The vote to begin debate in the Senate was a comfortable 76 to 19; 60 votes are required.

The announcement of the arrests comes as the Congress prepares to begin debate over the aid package.

But in a rebuff to the Administration, the Senate began debate on the bill hours later.

This closes the amendment stage and frees the House to begin final debate on third reading.

The Senate is expected to begin debate on a constitutional amendment next week.

The Senate began debate today on a 1988 budget plan that would include $11.5 billion in new taxes.

The release of the 1,300-page legislation is less important for its new details than for the fact that Congress can finally begin serious debate.

The Senate is expected to begin debate on the farm bill this week.

The Senate also plans to begin debate this week on a Republican plan to cut taxes for married couples.

The data were released as the Senate prepared to begin debate on legislation to restrict political fund raising.