If not, he said, Republicans would probably use procedural tactics to try to force a vote this spring.

Republicans counter that Democrats, too, used procedural tactics to slow or block some Bush nominees.

Resort to this kind of procedural tactic only reinforces the sense that the government's case for reform is very weak.

But their prospects are much murkier on the Senate floor, where a small minority of opponents can use procedural tactics to block a bill's progress.

The House unanimously passed a measure last year, but a Senate bill was stalled by procedural tactics just before adjournment.

While Democrats are the minority, aides said they could use procedural tactics like filibusters.

But these tests of strength have come on procedural tactics, not on the bill, and that could make a world of difference.

The first round of the battle will be over a procedural tactic meant to facilitate Congressional approval of trade pacts.

Mr. Gephardt said Democrats would use a procedural tactic to try to force the issue.

Instead, they switched procedural tactics to dissolve rather than to topple the Government, entering furious negotiations on the election date, although none was set tonight.