Not only would it force Republican lawmakers to cast difficult votes, but it would also keep Congress in session well into the fall.

Most significantly, today's action will force Italian lawmakers to vote openly on the national budget and all other financial issues.

But roll calls on a series of proposed amendments are forcing lawmakers to choose between casting embarrassing no votes or accepting more sweeping changes.

Higher financing costs will force lawmakers to make deeper budget cuts, or issue more bonds.

The immigration debate has long stirred politics, sometimes dividing members of the same party and forcing lawmakers to reconsider positions.

The Senate vote came on a Democratic proposal that would have forced lawmakers to create new Medicare drug benefits before they could cut taxes.

These hearings are forcing lawmakers to announce their opinions on stem cell research; members of the House who attended today's hearing appeared split.

Mr. Helms said his goal was to force lawmakers who have said they oppose the use of racial quotas to vote on the matter.

The Congressman said the scientists were forcing lawmakers to make the difficult decisions without the benefit of their expert advice.

But a worsening budget situation is forcing lawmakers to consider one, even though they know what a politically dangerous idea it is.