Mr. Bolton said he hoped China and Russia would reconsider their opposition, avoiding a showdown vote.

With all key parties gathering in New York this week, the PM's hope is that a showdown vote can somehow be avoided.

Two Lib Dem amendments are scheduled for debate and a possible showdown vote during the committee stage of the police bill.

But several Democrats said the legislative fight appeared headed toward a showdown vote, perhaps Friday, or Monday or Tuesday at the latest.

The proposal was pushed through the Senate as part of a rapid and unexpected series of showdown partisan votes.

A showdown vote is scheduled for Friday, when backers of the energy bill will seek to muster the 60 votes necessary to block the unlimited debate.

The two months of political bickering leading to the showdown vote yesterday also demonstrated the lack of communication between the Mayor and the Council's leadership.

The compromise gives $8.1 million in non-weapons aid to the Nicaraguan rebels and sets up a possible showdown vote on the policy.

Unless a compromise is achieved, the showdown vote on barring judicial filibusters is scheduled for Tuesday.

But so far, there have been no showdown votes by the telephone-industry standard- setters.