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WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Senate Democrats on Friday said they plan to vote on a bill meant to aid struggling automakers despite vocal opposition from Republicans.
General Motors and other U.S. automakers are seeking financial help from Washington.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, said the Senate would vote next week on the measure during a lame duck session of Congress.
The bill, which was being drafted by Sen. Carl Levin, D-Michigan, would direct the Treasury to provide $25 billion in loans to the automakers from the $700 billion bailout package Congress originally passed to help the troubled financial industry.
A test vote on the bill is scheduled for Wednesday. It is unclear whether the Democratic leadership will have the 60 votes needed to overcome any potential Republican filibusters.
The Democrats will have one less vote in the Senate next week as President-elect Barack Obama plans to resign his Senate seat on Sunday.
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