Nor were well-briefed newcomers to Brussels caught out by the disproportionate fire of questions about human rights, greenery and food safety.

ECONOMIST: European Parliament

In Crawford, Texas -- where President Bush is on vacation -- press secretary Ari Fleischer said the president was "well-briefed" about the tapes, but could not say if Bush had watched any of them.

CNN: White House official: Tapes 'disturbing'

That prospect seemed much less likely after Mr. Hatch used his appearance on CBS' "Face the Nation" last Sunday to observe that Chinese influence-buying was well-known within the Clinton administration a year before the issue was briefed to two NSC staffers in June 1996.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Hearing takes a toll on Lake nomination

But they said the majority went too far by ruling that the requirement applies to other kinds opt-out fee collections as well, which they said was never argued or briefed by the opposing parties.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS