A short time later, DreamWorks confirmed the Viacom deal.

He said that he was happy to be backing the Viacom deal and that he had heard no complaints from board members.

"Investors think they will get the Viacom deal on the table, and that the bidding won't go higher," one trader said.

"The Viacom deal is an example of them working on the software end."

The Viacom deal erases those criticisms, marrying two companies considered to be well suited.

If today's bill becomes law, it would retroactively block approval of the tax break for Viacom deal, which is contingent on the tax break.

Congressional analysts estimate the bill would save the Government $1.6 billion over six years, including the Viacom deal.

In many respects, the Viacom deal provides an especially clear window on the quandary plaguing almost all programs intended to foster minority-owned companies.

Yet a look at the Viacom deal and the intricacies of the regulation reveal that the notion of "control" is elusive.

"We are very happy with the Viacom deal because it spans all their big properties," Mr. Friis said.