Senate Democrats Ask $27-Million Contra Aid

Senate Democrats, in an effort to bridge foreign policy differences between Democratic presidential nominee Michael S. Dukakis and his running mate, Sen. Lloyd Bentsen (D-Tex.), on Wednesday unveiled a $27-million Contra aid package that appeared to have the support of party liberals and conservatives alike.

The proposal, which Republicans immediately criticized, would provide humanitarian assistance to the Nicaraguan rebels beginning Oct. 1. In addition, it would establish a complicated procedure under which Congress could eventually deliver to the Contras about $16.3 million in arms that currently are sitting in warehouses in Central America.

It was the first time in seven years of congressional controversy over the issue of assistance for the Nicaraguan rebels that Democrats have devised a proposal with broad appeal in their party. The plan was endorsed by Democrats spanning the political spectrum from liberal Sen. Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts to conservative Sen. David L. Boren of Oklahoma.

The unusual show of party unity was designed mainly to thwart Republican efforts to embarrass the Democrats by emphasizing the difference of opinion between Dukakis, who opposes military aid to the Contras, and Bentsen, who has frequently voted for it.

But Senate Minority Leader Bob Dole (R-Kan.), who has invited the Democrats to draft a bipartisan proposal for Contra aid with the Republicans, quickly rejected the majority party’s proposal as inadequate.

“It’s a deal we can refuse,” he said.

Although the proposal provides for a vote on additional military assistance or weapons, Dole contended that such a vote would never occur under the criteria laid down by the Democrats. Under the proposal, the Senate cannot act on military aid until after the House does. The House has been staunchly opposed to such aid in recent years.

“I don’t think I will live that long,” Dole said of the Democratic plan. “The bottom line of this package is simple: No lethal aid now, no lethal aid ever--no matter what.”

At the White House, President Reagan expressed support for a Contra aid proposal that Dole is expected to offer on the Senate floor later this week. That plan would make it easier for the President to persuade Congress to release the previously purchased arms to the Contras. Dole, differing from Democrats’ estimates, placed the value of those weapons at $18 million.

In addition to $27 million to provide food, clothing and shelter for the Contras, the Democratic proposal holds out the promise of economic assistance and incentives for the Sandinista regime in Nicaragua to sign “a comprehensive final agreement” for an end to the six-year war in the country. These include $10 million for repatriation of the Contras and $5 million in medical assistance to be distributed by the Roman Catholic Church.

To obtain congressional approval for the release of the stored arms for the Contras, Reagan would have to submit a report to Congress before it adjourns in October certifying that the Sandinista government has destroyed the current peace efforts in the region in at least two of three possible ways--by launching an unprovoked attack, violating the peace accords or receiving continued military assistance from the Soviet Union.

Dole noted that Congress, which is currently scheduled to adjourn Oct. 1, is not likely to remain in session long enough after enactment of the Contra aid package to allow for a report to be submitted by the President.

Nevertheless, if the Congress does approve release of the previously purchased arms, the Democratic proposal also contains $2 million to transport them into the Contra camps on the northern border of Nicaragua. The CIA would be in charge of transportation and would be permitted to provide substitutions for any items already purchased that the Contras can no longer use.

No new funds for military assistance are contained in the Democratic measure.