He predicted that "there is going to be a lot more reluctance" by senators to make early commitments to support the nomination.

He said the accusations were a "smoke screen" for a desire by senators and lobbyists to continue business as usual.

This would lead to greater accountability by senators for their confirmation votes.

Burden had been persuaded to ask this question by several senators from the mining states.

Proposals for additional changes were put forth by witnesses and other senators at the hearing.

Patient persuasion by senators and representatives of both parties also helped.

One is the ability and willingness by senators to filibuster a bill.

Very high and rising rapidly, according to statistics being used by senators pushing for big tax cuts.

Wrangling by senators with pet interests continued to block consideration of the bill.

It ends the use by senators of borrowed corporate jets at discount rates.