$37.5-Billion Transit Measure Sent to Clinton

WASHINGTON — The Senate approved and sent to President Clinton on Tuesday a $37.5-billion transportation bill that would cut mass transit and Amtrak subsidies, streamline the Federal Aviation Administration and eliminate the Interstate Commerce Commission.

It also approved deep cuts in spending on renewable energy and nuclear fusion research as part of a $19.3-billion bill for the Energy Department and federal water projects that passed on a vote of 89 to 6. Clinton has indicated that he will sign both bills.

The $37.5-billion transportation spending bill, approved, 87 to 10, by the Senate after being passed, 393 to 29, by the House last week, would provide $1 billion more than the Administration requested. It would streamline the FAA, letting it speed modernization of the air traffic control system.

Also on Tuesday, Clinton and congressional leaders agreed to a face-to-face meeting today on averting a federal default. Both sides have expressed a willingness to head off a fiscal crisis, at least temporarily.