21.   House passage had been delayed until Hastert, facing opposition by Senate Democrats, agreed to withdraw language that would have lifted food sanctions against Cuba.

22.   House passage was delayed only until lawmakers could return to the Capitol from the prayer service.

23.   In Bangkok, share prices plunged amid worries that some senators would delay the passage of the long-awaited new bankruptcy and foreclosure laws.

24.   In Japan, shares retreated after a two-day rally on worries that a Finance Ministry scandal could delay passage of key economic policies.

25.   Led by the regional Northern League, which opposes more taxes by Rome, opposition parties tacked on scores of amendents to delay passage of the budget.

26.   Most of those who voted to send the bill back for revision are conservatives attempting to delay passage of the law, which enjoys growing popular support.

27.   National Organization for Women president Patricia Ireland praised the House for passing the bill but accused Republicans of delaying passage for political advantage.

28.   Ramos said, however, that time constraints could delay the passage of the bill.

29.   That could delay passage of the budget, which includes record economic revival outlays that the government insists are needed to prevent a slip-back into recession.

30.   That could delay passage of the budget, which includes record economic revival outlays that the government insists are needed to prevent slipping back into recession.