Washington sources believe the bill sponsored by Senators John Breaux (D-La.) and Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) stands a good chance of passage in the Senate. Republicans will probably filibuster, making the final outcome uncertain. But sources say Republicans probably don't have enough votes in the Senate to stop it.

The House is another story completely. "No way" it passes, says one source. "As far as I know, there's no champion for it at this time (in the House).

Bottom line: There are only 30-some days of legislative work left this year, and many hurdles to jump. The biggest: President Bush will never sign it, according to sources.