June 3: Congresswoman Kaptur Welcomes President Obama to Toledo

Congresswoman Kaptur welcomed President Barack Obama to the Jeep plant in Toledo today to celebrate the comeback of the American automobile industry.

"The president showed leadership at the crucial time when he made a consequential decision to extend a lifeline the American automobile industry," Kaptur said. "The workers in this plant—I know this—can outcompete anybody on a level playing field."

President Obama referred to the Chrysler complex in north Toledo as "the economic rock of the community…What would life be like here in Toledo if you didn't make these cars? Now, two years ago we came pretty close to finding out. We were still near the bottom of a vicious recession … that cost eight million jobs. And it hit this industry particularly hard…

"We decided to do more than just rescue the industry from crisis. We decided to retool it for a new age."

"It was about you—your families, your jobs, your lives, your dreams…I placed my bet on you. I put my faith in the American worker … What you've done vindicates my faith."

"We have the best workers in the world," Kaptur said, "and today is their day. Today they were rewarded for their hard work, innovation and sacrifice."

All three companies in the Big 3 are now turning profits, Obama said, and all three are gaining market share.

"Chrysler has repaid every dime and more of what it owes the American taxpayer from the investment we made during my watch…I couldn't be prouder of what you've done."