On the recordMay 6, 2010
And my colleagues, this bill is modeled on a law that worked. We called it the Cash for Clunkers bill. It encouraged people to buy cars. It produced more jobs. It produced energy efficiency as newer cars that were purchased were less polluting than the older ones. And the bill we have before us is one that is strongly supported by a coalition of the National Association of Manufacturers, the environmentalists and the Chamber of Commerce. So what does this motion to recommit do? It undermines the basic structure of the bill. It eliminates the rebates to contractors. It eliminates the loan program. It eliminates the public education campaign. It creates burdensome procedures for consumers to claim rebates, and it creates burdensome income thresholds as well. We have worked hand in hand with the contractors, the NAM, the Chamber, and others to craft this bill. This motion to recommit is a good thing to vote for if you are against the bill; but otherwise, it is filled with a lot of gimmicks. For example, it says no funds provided under this title shall be used for the purposes of conducting travel to gambling or gaming establishments in connection with official duties related to the title. What is that all about? It was just thrown in. It was never an issue that was raised in committee, in hearings. It was just thrown in there.
