"What this amendment says is, Let them eat cake," said Representative Ron Marlenee, Republican of Montana.

The only senator who voted against the bill, Conrad Burns, Republican of Montana, said it imposed too many federal mandates.

A main sponsor of the bill, Senator Conrad Burns, Republican of Montana, said he would seek a vote in September.

A few weeks before the end of his re-election campaign, Senator Conrad Burns, Republican of Montana, issued an unusual news release.

Another group member, Senator Conrad Burns, Republican of Montana, said, "It wasn't mine."

Some lawmakers, like Senator Conrad Burns, Republican of Montana, walked off in a huff.

The bill has still left some Western congressmen, like Dennis R. Rehberg, Republican of Montana, in the hot seat.

Mr. Gore and Senator Conrad Burns, Republican of Montana, have introduced another bill to let telephone companies enter the business.

"It presents a mixed picture," said Gov. Marc Racicot, Republican of Montana.

Later, Conrad Burns, Republican of Montana, proposed that all senators take a 15 percent pay cut.