White House reluctant to promise help to U.S. automakers

The White House says it is open to any suggestions from Congress on how to help the auto industry.

White House press secretary Dana Perino said Wednesday that the administration is not responsible for the automakers’ woes but understand the importance of the industry to the U.S. economy.

But the White House is reluctant to make any proposals for new aid, and suggests the car companies hold much of the responsibility for their own survival. The administration has not signed on to any specific plan to supply additional help to the automakers.