One potential beneficiary of this year's drawn out congressional session could be Jane Henney, President Clinton's nominee to head the Food and Drug Administration.
Two weeks ago, Senate Majority Whip Don Nickles, R-Okla., confirmed he was holding the nomination, expressing doubts about what a Nickles spokesman described as "her willingness to legislate by regulation."
In recent days, however, Nickles has been meeting with Henney, Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala, and other administration officials.
"We are having discussions," confirmed a Nickles aide, "but it has not been completely resolved at this time."
HHS Assistant Secretary for Legislation Richard Tarplin said, "We appreciate Sen. Nickles' reconsideration of Dr. Henney's qualifications. Once her record is clear, we believe she has a good chance to be confirmed."
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