1.   Even before the verdict, the gun lobby was so nervous it had begun appealing to gun-friendly state legislatures to pass measures aimed at blocking lawsuits.

2.   But with an eye to the upcoming elections, the ANC has been rushing to pass legislation aimed at bolstering support among poor blacks.

3.   Saying alcohol treatment saved his life, Rep. Jim Ramstad urged a House panel to pass legislation aimed at increasing insurance coverage for alcoholism and drug addiction.

4.   The National Assembly also will pass measures aimed at improving the climate for foreign investment, and is likely to name a new central bank governor.