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May 22, 2009
LaTourette, Kucinich ask WH to take “time out” on Chrysler/GM
U.S. Reps. Steven C. LaTourette (R-OH) and Dennis Kucinich have asked the President to have its Auto Task Force stop taking actions that are harmful to American auto workers, auto dealers and the states and communities impacted by plant and dealership closings.
LaTourette, along with 35 other members of Congress from both parties, signed a letter authored by LaTourette and delivered to the White House today. They, along with the National Automobile Dealers Association, held a press conference in Washington this afternoon and also met with a member of the Auto Task force afterwards. Additional meetings with the Task Force are planned, LaTourette said. He said he was joined at the meeting by U.S. Rep. David Conyers (D-MI), a powerful member of Congress whose state has been devastated by automotive job losses.
LaTourette said the Administration and its free-wheeling Auto Task Force have intentionally or unintentionally sanctioned a “new” Chrysler plan that will mean job cuts for 9,000 Chrysler workers, and the loss of 789 dealerships, which could translate to more than 100,000 additional job losses. In addition, it is reported that GM will also go into an Administration-guided bankruptcy, which could cause the loss of at least another 100,000 dealership jobs nationwide and the closure of 14 GM plants.
“The White House Auto Task Force seems to be pursuing policies that export the manufacturing base of the American economy. Our economic strength and our national security are dependent on the automobile, steel, aerospace and shipping industries. We must protect and strengthen these vital industries,” said Rep. Kucinich
LaTourette said many people feel confused or misled by the President’s announcement on April 30 that the bankruptcy would “not disrupt the lives of the people who work at Chrysler or live in communities that depend on it.” Just hours after that statement, bankruptcy papers were filed in New York, and buried deep within them were the names of eight Chrysler plants that would close, including the Twinsburg plant. UAW workers across the nation agreed to steep concessions to save their jobs just days before the bankruptcy filing, including those who had no idea they were voting to close their plant and lose their jobs.
“I do not believe the President’s aides or task force gave him good or complete advice on this,” LaTourette said. “The Chrysler CEO has practically gone on an apology tour after telling governors, mayors and members of Congress their plants would be fine just hours before the bankruptcy filing. What has happened is simply wrong.”
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