The Nation - News from Sept. 15, 1989

Senate leaders searched for a formula to finance the war on drugs while drug policy director William J., Bennett clashed sharply with lawmakers over the plan. “The President’s plan is wholly inadequate,” Senate Majority Leader George J. Mitchell (D-Me) said, declaring that Democrats would work with Republicans to find alternative ways to finance the effort.

Senate Minority Leader Bob Dole (R-Kan.) said he hoped serious negotiations would begin today and that Republicans would like to freeze action on money bills pending a compromise.

Bennett’s fireworks came before the House Government Operations Committee as Rep. Barbara Boxer (D-Greenbrae) asked for a “healthy dialogue” on the Administration’s plan to finance the drug war by cutting programs. “It hasn’t been healthy so far,.”Bennett said “It has been petty and micromanagement.