Arms-outlay compromise wins big House backing

September 16, 1983

The House, ignoring pleas to temper its outrage over the Korean airliner tragedy, overwhelmingly approved and sent to President Reagan Thursday a $188 billion compromise 1984 military spending plan. The bill passed 266 to 152.

Approval came despite efforts by Reps. Clement Zablocki (D) of Wisconsin and Ed Bethune (R) of Arkansas to have the bill sent back to a conference committee because it authorizes production of nerve gas, for the first time since 1969. The compromise legislation also includes authority to produce the first 21 MX nuclear missiles.