[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 6 (Wednesday, January 20, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S54]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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  SENATE RESOLUTION 388--EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE SENATE REGARDING 
   UNFAIR AND DISCRIMINATORY MEASURES OF THE GOVERNMENT OF JAPAN IN 
FAILING TO APPLY THE ECO-FRIENDLY VEHICLE PURCHASE PROGRAM TO VEHICLES 
                    MADE BY UNITED STATES AUTOMAKERS

  Ms. STABENOW submitted the following resolution; which was referred 
to the Committee on Finance:

                              S. Res. 388

       Whereas the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act of 
     2009 (49 U.S.C. 32901 note) established the CARS Program to 
     jumpstart automobile sales and increase fuel efficiency 
     nationwide by providing incentives to purchase new fuel 
     efficient automobiles;
       Whereas on August 25, 2009, a total of 677,842 new vehicles 
     had been purchased through the CARS Program;
       Whereas according to the United States Department of 
     Transportation, over 319,000 Japanese made automobiles were 
     purchased through the CARS Program;
       Whereas the CARS Program was open to automobiles 
     manufactured in countries other than the United States, the 
     rebate associated with the current and planned extension of 
     the Eco-Friendly Vehicle Purchase Program in Japan does not 
     apply to automobiles made by United States automobile 
     manufacturers; and
       Whereas the Senate finds that by maintaining and extending 
     the Eco-Friendly Vehicle Purchase Program, the Government of 
     Japan is engaging in unfair and discriminatory measures 
     contrary to Japan's obligations under the agreements of the 
     World Trade Organization Agreement: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate that--
       (1) the President should direct the United States Trade 
     Representative to continue to negotiate with the Government 
     of Japan to eliminate the unfair and discriminatory measures 
     relating to Japan's Eco-Friendly Vehicle Purchase Program; 
     and
       (2) if the United States Trade Representative is not able 
     to obtain a satisfactory agreement with the Government of 
     Japan, the United States Trade Representative shall initiate 
     consultations under the framework of the World Trade 
     Organization.

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