That provision is opposed by Senator Joe Lieberman, who is otherwise sympathetic to the initiative. Lieberman has been working with the administration and Senate Republicans to find language that would be acceptable to both conservatives and liberals.

Much may also depend on who succeeds John DiIulio, the outgoing head of the White House faith-based office. Administration officials say his replacement could be named by the end of the month.

Senate Republicans have not even introduced a bill yet to give more religious charities access to federal funds. They hope to do so soon -- with Senator Lieberman's support. But even if they get that, Majority Leader Tom Daschle says he's in no hurry to have the Senate take up the issue.

I'm Kim Lawton in Washington.