Bloomberg.com reports U.S. automakers, burning through cash because of tumbling sales, are moving closer to a federal aid package to prevent them from collapsing as politicians rally behind the idea of a bailout. President-elect Barack Obama's chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, called the industry an "essential'' part of the U.S. economy yesterday, a day after the top House and Senate leaders said the $700 bln bank-rescue plan could be tapped to help the companies. Emanuel stopped short of endorsing that idea. Backing from the new administration and Congress for financial improves the prospects for action to stem a crisis that threatens to topple General Motors (GM), the biggest U.S. automaker. Still undecided is the size and timing of any aid as GM says it may run out of operating cash this year. The automakers are seeking access to $50 bln in borrowing, with half going for operating assistance and the rest to support spending health-care costs, a person familiar with the plan said. In exchange, the companies would be willing to take steps such as granting stock warrants, the person said.