Bill funding nuke agency gets nod

Monday, Sept. 27, 1999 | 12:36 p.m.

Energy Secretary Bill Richardson cleared the way on Sunday for President Clinton to sign a $289 billion defense bill, saying he has resolved differences over a Department of Energy reorganization.

Congress passed a veto-proof measure last week that created a new nuclear weapons agency after months of Chinese spying alleged at the nation's nuclear weapons laboratories.

The DOE changes were tucked in a popular defense bill that also raises military pay and provides a 4.4 percent increase to Pentagon spending for military housing and hardware.

The president said he was willing to support the bill on Thursday after meeting with key Republican senators and Richardson.

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