Democrats May Face Budget Reprisal  WASHINGTON -- House
Republicans, in an unprecedented move, are threatening to deny
hundreds of millions of dollars in home-state projects to
Democrats who voted en bloc against White House-backed funding
levels for education and health-care programs this year.  "It is
something that's being contemplated," said Speaker Dennis
Hastert (R., Ill.) of the retaliation threat. "I can't remember
if we've ever done it before. I don't think so."  At issue is
the Democrats' refusal -- on the House floor in July -- to
support a $470 billion annual budget bill funding the
Departments of Labor, Education and Health and Human Services
for the fiscal year that began Oct. 1. As part of final
negotiations now with the Senate, about $1 billion is likely to
be set aside for designated home-state school and health
projects. Republicans are proposing to give House Democrats none
of their share, which could be at least $200 million.  The bill
is a battleground for union and business interests fig