House OKs Military Patrols of Borders

The House passed a $270-billion defense bill that includes authorizing the military to help patrol U.S. borders in the war against drug smuggling and illegal immigration. Opponents said the plan--an amendment approved, 288 to 132--could turn the U.S.-Mexican border into an armed corridor. The overall bill, covering military programs and spending for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1, was then passed on a 357-60 vote. The Senate is expected to vote on its version next month. The legislation includes $1.9 billion to keep U.S. forces in Bosnia and a 3.6% pay raise for the military--half a percentage point more than the Clinton administration requested.