NEWS RELEASE

Committee on Energy and Commerce
Rep. John D. Dingell, Chairman

Dingell Response to DOE Statement on Direct Loan Program for Auto Industry

The following is a comment from Rep. John D. Dingell, Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, in response to a statement released today by the Department of Energy about the direct loan program for the auto industry:

“It appears that DOE is making excuses for its own anticipated failures. NEPA, which I authored, does nothing to prevent the Department from issuing regulations for public comment. If DOE is asking for vigorous oversight to ensure it performs its duties, we will be happy to oblige. I hope this statement is not a sign of continued indifference to the U.S. auto industry on the part of the Bush Administration in its waning days. I would like to work cooperatively with the Administration to see to it that the loans are delivered with all deliberate speed.”

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