11.   The mainstream bill is fairly serious stuff -- which is why it will almost certainly not be passed, despite dogged negotiations this week between its sponsors and Mitchell.

12.   The measure was passed despite videotaped evidence that members of the assembly were bribed by drug traffickers, who feared stiffer penalties in the United States.

13.   The Lafayette Hotel, mentioned in passing, has passed despite the mention.

14.   The new ordinance passed despite vigorous opposition from gun rights advocates.

15.   They passed despite heavy spending by gun advocates, and amounted to a popular rebuke to legislatures that had rejected such measures.

16.   The bill failed to pass despite a massive lobbying effort by GAF.

17.   The bill was passed despite warnings that it gives the government a blank check to criminalize any leaking it does not like.

18.   The government of Prime Minister Yevgeny Primakov has broad support in both houses, and the budget is expected to be passed soon despite heated arguments.

19.   Berlusconi, elected last March at the head of a rightwing coalition, has predicted the budget will pass despite his opposition.

20.   EU sources said the recommendation to issue a warning was passed despite strong opposition among some commissioners.