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, was  up for a vote Friday.
By Peter Grier |  Staff writer/ June 26, 2009

Washington

The House of Representatives on Friday began debate on a controversial measure to cap US greenhouse-gas emissions. If passed, the bill would represent the most profound government intervention in America’s energy use since Washington began regulating the fuel economy of vehicles in 1975.

The measure is one of President Obama’s top legislative priorities.

Cost of government bailouts headed down, but they’ll still be huge

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office figures taxpayers will lose about $159 billion from bailouts of the financial and auto industries.
By By Mark Trumbull |  Staff writer/ June 26, 2009

Signs of improvement in credit markets are also providing help on another front: Official estimates of the cost of financial bailouts are heading down.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that taxpayers will lose about $159 billion from bailouts of the financial and auto industries.

House passes major climate bill on close vote tied to cost

The road to passage of a top Obama priority will be even steeper in the Senate.
Staff writer/ June 26, 2009:   By Peter Grier

Washington

The House of Representatives on Friday voted by a narrow 219 to 212 to approve a hotly contested energy bill intended to cap US greenhouse gas emissions.

The legislation still has a long road to travel before it becomes law. But the House vote was a crucial victory for President Obama on one of his legislative priorities, and may give the White House political momentum as it pushes