• The New York Times, Tuesday, November 6, 2007 11:15 AM

The White House is expected to propose today a significant expansion of the authority of the federal drug and consumer product safety agencies to inspect and certify imports. Congress is moving quickly to adopt broader legislation that is strongly opposed by manufacturers and the administration.

A White House official says a major part of its plan would entail stationing inspectors in foreign countries to examine drugs, food and other potentially dangerous products before they are shipped to American shores. The official says the plan would give the agencies the authority to certify the safety of products and to list certified products on a Web site.

The administration's proposal significantly increases the chances that Congress will act this year, but whether the lawmakers produce something to Bush's liking is another matter. Officials say that some elements of the administration's 14-point plan could be adopted by regulation, but that others require Congressional action.

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