Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com). Voice of America is funded by the US Federal Government and content it exclusively produces is in the public domain. December 10, 2008 White House, Democratic Lawmakers Strike Deal on Auto Aid --------------------------------------------------------- http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=20F2549:A6F02AD83191E160356EB7C77EC6E7B7E55ED32ED25AB8F6& Tentative agreement would provide struggling US auto industry with $15 billion in emergency loans The Bush administration and Democratic lawmakers have reached a tentative agreement to provide the struggling U.S. auto industry with $15 billion in emergency loans. Chrysler is one of the US auto companies seeking a federal loan The agreement was reached late Tuesday night after several days of intense negotiations. The deal would give General Motors and Chrysler -- two of the three so-called "Big Three" automakers -- an immediate infusion of cash to keep them in business for the next few months. Ford Motor Company, the other member of the "Big Three," says it does not need an immediate cash transfusion, but has asked for a nine-billion dollar line of credit. A key part of the deal includes the creation of a government official who would oversee the loan program. The official would revoke the loans if the three automakers do not come up with viable plans to restructure their companies by March 31, 2009. The bill could come up for a vote in Congress as early as Wednesday. The plan still faces opposition from Senate Republicans, who could introduce a procedural hurdle known as a filibuster to keep the measure from reaching a final vote. It takes 60 votes in the U.S. Senate to overcome a filibuster. The companies would have to win concessions from labor unions, suppliers and their creditors as part of their plans to achieve solvency. Auto executives have come under intense criticism from lawmakers, the White House and President-elect Barack Obama, who say the businessmen mismanaged their companies and ignored the need for more energy-efficient cars. But the Bush administration and Mr. Obama say the United States cannot afford to lose the auto industry, a key part of the country's manufacturing sector. Some information for this report was provided by AP .