In Brief: Whitewater Hearings to Resume in Senate

WASHINGTON - The Senate Banking Committee will resume hearings on Whitewater later this month despite objections from independent counsel Kenneth W. Starr that the proceedings will interfere with his prosecution of James B. McDougal and others charged in connection with the collapse of Madison Guaranty Savings and Loan Association.

On Sept. 27 Mr. Starr wrote Chairman Alfonse M. D'Amato, R-N.Y., and the committee's ranking Democrat, Maryland Sen. Paul S. Sarbanes, asking them to delay the hearings indefinitely.

But the two senators responded Monday with their own letter, arguing that the committee's investigation of the Whitewater affair has already been delayed four months at Mr. Starr's request.

Additionally, the senators pledged not to seek testimony of pending defendants or to grant immunity to witnesses if Mr. Starr informs the committee such an action would interfere with the prosecution.

Specific hearing dates have not been determined. -Bill McConnell

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