The three-week extension until early May is all but an afterthought.

Mr. Speakes said the three-week extension was necessary because the President's surgery this month had kept him from appearing before the commission sooner.

As part of the three-week extension, producers will sell about 100 more $20 student tickets a night.

The Senate has voted to make the provision permanent, but the House is expected to vote only on a three-week extension.

It ends January 25, 2009, after a three-week extension.

In that case, Mr. Shamir could be given a three-week extension.

In the municipal corruption trial of the former Bronx Democratic leader, Stanley Friedman, the United States Attorney sought, and was granted, a three-week extension.

Officials from Montedison met with Driscoll recently to ask for a three-week extension on a decision whether to rent space at the Driscoll Boat Yard.

Mr. Silver said he would advocate passing a two- or three-week extension of that budget to keep state agencies running.

Allegheny International was granted a three-week extension to file a reorganization plan.