The seven White House travel office employees sacked in May 1993 would have much of their legal expenses reimbursed by the government under a bill passed by the House.

The Republican measure was approved, 350-43, on Tuesday. It would pay ousted travel office director Billy Dale and his former colleagues, who were fired by the Clinton White House, "such sums as are necessary" to cover their outstanding legal costs."They bludgeoned these people," Rep. Frank Wolf, R-Va., said during floor debate. "Their reputations have been ruined and financially they're in trouble."

Dale has said the legal bills for the seven employees totaled more than $400,000. A version of the legislation pending in the Senate would reimburse Dale only, up to $424,000.

Dale said Tuesday night in an interview that he has paid $105,535 from his own savings for legal expenses. On top of that, his legal defense fund has paid about $100,000 and is nearly depleted. He said he still owes lawyers' fees but is unsure of the amount. The House legislation would cover only what is still owed.

A federal jury acquitted Dale last year on embezzlement charges. None of the others was tried - five were rehired in government and one retired. One of the seven, Gary Wright, has just finished a stint helping arrange press travel for Pat Buchanan's campaign.

The White House has said President Clinton was sorry about what Dale went through and would sign the legislation.

At a news conference before the vote, Dale said he hoped passage of the measure would bring closure to what was an ordeal for him and his family. "I hope it's the end of it," he said. "My wife and I just want to get on with our lives."

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