Sociologically, with the growing power of the media, lawmakers must react constantly, which result in an increasing production of laws.

LEAD: As fuel prices climb, a jittery auto industry is watching how lawmakers in Washington react.

It was not immediately clear how lawmakers were reacting to the amended measure, but one aspect of it struck a sour note among environmentalists.

Many lawmakers and banking industry officials had reacted quickly and negatively last week to initial reports of the proposal.

"It was a good meeting," Mr. Kantor said today when asked about reports that the lawmakers had reacted with reticence.

That these lawmakers should react differently, even on an issue on which they essentially agree, is nothing new.

As copies of the report circulated through the Council chamber in City Hall, lawmakers reacted angrily.

In Congress's first formal response to the Administration's proposed $263 billion military spending plan, lawmakers reacted coolly today to what the Pentagon concedes is a "holding budget."

The lawmakers are reacting to continued reports of human rights abuses by the Peruvian security forces.

They are waiting to see how Republican lawmakers will react.