Automakers’ fate hangs in balance

Bloomberg

The debate over the automaker bailout in Congress has become a race against the clock.

The U.S. House voted 237-170 last night to approve emergency loans for General Motors and Chrysler, shifting the focus to the Senate, where Republican opposition threatens to delay or kill the legislation.

Democratic leaders and the Bush administration are trying to beat a deadline to save the companies and the millions of jobs dependent on the industry before GM and Chrysler burn through their remaining cash. For GM, that could be in three weeks.

"Without this bridge, we’re going to fall into the biggest calamity this country has known since the Great Depression," said Representative John Dingell, a Democrat from Michigan. "A terrible disaster looms."

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tossed a challenge to senators, saying on Bloomberg Television she wouldn’t bring her chamber back for further action if the Senate passed a different version of the plan.

The legislation would let GM and Chrysler draw on $14 billion of loans to keep operating while they develop restructuring plans required by March 31. Without the aid, the two companies would likely have to declare bankruptcy by the end of the year.

"The House vote brings us closer to saving jobs and to creating a more competitive U.S. auto industry," GM said in a statement that urged the Senate to act on the measure soon. The company’s value has fallen 89 percent since the last peak in October 2007.

The automakers could still be forced into bankruptcy under the legislation if the so-called car czar, an official to be appointed by President George W. Bush to oversee the loan program, decides their restructuring plans are insufficient.

Debate over authority
Republicans said Wednesday the House measure wouldn’t give the czar enough authority to order cost cuts and other changes. They argued that only a restructuring under bankruptcy protection can make the companies more competitive.

"The car czar doesn’t have as much authority as he really needs," said Senator Robert Bennett, a Utah Republican. "He needs the capacity of the master in bankruptcy to force things to happen."

The czar would have the power to veto automaker expenditures over $100 million. Car firms that take loans would have to limit pay and ban bonuses for their 25 most highly paid executives. They also would be barred from owning or leasing passenger aircraft or paying dividends to shareholders.

Taxpayers would receive stock warrants equal to 20 percent of the aid. The U.S. may end up holding a large stake in the automakers based on that provision. GM, with a market value of about $2.8 billion, is seeking $10 billion to survive until March 31.

Senate Republicans emerged from a meeting Wednesday with Vice President Dick Cheney and White House Chief of Staff Josh Bolten and said the measure doesn’t have enough support to clear a 60-vote legislative hurdle. Democrats control the chamber 50-49.

"It has minimal, very little support in our caucus," Tennessee Republican Bob Corker said after the meeting. He said Cheney and Bolten gave a "non-compelling" presentation in favor of the plan.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Nevada Democrat, is trying to work with Republicans on an agreement that might allow Senate votes today related to the bailout, said his spokesman, Jim Manley.

Republicans who oppose the measure said Congress should stay in session next week to allow time for changes. Any revisions in the legislation by the Senate would require the House to reconvene.