$11.2-Billion Aid Package Approved
The Senate on Friday gave final congressional approval to an $11.2-billion measure financing Colombia’s war against drugs, peacekeeping in Kosovo, increased military spending and U.S. disaster aid, four months after President Clinton requested a package half that size.
After the voice vote, lawmakers left town for their weeklong July Fourth recess.
The biggest difference between Congress’ version and Clinton’s was that lawmakers more than doubled his defense request to $6.4 billion. But legislators also included hundreds of millions for projects ranging from New York City’s proposed Second Avenue subway to the crabbing industry in Alaska, Washington and Oregon.
Clinton said he will sign the bill. He was especially eager for its $1.3 billion to help equip and train Colombian forces battling cocaine and heroin producers.
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