HOUSE PASSES WELFARE BILL

By a 245 to 178 vote, the House today passed a sweeping welfare reform bill that would end 60-years of federal guarantees of welfare for people who meet certain criteria, and replace it with block grants to states so they could tailor their own programs. But the Republican-led victory is sure to be shortlived, because President Clinton said he will veto the legislation if it reaches the Oval Office. "I am disappointed that Republicans are trying to use the words 'welfare reform' as cover to advance a budget plan that is at odds with America's values," Clinton said. The bill includes provisions that scale back food stamp benefits and reduce aid to immigrants, disabled children, drug addicts and alcoholics. The bill has been estimated to save the government $58 billion over seven years.