ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, September 8, 1996 TAG: 9609090077
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B4 EDITION: METRO
Mental health
The Senate on Thursday passed a proposal to improve insurance coverage for the mentally ill. The measure, which passed 82-15, would require insurance companies to raise annual payment limits for mental illnesses to the same level as limits for physical illnesses. The proposal, offered as an amendment to the fiscal 1997 spending bill, was a compromise on a broader bill, rejected earlier this year, to improve insurance coverage for the mentally ill.
Charles Robb, Democrat Y
John Warner, Republican Y
Agent Orange
The Senate on Thursday passed a bill that would provide federal assistance to Vietnam veterans whose children suffer from spina bifida as a possible result of their fathers' exposure to Agent Orange. The measure passed by voice vote after a minority of senators lost a procedural vote, 62-35, intended to block consideration of the bill. Senators opposing the bill said it would create a costly entitlement program while there is still insufficient proof of a link between spina bifida and Agent Orange. Supporters said veterans should be given the benefit of the doubt.
Robb Y
Warner Y
Iraq
The Senate on Thursday approved, 96-1, a resolution commending recent U.S. military action against Iraq. The vote came after partisan fighting over the wording of the resolution. Republicans argued that the statement should emphasize praise for the U.S. armed forces, while Democrats argued it also should recognize President Clinton's role as commander in chief. Sen. Slade Gorton, R-Wash., was the lone dissenter.
Robb Y
Warner Y
House
United Nations
The House on Thursday passed legislation to limit the deployment of U.S. forces under the command of the United Nations. The bill, which passed 299-109, would require President Clinton to demonstrate to Congress that putting American troops under U.N. command is in the best interest of the United States. The president would have to make his case two weeks before committing troops. Supporters said the bill would assure that U.S. troops would not be placed under the command of incompetent foreign military commanders. Opponents said the bill unduly restricted the president's control as commander in chief.
Rick Boucher (D-Abingdon) Y
Bob Goodlatte (R-Roanoke) Y
L.F. Payne (D-Nelson County) Y
- States News Service
LENGTH: Medium: 63 linesby CNB