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Dec. 09, 2008
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

Ensign may block auto bailout

By STEVE TETREAULT
STEPHENS WASHINGTON BUREAU

WASHINGTON -- Sen. John Ensign said this morning he may try to block the Senate from passing an auto industry bailout, criticizing the plan as a further move toward "socializing" the economy.

"We're looking at that very hard, because I have some serious, serious problems with this package as it currently stands," Ensign said. "Unless we see some serious give by the other side, I think that not only myself but several of us will be looking at possibly blocking this package."


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    • Ensign commented during an interview broadcast on CNBC, as Congress returned this week to consider an $15 billion bailout bill negotiated between Democrats and the White House. He complained the Republicans in Congress were left out of the talks.

    The Nevada Republican said the assistance to the automakers amounts to "the government picking the winners and losers instead of the market."

    "We're just going down further and further and further towards socializing our economy," he said.

    In a Senate speech this morning, Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada did not address Ensign's remarks directly but noted that opponents to the bailout could "slow things down quite a bit."

    "We hope that is not the case," said Reid who has said he is supportive of the aid plan as a safety net to autoworkers. "We know what we have to do and we need to do it as quickly as possible."

    Reid said he was hopeful the Senate could complete the bill tonight or on Wednesday. On CNBC, Ensign said he would prefer the auto companies file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and reorganize their businesses. At that point, he said the government might step in and guarantee sales warranties so the automakers can continue to sell vehicles.

    "That's been the automakers' biggest problem going into Chapter 11," Ensign said. "They said nobody will buy cars because they won't know whether they can get a warranty. Well the government can guarantee the warranties. That's not a problem and that would be a lot cheaper for the taxpayer and a lot safer way to go."

    Ensign said other industries are suffering, including the hotel and gaming industries, "and we don't hear people saying, Oh, let's bail out the tourism industry."

    "You're going to see a lot of hotels are going to be closing their doors," Ensign said. "There's probably going to be some in Nevada and some across the country, and where do we stop at this?"

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    dr.death wrote on December 10, 2008 02:18 AM: Seems everyone is wanting a bail out - banks, investment corporations, home lenders, auto, insurance groups. Must be nice to totally mess things up and then have the nerve to ask for taxpayers money. Financial responsibility - a thing of the past. Don't bail the little 3 out. Some of us are with Mr. Ensign.


    Lisa wrote on December 09, 2008 10:01 PM: Thank You John Ensign!!!


    really wrote on December 09, 2008 09:39 PM: good for you Senator Ensign block the bail out....They do not deserve to have a bail out...I wonder who else is going to come out of the woodwork and want a bail out. This has really turned into a disgusting joke...


    My Man wrote on December 09, 2008 08:54 PM: Ensign for President. Smart and logical thought process on this issue.


    D Jones wrote on December 09, 2008 08:47 PM: I just read the email response I got from Reid. He's voting for the bailout, big surprise. Got to keep those boys in his pocket.

    I'm hoping Ensign does what he says he going to do.

    Where and when will all this stop? No one bailed out the airlines. And guess what? We're still flying. Let the big 3 file for bankruptcy. It serves them right for effing up in the first place. Pay employees $70 an hour to screw in antennaes. Pay employees for not working. Boy, did we make wrong career choices.


    Vegas Vic wrote on December 09, 2008 08:45 PM: Why should ANYONE give a rat's butt about the auto workers? The U.A.W. is one of the biggest reasons the auto makers' business is in the toilet. It doesn't help that upper management is clueless as to what vehicles sell and what don't. For the auto makers to "promise" to develop more fuel-efficient vehicles in they're given this money is like an alcoholic saying he won't touch booze ever again. Make the Big Three file for Chapter 11 protection and then there might be some incentive for loans...IF they actually PROVE they're restructuring their management and reducing union involvement in their companies. That, alone, will reduce the costs to the Big Three without just handing them $15 billion.


    barbra wrote on December 09, 2008 08:30 PM: Yeah Herb! The people were against the original bailout and GUESS WHAT-Ensign made sure that was passed! I didn't want my money going to bailout then and I don't now.Is he really listening?


    Phoney Ensign wrote on December 09, 2008 07:51 PM: Well, at least Ensign made sure the Wallstreet bankers got their Christmas Bonuses this year!


    Geme Richards wrote on December 09, 2008 07:45 PM: Way to go Sen. John Ensign. We all hope it works for us; Unlike some Senators who only want to cut SS and in creses Medicare and give all the money to the multi-billionairs companies and Wall Street.


    Herb wrote on December 09, 2008 06:53 PM: Ensign is one of the few politicians who is listening to the people on this issue. The majority of Americans do not want their tax money going to bail out the failed U.S auto industry. Another excellent politician who is listening to the people is Shelby R-Alabama.


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