Montana’s U.S. delegation was quick to criticize a bankruptcy judge’s decision to allow General Motors Co. to drop its precious metals contract with Columbus-based Stillwater Mining. GM will instead get its palladium and rhodium, used to make catalytic converters, from suppliers in Russia and South Africa.
From Democratic Sens. Max Baucus and Jon Tester: “We are deeply disappointed with the completely unacceptable actions taken by General Motors over the past few weeks,” Baucus and Tester wrote to G.M. CEO Fritz Henderson. “We urge you to reconsider this decision and instead re-engage with domestic palladium producers as you move forward in the coming months and years.”
Baucus and Tester also noted that taxpayer money is keeping General Motors from closing its doors.
“It would be problematic under normal circumstances for an American corporate icon to choose foreign suppliers over a viable American option,” the senators wrote. “But when we consider that General Motors only exists today due to the direct assistance of American taxpayers this decision is appalling and weakens our American manufacturing base.”
From Republican Congressman Denny Rehberg: “The president’s “car czar” has a lot of explaining to do. A decision like this clearly demonstrates what happens when you give the federal government the keys to private industry. Seemingly taking a cue from the national addiction to foreign oil, General Motors is now putting its fate in the hands of foreign suppliers of palladium. I can remember when GM wanted everyone to ‘Buy American’ – perhaps it and its new owners in Washington should take their own advice.”