Reps. Sak, Accavitti, Amos, Ball, Bauer, Bieda, Booher, Brandenburg, Byrnes, Clack, Constan, Cushingberry, Dean, Garfield, Gillard, Gonzales, Hammon, Hopgood, Rick Jones, Robert Jones, Lahti, Kathleen Law, LeBlanc, Leland, Lemmons, Mayes, McDowell, Meisner, Meltzer, Opsommer, Polidori, Rocca, Sheltrown, Spade, Tobocman, Vagnozzi, Valentine, Warren and Wojno offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 461.

            A resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to take immediate action to expedite the domestic automotive industry package.

            Whereas, Our economy, the domestic auto industry in particular, is facing unprecedented challenges. These challenges, which in large part emanate from a maelstrom of energy costs, a massive credit crunch, and other global economic forces, have combined in a way to threaten the existence of our nation's domestic automakers. Clearly, this key segment of our economy is far too important to be allowed to whither and potentially fail; and

            Whereas, The U.S. automotive industry and the advancements associated with automotive transportation have been the lifeblood of the American economy. American automakers have been responsible for many of the most important manufacturing advancements in the past century, and they were the "Arsenal of Democracy," that helped assure our victory in time of war. The automotive industry is now a key force in the growth and development of the advanced technology that is so critical to our future. Indeed, the American automobile has defined our very culture, and events such as Michigan's Woodward Dream Cruise stand as testimony to the unadulterated power and the classic beauty of the American automobile; and

            Whereas, Today, more than 3 million direct and indirect American jobs, and countless numbers of retirees are dependent on the domestic automotive industry. Therefore, a strong showing of support for our automakers is critical at this important juncture in our nation's history. The United States Congress has already approved a $25 billion loan for the development of advanced, fuel efficient technologies, but these funds are needed today. In addition, the latest reports indicate that more economic assistance may be necessary to help assure that our domestic automakers survive. Congress must take immediate action to prevent an economic nightmare; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we hereby memorialize the Congress of the United States to take immediate action to expedite the domestic automotive industry package; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.