Nation IN BRIEF : WASHINGTON, D.C. : House ‘Select Panels’ Headed for Demise

Bowing reluctantly to strong sentiment for congressional austerity, Speaker Thomas S. Foley (D-Wash.) pronounced the imminent demise of four special House committees that deal with problems of aging, narcotics, hunger and families. The so-called “select” panels, which account for $3.7 million of Congress’ annual spending of $2 billion, have become tempting targets for reform-conscious freshmen as well as some of the “old bulls” who chair the regular, standing committees. The committees will go out of business on March 31 unless the House votes to extend them. A total of 80 staff aides will lose jobs.