For Now, Auto Industry Unsure What Health Care Bill Means

WASHINGTON - The auto industry, which was largely noncommittal during the yearlong debate about changes to the national health care system, remains uncertain about the effects of the new health care legislation on the industry, reported Automotive News. General Motors Co., American Honda Motor Co. and the National Automobile Dealers Association are reviewing the new health care bill that passed the House last night to determine what it means to automakers, suppliers and dealers. "Throughout ongoing policy talks, GM will continue to work constructively to ensure its long-standing priorities of improved health care quality and cost containment are included in the bill's implementation," GM spokesman Greg Martin said today. Honda's chief Washington lobbyist, Edward B. Cohen, said he is awaiting Senate action. "There are a couple of issues that we are not sure how they will look after the Senate acts on the House bill," he said today. Said Ed Tonkin, this year's chairman of NADA: "Nobody knows exactly what's in the bill that was voted on. I know it's going to be expensive." NADA has been monitoring the legislation through coalitions in which it is involved, such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Tonkin said.