[Angrybird 12]

I just got an e-mail from one of my senators I e-mailed

Dear Mr. T*****,



Thank you for taking the time to contact my office with your support for plans to bail out the major American automakers. Your input is important to me, and I appreciate the time you took to share your thoughts.


I fully understand and appreciate the contributions to the American economy that have been made by General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Chrysler. As I am sure you are aware, these companies employ many Tennesseans and make up a sizeable and valuable portion of our state's manufacturing and retail sectors. From the plant in Spring Hill to suppliers and automotive dealerships across the state, the impact of a major corporate failure for these companies would be felt at multiple levels throughout Tennessee.


On November 18, 2008, I attended a hearing of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee and heard testimony from the CEOs of the Big Three Auto Manufacturers and the President of the United Auto Workers Union. I was given the opportunity to discuss with them the specifics of their loan request and how that money would be used. Between this hearing and personal discussions with industry insiders, I came to the conclusion that this package would not be an appropriate response to the current problem. Many of my colleagues agreed with this assessment, so much so that the bailout bill did not even come before the full Senate for a vote.

We were, however, given the opportunity to vote on extending unemployment benefits, a measure I was happy to support. As a result of its passage, Tennesseans currently hit hard by economic difficulties will have the chance to receive further aid while they search for a new job.


On December 2, the Big Three are scheduled to submit a report to Congress detailing how the funds they may yet receive would be used. Following this report, we are scheduled to have more hearings in the Banking Committee on the topic, with a likely vote to follow the week of December 8. Once I have received this report, heard new testimony, and have had a further chance to evaluate the viability of these corporations, I will make a final decision on this issue based on the new information.


Moving forward, we in the Senate will continue to monitor our country's economic situation. I assure you, the difficulties being faced by Tennesseans during these times of economic uncertainty and hardship are of the utmost concern to me, and I and my staff will be using all the resources and options at our disposal to help in the months ahead.


Thank you again for your letter. I hope you will continue to share your thoughts with me as I serve you in the United States Senate.


Sincerely,

Bob Corker
United States Senator