31.   Charoen Phanthuwongse, deputy party whip, said he was very upset with the absent lawmakers.

32.   Clinton repeatedly sought to portray Lazio as out of step with New Yorkers, noting that he had served as a deputy whip under former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.

33.   Deputy chief government whip Charoen Khanthawong said the whips were yet to agree on appropriate penalties for absentees.

34.   ANC backbencher Andries Nel, who was appointed deputy chief whip last week, becomes acting chief whip of the ruling party.

35.   Democratic deputy whip Bill Richardson of New Mexico said they were within five votes of assuring passage of the bill.