Lawmakers, lobbyists and others held their breath until the brownfields bill passed, having seen deals unravel many times before.
Although the deal could unravel, it shows a clear trend to stricter regulations.
That, they said, was when it became clear that the deal might unravel.
Both negotiators were criticized for giving too much away, and the deal soon unravelled.
"They define all the things that come to roost if the deal unravels."
Hearings are planned; the deal could still unravel.
As a result of Guidant's recent problems, however, that deal may be renegotiated at a lower price or even unravel.
Senate negotiators cannot budge unless they are assured that the deal will not unravel in the House.
Earlier this month, Diageo warned that the deal could unravel.
The deal could still unravel if the pilots reject it, which happened at American Airlines earlier this year.