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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2001

By a vote of 53 to 47, the Senate on Tuesday approved an amendment to a $345 billion defense spending bill that will create a commission to close obsolete military bases.

In the wake of September 11's terrorist attacks, some lawmakers said the government shouldn't consider closing bases. The newly created Office of Homeland Security -- which some lawmakers are now suggesting might not be powerful enough to make goverment-wide changes -- might need them, said Sen. Jim Bunning (R-Ky.).

But President Bush and the Pentagon are pushing for closures, citing a need to save money and streamline operations.

The House version of the bill did not include the commission.

Get the Story:
Senate Approves Military Closings (The Washington Post 9/26)
New Homeland Defense Plans Emerge (The Washington Post 9/26)

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