Washington - This evening, the U.S. Senate passed legislation to extend the successful "Cash for Clunkers" program through an infusion of $2 billion. The program gives families rebates of up to $4,500 when they trade a fuel-inefficient car for a new fuel-efficient one. The program exceeded all expectations, running out of its initial $1 billion in a matter of days.

U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) voted in favor of the extension and released the following statement:

"This program has given a boost to our economy at a time when boosting our economy is tremendously important. Continuing that momentum while making this a more fuel efficient nation is important for immediate and long-lasting economic security. Job creation, commerce, energy cost savings and cleaner air - these are all goals for our economic recovery, and they are all benefits of this program."

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