51.   Republicans abandoned their vigorous opposition to the Democratic proposal after Democrats summoned Vice President Al Gore from the presidential campaign trail to break a possible tie vote.

52.   The six-member ethics committee rejected hearings on a tie vote, and the Senate voted against a resolution by Sen. Barbara Boxer to force public hearings.

53.   The tie vote meant the bill survived and now goes to the full Senate.

54.   The tie vote meant the bill survived.

55.   The vote culminated several hours of drama in which Democrats summoned Vice President Al Gore to break a possible tie vote on an abortion rights measure.

56.   Under Supreme Court rules, a tie vote means the request for a reprieve is denied.

57.   Until now, a tie vote in committee has killed a measure before it reaches the Senate floor.

58.   Under current rules, a tie vote kills legislation.

59.   Until now, a tie vote has killed a measure before it reaches the Senate floor.

60.   Under Senate rules until now, a tie vote in a committee meant the measure was rejected and would not reach the full Senate.