Enquirer Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON -- A bill sponsored by Rep. Rob Portman to protect tropical rain forests was signed into law Wednesday by President Clinton.
Mr. Portman, R-Terrace Park, sponsored legislation earlier this year that allowed nations with tropical rain forests to be relieved of some of the debt they owed the United States if they took steps to preserve the forests.
The bill was widely supported by Republicans and Democrats and by environmental groups.
Rep. Lee Hamilton, D-Nashville, Ind., was a chief co-sponsor. "This legislation is proof that environmental protection and free market principles are not incompatible," Mr. Portman said in a statement.
It was the third bill this month authored by Mr. Portman that the president has signed into law.
The others dealt with the Underground Railroad and reform of the Internal Revenue Service.
