Reps. Waxman, Dingell reach power-sharing accord

Incoming House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) and the old bull he ousted from the post, Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.) have reached an unusual power-sharing arrangement. Chairman Waxman will cede to Dingell the lead role in drafting health reform legislation, a major priority for congressional Democrats and the incoming Obama administration, the two lawmakers announced late Thursday afternoon. In addition, Dingell will retain a sizable staff, remain an ex officio member of each of the panel's subcommittees and become "chairman emeritus" of the full committee. The deal appears to be meant as a signal to the party that the two strong-willed lawmakers are moving on from their high-profile battle. That could ease tensions as Democrats prepare for a very full legislative schedule in 2009.