Copyright 2001 Journal Sentinel Inc.  
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Wisconsin)
December 14, 2001 Friday FINAL EDITION
SECTION: NEWS; Pg. 06A

LENGTH: 342 words

HEADLINE: GOP senators refuse to limit farm bill debate

BYLINE: From Journal Sentinel wire reports

BODY:
Washington -- Senate Republicans on Thursday refused to limit debate on a Democratic-authored farm bill, all but killing prospects for enacting new farm subsidies this year.

Democrats, who have the backing of farm groups in pushing for quick passage of their bill, accused Republicans of delaying the legislation until next year, when shrinking federal revenue may force lawmakers to cut back future farm spending.

The Senate failed to limit debate on the bill Thursday, falling seven votes short of the 60 necessary. The vote was 53-45.

Republicans say the legislation, which would reauthorize farm programs through 2006, would stimulate excess production and hold down commodity prices. The bill would increase crop subsidies as much as 20%.

The Senate bill differs significantly from one the House passed in October.

Capture of fugitive: One of the FBI's most wanted fugitives, who is suspected of killing four people in Philadelphia, was arrested Thursday in New Jersey, the agency said. Felix Summers had been sought in the shootings of six teenagers on a Philadelphia street corner in August; one victim died. He also is suspected in the death a month later of a bystander who witnessed the attack and in the 1999 slayings of two other people.

Juveniles in murder case: Two youths who face life sentences in the killing of their father entered written not-guilty pleas Thursday in Pensacola, Fla., to adult charges of arson and premeditated first-degree murder. Derek and Alex King, ages 13 and 12, did not appear in court during a brief arraignment Thursday. The boys are accused of bludgeoning their father, Terry Lee King, 40, to death with a blunt object at his home in Cantonment, then setting the house on fire Nov. 26.

Failure of missile test: A $10 million prototype booster rocket for the missile defense system veered off course during a test Thursday from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., and had to be blown up by remote control. The booster's first test flight on Aug. 31 had been declared successful.

LOAD-DATE: December 14, 2001