WASHINGTON  The Bush administration formally withdrew an agreement for civilian nuclear cooperation with Russia from congressional consideration on Monday.

"The president has notified Congress that he has today rescinded his prior determination regarding the U.S.-Russia agreement for peaceful nuclear cooperation," the State Department said in a prepared statement. "We make this decision with regret."

The step is the most meaningful show of displeasure the United States has yet made over Russia’s military action in Georgia. But it stops short of the more aggressive measures that some have proposed.

The White House has stepped up economic aid to Georgia, but it has so far ruled out providing military assistance. Similarly, the White House has not sought to impose economic sanctions against Russia or to revoke its membership in the Group of Eight, despite the strong warnings tha American officials issued as the crisis was unfolding that Russia would face consequences for its actions.