1.   Bush, who objects to those liability provisions, seeks to limit lawsuits to federal courts instead of state courts, where damage awards are typically higher.

2.   But critics of the liability provision called it a special protection for tobacco companies.

3.   But the sponsors played down the liability provision, noting that gun owners are not liable under current law.

4.   Even the top Republican rivals, Gov. George W. Bush of Texas and Sen. John McCain, support some liability provisions.

5.   If these Republicans insist on repealing the retroactive liability provision that forces corporate polluters to clean up old contamination, the bipartisan support could dissolve.

6.   In a letter to the New York delegation, Giuliani and Pataki underscored the importance of the liability provision.

7.   In addition, the spokesman said small changes involving class action suits and the proportional liability provisions convinced the president that the bill was worthwhile.

8.   Last year the Senate refused to take up a bill with the labor changes because it included these liability provisions.

9.   Norwood said the malpractice liability provision in his bill is meant to hold health plan administrators accountable for decisions about the necessity of a medical treatment.

10.   Republicans oppose such a liability provision, forecasting an increase in the expense of health coverage that might force businesses to scale back what they offer employees.