• House subcommittee votes to slash funding for PBS, CPB; will cease financial support for CPB in two years if House, Senate do not reverse decision. Regula (R-Ohio): "The thinking was, there's not enough money for everything. . . It's not punitive in any way." Obey (D-Wis.): "Americans overwhelmingly see public broadcasting as an unbiased information source. Perhaps that's what the GOP finds so offensive about it." [WP]

• U.S., Britain agree to erase debts of 18 poor countries. [NYT]

• Three judges confirmed to U.S. Court of Appeals, though Chafee, Collins, Snowe voted against Pryor in split with party. [WP, LAT]

• Democrats holding their breath over Dean's recent behavior. Schumer: "The average American doesn't care." Harold Ford: "His leadership right now is not serving any of us very well. . . We really don't have a message right now." [NYT, LAT]

•Bush urges extension of Patriot Act; 59% in poll say renewal is necessary. [WP]

• House ethics committee stalled; Pelosi's rebuke of chairman fails. [LAT]

• What's next for Senate after compromise and confirmations is anyone's guess. Frist's chief of staff: "We are moving into 'here there be dragons' territory." [NYT]

•Clinton, Murray, Coburn will delay Senate vote on F.D.A. chief. [NYT]

•Bush nominates big supporters to British, Italian ambassadorships. [LAT]

•Gov. Mark Warner begins '08 rhetoric: "While we have to do all we can to activate every person who is part of the traditional Democratic family, ultimately we also have to go and convince some folks who have been voting Republican." [LAT]