Big Three Open to Ideas -- Including Merger

Updated from 4:13 p.m. EST

The CEOs of the Detroit automakers generally agreed Thursday to every condition a variety of lawmakers suggested -- including a potential merger of Chrysler and General Motors (GM Quote) -- if they can secure a $34 billion bailout.

But it remains unclear whether Congress can reach a bailout plan, despite detailed discussions of potential conditions and mechanisms to oversee a rescue package and even with the precarious state of GM, which says it needs $4 billion by the end of the month.

Make no mistake: The future of iconic GM, which still produces one of every five cars sold in the U.S., even though its market share has declined for years, is at the epicenter of this national discussion, and is the sole reason Congress is considering whether to meet in special session next week. ...