WASHINGTON — In a move that has sparked internal backlash among the nation’s veterans, congressional leaders are threatening to shutdown the U.S. Naval Reserve Centers — including the hub near Pittsburgh — ending an institution that has served the military for generations, the Post-Gazette has learned.

As part of a larger defense bill, the U.S. Senate voted earlier this month to eliminate more than 100 of the facilities, saying they no longer meet the needs of the Navy.

The action by the lawmakers on Oct. 9, which includes the closing of the center west of Pittsburgh and others in Erie, Harrisburg, and Avoca (near Pittston), is detailed in a plan to dismantle the network that extends into every corner of the country.

The vote comes just two months after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fi

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