Senate Seeks to Avoid Election-Year Showdown Over Contra Aid

"If the whole thing goes sour, that will end up being our 800-pound gorilla," said Sen. Alan J. Dixon (D-Ill.), who describes Ortega as "an accident waiting to happen."

"The Democrats want -- they need -- cover on the entire thing," said Sen. John S. McCain III (R-Ariz.).

With offers of trade and economic incentives if Ortega behaves and the threat of more weapons for the contras if he does not, Democrats hope the proposed plan will rein in the Sandinistas, at least through the election and transition to a new U.S. administration. The food, clothing and other humanitarian aid offers protection against charges that Congress has left the contras to "starve." For good measure, additional aid is provided for innocent victims of both sides in the fighting.