1.   Meantime, Clinton is obliged to release to the states billions in Medicare funds which the last regime held back on technical grounds.

2.   Border-state leaders urged a congressional panel Tuesday to expand efforts to stop illegal immigration that cost states billions of dollars.

3.   A court ruling that could bring Sunbelt states billions of dollars and more congressional representation was under review Tuesday by the Clinton administration.

4.   Critics of the new law say it will cost states billions each year to extend such benefits to everyone who will have to move off welfare.

5.   Rowland, admitting to bitter disappointment, said the vote was an opportunity lost, costing the state billions of dollars.

6.   They unsuccessfully argued that the shortfall cost the state billions in federal aid and at least one seat in Congress.

7.   Wilson has argued that illegal immigration is costing the state billions of dollars, and the federal government should pick up the cost.

8.   Permitting Iraq to open its taps could further flood an already saturated oil market, forcing prices down and costing oil-exporting states billions of dollars.

9.   President Boris Yeltsin blames corrupt regional officials and tax dodgers who are costing the state billions in lost revenue.

10.   Permitting Iraq to open its taps could further flood an already saturated market, forcing prices down and costing oil-exporting states billions of dollars.