The U.S. Senate has passed a bill giving $934 million to the Colombian military for equipment, such as helicopters, and for training three battalions in combating drug trafficking. This is important because Colombia is the source of 90 percent of the cocaine and 65 percent of the heroin found in the U.S. Drug interdiction is difficult because the Colombian suppliers are supported by guerillas.

The aid package was not without its critics. Senator Paul Wellstone, Democrat of Minnesota, proposed that $225 million be transferred to drug treatment and prevention programs in the U.S. Senator Slade Gorton, Republican of Washington, wanted the package trimmed by $200 million out of fear that the U.S. had not thought through the long-term consequences of becoming embroiled in the war in Colombia. However, both amendments were soundly defeated.

(Updated August 1, 2000)