1.   Even if the draft quickly passes both houses of Congress, it is not likely to take effect until sometime next year.

2.   If the draft passes as expected, it would be the first time Russia has adopted a budget before the start of the financial year.

3.   If Chavalit does not marshal his party members and coalition partners to support it, it is unlikely the draft will pass.

4.   Legislators and government officials agreed there is little chance the current draft will pass.

5.   Short of cash, the Finance Ministry already has begun spending as if the draft had passed, officials said.

6.   The budget draft must pass three readings in parliament before final approval.

7.   The Palestinian draft would pass even without the EU votes, since a majority of countries would likely vote in favor and there is no veto in the assembly.

8.   A final draft must then pass both houses before being sent to President Bill Clinton for his signature.