The congressman assumed he would hear that Mr. Bush had backed down, and the Dubai deal was off.

Mr. Bush backs federal legislation that would mirror the patient protection laws in Texas.

Sometimes Mr. Bush also backed particular appointments, invariably citing loyalty as his reason.

Had Mr. Bush backed this bill, it would have made the difference.

Mr. Bush is backing a plan that would cut the maximum capital gains tax rate from 33 percent to 19.6 percent.

Mr. Bush backed the request, but this week American officials said that admitting Ukraine would not be easy or rapid.

Mr. Bush backs policies that promote conservation and energy efficiency.

With missile defense, no one expects Mr. Bush to back away from his pledges to forge ahead.

Mr. Bush has backed banning soft-money contributions from unions and corporations but not individuals.

White House officials say Mr. Bush strongly backs each of these amendments.