Reps. Melton, Simpson, Leland, Sheltrown, Mayes, Byrnes and Meadows offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 66.

            A resolution to memorialize Congress and the President to allow auto suppliers to trade with Cuba.

            Whereas, While much national attention has focused on the major domestic auto makers, the other key cog in this sector of America's manufacturing might is the network of auto suppliers. These primarily smaller companies are facing a drastic situation not only because of decreased vehicle sales, but also because of the credit crunch made more severe by the delay in payments to suppliers that has long been standard practice. In acknowledgement of the large number of auto suppliers teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, the U.S. Treasury Department recently extended a $5 billion line of credit to the auto suppliers as part of the Troubled Asset Relief Program; and

            Whereas, Congress has been working to ease restrictions on travel and trade between the United States and Cuba. Specifically, these proposals include making it easier to sell agricultural and medical goods to Cuba. These initial steps to foster commerce should be broadened to include auto suppliers. Opening a new market for this beleaguered sector of manufacturing, just as these companies need a spark, could help them survive the current downturn. Doing so would also signal a new era just as Cuba may be poised to emerge from its communist-dominated state in the near future; and

            Whereas, Among the goods most needed within Cuba are parts for American automobiles, which are coveted in many quarters. It is estimated that there are 60,000 pre-1959 American cars in Cuba, a figure that may represent as many as one out of every 8 passenger vehicles in the country. This inordinately high number makes this a market rife for auto supply companies that could meet this pent-up demand. The symbolism of this unique relationship between the Cuban people and American cars from the pre-revolutionary era cannot be ignored; and

            Whereas, The current challenges facing our economy, especially in the area of manufacturing and within the auto suppliers network, will only be overcome with far-sighted thinking. Clearly, approaches of the past have not worked as well as necessary. It would be wise to cultivate a broader trade relationship with a nation very likely to face an historic turning point in the very near future. Doing so through auto suppliers holds the potential for both short- and long-term benefits to our state and nation; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we memorialize Congress and the President to allow auto suppliers to trade with Cuba; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to The Office of the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.