New vehicles with improvement of at least 10 mpg will get a $4,500 voucher.
* Light-Duty Trucks: The old vehicle must get 18 mpg or less. New vehicles with improvement of at least 2 mpg will get a $3,500 voucher. New vehicles with improvement of at least 5 mpg will get a $4,500 voucher.
* Large light-Duty Trucks: The old vehicle must get 15 mpg or less. New vehicles with improvement of at least 1 mpg will get a $3,500 voucher or trade-in of a "work truck." New vehicles with improvement of at least 2 mpg will get a $4,500 voucher.
* Work Trucks: The old vehicle must be a pre-2002 model. New vehicles in the same or smaller weight class will get a $3,500 voucher.

The initial bipartisan legislation was supported by a broad coalition that includes the AFL-CIO, UAW, car dealers, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers.

"This is a win for the consumer, the economy, the environment, and the auto industry," said Rep. Sánchez.