Senate to Vote on $2B Extension for Cash for Clunkers

    WASHINGTON (AP) - The Senate is expected to add $2 billion to
the “cash-for-clunkers” program today, after considering some
changes that are not likely to be approved.
    Majority Leader Harry Reid says a “significant majority” wants
to move forward with the legislation, which would keep the program
going until Labor Day.
    Reid agreed to allow senators to offer some amendments as a
goodwill gesture to those who otherwise might try to delay a final
vote on the measure already passed by the House.
    Proposed changes include placing an income limit on those
benefiting from the vouchers. Iowa Democrat Tom Harkin wants to
limit eligibility to individuals earning less than $50,000 a year
or joint filers earning less than $75,000.
    But that and other amendments are not expected to pass.
    The program offers cash to car buyers who are trading in gas
guzzlers for more fuel-efficient models. It’s proved so popular
that the original $1 billion for the program is expected to run out
by Friday.