House Republican efforts to end subsidies and special treatment for a select few cotton producers have been at least temporarily sidetracked by cotton industry lobbyists.

• Cotton price supports have cost taxpayers more than $12 billion since 1986.

• Some 300 cotton producers received between $250,000 and $1 million each in 1993.

• Another 2,000 got between $100,000 and $250,000 each.

• Most of the nation's cotton farmers never see a penny of this federal largesse.

Congressman Pat Roberts (R-Kansas), chairman of the House Agricultural Committee, was defeated in his efforts to reform the cotton program. But those who want to reintroduce free enterprise into agriculture are hopeful they can defeat the special cotton interests when the matter goes before the House Budget Committee.