’ WASHINGTON. Nov 10: Victorious Republicans are planning to challenge President Bill Clinton with their own political agenda as they prepare to take control of the US Congress for the first time In 40 years, reports Reuter

Republicans in 'he House of Representatives, led by likely future Speaker Newt Gingrich, promised action In the first 100 days on a controversial contract with America calling for a balanced budget, enhanced defence spending and tax breaks.

Senate Republican leader Bob Dofo. stopping short of endorsing the conttact. said the Senate would move quickly IV deal with problems in Congress, including reducing staff.

Dole said there had l«-en talk in general terms about a balanced budget law and also

listed possible action on welfare and other reforms. ,

In the House. Republicans gained about 50 seats to establish a narrow majority — ex pected to be reinforced by ideological allies among the Democrats on many issues

With control of the two chambers. Republicans will assume chairmanship of numerous committees.

The incoming Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. Ployed Spence of South Carolina, said in a statement 1 will be working to reverse the past two ye^rs of neglect of our nation s military” - essentially an indictment of the Clinton administration defence policies.

In both the House and Senate leading critics of the Whitewater affair involving the Clintons when they were In

See Page 12 Col 8Republicans

From Page 1 Col 4 Arkansas will lx- taking over the banking committees.

Senator Allonse d'Amato of New York is in line for the Senate committee and James Leach of Iowa is expected t• take over the House panel Both pressed .investigations into White House handling ol Whitewater issues at hearings earlier this year

Uncfer the House con tract". Republicans will ai' within 100 days to bring to (he House floor measures to re quire a balanced budge, " revise the Crime Bill passed in the recent session provide a 500 dollars per child (ax credit for families, repeal tax increases on social security and raise social security eart, ings limits, restore defence spending and limit the numbei of terms members of Congress-can serve.

AP adds: A solemn Presi dent Clinton said Wednesday he accepted a share of (he blame for the Democrats loss of both houses of Congress n. the midterm elections an.' asked Republican leaders frit ■ fresh bipartisan start.

Saddened yet defiant Qlinton said he would oppose any proposals that would stall the economic recovery and "take us-back to the policies that failed us before' — relet ring to Republicans efforts to revive President Reagans eo , nomic policies. And he said hr would strongly object c Republicans tried to repeal t' h assault weapons ban or (hr Brady Bill handgun control law