But they said the overall thrust had taken shape, so much so that Bush aides were briefing key lawmakers Wednesday, saying it was the president's desire for Congress to quickly act on the legislation and send it to the White House for his signature by the end of next week.
It's not over yet -- Mr. Bush is said to be making a decision this week -- but the basic thrust is as follows: The U.S. would agree to delay withdrawing from the Treaty in return for Russia allowing the U.S. to proceed with anti-missile tests the Treaty now bans.