The Detroit’s big automakers have been trying to persuade Congress to speed up funding for $25 billion in subsidized loans to help retool their old plants. Before the Congress adjourns on September 30, the Detroit’s lobbyist wants the funding approved. The industry’s deteriorating state; they say they need an extra $25 billion and all to be lent at low rates of 5%.

The team flew in from Detroit and Washington and intent on using the conventions myriad reception, lunches, parties, and meetings to make the case for the loan program to as many members of Congress. Ziad S. Ojakli group vice-president for government and community relation at Ford Motor says “This issue is white hot” and “We are focusing on it like a laser.”

According to Greg Martin the General Motors’ Washington spokesman, the engineering and plant-retooling costs required to meet those standards will run to some $100 billion. Congress agreed to provide low-cost loans but has not approved the funds. Detroit needs fast access to cheap capital or the industry’s woes will deepen said Ojakli. He argues that it is critical to the U.S. to keep auto manufacturing alive as it is to support the country’s financial system with aid to troubled banks.