New Budgets More Generous, But Education Cuts Remain

By Robert C. Johnston

Washington

Congress acted last week on separate bills that would fund the Education Department and other agencies through the end of the fiscal year that began Oct. 1, but at levels so low that President Clinton has vowed to veto them.

On a 209-206 vote, the House passed a bill March 6 that would provide almost $21.2 billion in discretionary education funding, $3.3 billion less than in fiscal 1995. However, the bill would provide nearly $1.4 billion more in school aid if President Clinton and Congress reach a long-term budget deal, for a...