The Clinton administration had always favored paying the arrears, but never cared enough to force a confrontation on the issue with Congressional Republicans.
WASHINGTON, April 11 — The Senate on Wednesday passed a bipartisan measure that eases limits on the federal financing of embryonic stem cell research, setting up another confrontation over the issue with President Bush.
But his office, apparently in a bid to stave off another confrontation with the White House, issued a statement playing down the plan.
The General Court refused to consider the issue, and began fortifying Boston Harbour, expecting a military confrontation over the issue.
Meanwhile, Europe, which appeared headed for a confrontation with Japan over the issue, now appears to be moving toward a compromise.
Waxman, a young lawyer who headed the Pentagon's office of detainee affairs, departed soon after he had a major confrontation with Addington over the issue of clarifying military rules for the treatment of prisoners.
But in 1890, after several decades of bitter confrontation with the federal authorities over the issue, the church altered its position.
Apart from Europe, other shocks could yet emerge, including from Iran, should its confrontation with the West over the nuclear issue help stoke a rise in oil prices, Mr. Geithner said.
Iran struck a combative tone Thursday in its confrontation with the West over the nuclear issue, threatening to terminate oil exports to European nations even before their embargo takes effect this summer.
Apart from Europe, other shocks could yet emerge, including from Iran, should its confrontation with the West over the nuclear issue cause oil prices to rise further, Mr. Geithner said.
Page A10 IRAN THREAT ON OIL EXPORT In its confrontation with the West over the nuclear issue, Iran threatened to stop exporting oil to Europe even as its president acknowledged that the punitive sanctions on the country were hurting ordinary citizens.
