The House on Wednesday passed a $300 billion housing rescue bill aimed at helping troubled homeowners avoid foreclosure and supporting mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

The federal government is set to boost the nation's minimum wage Thursday in the second of three increases mandated by Congress.

The House on Wednesday voted 272-152 to pass sweeping legislation that will offer up to $300 billion in assistance to troubled homeowners and throw government support behind mortgage finance giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Stocks finished higher Wednesday as investors cheered falling oil prices and waited to see if the House passed a bill that would support the struggling housing market.

Read full story for latest details.

Read full story for latest details.

The federal government is set to boost the nation's minimum wage Thursday in the second of three increases mandated by Congress.

The House is expected on Wednesday to pass a $300 billion housing rescue bill aimed at helping troubled homeowners avoid foreclosure and supporting mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

By inadequately vetting participants in its HUBZone set-aside program, the Small Business Administration has mistakenly placed more than $20 million in government contracts in the hands of undeserving businesses, according to a recent Government Accountability Office report spotlighted in a hearing last week by the House Committee on Small Business.

Oil prices continued to decline Wednesday, after a government report showed stronger-than-expected inventories and a Federal Reserve report showed a weakening economy.