Recent Washington Watch articles by Better World Club

Unsafe at Any Unintended Speed

On March 5, a Congressional panel investigating the safety recall of millions of Toyota vehicles over problems with unexpected acceleration requested that Toyota submit more convincing documents to prove that electronics systems were not the source of acceleration problems. Toyota executives had appeared at Congressional hearings during the last week of February (read more of this article))

''''Quid Pro...What?''''

In 1979, I testified before the House Administration Committee on campaign finance reform. Representative Jerry Lewis (R-CA), today Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, interrupted my testimony: "Mr. Rofsky, do you have evidence of bribery relative to any of the members of this committee?" I was only 28 years old, so I did not have the presence to respond as I wo (read more of this article))

CASH FOR CLUNKERS: THE IMPERFECTION...

The "Cash for Clunkers" program ended on Monday and, despite some carping, has proven itself successful in many ways. If necessary for the revival of the auto industry, the program should be brought back. It's a far better way to provide money to the auto industry than giving the money directly to the auto companies. (read more of this article))

We Win!

President Obama has dramatically changed the rules for auto emissions standards, and put an end to seven years of debate. On May 19, Obama unveiled new nationwide standards to regulate fuel economy and greenhouse-gas emissions from cars and light trucks. Present at the announcement were the nation's ten largest automakers, the UAW, and leading environmental groups. Starting in (read more of this article))

Instead of Tossing More Money at th...

We opined in last month's 'Kicking Asphalt' that instead of dumping truckloads of money on the doorsteps of the Detroit automakers, the government should use the money to guarantee auto warranties for US consumers. When the Obama Administration included (read more of this article))

Don''t Give the Big 3 Automakers Fe...

The Big 3 Automakers reject bankruptcy, warning that consumers will not want to buy new cars from bankrupt automakers for fear that repairs would not be forthcoming. Fair enough. So, what if the government guaranteed warranties for car buyers? The federal government, through the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), has been guaranteeing bank d (read more of this article))