Senate Skeptical As UAW Pledges Concessions

United Auto Workers President Ron Gettelfinger speaks at a news conference during a break in a meeting of UAW officials in Detroit, Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008.

(Paul Sancya/AP Photo)
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Henderson rebuffed criticism that if the auto industry receives a bailout, it will be rewarded for failure.

"I don't think anybody is being rewarded," he said. "The sacrifices included in the plan are significant and steep and suitable under the circumstances, we believe."

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"Our executive team, leadership team, whether salaried or hourly, made a significant number of sacrifices over the last several, two to three years as part of our turnaround plans and, frankly, I think we're willing, able and can demonstrate that we'll make further sacrifices as part of this," said Henderson.

He added that he now flies Northwest Airlines after using a private jet to fly to Washington the first time he and the other industry heads sought taxpayer aid.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.