But the general mood of the hearing was that tough new steps must be taken.

Time and again, the United States proposed tougher military steps.

With most of its boards now running annual deficits, it is thought tough cost-cutting steps may be taken.

Q. Are you suggesting that a climate has been created in which public companies can't really take tough steps to correct their business model?

For a lot of guys, bringing up the problem in the first place is the toughest step.

There were a few tough steps that the Council and the Giuliani administration might have considered.

"This is a company that historically never divested anything, and they have taken some very tough steps to get their balance sheet in order."

It recommended tough steps, including Government action, to compete internationally.

"With labor in control, will their management be able take the tough steps to prepare the company?"

In the longer term, the continued high investment and consequent risk of higher inflation may force the government to take tougher steps.