Washington briefs

Compiled from Times wires

© St. Petersburg Times, published March 8, 2001

Cheney resumes work one day after release

WASHINGTON -- Vice President Dick Cheney resumed a hectic schedule Wednesday, meeting with President Bush and a foreign leader, and later with House Republicans just one day after being released from the hospital. "I'm having the time of my life," he declared.

Monday night, Cheney was in George Washington University Medical Center undergoing an angioplasty -- his second hospital procedure for his heart disease in four months.

"He looks good, he feels good, and that's good news," President Bush said.

The vice president shrugged off those who may suggest his job is too stressful.

"The stress level is a lot tougher when you're doing something you don't like . . . like being a journalist," he quipped to reporters at one point. "I'm 60 years old, but I very much enjoy my job. I have a good time. I don't consider it stressful.

"I'm sure there are plenty of volunteers. There's never been a shortage of aspirants" to take his job, Cheney joked, but "I signed on to a four-year term."

Asked whether there is a contingency plan for succession, White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said, "I don't even think it's appropriate . . . to be discussing that topic."

On Capitol Hill

BANKRUPTCY BILL: The Senate on Wednesday voted 65-34 to reject an exemption for medical debts from sweeping bankruptcy legislation that would force many consumers to eventually repay their credit card and other debts, rather than have them dissolved.

LIVING ORGAN DONORS: Hoping to encourage living Americans to donate a kidney or even a section of liver, the House voted unanimously on Wednesday to help pay donors' travel and other expenses. "It's a very simple, direct kind of program. If you're willing to help and you're willing to donate, we're going to help you," said Rep. Karen Thurman, D-Dunnellon. The legislation also provides for grants to states to try to increase donations after death.

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