Congress, White House, Playing Game Of Chicken On Lobbying Bill Signing

In the flurry of legislative activity before the August recess, Congress passed a bunch of bills and President Bush quickly signed several into law, including a controversial overhaul of surveillance laws.

But what about the lobbying bill,  highly touted as a way to "drain the swamp" and clean up congressional ethics?

The White House and Democrats on Capitol Hill seem to be playing a game of chicken with the legislation, which is ready for the president's signature.

A White House spokeswoman says Congress hasn't transmitted the bill to the president's desk, but congressional leaders say they're waiting for a stronger signal that Bush will actually sign the bill. Some Democrats fear that Bush will use what's known as a "pocket veto," a maneuver in which the president simply refuses to sign a bill. If Congress is in recess and the president doesn't sign a bill, the legislation is effectively vetoed.