Daily Briefing: Unprecedented GOP Revolt

* White House acknowledges thatBushwas informed of the Dubai port deal from the media, after it was approved;Bushsounds "conciliatory" in the eye of an "unprecedented Republican revolt." Some Republicans "have been looking for ways to distance themselves from Bush without appearing to be soft on terrorism."Scott McClellan: "This is one where we probably should have consulted with or briefed Congress on sooner." [ WP , NYT , WT , LAT ]

* Administration had secret deal with Dubai Ports World that stated the company would "cooperate with future U.S. investigations"; White House insists safeguards are in place though some "routine restrictions" were relaxed. [ AP , W$J ]

*Bush"is on the defensive on national security for the first time in his presidency." [ WT , USAT ]

* South Dakota Senate passes abortion ban designed to challenge Roe. NARAL president: "When you see them have a ban that does not include exceptions for rape or incest or the health of the mother, you understand that elections do matter." [ WP , NYT ]

* Attorneys forLewis Libbywill argue that he had no intention to lie, he was just preoccupied. [ WP ]

* White House report on Katrina will call for more military involvement in responses to natural disasters. [ WP , NYT ]

* White House does not have a Senate liaison. [ WT ]

*Bushprepares for trip to South Asia by seeking alliance with India. [ WP , W$J , NYT , WT ]