Political Quotes

“I rise to join Senator Campbell in opposing section 822 of S. 517, which is pending. I support the amendment by Senator Campbell to strike that. The section creates a federally funded program requiring States to establish scrappage programs for vehicles 15 years and older, or pays such car owners to improve the fuel economy. Owners who turn in such vehicles receive the minimum payment and a future credit towards purchasing a new vehicle that meets certain DOE guidelines. The section's stated intent is to retire inefficient vehicles. This is really the first of its kind. All prior State scrappage programs sought to address primarily poor emissions standards. Who is affected by this? Although section 822 is a voluntary program, everyone who opts in is penalized. A reduced supply of auto parts translates to increased costs to everyone who wants to responsibly maintain their older vehicles. Since section 822 disproportionately impacts or penalizes low-income and fixed-income vehicle owners, car owners who cannot afford to purchase a new Department-of-Energy-approved vehicle are particularly affected by the increased costs of parts as they translate to increased maintenance as the car grows older. Section 822 would have a detrimental impact on small businesses. Mr. President, 98 percent of the aftermarket parts industry are really small businesses. Some people would refer to them as car yards, yards and so forth.…”