Today, Senator Debbie Stabenow sent a letter to President Bush urging him to meet with the CEOs of the Big Three automakers. On at least three previous occasions, President Bush has postponed or cancelled meetings with the CEOs of the Big Three. President Bush will be visiting Michigan this Friday, September 8 to hold a political fundraiser for Republican U.S. Senate Candidate Michael Bouchard and the Michigan Republican Party.

The full text of the letter follows:

September 5, 2006

The Honorable George W. Bush
President of the United States
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20502

Dear Mr. President:

It has come to my attention that you will be visiting our great state of Michigan this Friday, September 8.

I encourage you to take some time out of your political fundraising schedule to finally meet with the CEOs of the Big Three automakers. And I encourage you to take the time not only to sit down with the Big Three, but to really listen to what they have to say.

I am sad to say that this is not the first time I have had to call on you to make time for the Big Three. My hope is that this trip to Michigan may finally spur you to some action on the matter.

Our country has the greatest natural resource on the planet-the American worker. Our entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic have made us the economic engine of the world. But we have to stop sending our businesses out to compete internationally with one arm tied behind their backs. We need to level the playing field on trade, protect our workers' pensions, address the crippling cost of health care on our businesses, and begin making real investments in education and innovation.

Sitting down with the Big Three would be a welcome first step. It is a first step I encourage you to finally take-and I remain hopeful that after listening to them directly you will begin to use the power of the Presidency to help American manufacturing and American workers to better compete against nations employing unfair and illegal trade and labor practices in the global market.

Sincerely,
Senator Debbie Stabenow