House Democrats voted overwhelmingly in favor of this bill, 205 voting "yes" and 20 voting "no" (11 not voting). Democrats voting "yes" received an average of $74,846 each, about 19% more than those voting "no," who received an average of $63,140. House Republicans were somewhat more divided on this bill, 32 voting "yes" and 150 voting "no" (16 not voting). Republicans voting "yes" received an average of $69,323 each, 63% more than those voting "no," who received an average of $42,598.
MAPLight.org's analysis included contributions from auto manufacturers, auto dealers, auto-related industries and labor unions, groups that have expressed support for this bill's passage. Statistics used in their analysis may be found here.
"Big-money interest groups investing in political influence see sky-high returns, while 'we the people' foot the bill," said Daniel Newman, MAPLight.org's executive director. "Votes in Congress once again align with the river of money that flows through our broken political system."
The bill to provide a $14 billion bailout for US automakers collapsed in the Senate last night allegedly after United Auto Workers refused to accede to Republican demands for immediate wage cuts.
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