21.   How Republicans will respond to Democratic amendments proposed by the minority leadership, including one crafted by Senator Edward M. Kennedy, is also unclear.

22.   In a floor speech earlier today, Dole said action was being bogged down by the Democratic amendments.

23.   In his first vote under the Democratic majority, Jeffords voted Wednesday with most Republicans against a Democratic amendment on standardized tests in schools.

24.   It had consumed most of three weeks, including several nights when the House worked past midnight as Republicans fought off Democratic amendments.

25.   It was one of many Democratic amendments, intended to modify welfare cuts, that split the Pennsylvania senators.

26.   It rejected Democratic amendments, though, to increase funding for the environment.

27.   It was also a clear signal that Republicans have the votes to defeat numerous Democratic amendments and push through their own health care measure.

28.   Late Tuesday night, the Senate approved one Democratic amendment aimed at beefing up accountability.

29.   Many Democrats said they might vote for the bill if Democratic amendments to soften the impact on children were adopted.

30.   Most Democratic amendments offered popular proposals that would be offset by reducing tax cuts for upper income earners.