It is now enshrined, as a permanent option, through the new flexibility clause in the Amsterdam treaty.

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The Baggies took up their option to buy the striker, a clause they inserted in the deal which brought Miller to the club on a season-long loan in August.

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This clause provides these companies with the option to raise rates at any time, for any reason.

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Even without that reality, the law's sunset clause means that Congress has the option to renew the legislation or revise it.

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The judges, who are also on the EU payroll, said the Council's only legal option to adjust EU salaries because of an economic downturn was under an exceptional clause in the regulations - but the Council had not taken that route.

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