Administration aides have also been meeting on their own, officials said.

But once the decision to go forward was made, Administration aides started looking for ways to turn the situation to their advantage.

"He was on a list for a while of defense and foreign policy supporters," an Administration aide said.

Committee officials were discussing with administration aides today who might testify, and when.

But in the last few days top Administration aides have raised new objections to the bill and suggested that he may not sign it.

But the Senator said Administration aides "had been led by the hand right into the middle of the evidence, and still didn't see it."

While the public wandered, many Administration aides were exploring their new quarters for the first time.

"He is playing it very, very tough," said one administration aide.

Senior administration aides, and others briefed on the plans, said every effort would be made to avoid layoffs this year.

Administration aides sought today to play down any rift between the two high-ranking officials.