Boost Popular "Cash for Clunkers" Program

Press Release

Boost Popular "Cash for Clunkers" Program

Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono today voted to increase funding for the "Cash for Clunkers" program, H.R. 3435. The initial launch has been so successful in encouraging Americans to trade in their old gas guzzlers for new fuel-efficient cars that funding quickly ran out. Congress acted swiftly to extend the program by providing an additional $2 billion in federal funds. The House passed the measure 316 yeas to 109 nays.

The program allows consumers to trade in their old, gas-guzzling cars for vouchers worth up to $4,500 to help pay for new, more fuel-efficient vehicles. Close to 200,000 cars have already been bought through the program, and it is expected to spur the sale of up to 800,000 more fuel-efficient cars and trucks, while stimulating the ailing auto industry and reducing our nation's dependence on foreign oil.

"It is clearly a successful and popular program. Hawai‘i auto dealers have shared with me their excitement and relief that ‘Cash for Clunkers' will continue. One dealership on ‘Oahu's windward side reports making 20 ‘Cash for Clunkers' deals in the program's first week," said Congresswoman Hirono. "These additional funds will maintain the increased purchasing power of island drivers who are looking to upgrade their vehicles. And with this added support, island auto dealers project some 3,300 older automobiles will be taken off Hawai‘i roads and replaced with 3,300 more fuel efficient vehicles by the end of the year."

The legislation provides rebates for cars and trucks in the following four categories:

Passenger Cars: The old vehicle must get 18 mpg or less. New vehicles with improvement of at least 4 mpg will get a $3,500 voucher. New vehicles with improvement of at least 10 mpg will get a $4,500 voucher.
Light-Duty Trucks: The old vehicle must get 18 mpg or less. New vehicles with improvement of at least 2 mpg will get a $3,500 voucher. New vehicles with improvement of at least 5 mpg will get a $4,500 voucher.
Large light-Duty Trucks: The old vehicle must get 15 mpg or less. New vehicles with improvement of at least 1 mpg will get a $3,500 voucher or trade-in of a "work truck." New vehicles with improvement of at least 2 mpg will get a $4,500 voucher.
Work Trucks: The old vehicle must be a pre-2002 model. New vehicles in the same or smaller weight class will get a $3,500 voucher.

The initial bipartisan legislation was supported by a broad coalition that includes the AFL-CIO, UAW, car dealers, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers.

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