Daily Briefing: 'Understand the Consequences'
*Bushremains firm on port deal as lawmakers from both parties voice concern: "I want those who are questioning it to step up and explain why all of a sudden a Middle Eastern company is held to a different standard than a [British] company... They ought to look at the facts and understand the consequences of what they're going to do. But if they pass a law, I'll deal with it, with a veto." [ WP , NYT , W$J , LAT , WT , USAT ]
* Supreme Court will hear case on partial birth abortion; decision will test new court. [ WP , NYT , W$J , WT , USAT ]
*Bushdevotes second day to talking up alternative energy options. [ WP , NYT ]
*Andy Cardcalled off December briefing about NSA eavesdropping to the House Intelligence Committee. [ NYT ]
* Commander of Guantanamo admits force-feeding detainees;Rumsfeldsays interrogation tactics changed after legal concerns were raised in early 2003. [ NYT , NYT ]
*Alitowas "precocious," jovial, and "enthusiastic" on his first day. [ WP ]
* Fundraisers aim to raise $5m forLewis Libby's defense fund. [ WP ]