Speedy Action Sought On Embargo Issue

The House of Representatives may move with unusual speed next week to loosen the embargo on Pakistan and clear the way for a major sale of Northwest wheat.

U.S. Rep. George Nethercutt, R-Wash., said Friday the path apparently is being cleared to pass a law that exempts federal credit programs from embargoes.

The Senate passed a special bill with the exemptions on Thursday 98-0 after Northwest senators said the region’s farmers could be shut out of a sale of 350,000 metric tons of wheat that Pakistan will begin purchasing next Wednesday.

Without access to federal credit programs, the Pakistanis could buy the wheat from another country.

A bill that passes one house often requires a hearing in the other house. But Nethercutt said he was assured Friday by House Majority Leader Dick Armey of Texas and a staff member for House Speaker Newt Gingrich that this bill could go straight to a vote.

If no one in the House objects - which is quite possible because of the unanimous vote in the Senate - Gingrich could use an expedited process that would bring it to a vote Tuesday morning.

President Clinton could then sign it by Wednesday.