Nation IN BRIEF : WASHINGTON, D.C. : $38-Billion Transit Bill OKd by House

The House, on a 361-61 vote, passed a $38-billion transportation spending bill that boosts funding for highways and air traffic control while reducing money for trains and mass transit. The bill was sent to the Senate. Final approval came after the House rejected a move to end collective bargaining requirements for local transit systems. Democrats successfully challenged a provision in the bill that they said would have stripped workers of the right to bargain for wages and protection. Meanwhile, the House Appropriations Committee recommended a $244-billion defense spending bill for next year that adds nearly $8 billion to President Clinton’s request.