On November 5, U.S. voters will determine whether Republicans or Democrats have the majority in the House and Senate, and how this pans out has obvious importance to the Bush Administration. In the Senate, where the Democrats enjoy a one-vote majority, Sen. Tom Daschle (D-S.D.), who may have aspirations to run for president in 2004, has been a constant thorn in the side of President Bush by holding up progress on a number of bills. In the Republican-controlled House, the administration has fared somewhat better and several key bills have been approved and sent on to the Senate. In preparation for the election, legislators either pointed with pride at what they had done for their constituents or pointed with chagrin at the neglect of their opposite numbers.
• The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee approved legislation that would revise the aviation security bill passed after September 11, and exempt 40 airports from the year-end deadline for use of explosive-detection machines until December 31 next year. It also requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to identify those airports and provide monthly reports to Congress. Additionally, the bill would allow non-U.S. citizens to apply for federal airport screening jobs.
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