Democrats to push tougher fuel bill.

WASHINGTON --Top congressional Democrats are planning to move forward on an energy bill with an increase in fuel economy standards opposed by Detroit automakers, thanks to a legislative sidestep. House and Senate officials say that instead of naming a conference committee of lawmakers to hammer out a compromise between different energy bills that have passed each chamber, Democratic leaders plan to fashion a unified bill on their own. That will allow House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to ensure that their preferred fuel-economy standard -- 35 miles per gallon for cars and trucks by 2020 -- is in a final bill that will be sent back to both chambers.