And the agency, true to Bush administration form, is now run by a former industry lobbyist.

But many industry lobbyists said they were convinced a deal had been cut.

But industry lobbyists and policy experts said the shift was significant.

But as some industry lobbyists see it, there is less here than meets the eye.

"We need to get our head out of the sand and start taking public health advice from scientists rather than industry lobbyists."

Before passing the bill the House took a vote on an amendment that had support from industry lobbyists.

Industry lobbyists have pushed hard for language in the communications bill that would take the matter out of the agency's hands.

Industry lobbyists no longer predict that almost every state will have casinos by the turn of the century.

"It was the worst of all worlds," said one industry lobbyist who asked not to be identified.

Many electric industry lobbyists are lining up to greet members of Congress as they begin final work on the energy bill next month.