But the lawmakers acknowledge that they do not know what the truth is on that point.

Privately, lawmakers in both parties acknowledge that even their own best efforts at this point fall short of the goals they have proclaimed.

Some lawmakers privately acknowledged that the intensity of the protests led them to fear defeat at the polls next year unless the measure was repealed.

But by day's end just 70 lawmakers had acknowledged receiving the letters clearing them of criminal wrongdoing.

Some lawmakers, however, acknowledged that anything addressing bundling was likely to face skepticism in both chambers.

But even as they become more aggressive in the foreign policy arena, many lawmakers acknowledge that their influence remains severely limited.

The likelihood that the new language will survive in the full House is not high, lawmakers in both parties acknowledged.

And that, in turn, makes for what even some lawmakers acknowledge is a bit of cynicism in the halls of the Capitol.

Some lawmakers acknowledge that they hope to use the higher tax to rebuff charges that they are too close to the industry.

As a result, lawmakers must confront and acknowledge the potential future costs of such commitments.