Ends session after President Clinton reaches accord with Alaska senator to protect Alaska sea lion species. Appoints retired Gen. Colin L. Powell to be secretary of state. In final choices, Bush rounds out cabinet with conservative appointees. Shifts from fighting inflation to preventing possible recession. Interest rates unchanged.
Principal topic is foreign affairs.
Republican victor then briefly calls on Vice President Al Gore. President approves control standards to drastically reduce heavy-duty bus and truck emissions over next 10 years. Declares congressional measure for low-cost prescription drugs would neither be safe and nor cut costs. Va. President disregards Republican opposition. Officially announces total of 281,421,906 people in nation.