Formal debate on the Bosnia mission began in the Senate tonight, just as the President sent the letter.

He explained that the Bosnia mission centered on "force protection," military jargon for guarding against casualties.

And proven tactics will be adjusted for the Bosnia mission.

Senators from both parties felt stymied by the Administration's handling of the Bosnia mission and the recent crisis in the gulf.

The Bosnia mission was hamstrung before it even began by setting a withdrawal date.

Most of the pilots flew 40 to 50 Bosnia missions during the six months.

In the vote on the Bosnia mission, the conflicting perceptions came to a head.

"At this point I'm probably less sanguine than the boys are about this," he said of the Bosnia mission.

Military officials said that since the downing, commanders have increased the RC-135's Bosnia missions to 10 hours.

By and large, however, the extension of the Bosnia mission has met less resistance in Congress than expected.