The measure which stood in the name of Republican Congressman Benjamin Gilman was tagged on to the National Security Act of 1999. It was adopted by a voice vote yesterday.

The authority to waive sanctions, given to the President last year for one year ends on September 30 and the new measure extends it to September 30,200. It relates mostly to non-military sanctions.

Meanwhile, the Senate last week approved an amendment which envisages suspension of all the sanctions against the two countries for five years along with the controversial Pakistan-specific Pressler Amendment. Its author was Republican Senator Sam Brownback.

Gilman, who is chairman of the powerful House International Relations Committee, announced in the House that heintended to bring a new amendment, on the lines of the one sponsored by Senator Brownback.

Democratic Congressman Frank Pallone, by and large, agreed with Gilman and promised full support to the anti-sanction measure.

Indications are that the measure would have no difficulty in securing House clearance in view of the general opposition to the sanctions which, according to most lawmakers, have failed to advance the cause of non-proliferation.

Besides, they have adversely affected US business interests, allowing unnecessary advantages to rivals, it is felt.