The Senate panel called for a budget of $289 billion.

He is the chairman of a Senate panel on science and space.

The legislation was to be taken up by a Senate panel the next week.

Republicans on the Senate panel prepared a similar letter today.

The $303 billion figure now before the Senate panel would allow the military budget to increase at the expected rate of inflation next year.

The bill before the Senate panel would set the overall military spending limit at $303 billion, the officials said.

Several members of the Senate panel said they were somewhat skeptical.

The Senate panel plans another hearing later this month to review potential language of an amendment, and any floor vote is still months away.

The four service chiefs offered opposing views to a Senate panel.

A1 Senate panels acted at a number of confirmation hearings.