21.   U.S. bonds fell as congressional Republican leaders and President Clinton appeared to make no progress toward drafting a federal deficit reduction plan.

22.   Yet McCurdy broke with Clinton on a number of economic and social issues, such as the final deficit reduction plan and gays in the military.

23.   A landmark deficit reduction plan was on the table.

24.   The Republican reaction suggested bipartisan agreement on a deficit plan is now a distinct possibility.