Republican wants Toyota exec to testify on Hill

WASHINGTON -- A top Republican on a House panel investigating Toyota's massive recalls wants the company's president to testify before Congress later this month.

Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., says Akio Toyoda should meet with lawmakers and testify before the House Oversight Committee on Feb. 24. Toyoda has said he plans to travel to the United States soon to meet with American workers and dealers. Toyota has recalled nearly 8.5 million vehicles since November for problems that include floor mats that can entangle the gas pedal and gas pedals that can stick, causing sudden acceleration.

The hearing was scheduled for Wednesday but postponed because of a blizzard. Issa says it would offer Toyoda and lawmakers to "have an open exchange in front of the American people."