John D Dingell

Opening a split among congressional Democrats that could affect President-elect Barack Obama's efforts to curb global warming, a California environmentalist is trying to wrest control of a crucial House committee from its chairman, who is the automobile industry's strongest ally in fighting stricter antipollution standards. Rep. Henry A. Waxman (D-Beverly Hills) has announced that he wants to replace Rep. John D. Dingell (D-Mich.

He is an old bull in a new china shop, the longest-serving member of the House working for a new generation of Democratic leaders. And 81-year-old John D. Dingell isn't afraid to break the dishes, even if they crash down on his own party. As the representative from Michigan's 15th District for more than 50 years, Dingell has been Detroit's archangel -- the closest thing the American automobile industry has to divine protection.

Two key House lawmakers announced Monday that they were investigating the Federal Communications Commission, accusing its chairman of "possible abuse of power" and a failure to operate fairly and openly in handling proposed cable TV and media ownership regulations. "Given several events and proceedings over the past year, I am rapidly losing confidence that the commission has been conducting its affairs in an appropriate manner," Rep. John D. Dingell (D-Mich.

Michigan Rep. John D. Dingell (D-Mich.), who has had the longest tenure in the House, is recovering from an operation to open a blocked artery. Dingell, 76, went to a hospital after experiencing discomfort, his spokesman said. Doctors discovered a small artery was blocked and inserted a stent to open it. The lawmaker is to be discharged today.

Rep. John D. Dingell (D-Mich.), the longest-serving House member, was recovering after undergoing surgery to replace a stent in an artery, his office said. Dingell, 77, had the stent inserted in May to open a blocked artery. During a follow-up examination, doctors noticed the stent was narrowing and decided to replace it. Dr. Bruce Clemons said Dingell's heart is healthy, according to a statement from the congressman's office.

He is a Goliath of Congress: John D. Dingell, a Democrat from Michigan, has spent 47 years in the House of Representatives, amassing vast power and using it to grill and intimidate corporate chieftains, Hollywood moguls and other powerful interests that testify at hearings before him. But in a closely watched primary today, Dingell--the longest-serving member of the House--could find himself toppled by an unlikely David: Lynn N.