21.   But instead of embracing the resolution, Republican leaders decided to kill it.

22.   But Senate leaders decided tougher measures were needed and put off action on the legislation until this year.

23.   But the Chinese leaders have clearly decided that they must pressure the island now to halt a slide toward independence.

24.   But the leaders also decided to strip the bill of a controversial provision that would have allowed banks to merge with insurance companies.

25.   But Republican leaders decided Tuesday that the easiest solution may be for the House to vote on the Senate version, which is expected to pass.

26.   But Senate leaders have decided against creating a special investigative panel, at least for now.

27.   But the report disclosed that student construction leaders decided not use them last fall because they thought using them might cause the bonfire to burn faster.

28.   But the tone in the Senate changed noticeably, with officials sounding more soothing even as House leaders decided to shut down to assess the threat.

29.   But the leaders decided not to sign it formally until Monday.

30.   But the Republican leaders still must decide what amendments can win the support of the competing interests.