Conference committees are resisted in Albany because they have often proved impotent.

For all he knew, their weapons would prove completely impotent against it.

Issuing a writ that could not be dealt with until weeks after the election was over could only prove impotent.

Even in acts of violence, he proves impotent.

Since 60 votes are required to shut off debate, Mr. Lott's 55-vote majority may prove impotent.

Until now, the federal government has rarely proved more impotent than in trying to plug leaks.

Fermanagh again proved impotent as Kerry steamrolled them 2-15 to 0-04.

The top-heavy, rigid bureaucracy of the school system has proven impotent in the face of such problems.

Indeed, conference committees have proved impotent, which is one reason they have been resisted in Albany.

Fire has proved impotent against the unyielding stone of the walls.