Senate Nears Faceoff On Fate of Crime Bill

WASHINGTON The Senate edged toward an election-year showdowntoday on a $30 billion crime bill, with Democrats angling to send themeasure to President Clinton and Republicans struggling to forcemajor changes.

White House Chief of Staff Leon Panetta said, "Obviously webelieve we have . . . a chance of winning."

And at midday, Republicans had a key defection when Sen. NancyKassebaum (R-Kan.) announced plans to side with the Democrats.

Republicans wanted to strip about $5 billion in spending fromthe bill, and insert a handful of get-tougher measures relating tocriminals.

But in four days of debate, Democrats insisted the Republicans'true motive was …