‘Star Wars’ Plan OKd by Senate Panel

WASHINGTON —  A key Senate panel Wednesday approved a compromise proposal on the “Star Wars” missile defense program that speeds deployment of ground-based weapons and keeps alive the controversial space-based interceptor rockets known as “Brilliant Pebbles.”

While the compromise plan cleared the Senate Armed Services Committee by a vote of 16 to 4, opponents said that the lopsided 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, traditionally much more skeptical on space defenses, slashed funding for the program to $2.7 billion and eliminated “Brilliant Pebbles” entirely.

After final versions of the two bills are passed in the House and Senate, negotiators from the two bodies will meet to work out final legislation.

Sen. John W. Warner (R-Va.), who helped craft the Senate compromise, called the committee vote “an historic decision” that moves the nation closer to a defense against ballistic missiles, whether launched deliberately or accidentally by the Soviet Union or other nuclear powers.

The bill was supported by most committee Democrats, including Chairman Sam Nunn (D-Ga.), who is influential in Congress on military matters.

In addition, the bill provides funds for research on “Brilliant Pebbles,” which are small, space-based rockets designed to track and destroy ballistic missiles shortly after launching. The committee, like the House, also provided more than $850 million for development of theater missile defenses, such as the Patriot missile.