A "CONTRACT" STEAMROLLER STRATEGY?

Senate Democratic leaders are warning that their Republican colleagues plan to roll several major"Contract With America" reformsinto a giant package this summer, making it difficult for President Clinton to veto any single set of reforms. TIME congressional correspondent Karen Tumulty reports that Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) today told a small group of reporters that the Senate GOP would combine its upcoming versions of tax cuts, spending cuts, welfare reform and other initiatives into a "reconciliation bill" by August or September. Tumulty says the claim -- so far unsubstantiated by GOP leaders -- is probably on target: theGOP needs a fast-track planto see the "Contract" become law this year and the move would prevent Senate Democrats from filibustering.