PORTLAND (AP) – While Maine was focused on a statewide referendum election, the final report of the military base closing commission that shutters the Brunswick Naval Air Station quietly became law.

This week was the deadline for Congress to disapprove the Base Closure and Realignment Commission’s report, which President Bush had signed off on in September. With the passing of the deadline Wednesday, the closings took effect and no further action by the president was required.

In a 324-85 vote last month, the House refused to veto the commission’s report.

Military bases targeted in the latest round of closings have six years to shut down and shift forces.

Although the commission opted to close Brunswick Naval Air Station, it spared Maine from other cutbacks recommended by the Pentagon. The panel voted to keep Portsmouth Naval Shipyard open and elected to expand, rather than close, a finance center in Limestone.