Despite an announcement Thursday that Dubai Ports World would transfer control over U.S. port operations to a U.S. entity, the lobby reform debate in the Senate has completely stopped after getting entangled in the ports deal. Schumer, who offered the amendment, reportedly wants a "complete break" with Dubai Ports World. He says that the announcement did not indicate that. The Dems are asking for an up or down vote on the Dubai deal next week. In the House, the announcement does not seem to be enough either. Both Republicans and Democrats on the Appropriations Committee voted Wednesday to stop the port deal, and Rep. Mark Foley (R-FL) has said he will push to keep language in the bill. In other House news, House Republican leaders might attach language granting presidential line-item veto authority to their House lobby reform bill. House Leadership is expecting legislation on the floor before the Easter recess. Reportedly, they are also are considering allowing members to strike provisions that appear in conference reports without prior debate, as well as increased transparency rules for earmark sponsors. This is similar to language currently contained in the Senate lobbying overhaul bill.