The next piece of the plan due to be released is called "Drive America Forward." Critics who have previewed the details of the plan have begun calling it "Drive America Crazy." In this proposal, the federal government would provide a voucher to every American with an income of less than $60,000 that could be used to purchase anew car or truck for private use. The vouchers would be based on a progressive formula with those earning between $45k and $60k receiving $20,000; those earning between $28k and 45K receiving $25,000; and anyone under $28,000 receiving $30,000. These low income earners would receive car vouchers every four years.

The administration has endorsed the bill broadly, saying it would advance key parts of the president's domestic agenda, namely slowing global warming and transitioning to a clean energy economy.

But the details have largely been left to the House Energy committee, which is still working on the final language and has postponed a vote due to cost concerns raised by the panel's moderate Democrats.

Committee members emerged from the meeting Tuesday claiming a modest victory. They said they agreed to embrace a "cash for clunkers" plan that would provide $3500 or $4500 to people who replace old, low-efficiency cars with new, more fuel-efficient models.

But they acknowledged that tougher matters remain, and that some of the resistance was coming from Democrats from coal- and oil-producing states that could struggle to meet the bill's mandates for pollution reductions and renewable electricity generation.

"Our committee is attempting to develop a consensus," committee chairman Henry Waxman, D-Calif., told reporters after the White House meeting. All but two of the committee's 36 Democrats attended. "Many of the issues split us along a regional basis. But we're talking to each other."

Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., who pushed for the "cash for clunkers" provision, said its inclusion in the bill does not guarantee he will support the legislation in its entirety.

"I want to be supportive and am doing my utmost to ensure we have a bill that I can support and that all democrats can support," said Dingell, who was replaced by Waxman as committee chairman this year. "However, I cannot commit to a yes vote until these other pieces are finalized."

I like my idea better since it paid for a whole new car. $4k won't even cover a decent down payment on a gently used car. Then again I'm driving a 94 Corola I bought from a neighbor for $2k so my Cash for Clunkers car would be a serious upgrade.

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