[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 53 (Monday, March 30, 2009)]
[House]
[Pages H4066-H4067]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        TOUGH CHOICES MUST BE MADE FOR AUTO INDUSTRY'S SURVIVAL

  (Mr. CARNAHAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, today both American families and 
businesses are struggling to make ends meet during these tough economic 
times. Like President Obama, I am optimistic that America can and will 
build the cars of the future.
  When GM and Chrysler are both asking for additional taxpayer dollars, 
it is only common sense they explore every option to tackle this 
crisis. Both companies must be pressed to once again lead the world in 
car manufacturing. Chrysler's best option is to make an alliance with 
an outside company like Fiat, to make a successful product that can 
profit and sustain itself for the future. I am optimistic about what a 
more advanced engine could do for the company and its workers.
  The men and women at the Fenton plant in Missouri helped Chrysler 
survive in the early eighties, and I fully expect them to be an 
integral part of Chrysler's future survival. It is essential that 
Chrysler continue at least the same amount of current manufacturing in 
the U.S. today, and Fiat is committed to do that, and that they 
continue to grow production in the U.S. as the auto industry rebounds. 
My constituents, who have helped make the Fenton plant the state-of-
the-art facility it is today, rightfully expect their tax-funded 
assistance to create American jobs.
  The auto industry must make tough choices to keep their loyal and 
hardworking workforce employed and, once again, become the world's 
leader. And Congress must also make the difficult choices to get out of 
this economic and fiscal crisis and move America in a new direction.

[[Page H4067]]



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