House Approves Compromise Bill to Dismantle ICC
Legislation to dismantle the Interstate Commerce Commission and end its 100-year role in regulating rail and highway traffic moved toward congressional approval Wednesday. The president threatened to veto it.
The House by voice vote approved a parliamentary measure that set the stage for a final vote after action by the Senate. Republican staffers said they expected the bill, a compromise worked out by House and Senate negotiators, to pass both chambers easily, sending it to the president.
President Clinton in principle has backed the elimination of the ICC as part of long-term plans to balance the budget. But on Wednesday the administration said he would veto it.
Transportation Secretary Federico Pena and Labor Secretary Robert B. Reich sent a joint letter to Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole saying the president objects to provisions reducing the protection for railroad workers whose jobs are affected by mergers and sales.
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