The Democrats, meanwhile, assailed Mr. Bush's speech before it was ever delivered.
But many Democrats assailed the administration for not doing more.
But Democrats and advocates for the poor assailed the proposal, saying it would give states vast new power to reduce or eliminate benefits for low-income people.
Democrats have assailed last year's tax cut as fiscally irresponsible and ultimately bad for the economy.
Many Democrats assailed cuts in medical aid programs, particulary those aimed at combating infant mortality.
The president spoke after Democrats assailed administration handling of the budget and the economy.
Democrats assailed Republicans for what they described as a naked power grab in violation of the rules and traditions of the Senate.
In the recession of the early 1980's, when Democrats assailed the Republicans relentlessly, they regularly held 20 point leads on that question during 1982.
Many Democrats and some Republicans have assailed the White House for its decision to send extra troops.
Democrats, who want to use an overhaul of campaign finance laws as a political issue this fall, assailed the Republicans for the delay.