Hot Potatoes

The Democrats keep tossing touchy bills at the White House

EVEN WHILE THE 102ND CONGRESS RACED TO ADjourn for the campaign finale, the Democrats somehow found time to stick controversial issues smack into President Bush's face. They didn't win many fights, but they did raise the discomfort level in the White House to record levels. To the Republicans' collective relief, the family-leave bill died on Wednesday when the House failed to override Bush's veto of the legislation, which the White House opposed as antibusiness. On Friday the House left Bush's abortion "gag rule" in place, again failing to muster the necessary two-thirds vote to overturn the legislation, which bars abortion counseling...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!