WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, after receiving word that Chrysler has committed to redistributing the inventory of all affected dealers, Senator Hutchison released the following statement:

"I very much appreciate Chrysler’s announcement tonight.  James Press clearly listened to the dealers’ compelling stories and heard the frustration expressed by the senators regarding the effect Chrysler’s actions were having on so many loyal dealers and their employees and communities.  The action today will take a large part of the burden off the dealers, allowing them to better handle the other responsibilities that come with such sudden notification. 

"When I began this fight two weeks ago, our goal was to provide the dealers and their employees more options than simply bankruptcy and layoffs.  While this is not a perfect solution, the dealers, who have worked diligently to build small businesses across the country, are no longer on their own; their voices have clearly been heard."

Senator Hutchison is the Ranking Republican on Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.  The Commerce Committee held a hearing on Wednesday, June 3^rd, 2009 to look at efforts to protect dealers and consumers at which Chrysler President James Press heard from Senators and two dealers forced to close their doors due to forced closures of hundreds of GM and Chrysler dealerships. 

-- END --