
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, August 4, 1993                   TAG: 9308040057
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Medium

SENATE OKS SCALED-DOWN SERVICE PLAN

A slimmed-down version of President Clinton's plan for students to earn some college tuition money through public service work won Senate approval Tuesday. Negotiators now must reconcile it with a somewhat broader House version.

Initial steps toward resolving differences already were under way as negotiators sought to have a compromise ready for final passage by end of the week, said a source close to the discussions.

"We're not sure we can do it, but it appears that all sides are agreeable to try," said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The Senate's 58-41 vote ended a vigorous partisan dispute that forced Clinton's original five-year, $9.5 billion plan to be sharply reduced. Virginia Democratic Sen. Charles Robb voted yes. Republican Sen. John Warner voted no.

Clinton, in remarks from the Rose Garden, called the bill "one of my top legislative priorities. Within months, thousands of young people will be at work in their communities, helping our country and helping to pay for their own education." "

The Senate's three-year program would cost $1.5 billion. The House approved a three-year arrangement at an estimated cost of $2.1 billion, though funding could vary under the House version.

The biggest differences are in how many students could take part and how soon. Clinton wanted to allow 25,000 students in the first year and 150,000 by the third year.

The Senate version would allow 20,000 participants in the first year, 33,000 in the second year and 47,000 in the third year. The House would allow somewhat more students than the Senate during the three years.

by CNB