Nation IN BRIEF : WASHINGTON, D.C. : Gun Liability Law Repealed by Council

The District of Columbia Council repealed a measure that would have held makers and dealers of so-called assault firearms liable for injuries and deaths caused by use of the guns. Critics of the measure in Congress, which has veto power over district laws, said it would stand in the way of a $100-million subsidy sought by Washington Mayor Sharon Pratt Dixon. The council withdrew the law by voice vote after Dixon told the body that it jeopardized the special appropriation she is seeking to help bridge a $300-million budget deficit.