Generally, representatives of the insurance industry, which would be largely protected from encroachment of the banks, have been lobbying heavily in support of the agreement.

Last week, representatives from Brooklyn Union Gas, which plans to merge with Lilco and operate the electric system under a power authority contract, were lobbying in Albany.

Various representatives from Guam have unsuccessfully lobbied the United States to take action to promote and protect the language.

He added that representatives from the business world had also lobbied for more favorable policies from the government, especially more bank credit, much of which is currently directed to supporting government-owned factories.

He spoke as more than 400 artists and representatives of arts organizations lobbied Congress for more money for the arts.

For three years, the representatives for the opposition have aggressively lobbied American officials to support anti-Chávez efforts, including a 2002 coup that temporarily ousted the left-leaning leader.

Victims' representatives are lobbying for more generous treatment from Mr. Feinberg.

The secretary general's representative, Olara A. Otunnu, former president of the International Peace Academy in New York, has been lobbying the Security Council on the issue for two years.

Business owners and representatives lobbied for a reduction and gradually had the requirement dropped back to six weeks by 1931.

BCIG representatives, including chairman John Dyer, yesterday lobbied key MPs in an effort to secure the report's earliest release.