• Republicans consider speeding-up process to block filibusters within weeks. Santorum on Democrats: "Their rhetoric is out of control and counterproductive." [NYT, LAT]

• DeLay comforts Republican senators: "Be patient; we'll be fine." [WP]

• Ex-colleague says Bolton misused power and has questions "his suitability for high office." [WP, NYT, LAT]

• Democrats threaten to delay approval of war funds if Frist doesn't loosen-up on driver's licenses for immigrants. [WT]

• Negroponte announces "mandate" for reform; will act to curb leaks from lawmakers. [WP, NYT, USAT]

• Republicans may be open to compromise on estate tax. [LAT]

• Bush praises troops on two-year anniversary of war; calls fall of Saddam Hussein's statue "one of the great moments in the history of liberty." [WP, USAT, WT]

• Rumsfeld in Iraq: "We don't really have an exit strategy. We have a victory strategy." [NYT]

• Specter frustrated that private briefing on Patriot Act lacked specifics. [NYT]