Nation IN BRIEF : WASHINGTON, D.C. : Senate Panel OKs ‘Star Wars’ Plan

A Senate panel backed a compromise proposal on the “Star Wars” missile defense program that speeds deployment of ground-based weapons and keeps alive “Brilliant Pebbles,” space-based rockets designed to destroy missiles shortly after launching. While the compromise plan cleared the Senate Armed Services Committee by a vote of 16 to 4, opponents said the vote masked deep divisions on the program and vowed a floor fight to try to derail it. The Senate plan provides $4.6 billion for “Star Wars” funding for the fiscal year beginning in October. The House has slashed funding to $2.7 billion and cut “Brilliant Pebbles.”