NATION IN BRIEF : WASHINGTON, D.C. : Internee Legislation Sent to President

The Senate completed congressional action on legislation appropriating $17.2 billion for the State, Justice and Commerce departments and guaranteeing reparations payments to Japanese-Americans interned in World War II. The legislation, which was approved on a voice vote, was sent to the White House, where President Bush’s signature is expected. The appropriations bill redeems a commitment made in earlier legislation that authorized reparations payments for internment but provided no money. The payments, expected to total about $1.2 billion, would begin next Oct. 1.