NATION IN BRIEF : WASHINGTON, D.C. : White House Backs Bill for Disabled

Atty. Gen. Dick Thornburgh said the Bush Administration has unqualified support for Senate-passed civil rights legislation to protect the disabled. The Americans With Disabilities Act passed Sept. 7 after negotiations between senators and the White House to soften some of the impact on business. Thornburgh had expressed reservations about the bill, but told the House Judiciary Committee those concerns had been resolved. The bill guarantees the disabled equal access to public accommodations and employment opportunities.