Boozman not on Board for the Big Three bill

Press Release

Boozman not on board for the Big Three bill

By Gary Lookadoo Staff Writer // garyl@nwanews.com

As of now, U. S. Rep. John Boozman, R-Ark., is not yet convinced it's appropriate for him to vote to have the federal government help the struggling Big Three automakers.

The Big Three submitted plans to Congress on Tuesday for a financial turnaround. They want approval for a multibillion-dollar loan package.

Boozman would prefer to hear from the automakers and others before deciding how he'll vote on any proposal they make.

"If I had to vote on it today, based on the information that I know right now, I'd vote against it," Boozman said. "So far, they haven't shown any willingness to actually change, and the model that they're currently under is not working, and just to give them money, I don't think is the answer. I think they have to really look at restructuring their business model, and so far, they've been very unwilling to do that. At this point, I'd be unwilling just to throw taxpayer money at the problem."

"They're going to have to convince me," Boozman said with a laugh.

Still, he is not closing the door on the possibility that he might vote for federal help; he is just insisting that it will take both care and time - not just money - to turn the situation around for the automakers, the veteran congressman said.

Source