Washington, DC —  Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (MI-13) today released the following statement regarding the future of the American automobile industry:

During this economic downturn, our thoughts are focused on preservation—the preservation of jobs, the American middle class, and the auto industry which is the last manufacturing base in America. This is also a time for consideration, deliberation, and evaluation.

Change often begins at the top. I believe our administration must be fair and equitable in its treatment of the auto companies. General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner, a fine man who has been with GM for more than 30 years, has been forced out, yet many of the leaders of the financial industry continue to hold their positions.

Like President Obama, I agree that we must protect taxpayers’ investments. Millions of employees, current and retirees, have invested years of hard work to provide for their families. What happens to them if we allow Chrysler and General Motors to fail? Millions of retired autoworkers invested their hard earned dollars into company health and pension plans. How will they maintain their health and sense of financial security? The Big Three have invested time, money, and manpower to develop our tanks, armor, and automotive technology used today by all branches of our military and currently in Iraq and Afghanistan. Will we trust the future production of these vehicles and equipment to China or India?

As we look to the future, I hope that we will be patient and seek long-term solutions that address these challenges rather than implement temporary quick fixes. We must create a federal jobs program that will provide displaced and unemployed workers jobs, education, and training opportunities. Federal funds could be given to community colleges and four-year universities to train workers for new industries.

I look forward to working with President Obama, the leaders at the Big Three, and autoworkers to ensure the viability and profitability of the American automobile industry.