April 3, 1993

The retreats and delays that are coming to exemplify the Clinton Administration's pursuit of its legislative agenda are rooted in one underlying fact: the White House is only strong enough to fight one battle at a time in Congress. For the moment, that battle is over President Clinton's economic plan. Everything else -- even promises made dozens of times in the Presidential campaign and afterward -- is tied for second.

Senator David F. Durenberger, once a powerful figure in Republican circles and one of Minnesota's most popular politicians, was indicted today on two criminal charges of submitting false expense claims to the Senate. After a two-year investigation, a Federal grand jury here accused Mr. Durenberger of conspiring with two other men in 1987 and 1988 to illegally bill the Government for $3,825 in lodging expenses at a condominium he owned in Minneapolis.

The day after the Federal Communications Commission used a new law to hammer the cable industry over its rates, Congressional and industry sources said today that the White House planned to nominate a senior Senate aide, who helped push through the legislation, to be the commission's next head. The choice of Antoinette D. Cook, who would be the first black and the first woman to lead the F.C.C., is a further sign that the commission is likely to take a more confrontational stance toward industry. Stricter Regulation Expected As staff counsel to the Senate Commerce subcommittee on communications, Ms. Cook has developed a reputation as a Democratic insider skilled at maneuvering through the thicket of competing interest groups that tug at communications policy.

The Philip Morris Companies yesterday cut the price of its Marlboro cigarettes, the world's best-selling brand, in an acknowledgment that its flagship product was threatened by competition from discount brands and the changing habits of smokers. The reduction of some 40 cents a pack will lower the price to a national retail average of $1.80, including excise taxes. The move startled investors, who knocked $14.75 off the price of Philip Morris shares, to $49.375.

Mutual Funds How they did in the first quarter of 1993. How the top managers invested. Today in YOUR MONEY, pages 35-42. Beneath Summit Meeting, Economic Underpinnings On the eve of the Vancouver summit meeting, Western creditor nations gave Russia an extra 10 years to repay $15 billion in debt. Page 4. Washington is depicting aid to Moscow as an investment in a free market and insurance against military spending. News analysis, page 4. The Rare Show of Faith Many twice-a-year churchgoers and Jews who shun synagogues say they are nonetheless faithful year-round, in their own ways. Beliefs, page 8. Loggers, Owls and Clinton President Clinton had no ready solutions at the Oregon forest conference, but he suggested that the age of big timber was ending. Page 6. Reno Selects Senior Aides Attorney General Reno named her top aides, including two Carter Administration officials. Page 6.