31.   Robert E. Levin, an accounting office official, said plans for an investigation were so far unfocused.

32.   Such firms as Aquila, Yellow Corp. of Overland Park, Payless ShoeSource and Butler Manufacturing Co. have stood by the local accounting office.

33.   The accounting office agreed with the Pentagon that base closings are saving billions of dollars.

34.   The accounting office also seeks the subjects of the discussions.

35.   The accounting office analyzes government programs for Congress.

36.   The accounting office looked only at losses from agencies that actually shut down.

37.   The accounting office report avoided taking sides.

38.   The accounting office report reviewed proposals made by the aviation agency to the National Security Council, and the specific steps were not disclosed.

39.   The accounting office said such details were unnecessary and inappropriate.

40.   The accounting office, the investigative arm of Congress, has been critical of FAA inspections for years.