AP - Texas oilman T. Boone Pickens asked Congress on Tuesday to "clear the path" for his plan to boost use of wind and natural gas for U.S. energy needs.

AP - The chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee says he might pursue new gun restrictions in response to a recently enacted Georgia law that could allow people to carry concealed firearms in parts of the Atlanta airport.

AP - The Senate voted 94-0 Tuesday to move ahead on legislation to curb speculation in oil markets. But any hope of bipartisanship to pass the bill is likely a mirage.

AP - A federal rescue of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could cost taxpayers $25 billion, congressional budget experts said, as the House scheduled a Wednesday vote on legislation that would tap the mortgage giants' profits to cover any losses from saving 400,000 homeowners from foreclosure.

Reuters - A major rescue package for the U.S. housing market is scheduled to come to a vote in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, with lawmakers agreeing final language late on Tuesday and congressional analysts putting a $25-billion potential price tag on a new provision.