Congress could stay in session through elections

Although hopes were high over the weekend that final issues on fiscal 2001 spending bills could be resolved, members of Congress now seem resigned to remaining in session through the elections, if necessary.

House and Senate Republican leaders appear to have concluded that the budget stalemate poses no danger to their political prospects--and could even enhance them.

"I don't think it matters," said House Majority Leader Dick Armey, R-Texas, following a meeting with GOP leaders Sunday evening.

Republicans are digging in on many of the outstanding policy differences with Democrats. "We're negotiating from a position of strength," said a spokesman for House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill.

On Sunday morning, both Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, R-Miss., and Minority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., appeared to play down the possibility of a lame duck session.

Appearing on "Fox News Sunday," Daschle said: "I don't think there's any question that we can finish our work this week. So I'm more optimistic than some of our critics would allow."

Later, appearing on ABC's "This Week," Lott--when asked if he was prepared to stay in session through next week's election--replied, "If that's what it takes." But he quickly added, "Progress has been made."

At the same time, Lott vowed that the Republicans "are not going to give in" on issues such as implementing ergonomics rules and applying the Davis-Bacon prevailing wage to school construction projects--both are moves opposed by the GOP congressional leadership.

Later, after the Senate convened, Lott told reporters: "There are some ideas being exchanged. There is a mood that it is time to bring this to a conclusion."