"We have gone to great lengths not to trample on the states," said Senator Don Nickles of Oklahoma, the second-ranking Republican.

"I'd rather be in our position than the Democrats'," said Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the Senate's second-ranking Republican.

"It was absolutely understood and agreed to," said Representative Roy Blunt of Missouri, the second-ranking Republican.

Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the second-ranking Republican, dismissed the Democratic session as "another partisan media event."

The year has just begun, but Representative Newt Gingrich, second-ranking Republican in the House, may already have won the 1992 glibness award.

Mr. McConnell, who will be the second-ranking Republican in the Senate, said he hoped the committee issue would be worked out in a few days.

State Senator James T. Fleming, the second-ranking Republican, agreed.

For 10 years Simpson was the Republican whip, the second-ranking Republican in the Senate.

"It could be turned into political theater, and I don't think anyone wants that," said Senator Don Nickles of Oklahoma, the second-ranking Republican in the Senate.

Mr. Armey, 61, the second-ranking Republican in the House, has been a staunch voice for smaller government and a flat tax on income.