Anti-Terrorism Bill Awaits Clinton’s Pen

Congress passed long-awaited legislation Thursday that would give federal law officers new powers to use against terrorism, sending the bill to President Clinton on the eve of the first anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing.

The bill - which also would limit federal appeals by prisoners, including death-row inmates - was passed by the House 293-133. It had been approved by the Senate a day earlier, 91-8.

Clinton was expected to sign the measure next week, after he returns from overseas, even though it lacks numerous other law enforcement powers he had sought.

Congressional leaders initially promised to complete the bill six weeks after the Oklahoma City federal building bombing that killed 168 a year ago today.