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House passes bill to protect Pledge

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The House, citing the nation's religious origins, voted Wednesday to protect the Pledge of Allegiance from federal judges who might try to stop schoolchildren and others from reciting it because of the phrase ''under God.''

The legislation, a priority of social conservatives, passed 260-167. It now goes to the Senate where its future is uncertain.

''We should not and cannot rewrite history to ignore our spiritual heritage,'' said Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn. ''It surrounds us. It cries out for our country to honor God.''

Opponents said the legislation, which would bar federal courts from ruling on the constitutional validity of the pledge, would undercut judicial independence and would deny access to federal courts to religious minorities seeking to defend their rights.

''We are making an all-out assault on the Constitution of the United States which, thank God, will fail,'' said Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.

Autopsy: Lay had at least 2 heart attacks

HOUSTON (AP) -- Enron Corp. founder Kenneth Lay had three severely clogged arteries and had experienced at least two heart attacks before he died, according to autopsy results released Wednesday.

The report blames severe coronary artery disease for Lay's death. It also said the autopsy showed Lay had suffered at least two previous heart attacks and had two stents implanted.

The Lays were vacationing near Aspen, Colo., when he died. The report, prepared by the coroner in Mesa County, Colo., said Lay was last seen alive by his wife on July 5 at 1 a.m., when he woke up and went into a bathroom.

Minutes later, she heard a ''thump,'' and found him on the floor, the report said. He had vomited and showed signs of having a seizure. Linda Lay called paramedics, but Lay was pronounced dead on arrival at Aspen Valley Hospital.

Lay, 64, and former Enron chief executive Jeffrey Skilling were convicted May 25 of fraud and conspiracy for lying to investors and the public about the financial health of Enron before the energy company he founded collapsed in 2001.

He also was convicted of one count of bank fraud and three counts of lying to banks in a separate, non-jury trial before U.S. Judge Sim Lake stemming from his personal banking. Lay died insisting he'd committed no crimes, and planned to appeal.

Skilling, who now faces sentencing alone on Oct. 23, also aims to appeal and faces decades in prison.

Lay's death sparked myriad conspiracy theories on the Internet, some tongue-in-cheek, others questioning whether he faked his demise to avoid prison.