Missile Data to Be Kept Secret:Military: The Pentagon will restrict information on its antimissile tests. Critics say the Bush administration is trying to quash debate

WASHINGTON -- The Bush administration will now keep secret key information on its missile defense program, a blow to opponents who have relied on such data to challenge the technology as error-prone and not ready for deployment.

Administration officials said they will withhold the data, which concerns flight tests of the program's most advanced long-range system, to prevent U.S. adversaries from gaining secrets about hardware intended to shield the nation from nuclear attack. Critics of the program, including some influential lawmakers, say the move is an attempt to stifle criticism and allow the administration to control the debate on the system's future.

"They're attempting to avoid the usual oversight by Congress, the media ... and the larger scientific community," said Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), chairman of the Senate Armed Services subcommittee that oversees the project. "There's an attitude of 'we know best, don't bother us.'"