Daily Briefing: Enjoying the Ride
*Bushholds press conference to acknowledge "uncertainty in the country" over the situation in Iraq: "I understand people being disheartened when they turn on their TV screen. . . I believe we're going to succeed." [ WP , NYT , W$J , USAT ]
* $157m in federal funds have been directed to groups aligned with the administration's social agenda and run by "political and ideological allies." [ WP ]
*Bush"may be a lame duck, but he seems to be enjoying his swim," writesDana Milbank. [ WP ]
* Administration considers imposing fuel standards on vans and SUVs for the first time. [ W$J ]
* In shift, administration will ban the use of statements acquired through torture at Gitmo. [ W$J ]
* Six senators visiting Iraq urge "political compromises" for the sake of "national unity." [ WP , USAT ]
* Senate will soon take up legislation on immigration restrictions. [ WP ]
* Lawmakers look to revise rules on material witnesses. [ NYT ]