Topic: U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce

Managers say BP took 'shortcuts' prior to Gulf rig explosion. Will the 'top kill' work?

A Transocean rig worker said he overheard senior managers complaining that BP took 'shortcuts' by replacing heavy drilling fluid with saltwater in the oil well that blew out, triggering the massive Gulf oil spill.

Toyota says that its electronic throttles are not to blame

Jim Lentz, the US sales president for Toyota, testified that its electronic throttles are not responsible for instances of unintended acceleration.

Gulf oil spill: Did Big Oil run roughshod over regulators?

Why didn't the US Minerals Management Service require that Big Oil install secondary blowout preventers on oil rigs, as other countries have? Congress is investigating this and other issues.

Powerful House Democrat David Obey to retire

Wisconsin Rep. David Obey, the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, will not seek another term in office, he said Wednesday.

Two House health care reform votes: first fixes, then Senate bill

House leaders rejected 'deem and pass' Saturday, and negotiations on abortion concern made progress, clearing the way for Sunday's health care reform bill vote.

Healthcare vote: Obama to visit Capitol Hill to nail down support

With the healthcare vote pending, President Obama will head over to Capitol Hill to rally support.

How two little-known offices will shape healthcare reform

As efforts to pass healthcare reform progress, more responsibilities are being placed on the Congressional Budget Office and the Senate Parliamentarian's Office – two institutions famous for their devotion to fairness and attention to detail.

Toyota recall flap: US lawmakers seek data on electronics tests

Questions continue about Toyota recalls for unintended acceleration. Two House members want the automaker to produce data backing up its assertion that defects in electronic components aren't part of the problem.

New jolt for healthcare reform? Insurer hikes rates 39 percent.

Democrats are using the decision of WellPoint to raise rates for some customers by as much as 39 percent – despite a $4.75 billion profit – to rally supporters.

Toyota recall: Are sticky gas pedals the real culprit?

Federal investigators are looking at Toyota's electronic throttle system as a possible cause for the sudden acceleration that has led to a global recall. Toyota insists sticky gas pedals are the problem.

Healthcare reform effort grinds slowly in the House

Healthcare reform vote Saturday may be delayed as Democratic leaders work to make sure they have the necessary 218 votes - including more conservative members of their own party.

Is comparing medical treatments akin to 'rationing' care?

Bills in Congress call for panels to conduct 'comparative effectiveness research.' Opponents say it could be the first step to government allocation of healthcare resources.

Abortion wars intensify over healthcare reform

Debate is raging over whether Congress is expanding abortion access at taxpayer expense. It threatens to consume health reform efforts this fall.

Pelosi's new tack on healthcare - target big insurance

The House Speaker needs to address public concerns about changing the system. So do lawmakers headed home for their August break.

Pelosi's biggest healthcare task: holding her party together

The much-touted 'deal' with Blue Dogs Wednesday has now opened a rift with left-leaning Progressives.

Boehner to Democrats: 'Hit reset button' on healthcare

House takes big step toward healthcare reform vote

Democratic leaders cut a deal with their party's conservative 'Blue Dogs,' but Progressives on the left say 'no way.'

Health reform slides as House Democrats try to heal rift

Cost concerns of the party's fiscal hawks will need more time to resolve, Pelosi acknowledged Monday.

Obama's healthcare vote delayed. The reason: Democrats.

The Democrats built their majority on gains made in conservative-leaning areas. Now, those lawmakers are getting cold feet about the cost of the plan.

On healthcare, Blue Dogs finally bite

The House's caucus of conservative Democrats has long threatened its party's leadership only to fall in line. But Blue Dogs are taking a harder line on healthcare.

Democrats battle to regain healthcare momentum

Obama launched a campaign on health reform Monday, but opposition is building on both sides of the aisle.

A tooth-and-nail fight in House over climate bill

The measure, which calls for the most striking government intervention in energy use since 1975, is up for a vote Friday.

House intern faints, Obama's health plan to the rescue

House Democrats unveil healthcare plan - but what will it cost?

Price will be a major factor in winning bipartisan support, and the public insurance option could be a sticking point too.

Democrats struggling for consensus on climate bills

With competing bills in the House and Senate, Democrats struggle to agree on key climate and energy reforms.