I particularly want to thank Senator Lott, whose idea this series is.

Senator Lott said today that the plan was "a work in progress."

Senator Lott had inserted the provision just before the bill moved out of conference earlier this week.

Senator Lott's real motive, he said, was keeping politically difficult issues from coming to the floor.

"We cannot let stand what they are doing," Senator Lott said.

"I have not been able to get that problem worked out in my mind," Senator Lott said.

Senator Lott ran a media campaign promoting his ability to bring billions of federal dollars back to the state.

Senator Lott is considered to have a relatively safe seat.

Senator Lott made that point to me on the phone the other night.

Senator Lott's office said the majority leader would have no comment tonight.

I particularly want to thank Senator Lott, whose idea this series is.

Senator Lott said today that the plan was "a work in progress."

Senator Lott had inserted the provision just before the bill moved out of conference earlier this week.

Senator Lott's real motive, he said, was keeping politically difficult issues from coming to the floor.

"We cannot let stand what they are doing," Senator Lott said.

"I have not been able to get that problem worked out in my mind," Senator Lott said.

Senator Lott ran a media campaign promoting his ability to bring billions of federal dollars back to the state.

Senator Lott is considered to have a relatively safe seat.

Senator Lott made that point to me on the phone the other night.

Senator Lott's office said the majority leader would have no comment tonight.