31.  But the plans went awry as deadlines came and went, and a final deal proved elusive until just hours before the ceremony on Tuesday.

32.  But they remained far from a final deal.

33.  Clinton and Hastert battled back, getting it added to a final spending deal that Congress must approve in order to adjourn.

34.  Congress and the Legislature would have to approve the final deal.

35.  Cox would not provide details of earlier negotiations but said no final deal for surrender was signed.

36.  Davis said negotiators have made substantial progress in talks with Edison and hope to have a final deal in a week.

37.  From the Israeli side, a broad brush stroke picture has emerged for what a final deal may look like.

38.  Haron Amin, a Northern Alliance spokesman in Washington, said no final deal had been reached.

39.  However, any final deals likely would depend on who falls where in the draft.

40.  However, the absence of an announcement by the two railroads on a final deal has some analysts wondering about the current negotiations.