SENATE DRUG AID CUT UPSETS WHITE HOUSE

WASHINGTON, Oct. 25 -- The Senate has voted to cut $164 million from the
Bush administration's counterdrug program for the Andean region, and
administration officials voiced concern today that the reductions could
jeopardize efforts to assist Colombia in its battle against drug-financed
rebels and to avoid the spread of violence and corruption.

The Senate approved a package of $567 million in counternarcotics and
development aid for the Andean region on Wednesday. The administration had
requested $731 million. In July, the House approved $676 million for the
program. Administration officials say they hope to get the money restored
in a House-Senate conference.

Senator Patrick Leahy, the chairman of the Appropriations subcommittee on
foreign operations, said the cuts were needed because the Clinton
administration's support of the $1.3 billion Plan Colombia had already
supplied that nation with more resources than it could readily absorb.