Negotiations in the US Senate to try to secure Republican backing for the $14bn (£9.4bn) car industry bail-out have collapsed, senior Democrats have said.
Negotiations in the US Senate to try to secure Republican backing for the $14bn (£9.4bn) car industry bail-out have collapsed, senior Democrats have said.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said representatives of the United Auto Workers union had refused to accede to Republican demands for swift wage cuts.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said representatives of the United Auto Workers union had refused to accede to Republican demands for swift wage cuts.
Sen Reid said the Senate would attempt to proceed with a Democratic-sponsored plan, but predicted it would not pass.
Sen Reid said the Senate would attempt to proceed with a Democratic-sponsored plan, but predicted it would not pass.
The House of Representatives passed the White House-backed bill on Wednesday.
The House of Representatives passed the White House-backed bill on Wednesday.
The Democrats need some Republicans to back the bill in the Senate as they have a majority of just one, and some in their own party are expected to vote against.
The White House has described the proposed legislation, which would provide loans to the country's three main car makers - General Motors, Ford and Chrysler - as an effective and responsible approach.
It said many Republicans and Democrats agreed that a disorderly bankruptcy could be fatal to the car makers and have a devastating impact on jobs, families and the US economy.
General Motors and Chrysler say they risk ruin without immediate aid. Ford says it may need funds in the future.
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