Congress has been hard at work trying to sort out the details of a Cash for Clunkers type vehicle incentive program for months. The basic concept is this: you take your old, gas thirsty car or truck and turn it in at a dealership for a $4,500 voucher toward a new used car or truck of your choice – so long as that car or truck gets 30 mpg or better. Until now, most of the legislation making its way through the legislative branch has only had the vouchers applying toward the purchase of a new vehicle. That is until now.

A new counterproposal bill drawn up by four Senators from both sides of the aisle aims to change all that. Aside from upping the proposed legislation’s green credentials by increasing the mileage requirements for less fuel consumption and decreased emissions, it also makes leased cars and trucks and used vehicles eligible for the vouchers as well. Critics pointed out the House of Representatives bill seemed to be heavily influenced by lobbying from automakers, and the Senate’s version is a welcome solution to the raised eyebrows of used car dealers and consumers who couldn’t imagine taking on payments for a brand new car.

The Senate’s version of the bill was officially introduced on June 9, and some analysts believe it should pass by the end of the summer. If it does, getting into the used car or truck of your dreams could be that much easier very soon. Keep your eyes open for progress on the legislation.