News In Brief

21-year-olds' drinking bill sent to Reagan for signing

Congress has passed and sent to President Reagan a bill to establish a nationwide minimum drinking age of 21. The bill would cut federal highway funds by 5 to 10 percent for states that do not establish a minimum 21-year-old drinking age within two years.

The Senate passed the bill on Tuesday and the House gave final approval by voice vote early Thursday. Mr. Reagan supports the legislation, which backers say will help reduce accidents caused by drunken drivers.