The Big Three automakers asked for help to stave off collapse, but it appeared they had not persuaded enough lawmakers to move quickly on a bailout.

The heads of the Big Three automakers pleaded for emergency government aid to stave off potential collapse, but it appeared they had not persuaded enough lawmakers to move quickly on a bailout.

The heads of Detroit’s Big Three automakers and the United Auto Workers union were arguing for federal assistance before a Senate committee.

Whether Washington should let that play out — risking hundreds of thousands of jobs — is a central question Congress will weigh this week.

Calling the auto industry a “dinosaur,” two Republican senators said a bailout would only postpone its demise.

Democratic leaders calling for an aid package to help auto companies conceded that they would face potentially insurmountable opposition in Congress.

Senator Christopher J. Dodd raised doubts about efforts to aid automobile manufacturers during a lame-duck session.

Democratic Congressional leaders suggested using the financial system’s bailout to help distressed automakers.

The automaker’s rapidly deteriorating finances are forcing the government to decide whether to bail it out or face the prospect that it might go bankrupt.

Ford and G.M., battered by the weak economy, took additional steps to cut costs and save cash.