U.S. Senator George V. Voinovich (R-Cleveland) issued a statement Tuesday concerning expected action by the U.S. Congress on a federal stimulus package to the auto industry. 

Voinovich acts as co-chairman of the Senate Auto Caucus on the compromise auto industry bill and said he will continue to fight for the industry by providing a bridge loan that they would have to pay back.

"I am pleased that the Democratic leadership backed away from its opposition to using previously appropriated funds and adopted the bipartisan Levin-Voinovich proposal to use funding already authorized," Voinovich said. "However, I have concerns about the Democratic draft of the compromise legislation." 

Voinovich said one of his concerns is that the bill doesn't go far enough to secure viability plans from the auto companies that he said would best ensure that the money will be paid back to the taxpayers.

"I am also concerned with other provisions that could hurt the auto industry in the long run," Voinovich said. "I will continue to work with my colleagues and the White House to address those concerns. I am hopeful we will have a compromise to vote on this week."