* Administration is underfunding democracy-building in Iraq; security costs receive an "enormous share" of funds as democracy and infrastructure goals are scaled down. [WP]

* Rep. Tom DeLay "set the terms of his departure" to ensure some dignity was not lost; he was "dispirited" and viewed his Republican primary challengers as "gadflies and traitors." House ethics panel, meanwhile, will not investigate DeLay and other lawmakers. [WP, NYT, USAT, WSJ]

* Senate Appropriations Committee adds billions to hurricane relief package. [NYT]

* GAO criticizes bulk of Bush's global AIDS initiative. [WP]

* John Snow said to be seriously mulling retirement; White House seeks successor. [NYT, WSJ]

* DeLay decision throws Texas political landscape into "electoral free-for-all." [NYT, USAT]

* Democratic takeover of the Senate is deemed "distant" but "possible." [USAT, LAT]

* Sens. John McCain and Jon Kyl lead differing Republican packs on immigration; legislation is stalled. [WP, NYT, WSJ]

* Bush tax cuts have reduced "taxes on incomes of more than $10 million by an average of about $500,000." [NYT]

* In wake of Rep. Cynthia McKinney incident, House Republicans issue resolution to applaud the Capitol Hill Police. [USAT]

* Sen. Russ Feingold endorses the legalization of gay marriage. [WP]

* Deputy press secretary for Homeland Security arrested for allegedly using the Internet to seduce a minor. [WP]

* DeLay "embodied the fierce partisanship of his era." [NYT, USAT]

* DeLay follows a long history of politicians who resign while vowing to continue the fight. [WP, LAT]

* Most towns in Wisconsin approve referendum to bring the troops back from Iraq. [WP, USAT]