The possible base closing has brought together political leaders in both parties.

In a way, the base closing is an eviction for them.

Expected military base closings in 2005 could create major difficulty.

That reduced the number of major base closings to 21, from 33.

It was extremely difficult to get the House to agree to anything on base closings.

Many expected the Navy to give the land to the county at no charge, as the military has sometimes done in other base closings.

Recent studies suggest that communities have much less to fear from base closings than they might think.

"You're talking about something that would be worse than base closings," he said.

The Secretary does not make the final decision on base closings, but he has tremendous influence.

Potential savings from base closings are limited by two factors.