Nation IN BRIEF : WASHINGTON, D.C. : Senators Urge Open Packwood Hearings

Five women senators “strongly” urged the Senate Ethics Committee to hold public hearings on allegations of sexual and official misconduct by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Bob Packwood (R-Ore.). “We note that the committee has held public hearings in the past on major disciplinary cases, and we believe that the reputation of the Senate and the public’s interest are best served by open hearings on a matter of such grave importance,” the women said. The letter was signed by freshman Republican Olympia J. Snowe of Maine as well as Democrats Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein, both of California, Carol Moseley-Braun of Illinois and Patty Murray of Washington state.