11.   Mitchell has sponsored a large-scale health-care reform measure that is given no chance of passage this year.

12.   Nonetheless, the outlook for passage this year remains far from bright.

13.   Passage this year is unlikely, experts say.

14.   The administration opposes the measure and supporters of the trade bill say its passage this year could be doomed if the Thompson language is attached.

15.   The vote gives the Senate, where the higher-profile bill sponsored by Sen. John McCain failed earlier this year, another crack at passage this year.

16.   Unless Mr. Dole changes his mind, the measure stands little chance of passage this year.

17.   Yet that may not be enough to ensure passage this year.

18.   After listening to workers, Rep. Lamar Smith, R-Texas, predicted passage this year of a national compensation program.

19.   --Appeared to abandon hope of winning congressional passage this year of measures to bolster the Social Security program and provide a prescription drug benefit under Medicare.

20.   However, some lawmakers are determined to tie it to other immigration issues, which could kill its chances for passage this year.