On Tuesday, the Senate narrowly approved a plan to close unnecessary military bases in order to save money. The plan is part of President Bush's $343 billion defense authorization bill. The money normally used for the maintenance of these bases will be funneled into the effort to identify the terrorists behind the Sept. 11 attacks and hijackings.

However, the Senate's close 53-47 vote in favor of the plan is indicative of the mixed reactions on Capitol Hill. Questions are being raised by opponents of the new plan as to the appropriateness of shutting down any bases when military action seems so imminent.

``Before we do another round of base closings, we really need to understand the new realities of homeland security,'' said Sen. Byron Dorgan (D--N.D.)

Sen. Jim Bunning (R--Tenn.) seemed to echo Mr. Dorgan's sentiment, stating, ``None of us know for certain that we need to downsize our military structure under these extraordinary circumstances.''

Sen. Bunning added that the new Homeland Security cabinet office ``may decide that they need these bases to keep our homeland secure.''

Sens. Dorgan and Bunning are among the 28 Republicans, including Sen. Trent Lott (R--Miss.), the minority leader, and 19 Democrats opposed to the plan. Thirty-one Democrats, including Sen. Tom Daschle (D--S.D.), the majority leader, 21 Republicans and one independent backed the provision.

Sen. Tim Johnson sits on the Senate Appropriations Committee and voted in favor of the plan, as did Sen. John McCain, who said, ``There is not a single military expert in this country of any credibility that doesn't believe that we need a base-closing round.'' Sen. Carl Levin (D--Mich.), who heads the Armed Services Committee stated that it was ``imperative to convert excess capacity into war-fighting capacity.''

The Senate's vote erases one roadblock to administration plans to start closing bases in 2003. But the House version of the defense spending bill does not allow for base closings, meaning the issue will ultimately be up for negotiation between the House and the Senate.

``It may be a hasty decision `'to begin another round of base closures, warned Sen. Max Baucus, (D--Mont).

Closing military bases is a controversial process in Congress, and is generally opposed because it may ultimately cost a lawmaker a source of considerable federal money in their state or district. Also, many small towns and cities rely on nearby bases for their regional economy. Padlocking an Air Force base, Army training ground or supply depot can mean a loss of millions of dollars locally.