Y2K Bill Heads for Passage -- and a Clinton Veto

House Republican leaders largely agreed this week to accept the Senate version of legislation limiting liability against companies for Y2K computer failures, paving the way for final Congressional approval before lawmakers leave for their week-long Independence Day recess July 2. But the House decision, which bypasses a time-consuming House-Senate conference to resolve differences in the separate bills passed by the two chambers, doesn't mean the measure will become law. Indicating that both bills go too far in restricting rights of consumers to sue, the White House said June 23 that President Clinton still intends a veto. An industry coalition of more than 100 companies and trade associations had urged the White House to work with Congressional leaders to pass legislation he could sign. Both houses are expected to vote on the amended measure early next week.