When Ronald Reagan asked the House of Representatives last March to approve $100 million for the contras fighting the Soviet-backed Sandinista government in Nicaragua, the bid failed by twelve votes. A month later, parliamentary maneuvers foiled a second attempt, and the contras were again left in limbo. On a third try last week, the Administration finally patched together a twelve-vote margin in the Democratic-controlled House, securing not only an infusion of cash for the 20,000-man army but also a firsttime congressional commitment to provide military assistance openly to the rebels.
The President, who has persistently sought two-party support for the contras,...
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