'It'a very, very important industry to our country,' Pelosi said. 'It's about jobs, jobs, jobs, jobs, jobs.' She said it wasn't clear to which bill the funding would be attached, noting that Democrats were preparing a new energy bill with expanded drilling and other provisions, along with a second economic stimulus package. 'We may have that in the energy bill. We certainly would have it in the stimulus package. We certainly would hope it would be part of the supplemental (appropriation bill) at the end of the day or a (continuing resolution,' Pelosi said. Michigan's congressional delegation met this morning privately to discuss the auto project and there were signs that automakers were scaling back their ambitions, hoping to win backing for $25 billion, rather than the full $50 billion. They discussed a number of hurdles, including that under the existing legislation it could take months -- if not years -- for automakers to see any money from the program. 'The request that was made (by the auto industry) was $50 (billion), then they went back to $25 (billion). Now they are talking about what the real need is,' Pelosi said. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Lansing, said that discussions were ongoing, and the size of the package wasn't clear. 'I don't have the specifics on exactly what form it will take,' she said. The White House still hasn't said if it supports a package that some critics deride as a bailout. Detroit's Big Three automakers have sub-investment grade credit ratings and could see boring costs reducing by more than $100 million for each $1 billion borrowed. The government could also defer repayment for up to 5 years. Auto suppliers are eligible as are foreign automakers, but the loans -- for retooling plants to build advanced more efficient vehicles. But the bill gives priority to plants 20 years or older. General Motors Corp. chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner will be in Washington on Friday to take part in an energy summit and tout the direct loan program, while Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler LLC's chairman and CEO Robert Nardelli are expected on Capitol Hill next week. You can reach David Shepardson at (202) 662 - 8735 or [email protected].