Women donors were more likely than men to favor environmental regulations, national health care, affirmative action, gay teachers in schools, and abortion rights.

CNN: Women up donations to political candidates

Now President Obama's administration is thinking of doing the same thing, although he might expand reconciliation to include two major policy initiatives -- national health-care reform and environmental regulations -- that go well beyond the budget.

CNN: Commentary: Big risks if Obama acts boldly on budget

In March, Health Minister Norman Lamb announced that the government had decided to amend the National Health Service (Procurement, Patient Choice and Competition) Regulations.

BBC: Doctors and nurses

But inspectors from the health watchdog found that the unit was "still failing to comply with national regulations on staffing".

BBC: Bristol