But Council Speaker Peter Vallone takes an obstructionist position, refusing even to allow hearings that might help educate the public and develop added safeguards against fraudulent use of such new coverage.

The House bill includes a provision allowing secret hearings to deport supposed potential terrorists, with the accused person having no right to see the evidence.

The main political result of the move by Congress is that it will allow public hearings on Tibet to be held.

Jael stirred uneasily, "You should never have allowed public hearings.

Courts in California and Missouri have allowed extensive hearings this year on the lethal injection process, delaying executions until they can study the question of just how painful the current methods are.

"Video teleconferences will allow hearings to be provided more timely, with vastly more access points than Social Security currently provides through its offices," Mr. Leavitt said.

Both systems, however, involve penal labor and often do not allow trials or judicial hearings.

Although the government shrouded its case in secrecy, Ms. Miller was allowed hearings and appeals.

Mills promptly demanded deep cuts in domestic spending before he would allow hearings on any tax increase.

LB 899 increased the efficiency of courts and reduced costs for individuals by allowing final hearings to be waived in legal separation cases.