Rep. Kildee Statement on "The New G.M."

Statement

Rep. Kildee Statement on "The New G.M."

Swift Exit from Bankruptcy Will Protect Local Jobs and Help Ensure G.M.'s Long-Term Viability

Today, General Motors announced that it is exiting from bankruptcy. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Automotive Caucus, Congressman Dale E. Kildee has played a leading role in the restructuring process and has worked to ensure that the automaker quickly returns to productivity and profitability. Congressman Kildee released the following statement:

"Last month's bankruptcy filing by General Motors was difficult news for the people of Michigan who have already been struggling for far too long due to the downturn in the domestic auto industry. As a Representative from Flint, the birthplace of General Motors, it was a particularly difficult blow for me and my constituents. However, at that time I was hopeful that this restructuring would be swift and that G.M. would soon return to productivity and profitability. Throughout this process I have been working closely with the Administration, G.M. and other stakeholders to protect our workers and retirees, keep jobs in our communities and help G.M. get back on the path to long-term viability. I am pleased that these efforts were successful and that the new G.M. is now a stronger and leaner company that is well-positioned to once again be the economic engine that drives the American economy.

While this is good news for our economy and our auto communities, we must also remember that this restructuring would not have been possible without the tremendous sacrifices of all the workers who have contributed to the resurgence of G.M. I am thankful to all the stakeholders who have sacrificed and compromised to make this restructuring possible. I also want to commend Fritz Henderson for his leadership in steering G.M. into this new era.

I have always said that what America drives, drives America and I am committed to a strong and vibrant domestic auto industry. The health of our auto industry is critical to the economic stability of our local communities, our state and our entire Nation. I look forward to this new and exciting chapter in the history of this American icon."

This past month, Congressman Kildee helped lead the successful effort for General Motors to manufacture its new small car at the Lake Orion Assembly plant in Michigan. This new project will preserve 1,200 local jobs and will be a boost to the local economy. The Congressman also helped keep Garber Buick in Saginaw open for business. After approximately 1,200 people in the Saginaw area wrote letters of support for Garber Buick staying open, Congressman Kildee personally delivered the letters to G.M. CEO Fritz Henderson and other G.M. leadership. After this strong show of community support, G.M. announced it would maintain its relationship with the dealership. Today's announcement is another step in the right direction to get the local economy back on track.

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