Amid all the government bailouts, loans and handouts flowing from taxpayers into corporate coffers, along comes one that will go straight to consumers.

"Cash for clunkers" was the term U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley used back in May when he described his plan to help Americans who want to replace their old gas guzzlers. Today, that term describes the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Program, which is Title XIII to HR 2346, the 2009 Supplemental Appropriations Act.

The act included many new appropriations, primarily funds to continue supporting U.S. troops in our war on terror, so it won widespread congressional approval.

Rules published Friday explain how Americans have until Nov. 1 to seek a $3,500 to $4,500 voucher for an old vehicle they intend to trade in for an upgrade. Generally, the larger rebates go to consumers whose trade-in netted the biggest increase in fuel mileage.

The rebates are issued as vouchers that can be used as downpayments for new cars or trucks.

Consumers can't push, pull or drag it in. Trade-ins must be operable. And the legislation requires the trades to be immediately turned into scrap, not resold to continue their gas guzzling ways.

In one smart move, Congress created a stimulus plan that puts cash in the pockets of Americans who choose to make a more fuel-efficient investment.

We commend Braley on his innovation and collaborative work that won widespread, bipartisan support for this plan.

And we're eager to see what happens when a stimulus plan puts consumers first.

Guidelines

$3,500 voucher

- New vehicle must get at least four miles per gallon more than the trade-in.

- A new truck must get at least 2 miles per gallon more.

$4,500 voucher

- The new car gets at least 10 miles per gallon more than the trade-in.

- The new mini-van, small truck or SUV gets at least five miles per gallon more than the trade-in.

- The new full-size pick up or cargo van rated at 15 miles per gallon or more, gets at least two more miles per gallon than a similar trade-in.

Condition of the trade-in:

- Must be driveable

- Have been owned and insured for at least a year.

- Any vehicle built after mid-1984; or a large work truck no newer than 2001.

- Any Category 1 or 2 vehicle (car, minivan, SUV, light pick up) with a combined MPG of 18 or less. This does not apply to category 3 trucks (large pickup trucks and cargo vans).