P.M. BRIEFING : Clothing Import Bill Advances

WASHINGTON — The Senate Finance Committee today completed action on a bill limiting imports of apparel and footwear but made no recommendation on whether it should be passed.

The bill is supported by a majority of members of the House and Senate, but there is some question whether the margins are large enough to override a presidential veto. The Bush Administration opposes the bill, and President Bush’s advisers say they will recommend a veto if it passes.

President Ronald Reagan vetoed similar legislation in 1985 and 1988, and both vetoes were sustained by Congress.

Sen. Ernest F. Hollings (D-S.C.), chief sponsor of the bill, said it is necessary “to prevent the outright extinction of the U.S. textile, apparel and non-rubber footwear industry.”

But Sen. Bob Packwood (R-Ore.) said, “I cannot think of a single justifiable smidgen of comment to say about this bill.” He said it would violate international trade agreements and send the wrong signal at a time when the United States is pleading for free trade.