1.   And if the DeLay amendment becomes part of the law, it will lead to more litigation over this constitutional issue.

2.   Democrats also contended that if the amendment ever became law, it would lead Congress to avoid passing difficult appropriations bills.

3.   If such an amendment became part of the Constitution, school prayer would become legally untouchable by any court.

4.   Similarly, a balanced budget amendment became popular because those same Democrats preferred to increase public benefits rather than slash programs or worry about the bottom line.

5.   The amendment became part of a bill, designed to combat juvenile crime, that was headed for a final vote in the Senate later Thursday.

6.   The contraceptive-coverage amendment has become a lightning rod for antiabortion groups, lawmakers, and the US Catholic Conference.

7.   Before the amendment can become law, it requires a two-thirds majority in the Senate, something Sharif may have difficulty acquiring.

8.   But before the amendment can become law, it requires a two-thirds majority in the Senate, something Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif may have difficulty acquiring.

9.   If accepted, the amendment becomes a part of the Constitution.

10.   The amendment also has become a symbol of the struggle between the two parties.