[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 25, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E930-E931]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS OF U.S. AUTOMOBILE DEALERSHIPS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 19, 2010

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a cosponsor of H. Res. 
713, which recognizes the significant contributions of United States 
automobile dealerships, and expresses the sense of the House of 
Representatives that automobile dealers that have been forced to close 
be given a fair opportunity to reenter the automobile market once it 
rebounds and stabilizes. The automobile dealer industry has an 
important place in our country's history and is a critical part of our 
economy. It is critical that we recognize the important role of 
automobile dealers, help them survive the ongoing economic downturn, 
and pave the way for their future success.
  I thank Chairman Waxman for his leadership in bringing this 
resolution to the floor. I also thank the sponsor of this H. Res. 713, 
Congressman Green, for taking the time to recognize the important 
contributions of automobile dealers in our nation's history and their 
vital role in our rebounding economy.
  Madam Speaker, the automobile and the automotive industry has long 
been a symbol of American ingenuity and a source of American 
prosperity. Franchised automobile dealers have played and continue to 
play a critical role in the automotive industry: the franchised 
dealership system in the United States is the independent link between 
the manufacturer's assembly line and the American consumer.
  The automobile dealership industry is a vital part of the national 
economy. Virtually all new cars and light trucks are sold through 
franchised dealers. Dealers represent the largest retail business in 
the United States, with approximately $693 billion in revenues in 2007. 
Franchised dealers employ over 1,100,000 people, comprise nearly 20 
percent of all retail sales in the United States, and, in total, 
provide billions of dollars annually in tax revenue.
  Madam Speaker, automobile dealers also play an important role in 
local communities across the country. Auto dealers have deep roots in 
local communities and have helped manufacturers with long-term customer 
relationships that create brand loyalty and maintain customer 
convenience. Dealerships across the country provide jobs, give direct 
investments to local economies, and supply tax revenue to State and 
local governments.
  The economic downturn of the last two years has put thousands of jobs 
at risk, including those at automobile dealerships and automobile 
manufacturers. I have witnessed the effect of the recession on car 
dealerships in my district. That is why I recently introduced H.R. 
4897, the Drivers AID Act of 2010. By making interest payments on new 
car purchases deductible, this bill will help consumers

[[Page E931]]

in buying cars, dealers in selling cars, and auto manufacturers in 
making cars.
  Madam Speaker, we must take action to help auto dealers play a key 
role in the revival of the United States' economy. I urge my colleagues 
to join me in supporting H. Res 713.

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