WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 (UPI) -- U. S. auto executives faced another day of grilling in Washington Friday, this time in front of the House Financial Services Committee.

Chief executive officers from Ford Motor Co., General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC appeared at a Senate hearing Thursday in a six hour session in which they pitched further industry cutbacks and a focus on fuel-efficiency while asking for $34 billion in federal aid.

Executives appeared contrite, arriving in Washington in automobiles, rather than corporate jets, a travel arrangement that was roundly criticized when they asked for $25 billion two weeks ago. "We're here today, because we made mistakes," GM's CEO Robert Wagoner said.

In general, congressional Democrats favor a bailout and Republicans stand opposed. A recent CNN poll found six of 10 U. S. adults do not favor a handout to the industry hit hard by $4-a-gallon gas in the summer, a slowing economy and a credit crunch.

Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., along with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, has urged the Bush administration to consider using funds from the Troubled Assets Relieve Program to help the industry.(UPI)