Some liberal Democrats are certain to disregard their party leaders and vote against further contra aid.

Perhaps the Sandinistas are simply trying to get past a period in which Congress just might vote some additional contra aid.

Contra Aid a Sensitive Matter "We want to give these negotiations the opportunity to move forward," one Administration official said.

Mr. Michel said that he would not recommend that the White House send up its request for renewed contra aid at the present time.

Contra Aid: Vote on passage of a Democratic plan to provide $30.8 million in food, clothing and medical aid to the Nicaraguan rebels.

The Sandinistas made new political arrests today, including the editor of La Prensa, and this irritated even some opponents of renewed contra aid.

Her first arrest came when she unfurled a huge banner that read "No Contra Aid" facing the Federal Building in Boston.

Another nominee, John Negroponte, has won confirmation as Ambassador to Mexico after somehow persuading the committee that he had no new information about illegal contra aid.

Some White House officials say the reason they have postponed their request for renewed contra aid three times is that they want to give the peace plan a chance to work.

Dispute Over Contra Aid But the new harmony was short-lived, ending with the Speaker's handling of the contra aid issue.