1.   And he spent much of his time earlier this year battling with lawmakers who insisted he publicly testify about the homeland defense budget before congressional appropriations committees.

2.   Appropriations committees must parcel out a limited pot of discretionary spending for domestic programs such as student aid, immunizations and veterans health care.

3.   As ranking Democrat on the appropriations committee that wrote the bill, he was in a better position to know than most.

4.   At that point, the appropriations committees that set spending levels for everything from fighter planes to farm aid and school lunch programs will begin their work.

5.   But first Congress must adopt budget resolutions establishing spending guidelines for the appropriations committees.

6.   But the bill has stalled in the Senate appropriations committee, which includes GOP Presidential candidate Phil Gramm.

7.   By Thursday Bush was showing flexibility, expanding his policy to allow the armed services and foreign relations committees and leaders of the appropriations committees to receive information.

8.   Byrd is no longer chairman of the appropriations committee.

9.   Cox spoke at a joint budget hearing before the Senate and House appropriations committees.

10.   Cuts by the Senate appropriations committee could mean trouble for recreational fishing inlets around Wilmington.