Showdown or slowdown on patients' rights bill?

After weeks of arm-twisting and back-room negotiating, House Republicanspushed through legislation last month to provide safeguards for patientsin managed care plans. President George Bush and Rep. Charles Norwood (R-Ga.)set the stage for the vote by reaching a last-minute compromise on the all-importantliability issue. The deal alienated Democrats, however, and might make itimpossible for the two parties to reach a final agreement on legislationthat President Bush will sign into law.