Air Force One took off once again, this time headed north to Lima. This relatively short flight of four hours enabled the Presidential party to eat some breakfast as well as review the schedule for the meeting.

Although there were thirty-five permanent ambassadors that conducted the bulk of the work, there were occasional meetings of the leaders, either Presidents or Prime Ministers, of the represented countries. This allowed leaders to get familiar with other leaders so consultations and negotiations could proceed more smoothly.

This gathering would be held at the Westin Hotel and Convention Center allowing attendees to stay and attend meetings at the same place. It also helped provide security for all the international leaders attending. The meeting would start at noon on Thursday with brief presentations from each attendee on the most pressing problem of each permanent country. Afterwards, small groups would gather on similar interests for more directed talks. In the evening, a reception would be held for all attendees and their aides.

On Friday morning, the small group discussions would continue until mid-morning. At that time, President Bartlet had been invited to give the closing speech to the attendees. Wheels up for Air Force One was scheduled for no later than 1:00 for a nine-hour flight to Mexico City.

CJ continued to plead for more press access. Although they had more access in Buenos Aires then they had in Rio, they were still complaining about the restrictions.

"Toby," Leo replied. "You have to somehow get the press to understand that this is not the US they are dealing with. We have freedom of speech in our country. Most of these South American countries do not enjoy the same amount of freedom of speech and of the press that we do. You signed off on these plans. So don't come complaining to me about the lack of access. We are guests in these countries and we get what we get."

Toby mumbled something that Leo didn't quite hear.

"What did you say, Toby?"

"Yes, Leo. I'll try."

"Good."

"Leo?"

"Yes, Mr. President?" as he took another sip of coffee.

"Have you heard from Josh about the Rural Communications bill?"

"Yes, Sir."

"And?"

Leo paused. He really didn't want to answer the President, especially when others were in the room, but he had no choice.

"It didn't pass, Sir."

"What?"

"It didn't pass. Walters and Starr voted no. It failed, 52 to 48." Leo waited for the explosion. But it never came.

"Do you know why they voted no?"

"I told Josh to find out why. They wanted new federal buildings and Josh agreed. When he left the Hill, he thought he had their votes. But, then when they actually voted, they voted no."

The President was silent. He had wanted that bill so bad. It was developed to wire rural communities with badly needed internet and now it was not to be. "Let me know why they voted no."

"Yes, Sir. I want to know that myself."

The group continued to discuss the meeting in Lima until the captain came over the loudspeaker and announced their initial descent into Lima. CJ and Toby got up and went back to the press cabin in anticipation of landing and getting the press off the plane and onto the bus.

"Sir, I have a question for you."

"Sure, Leo."

"I thought you would be very upset about the failure about that bill."

"Leo, I'm disappointed, but not at you or Josh. I know both of you worked very hard to get it passed. I'm just interested as to why the two senators changed their minds at the last minute. You win some, you lose some."

"I guess so, Sir."

Leo would have to remember to tell Josh about the President's reaction and his praise about Josh's work on the bill. It was really well deserved.