Dems Put Auto Aid in Fast Lane

House Democrats are considering a $25 billion rescue plan for the flagging US auto industry, the Los Angeles Times reports, hoping to speed the measure through Congress in a matter of weeks. “This is very, very important,” said Nancy Pelosi. “It's about jobs. Jobs, jobs, jobs, jobs.” It’s also about votes —major auto industry centers like Michigan and Ohio are also battleground states.

The aid, a series of low-interest government loans, is intended to help Detroit develop more fuel-efficient vehicles. Democrats are still deciding whether to strap the loans to an energy bill, or a broader economic stimulus measure. One GM spokesman voiced the auto industry’s view: “The best bill to include this in is the bill that has the best chance of getting passed.” (More Nancy Pelosi stories.)