21.   Senators have been debating the measure on and off since late last month, with behind-the-scenes haggling that intensified in recent days.

22.   Smulson said it is unlikely that the measure will be debated on the Senate floor this year.

23.   Some critics took this to mean that international meetings were more important than sessions of Parliament, where financial measures are debated.

24.   The Brazilian congress is debating broad measures aimed at balancing the fiscal deficit by streamlining government, trimming the social security system and reforming the tax code.

25.   The full House is expected to debate the measure next week.

26.   The exchange Wednesday came during a week in which campaign finance reform measures are being debated both here and at City Hall in New York.

27.   The House began debating the measure on Wednesday but is expected to give final approval today.

28.   The House is expected to debate a measure this fall.

29.   The House began debating the measure Thursday, moving it ahead of several spending bills.

30.   The Legislature was debating the measure late Thursday.