NOTE: Earlier this week, Ford Motor Co., (one of the "Big Three" asking Congress for a bailout) announced they no longer needed a bailout.

1. Democrats generally supported a bailout for the auto makers. If Democrats hold the majority in both the House and the Senate, why didn't the auto bailout bill pass?

2. What concessions did Senate Republicans want the United Auto Workers union to make that they did not agree to?

3. a) Who is Mitch McConnell?
b) What comparison did Sen. McConnell make between the financial industry bailout and the auto bailout?

4. a) What solution does Sen. Jim DeMint of South Carolina propose for the struggling auto makers?
b) Why does he say this would be the best solution for the auto makers?

5. Since the bailout bill failed in the Senate, what do the auto makers want the White House to do to help them?

6. a) Re-read Sen. McConnell's reasons for opposing the bill to bailout the auto makers in paragraphs 7-9 and 11-15. Do you agree with Sen. McConnell's arguments against bailing out the auto makers? Explain your answer.
b) Discuss this question with a parent and ask for his/her opinion.

7. OPTIONAL: Find out how your Senators voted below.  Send an email to your Senators expressing your opinion - should the Senate have voted to bail out the auto makers?  Be clear, concise and polite.  Find your Senators' contact information at senate.gov on the top right corner of the homepage.