FAIRBANKS -- U.S. Sen. Mark Begich is proposing there be a one-year delay to any personnel changes at Eielson Air Force Base, as well as other bases across the U.S.

The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner says Begich is proposing a change to the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act that would put a hold on any action that would reduce the number of civilian personnel to fewer than 300. That is the level at which the Pentagon could avoid the traditional base-closure process as well as congressional oversight.

The Air Force is proposing relocating Eielson's F-16 squadron to Anchorage. Opponents of the plan say the Air Force hasn't proved the savings will occur.

The Democratic senator is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, which approved the defense legislation Thursday.