WASHINGTON INSIGHT

COZILY COMPETITIVE: Congress is moving quickly on a Clinton plan to make government cozier with business--all in the name of boosting U.S. industrial competitiveness. The House is expected to approve a bill this week aimed at spurring cooperation between government and the private sector in developing high technology. The measure authorizes $1.54 billion for programs that help overhaul manufacturing processes. It also sets up joint research ventures with government agencies and provides low-interest loans to small and medium-size businesses. All of which tracks closely with Clinton’s technology initiative, unveiled in February. . . . Although much of the bill expands on current programs, it represents a sea change at the White House. Former President Ronald Reagan and his successor, Bush, balked at public-private research links, warning they foster an “industrial policy” under which government dictates to business.