Senators Propose $48-Million Aid to Contras, Arms Airdrops
WASHINGTON — A bipartisan group of senators today proposed a $48-million package of new aid to Nicaragua’s Contra rebels, including renewed authority for the CIA to deliver previously stockpiled weapons.
“We think it’s very important right now to send a signal to the Sandinista government,” which allegedly crossed the border into Honduras in an effort to destroy rebel camps and supplies, said Sen. David L. Boren (D-Okla.), one of 11 sponsors of the new aid proposal.
Sen. Nancy Landon Kassebaum (R-Kan.) said announcement of the package also would strengthen the Contras as they enter direct cease-fire talks with the Managua regime on Monday.
The proposal would use $48 million in unspent Pentagon money to buy food, clothing, shelter and medical supplies, and to transport it to troops in the field, over the next year.
But in what promised to be a controversial provision, the package would allow the CIA to airdrop ammunition and weapons previously stockpiled by the rebels to troops in the field.
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