Senate Defeats SST

The Senate voted yesterday, 51 to 46, to stop Federal funding of the supersonic transport (SST), despite administration, labor, and industry pressure for continued appropriations.

Yesterday's action follows last week's 215 to 204 House vote against the SST.

According to various congressmen, President Nixon personally lobbied uncommitted senators until the time of the vote. Senate Minority Leader Hugh Scott (R-Penn.) said that the White House used pressure "in every way available.

Although the vote eliminated the continuation of direct Federal aid to SST builders Boeing and General Electric. the administration has hinted at alternate plans including a government-backed search for private capital here and abroad. government-guaranteed loans, or a quasi-governmental corporation such as Comsat. which operates an international satellite communications system.