Biden, senior Democrat on the bipartisan task force, said yesterday the legislation, which could be introduced in the senate as early as today, would exempt agricultural export credits from the sanctions imposed on India and Pakistan and give President Bill Clinton the power to waive other penalties.

Biden said he reached agreement on the legislation with Kentucky Republican Senator Mitch McConnell, the panel's chairman.

As required by US law, Washington slapped broad economic sanctions against India and Pakistan in May for their nuclear tests. Current law provides no method for lifting the sanctions.

Biden said the compromise legislation would give the White House more discretion and make it easier for the US to negotiate with NewDelhi and Islamabad.

Because the task force was created by the Senate's Republican and Democratic leadership, aides said its legislative proposal should advance quickly and garner bipartisan support.

Aides said the compromise had broad support from lawmakers on the 18-member task force.

Agricultural and business groups have been pressuring US Congress and the Clinton administration to curtail the use of unilateral sanctions, arguing that they do not work and only clear the way for competitors from Japan and Europe.Under the compromise legislation, agricultural export credits would immediately and permanently be exempted from sanctions, Biden said.

Clinton would also be given the power to waive other sanctions against India and Pakistan. Military exports to both governments would still be subject to the sanctions under the legislation.