1.   The thrust of the case is whether the federal law overrides the state ban.

2.   Under the compromise, states could override the ban.

3.   Under the new law, people convicted of drug crimes are generally ineligible for Federal welfare benefits, but states may override the ban by passing laws.

4.   U.S. Trade Representative Mickey Kantor said yesterday the U.S. will ask the World Trade Organization to override the ban.