In other news from Washington, the House has rejected an effort from Democratic leaders to extend the current surveillance law by another three weeks. The extension would have allowed more time for debate on whether to provide immunity for telecommunication companies that took part in government spying without court warrants. The Senate version of the surveillance bill includes the immunity provision, while the House measure leaves it out. On Wednesday, President Bush said the House should follow the Senate’s lead before the law expires this week.

President Bush: “The time for debate is over. I will not accept any temporary extension. House members have had plenty of time to pass a good bill. They have already been given a two-week extension beyond the deadline they set for themselves. If Republicans and Democrats in the Senate can come together on a good piece of legislation, there is no reason why Republicans and Democrats in the House cannot pass the Senate bill immediately.”

In a statement, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Democrats may let the temporary law expire rather than holding a new vote.