WASHINGTON - While Americans were busy shopping over the holiday weekend the auto industry continued their plea for help.

Sunday the head of the United Auto Workers, Ron Gettelfinger, appeared on television to say the U.S. can't afford to let the big three collapse.

Chrysler, Ford and GM are asking for 25 billion dollars from the government, for what they call a loan.

Ron Gettelfinger President of UAW says, "...this is not a bailout, this is a loan -- bridge loan that will get us through until we can take a longer term look at exactly what needs to be done in the industry."

Chrysler, Ford and GM will submit plans to congress Tuesday on how they would use the money.Auto Bailout Latest