U.S. MAY UP ANTI-DRUG AID FOR COLOMBIA

WASHINGTON - House leaders are considering whether to follow up a $1.3
billion aid package designed to help Colombia's military combat the
narcotics trade with $99.5 million more to bolster Colombian police
anti-drug efforts.

In negotiations over the original package, which emphasized military aid,
congressional Republicans already switched 14 helicopters and other
materiel to the police.

John Feehery, spokesman for House Speaker Dennis Hastert, said yesterday
that Hastert saw a possible need for additional help when he accompanied
President Clinton to Colombia on Aug. 31 for the symbolic delivery of the
first package.

Hastert, R-Ill., "went down there and felt that Colombia's national police
are an important part of the war on drugs," Feehery said in an interview.