On Capitol Hill, House Democrats have voted to oust Michigan’s John Dingell as chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee and replace him with California’s Henry Waxman. As the new committee chair, Waxman is expected to help advance President-elect Barack Obama’s proposals to curb global warming, develop alternative fuels and expand health insurance coverage. John Dingell had been the top Democrat on the committee for nearly thirty years. Dingell represents greater Detroit and has close ties to the auto industry. He has long been criticized for slowing or blocking action on stricter vehicle emissions standards, fuel-economy improvements and other regulatory efforts. Congressman Waxman spoke to reporters after he won the secret ballot vote.

Rep. Henry Waxman: “The prevailing view in the caucus and the argument we made was that we needed a change for the committee to have the leadership that will work with this administration and members in both the House and the Senate in order to get important issues passed in healthcare, environmental protection, in energy policy.”