White House wants to hear automakers testimony

WASHINGTON, Dec 4 (Reuters) - It is too early to judge the restructuring plans put forward by the ailing U.S. automakers, the White House said on Thursday, adding that the administration wanted to hear their testimony to Congress first.

"I think it's too early to give these plans a grade," said White House spokeswoman Dana Perino. "I also think that since the Democratic leadership invited the automakers to come to Washington to testify in front of them today and tomorrow, that we should then allow them to do that before passing any judgment on their plans."

General Motors Corp (GM.N), Ford Motor Co (F.N) and privately held Chrysler LLC have sought $34 billion in loans and credit lines from the government.

The administration has supported redirecting $25 billion in aid to help Detroit make more fuel-efficient vehicles, and Perino said the White House has been open to adding money to that program as well. (Reporting by Jeremy Pelofsky, editing by Gerald E. McCormick)