The Obama White House is considering further options to aid the floundering American auto industry, but no decisions will be made until both General Motors and Chrysler LLC present their viability plans to the government on February 17.

Two law firms have been engaged by the government to aid the Treasury Department in auto restructuring, but no word has been forthcoming on the designation of an overseer or "czar" to direct the process.

An administration official quoted by Automotive News said, "The administration is engaged at the highest levels -- including the Treasury secretary and the National Economic Council director -- on the issues affecting suppliers, dealers and the industry as a whole.

"No decisions will be made on restructuring or anything else until we receive and review the restructuring reports due on (Feb. 17).

"If the companies have determined some of the targets are not possible to meet in a timely fashion, they have the opportunity to explain their circumstances in their presentation."

The viability plans are a requirement of the already $17.4 billion in federal funds the companies received in a December bailout. On Thursday, February 5, auto suppliers indicated they were seeking some $25 billion in federal aid to fend off an even deeper crisis in the industry.