In a display of discipline applauded by some of the most conservative House members, the leadership pulled in the reins on the 13 Republican members who control most discretionary federal spending, a group of subcommittee chairmen so powerful they are known as the Cardinals. From now on, House leaders said, the chairmen will be selected not by seniority but by J. Dennis Hastert, the House speaker, and Tom DeLay, the majority leader, and their close circle, who are likely to use their new leverage to restrain spending.
The message was unmistakable: Congressional appropriators will have to follow the tune piped by the leadership, in close consultation with the White House. Those Republicans who march to their own beat in doling out spending favors or preserving programs without authorization could find themselves out of a job.
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