Senate Republicans voice opposition to auto bailout bill

Senate Republicans said they were reluctant to vote on a bill to disburse some 15 billion dollars to bail out cash-strapped US automakers that could face a vote in the House of Representatives as early as Wednesday.

"There's gonna be other proposals," said Alabama Senator Richard Shelby, following a meeting of Senate Republicans.

Oklahoma Senator Tom Coburn also indicated his opposition to the Democrat-backed bill, but stopped short of threatening a filibuster (prolonging debate to prevent a vote).

"This is not about filibuster but about not voting for this bill," he said.

White House Chief of Staff Josh Bolten was in the US Congress to sell reluctant Republican Senators on the plan, while President George W. Bush was also to lobby lawmakers on the legislation's behalf, Bolten's deputy said Wednesday.

"We understand that this is a very difficult issue for everybody involved. We think we've come up with the right solution, and we're going to try to persuade members of Congress from both sides that that's the case," said Joel Kaplan.

The Senate might take up the legislation this week, "but I'm not betting on it," said Mississippi Senator Thad Cochran, adding that the bill could get the needed 60-vote majority support to block a filibuster.

"If changes are needed, we will work with leadership on the Republican side to make those changes."

"Ten democrats voted again the bailout" of 700 billion dollars in October to infuse fresh capital into banks, recalled Texas Senator John Cornyn. "They may not find this (auto bailout) more different to pass."

The Democrats currently have 49 seats in the outgoing Senate. Two Independents usually vote with the Democrats, who will need at least 60 votes to pass the auto bill.