1.   And Jackson still manages to defend her agency.

2.   Appearing exasperated with criticism of the CDC over the timing of its response to the anthrax outbreaks, Cleland strongly defended the agency.

3.   Block defended his agency, but acknowledged problems.

4.   Everett Ehrlich, under secretary of commerce for economic affairs, defended the agency even as he acknowledged that special factors had played a significant role.

5.   FAA administrator David Hinson defended his agency by saying that its standards are a model for other nations.

6.   FAA administrator David Hinson, however, defended the agency and said he believes ValuJet is a safe choice for passengers.

7.   Hinson defended his agency as a House aviation subcommittee opened hearings today on FAA oversight of the airline industry in the wake of the ValuJet crash.

8.   In an indication of how far out of favor the INS has fallen, the few members who rose in opposition to the bill did not defend the agency.

9.   Kadish has defended his agency, saying Pentagon planners and congressional overseers will have ample time to study results before important decisions are made.

10.   Lumpkin, however, defended the agency, saying the review of Duract took nearly three years and was extremely thorough.