A Wisconsin Congressman says any help for the automobile industry needs to come with conditions.
If Congress approves a bailout for the nation's top three automakers, the industry will have to change its ways. Congressman Ron Kind (D-WI) says the Big Three should expect to change much of the way they do business, which could include consolidation and an end to some current business practices.
Kind says lawmakers understand the auto industry is facing tough times. However, officials need to convince Washington they can make up for past mistakes, such as not planning ahead early on and adjusting rapidly enough for the changing market.
Kind admits the American public remains mixed on whether to bail out the auto industry. However, he says we need to choose if they nation will remain based on manufacturing or on importing what we need from other countries.
Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors have asked for nearly $34 billion in federal loans.