SENATE BLOCKS UNFUNDED MANDATES

The Senate today voted 91-9 to outlaw the practice of imposing new federal mandates on state and local governments without providing adequate funding. The compromise bill is expected to clear the House this week, and be signed into law by President Clinton. It would be the second measure in the Republican "Contract With America" initiative to become law. Nine contract bills have cleared the House. Seven have yet to face a House vote. The "unfunded mandates" bill would not immediately eliminate existing environmental and worker safety requirements. They would be reviewed by a special commission. The bill does not apply to consumer protection, civil rights or anti-discrimination laws.