31.   Concern that the U.S. budget debate will drag on hurt the dollar, traders said.

32.   Congressional aides from both parties say that budget debate is moot for now.

33.   During the budget debates with the Republicans, the president has repeatedly cited the protection of environmental programs among his reasons for vetoing budget bills.

34.   During the U.S. budget debate, investors have shown a preference for the security of German government bonds versus U.S. Treasuries over the last month.

35.   Even in a budget debate with significant eye-glazing potential, some of them they will be watching, strategists say.

36.   Extra money in state coffers this year could spur extra attention to the budget debate.

37.   Following are excerpts from remarks by lawmakers Thursday during the House and Senate budget debates, as recorded and transcribed by The New York Times.

38.   For a long while the federal budget debate was held up by the inability of the Republicans and Democrats to use the same set of figures and projections.

39.   For once again, the administration is deep in the throes of a budget debate.

40.   Future economic performance is a key part of the budget debate.