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>In the latest of a series of steps that bring us closer to ultimate >passage of the Udall Bill, it appears that the Clinton Administration and >Congressional Republicans have reached another compromise on the issue of >national testing for elementary and middle leveled public school students. > The initial deal, struck late yesterday afternoon (10/5) in a meeting between >Rep. Goodling and President Clinton was rejected early this morning (10/6) by the >White House. Negotiations resumed early this afternoon and the latest >compromise appears to be sufficiently palatable to both sides. If the >agreement stands, it should clear the way for the President to sign the >$80 billion FY'98 Labor HHS spending bill as soon as the Conferees file >it, and it is voted on on the Senate and House floors. > >According to press reports, negotiations on the details of the arrangement >are still underway. Congress must act on the funding of these agencies >prior to midnight on Friday, Nov. 7th, when the current Continuing >Resolution (or CR) expires. If needed, another CR will be filed so as to >avoid a funding freeze while they complete their work on the bill, but It >is the hope of Congressional leaders that that won't be necessary. It is >their intent to wrap up this and other last minute business and adjourn >before midnight, Friday. However, they are prepared to work through the >weekend and into Monday if need be. > >All signs are pointing to passage of the spending bill before Veteran's >Day (Nov.11th). The latest information is that the Labor HHS Bill will be filed sometime Friday afternoon, and a floor vote should follow soon thereafter. Keep your eyes on C-Span!!! To echo the sentiments of Jim "the Red Fox" Cordy, it appears as though it is indeed time to put the champagne on ice! Congratulations to all of you! Bill Turenne, Jr. NPF/Washington