A measure sponsored by Rep. Mark Souder (R-Ind.) and passed by Congress seven years ago barred students with drug offenses from receiving federal grants, loans, or work-study assistance. The bill approved by the Senate would amend the law to only ban aid to students who commit drug offenses while they are in college.

The amendment was included in a budget bill approved by the Senate late last month, and previously had been passed by the House. Souder has long contended that he meant his legislation only to apply to offenses committed by current students.

The group Students for a Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP), formed primarily in opposition to the law, claimed victory with the Senate vote. "Only because of the years of sustained pressure by student activists did Congress reform this disastrous law," said the group's legislative director, Erik Cooke. He added, however, that SSDP believes that the whole law should be repealed.

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