Over Democratic objections, they pushed through a new plan in the final days of the 2003 legislative session.

Over Democratic objections, committees in each chamber passed identical resolutions superseding the results of Florida's contested popular vote.

But the lines of Democratic objection were quickly apparent.

The House approved a select committee to oversee the inquiry despite Democratic objections that only a special commission outside of Congress could do a credible job.

The official described the Democratic objections as "peculiar" and added, "We do not see it as something that the American people will support."

Mr. Hastert and House Republicans then forced through changes in procedures that led to a stalemate because of Democratic objections.

That bill could be voted on as early as next week despite Democratic objections that the approach is unconstitutional.

The agreement may founder, however, over Democratic objections to its cost, which would be about $10 billion over 10 years.

The committee, delayed by Democratic objections, worked into the night on the tax cut before deciding to recess for the evening and reconvene on Thursday.

For the last four days, House Republicans have crushed Democratic objections to the bill and voted down Democratic amendments intended to liberalize it.