More Base Closings Backed

The pending DoD authorization bill also accepts the Bush administration’s call for another round of base closings, although to begin in 2005, instead of 2003 as the Pentagon had asked. The delay in the date was a compromise between the Senate, which favored the administration’s plan, and the House, which did not endorse any further closings in earlier voting. The delay has the effect of moving the initiative past two more congressional elections and the next presidential election. It also gives employees at facilities that may be targeted more breathing room and gives management of those facilities more time to build a case that they are indispensable.