Washington, D.C. - The Sierra Club reported that on Oct. 5, Congress gave final approval to a plan, supported by President Clinton, to expand national parks and protect lands threatened by development.

The Senate voted 83-13 for an $18.8 billion bill for public lands that includes the down payment on a six year, $12 billion program to buy and maintain lands for parks, historic sites and for conservation. Clinton said he would sign the bill.