Fifty-four percent (54%) of Americans oppose any further funding for the federal “cash for clunkers” program which encourages the owners of older cars to trade them in for newer, more fuel-efficient ones.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 33% of adults think Congress should authorize additional funding to keep the program going now that the original $950 million allocated for it has run out. Thirteen percent (13%) are not sure.

These numbers are virtually identical to the findings in mid-June just after Congress first approved the plan when 35% favored it while 54% were opposed.

Men favor continuation of the program more than women. African-Americans like it more than whites. Lower-income Americans, not surprisingly, are more supportive of it than those who earn more.

Seventy-three percent (73%) of Republicans and 51% of adults not affiliated with either major party are opposed to continuing the “cash for clunkers” program. Democrats are closely divided over the question.

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Fifty-three percent (53%) believe it is at least somewhat likely that the program, which gives rebates up to $4,500 to owners who trade their older cars in, will hurt new car sales next year. Twenty-six percent (26%) say it is very likely.

Just 20% of all voters say they or someone in their family is at least somewhat likely to use the program, with eight percent (8%) who say it is very likely.

Americans overall are more closely divided over the “cash for clunkers” program itself. Forty-four percent (44%) think it was a good idea, while 38% disagree. Eighteen percent aren’t sure.

There’s no doubt, however, that the program is widely known. Eighty-nine percent (89%) of adults say they have read, seen or heard something about it. Just eight percent (8%) have not.

The number of Americans interested in the program has far exceeded initial congressional estimates, quickly exhausting the initial funds. The House has now appropriated an additional $2 billion for it, but unless the Senate agrees to more funding this week before it goes on recess, the program will be discontinued.

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