Transportation Sec’y LaHood predicts Senate will add $2B to ‘clash for clunkers’ program

LaHood confident Senate will rescue car program

WASHINGTON — Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is predicting the Senate will pass legislation adding $2 billion to save a financially strapped “clash-for-clunkers” car-buying program.

LaHood said Monday that the program has been “wildly popular” and argued that it is good for the economy as well as the environment. In an interview broadcast on MSNBC, LaHood declined to discuss administration options if the Senate does not act before it goes on its summer recess at the end of the week.

LaHood said, “We’re encouraging senators to listen to their car dealers and the people they represent. If they do that, it will pass the Senate.”