THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
A change of heart by Washington Sen. Maria Cantwell has helped salvage a $1 billion "cash for clunkers" program that would encourage motorists to trade in old gas guzzlers for more fuel efficient vehicles.
Cantwell, a Democrat, changed her vote to support the bill Thursday and spoke by phone with President Barack Obama during the vote.
Cantwell spokeswoman Ciaran Clayton says Obama acknowledged Cantwell's concerns that the cash-for-clunkers program did not do enough to meet the nation's need to reduce foreign oil dependence.
She says Obama committed his administration to work with Cantwell and others to increase the number of fuel-efficient cars on the roads.
Cantwell, a Democrat, changed her vote to support the bill Thursday and spoke by phone with President Barack Obama during the vote.
Cantwell spokeswoman Ciaran Clayton says Obama acknowledged Cantwell's concerns that the cash-for-clunkers program did not do enough to meet the nation's need to reduce foreign oil dependence.
She says Obama committed his administration to work with Cantwell and others to increase the number of fuel-efficient cars on the roads.
