Rep. W.J. "Billy" Tauzin (R-La.) won't seek re-election at the end of the year and will leave his seat as chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee this month.

Tauzin is known as one of the most powerful Republicans in the House. He was pushing the national energy policy legislation that failed to pass last year.

That bill is being trimmed back by Republican leaders in light of the growing federal deficit. Tax breaks and other incentives will be cut. In its current form, the bill limits the role of the Department of Interior in tribal energy projects.

Get the Story:
Tauzin Quits Chairmanship, Will Retire From House (The Washington Post 2/4)
Deficit Spurs GOP To Trim Energy Bill (The Washington Post 2/4)

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