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FEBRUARY 28, 2001

Americans who watched President George W. Bush's address to Congress on television on Tuesday night might not have noticed a number of actions indicative of the partisan battle he faces in the upcoming months over his tax cut and budget plan.

Boos were heard from the Democratic side of the floor when Attorney General John Ashcroft's name was mentioned and when Bush introduced the Supreme Court Justices. However, only Justice Stephen G. Breyer -- who sided against Bush in the disputed election lawsuit -- attended the speech.

Some Democrat lawmakers didn't clap their hands when Bush entered the room. One Representative walked out of the speech when Republicans sat on the Democrat side of the floor in seats purposely left open to represent the partisan debate over the Census 2000.

Get the Story:
Divided Floor A Preview of What Bush Faces Ahead (The Washington Post 2/28)