Recognizing Significant Contributions of U.S. Automobile Dealerships

Floor Speech

* Ms. RICHARDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a cosponsor of H. Res. 713, which recognizes the significant contributions of United States automobile dealerships, and expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that automobile dealers that have been forced to close be given a fair opportunity to reenter the automobile market once it rebounds and stabilizes. The automobile dealer industry has an important place in our country's history and is a critical part of our economy. It is critical that we recognize the important role of automobile dealers, help them survive the ongoing economic downturn, and pave the way for their future success.

* I thank Chairman Waxman for his leadership in bringing this resolution to the floor. I also thank the sponsor of this H. Res. 713, Congressman Green, for taking the time to recognize the important contributions of automobile dealers in our nation's history and their vital role in our rebounding economy.

* Madam Speaker, the automobile and the automotive industry has long been a symbol of American ingenuity and a source of American prosperity. Franchised automobile dealers have played and continue to play a critical role in the automotive industry: the franchised dealership system in the United States is the independent link between the manufacturer's assembly line and the American consumer.

* The automobile dealership industry is a vital part of the national economy. Virtually all new cars and light trucks are sold through franchised dealers. Dealers represent the largest retail business in the United States, with approximately $693 billion in revenues in 2007. Franchised dealers employ over 1,100,000 people, comprise nearly 20 percent of all retail sales in the United States, and, in total, provide billions of dollars annually in tax revenue.

* Madam Speaker, automobile dealers also play an important role in local communities across the country. Auto dealers have deep roots in local communities and have helped manufacturers with long-term customer relationships that create brand loyalty and maintain customer convenience. Dealerships across the country provide jobs, give direct investments to local economies, and supply tax revenue to State and local governments.

* The economic downturn of the last two years has put thousands of jobs at risk, including those at automobile dealerships and automobile manufacturers. I have witnessed the effect of the recession on car dealerships in my district. That is why I recently introduced H.R. 4897, the Drivers AID Act of 2010. By making interest payments on new car purchases deductible, this bill will help consumers in buying cars, dealers in selling cars, and auto manufacturers in making cars.

* Madam Speaker, we must take action to help auto dealers play a key role in the revival of the United States' economy. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res 713.

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