Petroleum Substitute Scientists and lawmakers have seized upon corn as a pioneer in this effort because it is the most plentiful, the least expensive and the most versatile of all field crops.

Democratic lawmakers seized on today's overhaul as evidence that the Bush administration's economic policy has faltered.

And at a time of severe Federal budget constraints, Republican and Democratic lawmakers both have seized on spectrum auctions as a means to raise cash.

Despite the veto threat by Mr. Bush, the emergency spending measure grew steadily in the Senate, where lawmakers often seize on such must-pass legislation to advance pet priorities.

The legislation never made it through the Senate, but lawmakers seized upon the report yesterday to renew their call for change.

At least three people were reported to have been killed when the rebel group stormed into Parliament while lawmakers were in session about 6 P.M. Friday and seized 20 officials.

Dennis Hastert, the speaker of the House, promised credible reform back when the stench of illegal quid pro quo dealings between lobbyists and ethically challenged lawmakers seized public attention.

The lawmakers seized on this paper gain of $5.3 billion, and voted to channel it as an actual windfall into a new reserve in the pension fund, to pay for the new benefits.

The Consumers Union and other groups have challenged the state's action in court, arguing that lawmakers improperly seized private charitable property and used it for political and government purposes.

With their bipartisan roar of greeting, the nation's lawmakers seized the ritual announcement as if it offered lyrical comfort, as in: We got through all of last year; we're still here.