WASHINGTON -- New signs of deterioration in the U.S. job market added impetus to appeals by Detroit's auto makers for a bailout, as Democratic leaders in Congress and the White House neared an agreement to providing a down payment to keep the industry afloat until early 2009.

White House press secretary Dana Perino termed the discussions "constructive" on Saturday but stopped short of declaring a final deal had been reached.

"We have had constructive discussions with members of Congress from both houses, and both sides of the aisle," she said in a statement. "We hope to continue to make progress toward assistance for the automakers based on important principles," including use of the existing auto loan program and "very strong taxpayer protections."

Late Friday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the White House were "near a deal, but not 100%" on a plan to provide short-term funding for the Big Three auto makers, a senior congressional aide said.

White house spokesman Tony Fratto said the talks were "still fluid" but stressed officials were "making progress."