U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow today released the following statement on the President's announcement that he will continue postponing a meeting with the CEO's of the Big Three automakers until after Election Day this November. President Bush has already canceled or postponed meeting with the Big Three on three previous occasions. In a clear indicator of where GOP priorities lie, President Bush will be in Michigan this Friday, September 8, to hold a fundraising event for Republican Senate candidate Mike Bouchard and the Michigan GOP.

Senator Stabenow stated:

"It is very unfortunate that the President has chosen to put the needs of Michigan and the American auto industry on hold once again. The fact that the President would again delay these meetings, this time until after the politically charged date of Election Day, is just more evidence that Republicans obviously do not understand the urgency of the issues facing our state. Every day America goes without a meaningful manufacturing policy
means more workers losing their jobs to unfair trade practices, thousands of families continuing to struggle with skyrocketing health care costs, and countless people facing the unthinkable possibility of losing their pension. This isn't just about a meeting, it's taking concrete action on the issues that will keep us competitive in a global market and help us win a race to the top. Michigan businesses, workers and families need action now."

Senator Stabenow's statement comes on the heels of her letter urging the President to find time in his Friday schedule to sit down with the Big Three CEO's and address the issue facing the auto industry, and manufacturing in general, face to face. Read the full text of the Senator's letter.