Waxman's Coup Promises New Agenda

Energy and Commerce Committee will see much legislation from Obama

(NEWSER) - House Democrats elected Californian Henry Waxman to chair the House Energy and Commerce Committee today, the Hill reports. Waxman’s new post will hold considerable influence over how the next administration will effect its legislative agenda; his selection over Michigan’s John Dingell, who has served on the committee for 28 years, is seen as a victory for the further-left elements of the party. More»

Representatives dread choice between veteran lawmakers to chair key committee

(NEWSER) - House Democrats have been dreading this day: the unavoidable vote between Henry Waxman and John Dingell to chair the Energy and Commerce Committee. Though Waxman is a savvy lawmaker and closer to much of the caucus on the key issue of climate change, the 82-year-old Dingell, Detroit's staunchest congressional booster, is the longest-serving member of the House. "I wish we did not have to make the choice between two extraordinary legislators,” one representative puts it politely. More»

But Dingell thinks history, fear, money will allow him to keep chair

(NEWSER) - John Dingell has spent a lot more money than Henry Waxman in his quest to keep his chairmanship of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, lavishing gifts on the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. But Waxman has a strategy, Politico reports. The California rep gave generously to 19 promising Democratic candidates. Most won, and they'll come to Washington without reverence for Dingell’s glory days. More»

Subcommittee passes measure aimed at pushing playoff system

(NEWSER) - Lots of people hate the BCS college football system, and now a House panel does, too. Rep. Joe Barton of Texas pushed the anti-BCS measure through an Energy and Commerce subcommittee today. It would prevent college football officials from calling any game a "national championship" unless it's the result of a playoff system. BCS haters take note, however: It stands little chance of passing the full House or becoming law. More»

(NEWSER) - A key House committee approved a health care package tonight, kicking off a 5-week public battle on the issue and sending lawmakers home for August recess, the Washington Post reports. The 31-to-28 vote in the House Energy and Commerce Committee, fueled by a liberal–Blue Dog deal this morning, could give low-income workers greater subsidies for health insurance. More»