The first rule of public relations is never get in a fight with anyone who buys ink by the barrel. And a major tenet of investing is don't take a stock position in conflict with Congressional policy, once Congress has committed to a program. The wisdom behind the second adage, like the first, is obvious enough: Congress has the ability to suddenly and substantially change the investment landscape.
Case in point: Congress, which is currently hearing testimony on a performance-based rescue package for General Motors (NYSE: GM), Ford (NYSE: F), and Chrysler, could end up further funding reform by the Big Three by buying millions of the companies' vehicles for the U.S. government's auto fleet.
'Catching three fish with one cast'
Economist David H. Wang says the tactic has appeal in several areas -- economic, industrial, energy.
"It would help the three companies retain essential employees while transforming their operations, it would keep more industrial spin-off jobs in the U.S., and it would save energy by increasing U.S. government auto fleet efficiency," Wang said. "It would be like catching three fish with one cast and I think the new Obama administration would look very favorably on the energy efficiency aspect, both private and public sector dimensions."
Shares of GM fell 30 cents to $2.79, while Ford declined 16 cents $1.52 in Wednesday morning trading.
Despite the onset of the latest high energy price era, it goes without saying that the car will remain the main mode of transportation in the United States as the 21st century progresses. 
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