WASHINGTON, Dec. 2 (UPI) -- The White House is pushing for approval of a massive overhaul of the nation's intelligence community, but prospects for approval next week remain uncertain.
Democratic congressional aides said they were told by Republican leaders last week to expect a vote when the House returns to session Monday, but negotiations between Bush administration officials and congressional staff continue in earnest without a final deal in sight.
The White House is said to be negotiating directly with Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., who is one of two members holding up final approval.
House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., has said he will not allow a vote on the measure without the support of Reps. James Sensenbrenner, who is pushing for the inclusion of immigration reforms, and Hunter, who has voiced objections to provisions giving control over intelligence satellites traditionally overseen by the Pentagon to a newly established national director of intelligence.
Lead Senate negotiators Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Joseph I. Lieberman, D-Conn., have refused to return to the negotiating table, telling reporters Thursday they expect a letter from the White House firmly endorsing the existing bill.
