31.   A seven-year balanced budget proposal became the price for a seat at the power table headed by the speaker of the House.

32.   About a dozen Democrats and moderate Republicans in the Senate met this afternoon to discuss crafting their own budget proposal.

33.   Both House and Senate budget proposals for next year include elimination of only the Commerce department.

34.   Both sides say their budget proposals are under the mandated spending limit.

35.   Budget proposals in Venezuela are loosely adhered to.

36.   Bush aides, however, said Gore is using a gimmick to make his budget proposals look smaller.

37.   BUSH ANNOUNCES FEWER APPOINTMENTS With President Bush focusing on relations with China and new budget proposals, only six presidential appointments were announced this week.

38.   But a spokesman for the Office of Management and Budget, which compiled the budget proposal, indicated that it has no plans to yield on the issue.

39.   Bush saw a budget proposal that leaves little room for his campaign tax-cut promises.

40.   But any significant defections from Democratic ranks in Congress might put added pressure on Clinton to accede to Republican budget proposals.