Senate to vote on S.S.T.

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32561, 22 March 1971, Page 15

Senate to vote on S.S.T.

( N .Z.P.A. -Reuter —Copy rig ht)

WASHINGTON, March 21.

The American supersonic transport aircraft (S.S.T.) project faces its most crucial test in the Senate this week; in spite of recent gloomy forecasts, observers believe that it has an outside chance of at least a temporary reprieve.

The Senate Appropriations Committee last week voted, 17-5, in favour of further Federal funds for the development of the S.S.T., forcing the Senate vote.

Until recently, the stiffest Congressional opposition to the project has been in the Senate, which in December voted emphatically, 52-41, against further Federal financial support for development of two prototypes. Earlier this week, when the House of Representatives reversed last year’s stand and also voted against continued Government support, the predictions were that the S.S.T. programme was doomed. But unofficial polls among senators indicate that senti'ment in the Upper Chamber

may swing the vote in the opposite direction. At least two of the ten new senators elected last November have promised their support for the programme. Three other senators have indicated privately that they will support further financial support if their votes are essential. If the Senate votes to approve the project, a joint Senate - House conference committee will be required to resolve the dispute; this would probably lead to a second round of voting in both the House and the Senate.

The Nixon Administration and supporters of the plane are also hopeful that they can raise private financing, perhaps with Governmentguaranteed loans, if Congress votes to withdraw direct Government aid. The Administration is asking for sl34m to continue development for the last three months of the present fiscal year. - Anti-noise bill The Senate last week also approved a bill to prohibit American supersonic airliners from flying over the United States at the speed of sound—which would create sonic booms. The measure would also require supersonic airliners to meet the same maximum noise-levels as subsonic aircraft when landing, taking off or taxiing at airports. The bill, which still needs approval by the House of Representatives, is largely an effort to counteract opposition to the S.S.T. which has sought to deny Federal funds, on the ground that the aircraft would be too noisy.