Washington, DC - Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) made the following statement today after President Barack Obama announced that the General Services Administration (GSA) will accelerate its purchase of new cars for the government fleet. The President will invest funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to buy about 17,600 new, fuel efficient vehicles produced by American auto companies by June 1, 2009 and 2,500 hybrid sedans that will be ordered by April 15, 2009.
“The Obama Administration’s announcement today to purchase 17,600 fuel efficient cars and 2,500 hybrid vehicles from General Motors, Chrysler, and Ford is further reflection of the President’s commitment to resuscitating the domestic automotive industry, which is an undeniably integral part of the National economy. I applaud President Obama’s initiative to modernize the government’s fleet and thank him for his dedication to the workers and companies who have played a vital role in driving American economic progress for the past century.
“This, however, is but one measure of several more necessary to reinvigorate our Nation’s automakers. I urge the Administration and my colleagues in Congress to work swiftly and cooperatively to enact vehicle purchase incentive legislation that will spur consumer demand and contribute to the modernization of the public fleet."
