It's by no means a done deal yet. Don't think that the overwhelming majority vote in favor of the bill means too much. Many of the representatives (on BOTH sides) could have made sure the bill would be vetoed before they cast their vote, and made sure their pharm company lobbyists understood that. That way, they get to look good to their constituents, "Hey, I tried to fight Washington on this, FOR YOU, I really tried..." AND they get to collect from the pharm companies. Bush doesn't have to worry about re-election, so he can take hits for representatives on this, if they do something for him on some other score. Backs are scratched, and nothing is quite so simple as the newspaper paragraph on the subject.