U.S. President George W. Bush comments on the automaker's industry in the Roosevelt Room at the White House in Washington, December 19, 2008. President Bush said the government will provide ailing U.S. automakers financial aid while they implement plans to restructure because otherwise their collapse could send the economy into a deeper and longer recession. The U.S. government will offer up to $17.4 billion in loans to the ailing U.S. automakers and expects General Motors and Chrysler to access the money immediately, a senior administration official said today. REUTERS/Jim Young (UNITED STATES)