December 4, 2008 Automakers' pleas met with Senate skepticism Play video

(Scot Yount, NECN) - Today, auto executives made their second plea on Capitol Hill for a bailout. This time, they arrived by car, instead of the corporate jet. The Big Three say without a bailout, some of them could go under, and soon.

The auto executives pleaded with lawmakers at a contentious Capitol Hill hearing - their second round in less than a month - for emergency aid before year's end. But with time running out on the current Congress, skepticism about the bailout appeared to be as strong as ever.

"No thinking person thinks that all three companies can survive," said Republican Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee.

Chris Dodd, chairman of the Banking Committee, was the senator who spoke of a death sentence - though he also said, "We're not going to leave town without trying" to help.

The auto executives are to make their case at a House hearing on Friday, and Congress could take up rescue legislation next week in an emergency session.

Material from the Associated Press is included in this report.