House Passes $2 Billion ‘Cash for Clunkers’ Extension

On their last day in Washington before leaving on a five-week vacation, House lawmakers on Friday passed a $2 billion extension of the enormously popular “cash for clunkers program. The initial $1 billion, which was expected to take the program through October, was instead exhausted just four days after the initiative launched. The House vote was 316 to 109.

The $2 billion will come out of the $787 billion stimulus package passed earlier in the year.

The Senate isn’t in session today, but will be back next week to take up the measure. Some upper-chamber lawmakers are urging that the guidelines be changed to encourage drivers to buy more fuel efficient vehicles. With the White House urging quick passage, however, critics of the current program have a tough road ahead.