Inside the Toyota Hearing

(Fox Photo)

The atmosphere inside the Toyota hearing at the House Energy and Commerce Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee hearing: cramped, rushed, and getting warm.

More than a dozen still photographers have lined up in front of the witness panel to get shots of the Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and James Lentz, Toyota Motor Sales USA President and COO.

TV crews from all around the world are pressed in right alongside them.

Print and web reporters flank the walls and are already filing.

The few seats left are filled by anxious Toyota dealers and associates.

Strikingly empty is the member's stand. Eight chairs remain empty in the back row of the members dais and only 11 members are present for the hearing.