That led to denunciations by both Michigan Democrats and Republicans. McCain spokeswoman Sarah Lenti said the Arizona senator 'is committed to a responsive and efficient government. In circumstances in which it is straightforward to anticipate the startup of a new program, he would insist that work would begin in advance and be completed in a timely fashion.' Obama spokesman Brad Carroll said the Illinois senator would work to speed up the loans. 'After the progress of the past week this is disappointing news from the Department of Energy. Barack Obama understands that these loans are essential for keeping auto jobs here in America, which is why he would do everything possible as president to expedite this process,' Carroll said. Energy Department spokeswoman Healy Baumgardner said Friday the department 'rejects these wholly unfounded accusations' from Michigan members of Congress calling statements 'uninformed and inaccurate sound bites.' On Friday, Baumgardner didn't repeat her comment Thursday that it could take 18 months or more to release funding. 'Our goal is to fully and responsibly execute our obligations under the loan program which includes being transparent with the Congress and interested parties,' she said. Required procedures 'make it highly unlikely for the Department to disburse the loans by the end of the year. In short, we're following the law and addressing realistic expectations.' Rep. Joe Knollenberg, R-Bloomfield Township, called the statement 'garbage' and 'absurd.' Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Lansing, also urged the Energy Department to move, noting that they didn't begin writing regulations for more than nine months after Congress authorized, but hadn't funded, the program. 'With gas prices hovering near $4.00 per gallon and American jobs on the line, now is the time for this Administration to act and release these loans at the beginning of the year,' Stabenow said. The Energy Department has yet to release $2 billion in loan guarantees approved by Congress in 2005. Last October, it announced 16 finalists for awards -- including California electric car start-up Tesla Motors -- but hasn't said when it might make a final decision. Detroit's Big Three automakers could save more than $100 million per $1 billion borrowed because of their sub-investment grade credit ratings and get 25 years to repay. The House approved $7.5 billion to fund the program --with half the cost related to the fact that automakers could seek a deferment of repayment for up to five years. You can reach David Shepardson at (202) 662 - 8735 or dshepardsondteom.