AEROSPACE

Senate Panel Passes B-2 Authorization Bill: Northrop Grumman would get the first of 20 new orders for the bombers under an authorization bill passed by the strategic forces subcommittee of the Senate Armed Services Committee, the first legislative action by the Senate since the House voted earlier this month to keep the bomber in production. The subcommittee measure, contained in a still confidential report, is expected to be voted on by the full committee today. Committee Chairman Strom Thurman (R-S.C.) and ranking Democrat Sam Nunn (D-Ga.) are expected to support the measure. Congressional sources say the B-2 orders will face a tough fight in both the committee and the full Senate.