The Nation : Defense Bill Is Defended

Democratic lawmakers countered President Reagan’s charge that congressional reductions in military spending will undercut U.S. efforts to reach an arms-control agreement with the Soviet Union. Rep. Les Aspin (D-Wis.), chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, said the House was merely continuing policy in passing a bill last week to restrict weapons programs and allocate $287 billion for defense, well short of the $320 billion Reagan had wanted. “What the Reagan Administration wants to do is a dramatic change in policy,” Aspin said on the ABC-TV program, “This Week With David Brinkley.” Sen. Sam Nunn (D-Ga.), also on the program, accused Reagan of a lack of leadership on the issue of arms control.