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Domestic Policy Council Overview [binder]
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2
DOMESTIC POLICY COUNCIL
OVERVIEW
PRESENTED TO EDE HOLIDAY
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 11, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR EDE HOLIDAY
FROM:
KEN YALE
Executive Secretary
SUBJECT:
Domestic Policy Council Background
Attached for your review is background material on the
Domestic Policy Council. It includes the following:
TAB A:
Organization. The DPC structure is described,
including the press release which created the original
DPC in 1985 and the most recent version of that
release.
TAB B:
Meetings. A list of the DPC meetings to date.
TAB C:
Working Groups. A list of current working groups.
TAB D:
Annual Report. A summary of the DPC Annual Report,
which was compiled by DPC staff for transmittal to the
President by the Attorney General.
TAB E:
Working Group Reports. Reports to the Attorney General
on working groups under the DPC which were active in
1989.
TAB F:
Issues. The issues status chart, which gives a summary
of issues currently under development.
TAB G:
Calendar. A sample schedule giving projected DPC
meetings.
TAB A
Organization
DOMESTIC POLICY COUNCIL
The Domestic Policy Council is comprised of the Attorney General,
the Secretaries of the Interior, Health and Human Services,
Housing and Urban Development, Energy, Education, and Veterans
Affairs, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and
the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. The
President chairs the Domestic Policy Council. In his absence,
the Attorney General serves as Chairman Pro Tempore.
The Vice President and the Chief of Staff to the President are ex
officio members of the Domestic Policy Council. The Secretary to
the Cabinet, the Assistant to the President for Economic and
Domestic Policy, the Chairman of the Council of Economic
Advisers, the Assistant to the President for Science and
Technology, and the Counsel to the President have been regular
participants.
The Council invites the attendance of those Cabinet departments
and agency heads who are not members of the Council when it
considers issues involving their departments or agency.
To utilize fully the expertise and resources of the departments
and agencies, the Council relies heavily on interagency
subcabinet-level working groups.
Council staff serve under the Cabinet Secretary, David Q. Bates.
The six, full-time staff members include Kenneth P. Yale,
Executive Secretary; Daniel R. Heimbach, Associate Director and
Deputy Executive Secretary; John A. Schall, Associate Director
and Deputy Executive Secretary; Sara R. Sumner, Staff Assistant;
Dean Schultheiss, Staff Assistant; and Mary Tsivgoulis, Staff
Assistant. In addition, support is provided by William Myers,
Assistant to the Attorney General; Stephen I. Danzansky, Director
of the Office of Cabinet Affairs; and the Associate Directors and
staff of the Office of Cabinet Affairs.
7
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
February 8, 1989
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
Today, I am announcing that I will use the Economic Policy
Council and the Domestic Policy Council to advise me in the
formulation, coordination, and implementation of economic and
domestic policy.
Along with the National Security Council, the Economic Policy
Council and the Domestic Policy Council will serve as the primary
channels for advising the President on policy.
The close interrelationship between the U.S. and international
economies illustrates the need to review economic policy issues
in a comprehensive manner that best serves the national interest
of the United States. The Economic Policy Council will serve as
the primary channel for advising me on the formulation,
coordination, and implementation of economic policy, both
domestic and international.
The important social issues facing our Nation require thoughtful
and creative solutions. The Domestic Policy Council will serve
as the primary channel for advising me on the formulation,
coordination, and implementation of domestic and social policy.
My commitment to this cabinet council structure reflects my
conviction that effective decision-making depends on the
President receiving the best information available from his
senior advisers. I believe that these policy councils will
effectively coordinate advice from the various departments and
agencies.
###
8
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Santa Barbara, California)
For Immediate Release
April 11, 1985
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
Today I am announcing the creation of two cabinet-level bodies --
the Economic Policy Council and the Domestic Policy Council -- to
assist me in the formulation and execution of domestic and economic
policy. I will chair both Councils. These two Councils will
replace the seven existing Cabinet Councils and the Senior
Interagency Group-International Economic Policy. The new entities
will streamline policy development and decision making. Together
with the National Security Council, they will serve as the primary
channels for advising me on policy matters.
The Economic Policy Council will be composed of the Secretaries of
State, Treasury, Agriculture, Commerce and Labor, the Director of
Office of Management and Budget, the United States Trade
Representative and the Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors.
It will provide advice to me concerning all aspects of national and
international economic policy. The heads of the national security
community departments and agencies and the Assistant to the
President for National Security Affairs will participate in Council
meetings whenever international policy or budget matters are
discussed. In my absence, the Secretary of the Treasury will serve
as Chairman Pro-Tempore.
The Domestic Policy Council will be composed of the Attorney
General, the Secretaries of the Interior, Health and Human Services,
Housing and Urban Development, *Transportation, Energy and Education,
and the Director of Office of Management and Budget. **It will
provide advice to me on domestic and social policy. In my absence
the Attorney General will serve as Chairman Pro Tempore.
The heads of non-member departments and agencies will be invited to
participate in either Council's deliberations whenever matters
affecting their organizations are on the agenda. The Vice President
and Chief of Staff will serve as ex-officio members of both
Councils.
The new, streamlined decision making process enhances my commitment
to cabinet government. It will provide for added accountability and
efficiency in formulating and implementing policy.
# # #
*The Secretary of Transportation was assigned to the Economic
Policy Council in April 1985.
**The Administrator of EPA was assigned to the DPC in April 1987.
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Santa Barbara, California)
For Immediate Release
April 11, 1985
FACT SHEET
Economic Policy Council
Domestic Policy Council
In order to provide better policy coordination, formulation and
implementation, the President today announced the creation of two
new cabinet-level councils, the Economic Policy Council and the
Domestic Policy Council, to advise him on economic and domestic
policy issues.
The Economic Policy Council will consider those policy issues
that are primarily economic in nature, the Domestic Policy
Council will consider those policy issues that are not primarily
economic in nature.
These new councils build on the President's commitment to cabinet
government and to the inclusion of department and agency heads in
the Administration's decision-making process.
General Features
The streamlined, consolidated system will help clarify respon-
sibility and enhance accountability for formulating and imple-
menting economic and domestic policy.
The two new councils will replace the following:
Cabinet Council on Commerce and Trade
Cabinet Council on Economic Affairs
Cabinet Council on Food and Agriculture
Cabinet Council on Human Resources
Cabinet Council on Legal Policy
Cabinet Council on Management and Administration
Cabinet Council on Natural Resources and the
Environment
Senior Interagency Group on International Economic
Policy
o
Council and the National Security Council will serve as
The Economic Policy Council, the Domestic Policy
policy. the primary channels for advising the President on
o
The Vice President and the Chief of Staff will serve as
ex-officio members of both the Economic and Domestic
Policy Councils.
o
Executive department and agency heads who are not
members of a council will be invited to attend the
Council's meetings when issues involving their depart-
ment or agency are under consideration.
-more-
Economic Policy Council
The increasing interrelatedness of the U.S. and international
economies illustrates the importance of establishing a process
that will examine economic issues in a comprehensive integrated
way. The Economic Policy Council will provide the President with
a single entity to advise him on domestic and international
economic policy.
Membership
The Secretary of State
The Secretary of the Treasury
The Secretary of Agriculture
The Secretary of Commerce
The Secretary of Labor
Director, Office of Management and Budget
The United States Trade Representative
Chairman, Council of Economic Advisors
Heads of the national security community departments
and agencies and the Assistant to the President for
National Security Affairs will participate in council
meetings when international policy or budget matters
are discussed.
Chairmanship
The President will chair meetings of the Economic Policy
Council. In his absence, the Secretary of the Treasury, who
will serve as Chairman Pro Tempore, will preside at meetings
of the Council.
Responsibilities
The Council will have the responsibility for advising the
President on all aspects of national and international
economic policy, and for overseeing the coordination and
implementation of the Administration's economic policies.
Staff
The staff of the Council shall be headed by an Executive
Secretary who will report to the Chief of Staff through the
Cabinet Secretary.
Like the current cabinet councils, the Economic Policy
Council will rely heavily on interagency subcabinet level
Working Groups. This will enable it to utilize fully the
expertise and resources of the departments and agencies, and
to provide a structure through which departmental initia-
tives can be considered fully.
Domestic Policy Council
The Domestic Policy Council will provide the President with a
single entity to advise him on domestic and social policy. By
focusing decision making and advice through a single channel for
domestic policy issues, this will enhance the prospects for
developing such policies in a comprehensive and integrated way.
Membership
The Attorney General
The Secretary of the Interior
The Secretary of Health and Human Services
The Secretary. of Housing and Urban Development
*The Secretary of Transportation
The Secretary of Energy
The Secretary of Education
Director, Office of Management and Budget
**Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency
-
*Reassigned to EPC in April 1985
**Assigned to DPC in April 1987
- 3 -
Chairmanship
The President will chair meetings of the Domestic Policy
Council. In his absence, the Attorney General, who will
serve as Chairman Pro Tempore, will preside at meetings of
the Council.
Responsibilities
The Council will have responsibility for advising the
President on all aspects of domestic policy issues, and for
overseeing the coordination and implementation of the
Administration's domestic policies.
Staff
The staff of the Council shall be headed by an Executive
Secretary who will report to the Chief of Staff through the
Cabinet Secretary.
Like the current cabinet councils, the Domestic Policy.
Council will rely heavily on interagency subcabinet level
Working Groups. This will enable it to fully utilize the
expertise and resources of the departments and agencies, and
to provide a structure through which departmental initia-
tives can be considered fully.
Overall Coordination
The White House Chief of Staff will have responsibility for
ensuring that the activities of the National Security Council,
the Economic Policy Council, and the Domestic Policy Council are
fully coordinated. He will also have the responsibility for
assigning topics to a particular Council.
# # #
TAB B
1989 Meetings
Domestic Policy Council
1989 Meetings
Meeting
Number
Date
Subject
1*
2-14-89
Organization and Structure
2
3-2-89
Hazardous Waste
CFCs
3
4-20-89
Environmental Issues and Policy
4
5-4-89
Clean Air: Acid Rain
5
5-5-89
Clean Air: Acid Rain
6
5-9-89
Clean Air: Air Toxics
7
5-11-89
Clean Air: Non-Attainment
8
5-15-89
Clean Air: Acid Rain
Clean Air: Air Toxics
9*
5-16-89
Clean Air: Acid Rain
Clean Air: Air Toxics
10*
5-17-89
Clean Air: Air Toxics
11
5-24-89
Clean Air: Non-Attainment
12*
6-5-89
Clean Air: Non-Attainment
--
6-16-89
Disabilities
--
6-20-89
Disabilities
--
6-29-89
Enhanced Rescission Authority
13
7-6-89
Adoption
Disabilities
Welfare Reform
14
7-25-89
Welfare Reform
9
15
8-4-89
Drug Policy Strategy
16
8-10-89
Drug Policy Strategy
17*
8-15-89
Drug Policy Strategy
18
9-14-89
Food Safety
19
11-16-89
Anti-Poverty Agenda
20
11-30-98
Anti-Poverty Agenda
Infant Mortality
21
12-20-89
Math/Science Education
22
12-21-89
Volunteer Liability
Medical Professional Liability
23
1-9-90
Drug Policy Strategy
24*
1-11-90
Drug Policy Strategy
25
1-17-90
Immigration
26
1-17-90
Medical Malpractice Liability
27
2-9-90
Immigration
28
2-20-90
Math/Science Education
Literacy
* = meetings with the President
10
TAB C
Working Groups
Domestic Policy Council
Working Groups and Task Forces
Working Group on Agent Orange
Chairman: Dr. James O. Mason
Assistant Secretary for Health
Health and Human Services
Working Group on Children and Family Policy
Chairman: Mary S. Gall
Assistant Secretary for Human Development Services
Health and Human Services
Disabled Americans Working Group
Chairman: Kenneth P. Yale
Executive Secretary
Domestic Policy Council
Working Group on Drug Control Policy
Chairman: William J. Bennett
Director
Office of National Drug Control Policy
Working Group on Education Policy
Chairman: Lauro F. Cavazos
Secretary of Education
Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Working Group
Chairman: Teresa Gorman
Associate Director for Environment, Energy and Natural Resources
Office of Policy Development
Task Force on Federal Employee Health Benefits
Chairman: Constance J. Horner
Undersecretary
Health and Human Services
Working Group on Global Change
Chairman: Dr. D. Allan Bromley
Assistant to the President for Science and Technology
Office of Science and Technology
Health Policy Working Group
Chairman: Constance J. Horner
Undersecretary
Health and Human Services
11
Task Force on Hispanic Education
Chairman: Lauro F. Cavazos
Secretary of Education
Immigration Working Group
Chairman: William Myers
Assistant to the Attorney General
Department of Justice
Task Force on Infant Mortality
Chairman: Dr. James O. Mason
Assistant Secretary for Health
Health and Human Services
Low Income Opportunity Board
Chairman: Vacant
Working Group on Responsible Budget Reform
Chairman: William M. Diefenderfer III
Deputy Director
Office of Management and Budget
Working Group on Tort Reform
Chairman: Stuart M. Gerson
Assistant Attorney General
Department of Justice
Wetlands Task Force
Chairman: Teresa Gorman
Associate Director for Environment, Energy and Natural Resources
Office of Policy Development
12
TAB D
Annual Report
of the
Domestic Policy Council
1989
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 27, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
THE DOMESTIC POLICY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
1989 Annual Report of the Domestic Policy Council
This first annual report of the Domestic Policy Council
(DPC) contains a summary of activities and accomplishments of the
DPC during 1989, and plans for the next few months.
I.
Meetings:
Between January 20, 1989 and January 20, 1990, the DPC met
26 times (see Tab B). The subjects of these meetings have been
wide-ranging and have included: environmental issues, such as
the Clean Air Act; the anti-poverty strategy; drug control
policy; and volunteer liability.
In addition, several meetings have been held on an ad hoc
basis with only interested Cabinet members. These meetings have
addressed issues such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and
enhanced budget rescission authority.
II. Presidential Decisions:
You have made decisions on several issues presented to you,
following consideration by the DPC. Such issues have included:
hazardous waste exports; phaseout of chlorofluorocarbons; the
Clean Air Act; adoption; food safety; negotiating a framework
treaty on global climate change; a White House Conference on
Global Change; and National Drug Control Strategies I and II.
III. Working Groups:
Fourteen DPC Working Groups or Task Forces were established
in 1989 (see Tab C). All have presented status reports (see Tab
E).
IV. 1990 Plans:
Issues to be addressed by the DPC and its Working Groups
during the first few months of 1990 have been identified in the
summary of Working Group Activities. Several of these issues
will eventually require your decision and approval.
V. Summary of Working Group Activities:
A. The Working Group on Children and Family Policy
1989: The Working Group on Children and Family Policy has
held six meetings since it first met on May 18, 1989 to develop a
Presidential Adoption Initiative and the 1990 Annual Report on
the Family pursuant to Executive Order 12806. The Presidential
Adoption Initiative proposal was presented to the DPC on June 30,
1989, approved by the DPC on July 6, and signed by you on July
24. On September 12, you transmitted to Congress two legislative
proposals to encourage adoption of special needs children.
1990: The Working Group is currently drafting the annual
family report. The final report is due to the DPC in March. The
Working Group began policy discussions on substance abuse and the
family in February 1990.
B. The Working Group on Americans with Disabilities
1989: The Working Group on Americans with Disabilities was
formed on April 13, 1989 to implement your commitment to
improving the lives of persons with disabilities. The Working
Group met at least monthly during most of 1989 to discuss the
Americans with Disabilities Act.
1990: The Working Group will continue its assessment of
Federal programs that affect persons with disabilities and
identify ways to improve these programs and will present an
interim report to the DPC in early March.
C. The Working Group on Drug Control Policy
1989: The Working Group on Drug Control Policy has
concluded its draft and review of the National Drug Control
Strategies I and II, which you subsequently approved.
1990: No further Working Group activities are currently
planned in the next six months. The next National Drug Control
Strategy report is mandated by Congress to be completed by
February 1991. In addition to development of that report,
activity will focus on implementing Strategies I and II.
D. The Working Group on Education Policy
1989: The Working Group on Education Policy has been
working to develop both an options paper on an Administration
literacy strategy and another options paper on the
Administration's math and science initiative for consideration by
the DPC in early 1990.
2
1990: The Working Group will coordinate Federal activities
among the agencies that promote education in the areas of
literacy and math and science.
E. Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Working Group
1989: The Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Working
Group met numerous times from March to June 1989 to discuss
proposals to overhaul the Clean Air Act. On June 12 you
announced proposals to reduce emissions which cause acid rain,
urban ozone and toxic air pollution and submitted a comprehensive
Clean Air Bill to Congress on July 21, completing work on this
issue. The Working Group also presented options to the DPC on
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and the export of hazardous waste.
Pursuant to the group's activities, you called for both an
international phase-out of CFCs by the year 2000 and a ban on the
export of hazardous waste shipments, unless the receiving country
agrees to its proper disposal through a bilateral agreement.
1990: Environmental issues will continue to receive
attention. Your clean air proposal, developed with the
assistance of the DPC, is now undergoing consideration by the
Congress.
F. The Global Change Working Group
1989: The Global Change Working Group was formed on October
20, 1989 to serve as the central forum for development of
Administration policy on global change and related issues.
During the months following its creation, the Working Group dealt
with issues such as the U.S. participation in the Hague
Ministerial meeting and the U.S. position at that meeting, U.S.
proposals for the February 1990 meeting of the Inter-governmental
Panel on Climate Change, and the development of the agenda for
the White House Conference on Science and Economics Research on
the Environment. The Working Group also created three sub-
groups on economics, legal structures and private sector
involvement, each of which has concluded its work and presented a
report to the Working Group.
1990: Global climate change is another major issue the
Administration will face. A number of activities related to
global change are planned by the Administration. They will
require further study and policy development. These activities
include: participation in the United Nations' Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change; the G-7 Economic Summit; the White House
Conference on Science and Economics Research on the Environment;
the Second World Climate Conference; the proposal to host the
first negotiation session on a climate change framework
convention; a meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on
CFC reductions; and various other Administration proposals.
3
G. Health Policy Working Group
1989: After work by the Health Policy Working Group, a
Presidential decision was announced on October 26, 1989,
presenting the Administration's framework for considering food
safety issues. Working Group activity will continue until the
legislation is resolved.
1990: The Department of Health and Human Services is
exploring various proposals to improve the health care system,
including proposals to cover long term care for the chronically
ill and access to health care for the uninsured. They will be
monitoring activities of the bipartisan Congressional Pepper
Commission and the Social Security Advisory Council. Both groups
will make recommendations this year on ways to reform the health
care system. In your State of the Union Address, you announced
that Secretary Sullivan will lead a Domestic Policy Council
review of recommendations on the quality, accessibility and cost
of our nation's health care system.
H. Task Force on Hispanic Education
1989: On December 6, 1989 you directed Secretary Cavazos to
form a Task Force on Hispanic Education to assess how well
Federal education programs serve Hispanics, and then recommend
ways to enhance the Federal role.
1990: The Task Force will submit an interim report to you
by the end of February 1990. All activities are being
coordinated with ongoing work on the National Education Goals.
I. Immigration Working Group
1989: Since its first meeting on October 30, 1989, the
Immigration Working Group has presented the options paper to you
and the principals, thus completing its primary duties.
1990: There has been an expression of interest among
Working Group members that the Working Group retain its vitality
so that future issues can be addressed in the same forum. The
Working Group may address other immigration concerns, including
refugee, asylum, and parole issues, as well as issues regarding
temporary workers.
J. The Task Force on Infant Mortality
1989: The Task Force on Infant Mortality was charged with
developing options for action designed to improve maternal and
infant health outcomes and reduce infant mortality. The Task
Force presented its initial report to the DPC at the end of
November 1989.
4
1990: Task Force activity will focus on developing
coordinating mechanisms for activity requiring interagency
cooperation and analysis leading to options refinement.
K. Low Income Opportunity Board
1989: The principal activities of the Low Income
Opportunity Board (LIOB) are to facilitate the consideration of
State welfare reform proposals by providing the Governors with a
point of coordination at the Federal level; and to provide a
focal point within the Federal government for developing and
coordinating policies which aid low income individuals and
families. On November 30, 1989, the LIOB presented a proposed
low income opportunity strategy for the Bush Administration. The
DPC asked the LIOB to think more broadly and to develop a
strategy that goes beyond welfare reform.
1990: The principal activity of the Board over the next six
months will be to develop this strategy. Proposals for a
comprehensive, conservative anti-poverty agenda are being
developed by the Low Income Opportunity Board. Options may be
ready for initial consideration by the Council in the spring.
L. The Working Group on Responsible Budget Reform
1989: The Working Group on Responsible Budget Reform
focused its activities on formulating proposals for enhanced
budget rescission authority and for a constitutional amendment
requiring a balanced budget and a line-item veto. The Working
Group's activities culminated with your August 4, 1989
endorsement of the enhanced rescission bill (S. 1553). Although
a specific balanced budget amendment proposal was drafted, it was
decided not to pursue introduction of the bill at this time. The
Working Group has completed its assigned tasks, but can be
subject to call should it be warranted by legislative
developments.
M. Working Group on Tort Reform
1989: The Working Group on Tort Reform developed
recommendations for tort liability reform, in an attempt to
alleviate the burden placed on individual and organizational
volunteer activities.
1990: The Working Group is developing options for medical
malpractice insurance cost reform to recommend to the DPC. The
Working Group has begun to formulate a long-term project looking
at costs and delays in the civil litigation system.
5
N. The Wetlands Task Force
1989: The Wetlands Task Force has held meetings to discuss
the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between EPA and the Army Corps
of Engineers, outlining your no net loss policy; how the MOA
affects the State of Alaska; NOAA's legislative proposal on
"Coastal Zone Management as a Tool to Achieve No Net Loss of
Wetlands;" and has held briefings on issues to consider for
implementing the no net loss policy.
1990: Over the next six months to a year, the Task Force
will work towards developing a comprehensive federal policy to
realize your goal of no net loss of wetlands and will continue
soliciting public input and working to develop a comprehensive
set of recommendations to achieve that ambitious national
objective. The Task Force is considering a broad range of
issues, including both regulatory and non-regulatory approaches
to protecting the Nation's wetlands resources.
VI. Proposed Working Groups:
A. Working Group on Border Control
1990: An interagency working group is being formed to
assist in the implementation of recommendations from the Task
Force on Border Control.
B. Federal Facilities Working Group
1990: A Federal Facilities Working Group will be formed to
develop environmental policy options for federal facilities and
determine possible mechanisms to advance the Administration's
policy.
Dick Thornburgh
Chairman Pro Tempore
6
TAB E
Working Group Reports
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 8, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR DICK THORNBURGH
FROM:
KENNETH P. YALE
SUBJECT:
Disabilities Working Group Annual Report
INTRODUCTION
The Working Group on Americans With Disabilities was formed
on April 13, 1989. It was tasked to implement the President's
commitment to improving the lives of persons with disabilities,
outlined in the book Building A Better America. That statement
oriented the activities of the Working Group towards assessing
and improving Federal policies and programs with respect to
persons with disabilities.
ACTIVITIES
Before it was even chartered, the Working Group met twice to
begin discussions on the Americans With Disabilities Act (the
Act). Although the Act dealt with improving access for persons
with disabilities in the private sector, not with Federal
programs, the Working Group was a logical place to consider this
major legislative proposal.
The Working Group met at least monthly during the Spring,
Summer and Fall of 1989 to discuss the ADA. A smaller, strategy
group comprised of key Federal agency representatives met more
frequently.
A "mini-DPC" met with Governor Sununu on June 16 and again
on June 20 to consider options for an Administration position on
the ADA. Subsequently, a position was developed for testimony in
front of the Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee by the
Department of Justice on June 22, 1989.
Subsequent to the June 22 hearing, there were numerous
meetings of the strategy group through the Summer and Fall to
chart strategy and develop positions for a team doing
negotiations with the Hill. The Working Group also met during
this process to remark on different versions of the ADA.
CURRENT ACTIVITIES
The next activities for the Working Group will be an
assessment of Federal programs that affect persons with
disabilities and identification of ways to improve these
programs. This was the original task given to the Working Group.
Because it was necessary to focus efforts on the ADA,
consideration of this task was delayed.
This project is divided into two parts. The first will
consist of a review by the agencies of Federal policies, laws,
regulations, programs and research plans, with respect to persons
with disabilities and identification of options to strengthen
work incentives, remove barriers to employment, and reduce
dependency. After this initial stage is completed, the Working
Group will identify ways to improve Federal coordination and
identification of programs which have proven effective.
TIMETABLE
January 12
-
strategy group meeting
January 15
-
Memorandum mailed to Working Group members
requesting a review of the current activities
of their agencies.
February 15
-
compilation of agency responses
Late February
-
Working Group meetings to assess information
Early March
-
interim report to the DPC
March
-
begin work on options to improve Federal
programs
OFFICE OF NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL POLICY
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
Washington, D.C. 20500
January 11, 1990
MEMORANDUM TO KENNETH P. YALE
DAVID TELL l
Executive secretary, Domestic Policy Council
FROM:
Deputy Chief of Staff, ONDCP
for
JOHN P. WALTERS
Chief of Staff, ONDCP
Chairman, Domestic Policy Council Working Group
on Drug Control Policy
SUBJECT:
Status report on Working Group Activities
This is in response to Attorney General Thornburgh's December
21 memorandum requesting status reports on DPC working group
activities. I apologize for the slight delay of this submission.
The Domestic Policy Council Working Group on Drug Control
Policy has today concluded its review, clearance, and approval of
the 1990 National Drug Control Strategy, and has delivered its
recommendation concerning that document to the President for his
consideration.
The 1991 National Drug Control Strategy will be due for
submission by the President to Congress on February 1, 1991, and
will later this year be reviewed, as above, by the Domestic Policy
Council Working Group on Drug Control Policy. No further Working
Group activities are currently planned in the next six months.
OF EDUCATION EDUCA
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
UNITED STATES of AMERICA
OFFICE OF THE UNDER SECRETARY
THE UNDER SECRETARY
January 5, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR KENNETH P. YALE
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY TO THE DOMESTIC POLICY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Status report on Working Group on Education Policy
As requested by Attorney General Thornburgh and on behalf of
Secretary Cavazos, this memorandum provides a status report on
the activities of the Working Group on Education Policy in the
six months since its creation. The report consists of three
elements: (1) a list and description of current activities, and
(2) a list and description of planned activities and issues for
the next six months, along with (3) a tentative timetable.
(1) List and Description of Current Activities
Preparation of Literacy Options Paper: An executive committee of
the group has met frequently since September to review numerous
drafts of an options paper on literacy policy. The paper has
been circulated recently among members of the group for their
comment.
Working Group Briefings: In two meetings, the group has received
three briefings on policy. Briefings on the Education Summit and
literacy were provided at the first meeting, September 8th. A
background paper accompanied the briefing on literacy. On
December 15, the group received a briefing on Secretary Watkins'
Math and Science Education plan.
Task Force on Hispanic Education: As you know, on December 6th
the President directed the group to form a task force to focus on
Hispanic education. At the December 15th meeting, the group was
polled to determine which agencies should participate. The
Departments of Defense, Interior, Agriculture, Labor, Health and
Human Services and Education, and the Office of Management and
Budget agreed to join the task force.
400 MARYLAND AVE., S.W. WASHINGTON, D.C. 20202-0500
PAGE TWO -- Working Group on Education Policy
(2) & (3) List and Description of Planned Activities/Issues with
Timetable
Literacy Options Paper: Members of the group were asked to make
comments on the options paper by December 29, 1989. Not all
members have commented to date. When most members have
responded, the chairman will propose a new draft, in consultation
with Cabinet Affairs. The group will be asked to meet to consider
the new draft and to forward it to the Domestic Policy Council.
It is possible a paper could be forwarded in January.
Task Force on Hispanic Education: The participating departments
were asked to name a representative by January 5, 1990. Once the
task force is formed, it will meet to establish a plan of action
and a tentative timetable. The President did not set a date for
the task force to report to him, though it is the intention of
the Chairman to move forward promptly.
Ongoing Responsibilities for Literacy Policy: The literacy
options memorandum includes certain responsibilities for the
Working Group to continue policy development in the literacy
area. Should the President approve such steps, the group will
continue to be engaged by the issue.
These activities do not preclude the group from taking up new
issues in the next six months. In his charge to the group, the
Attorney General included issues such as school choice, basic
skills education, the drop out rate, education quality and
private sector assistance, as well as literacy. At present,
though, the group is occupied with the literacy and Hispanic
education issues. Once there is some resolution of these, then
new activities can be identified in consultation with Cabinet
Affairs.
Ted Sanders
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 17, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
FROM:
NANCY MALOLEY
Environment, Energy and Natural Resources
Working Group Chair
SUBJECT: Status Report on Clean Air Working Group Activities
The working group met numerous times from March to June, 1989.
And then, on June 12, the President announced proposals to reduce
emissions which cause acid rain, urban ozone and toxic air
pollution. The proposals are the first major overhaul of the Clean
Air Act to be proposed by an Administration in over a decade. They
call for a 10 million ton reduction in SO2 emissions by the year
2000, a 2 million ton reduction in NOx, a 40 percent reduction in
emission of volatile organic compounds which cause urban smog, and
a reduction of 75 to 90 percent in toxic air emissions. These
reductions will also help to curb an increase in global warming
resulting from fossil fuel combustion. The proposal also calls for
the use of alternative fuels in one million vehicles by 1997.
Alternative fuels, while reducing ozone precursors, will also
reduce the toxic aromatics which come from conventional gasoline.
The President submitted a comprehensive Clean Air Bill to
Congress on July 21, embodying the proposals announced on June 12.
The Working Group on Environment, Energy and Natural
Resources, and the Domestic Policy Council, have thus completed
their work on this issue.
In addition, the Working Group on Environment, Energy and
Natural Resources presented options to the Domestic Policy Council
on chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and the export of hazardous waste.
Pursuant to the group's activities, the President called for both
an international phase-out of CFCs by the year 2000 and a ban on
the export of hazardous waste shipments, unless the receiving
country agrees to its proper disposal through a bilateral
agreement.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 18, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
FROM:
WILLIAM L. ROPER, Chairman
Health Policy Working Group
WER
SUBJECT:
Status Report on Working Group Activities
The Health Policy Working Group provides a forum for
the developing options to resolve health policy issues
with inter-agency implications and to develop options for
the Administration's health policy.
Current Activities
The working group continues an interest in issues
which have reached an initial resolution:
Food safety - The working group's work culminated
in a Presidential decision announced on October 26,
1989. That announcement presented the
Administration's framework for considering food
safety issues. Informal activity has continued
since then relating to the legislative language to
implement the framework. Activity, mostly
informal, will continue until the legislation is
resolved.
Infant mortality - The Infant Mortality Task Force,
a task force of the working group, presented its
initial report to the Domestic Policy Council (DPC)
at the end of November, 1989. DPC consideration
implied a continuing role for the working group as
the task force develops an analysis of strategies
to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.
Planned activities
As a follow up to the DPC's consideration of the
Infant Mortality Task Force's report, the working group
will consider what activity may be undertaken as part of
ongoing programs in the current fiscal year. The
Administration is required to report to the Congress in
February on options for reforming the Federal Employee
Health Benefit Plan (FEHBP). If consideration by the
agencies involved does not produce a consensus, the issue
may be taken up by the working group.
-2-
Timetable
May
Discussion of the Infant Mortality Task Force's
work in response to previous DPC consideration.
May
Possible activity relating to United States role in
June's International AIDS Conference to be held in
San Francisco.
Office of the Attorney General
PRO
REQUITUR
Washington, B.O. 20530
JUSTITIA
January 4, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
FROM:
BILL MYERS wem
ASSISTANT TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
SUBJECT: Status Report on Working Group Activities
In your December 21, 1989 memorandum to Domestic Policy
Council Working Group chairmen, you asked for a status report on
all Working Group activities. I submit this report as chairman
of the Immigration Working Group.
Current Activities
The Working Group has completed its draft of the options
paper. The process began with the first meeting on October 30,
1989, followed by seven additional meetings. The next planned
activity is the presentation of the options paper to the Cabinet
members (Justice, State, Labor) and top White House staff for
consideration and decision in developing the Administration
policy on legal immigration reform. That meeting is tentatively
scheduled for January 16, 1990. The Administration needs to
formulate its policy in anticipation of hearings in the House on
legal immigration bills.
The Working Group achieved a consensus on most of the major
reform issues. Those issues will be set forth in the options
paper so that the principals can review the consensus decisions.
Briefly, those issues include (1) the establishment of an overall
immigration ceiling target of 630,000 immigrant visas, (2) the
agreement that 150,000 of those visas should be made available
for skill-based immigrants every year, (3) that a lottery system
should be proposed, as an alternative to the proposals in the
current Senate bill, which will provide the method and criteria
for selecting these skill-based immigrants, and (4) that the
President should have the authority to waive the overall ceiling
on visas in order to address extraordinary foreign policy or
domestic concerns.
One issue which requires resolution by the principals is the
treatment of the current family-connection immigrant visas which
go to "fifth preference" applicants (brothers and sisters of U.S.
citizens and their spouses and children). There is a proposal to
eliminate the fifth preference and to provide for the expedited
admission of the currently backlogged fifth preference applicants
through a separate program. There is disagreement over the value
of these proposals and they have been set forth with pros and
cons in the options paper.
Planned Activities for the Next Six Months
Following the presentation of the options paper to the
principals and the President, the Working Group will have
completed the primary duties pursuant to your charter --
preparation of Administration policy options in anticipation of
hearings in the House. No future activities or issues are
contemplated at this time. There has been an expression of
interest among working group members, however, that the Working
Group retain its vitality so that future issues can be addressed
in the same forum. Such issues within the scope of the charter
may include policy options affecting refugees, asylees and
parole. Other immigration issues such as temporary workers or
Eastern Bloc immigration would be beyond the charter as it
currently exists.
Tentative Timetable
As indicated above, the principals are scheduled tentatively
to consider the options paper on January 16. The need for
additional meetings will be determined by the success of the
first meeting. It is anticipated that the House will convene
hearings on this issue very early in the second session of the
101st Congress. Consequently, any additional meetings will have
to be held on rather short notice in order to finalize the policy
in time.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 18, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
FROM:
WILLIAM L. ROPER, Chairman
Health Policy Working Group
WER
SUBJECT:
Status Report on Task Force Activities
In mid-1989, the Health Policy Working Group
constituted a Task Force on Infant Mortality to develop
options for action designed to improve maternal and infant
health outcomes and reduce infant mortality. The Task
Force has been chaired by James O. Mason, M.D., Dr.P.H.,
and includes members from twelve agencies. The task
force's initial report was considered by the Domestic
Policy Council in November.
Current Activities
The task force is considering what activities
outlined in its initial report can be undertaken as part
of current programs. The task force is also developing
strategic options that can serve as a means to prioritize
among the activities laid out in the initial task force
report.
Planned Activities
Task force activity will focus on developing
coordinating mechanisms for activity requiring interagency
cooperation and analysis leading to options refinement.
Timetable
February
Identification of issues involving interagency
coordination and key staff necessary to
accomplish coordination.
May
Presentation to Health Policy Working Group of
strategic options.
U.S. Department of Justice
Civil Division
Office of the Assistant Attorney General
Washington, D.C. 20530
January 5, 1990
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Kenneth P. Yale
Executive Secretary to the
Domestic Policy Council
FROM:
Stuart M. Gerson my
Chairman, Working Group on Tort Reform
SUBJECT: Status Report
Pursuant to the Attorney General's request, this is a status
report on the work of the Tort Reform Working Group. It is a
pleasure to note that the Working Group already has vigorously
tackled several liability issues of critical importance to our
nation as described below:
1. Current Activities.
a. Volunteer Liability
Description: The Domestic Policy Council has endorsed the
Working Group's recommendations for three initiatives intended to
allay the potentiality of inordinate tort liability which is
precluding important individual and organizational volunteer
activities. The three initiatives are:
Establishment of a National Center to assist
non-profits with liability concerns;
Promulgation of a model state statute to
protect volunteers; and
Review and revision of the Federal Risk
Retention Act to encompass volunteer groups.
We are awaiting Presidential action on these recommendations with
an eye towards the Working Group's facilitating the
implementation of those recommendations that might be approved.
Implementation will require additional decisions on the
precise form of the National Center. Also, the Working Group
will need to develop model state legislation and review the Risk
Retention Act.
b. Medical Malpractice Cost Reform
Description: The Tort Reform Working Group is developing
options for Medical Malpractice Insurance Cost Reform to
recommend to the Domestic Policy Council. Our aim is to have a
recommendation ready for consideration by the Domestic Policy
Council by January 13, 1990.
2. Planned Activities And Issues For The Next Six Months.
a. Volunteer Liability.
Description: See (a) above.
b. Medical Malpractice Cost Reform.
Description: See (b) above.
C. Justice Reform.
Description: The Working Group has
begun to formulate a long-term
project related to the reform of
disputes processing and resolution
in the Federal content. The issue
is emerging as a focus of
attention, having been given
impetus by a Federal Courts' Study
Committee established by the Chief
Justice. The focus will be upon
jurisdictional and procedural
issues rather than upon the
substance of the matters resolved
by courts.
3. Tentative Timetable For The Working Group's Activities.
A tentative timetable for further action on Volunteer
Liability must await the President's decision on the Working
Group's recommendations as forwarded to him by the Domestic
Policy Council. As to Medical Malpractice Cost Reform, the
Working Group expects to complete its formulation and review of
options by January 15 for consideration of the issue by the
Domestic Policy Council. The Group will consider a timetable for
the Justice Reform project soon thereafter.
The next Working Group meeting is set for today, January 5,
1990, at 1:00 p.m.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 9, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
FROM:
WILLIAM L. ROPER, Chairman,
Low Income Opportunity Board
Bill Roper
SUBJECT:
Status Report on Working Group Activities
The Low Income Opportunity Board (LIOB) is a working group of the
Domestic Policy Council (DPC). The principal activities of the
Low Income Opportunity Board are to: 1) facilitate the
consideration of State welfare reform proposals by providing the
Governors with a point of coordination at the Federal level; and
2) provide a focal point within the Federal government for
developing and coordinating policies which aid low income
individuals and families.
Current Activities
Passage of the Family Support Act of 1988 affected the operation
of several State welfare reform demonstrations which had been
approved after going through the LIOB process. Negotiations are
underway to modify these proposals, while maintaining budget
neutrality and sound evaluation.
The following information is being collected and updated for the
DPC: 1) initiatives targeted to high-poverty areas; and 2)
programs and demonstration projects directed at low-income
individuals or areas.
Planned Activities
On November 30, 1989, the LIOB presented a proposed low income
opportunity strategy for the Bush Administration. This consisted
of: 1) articulating the principles behind the Administration's
existing initiatives; 2) supporting strategies that empower local
communities and the poor themselves; 3) simplifying the welfare
system; 4) targeting assistance to people and areas that need it
most; and 5) proposing a major new legislative initiative under
which the Federal government would undertake, through a limited
number of demonstrations, a radical, concentrated effort directed
at high poverty areas. The DPC asked the LIOB to think more
broadly and to develop a strategy that goes beyond welfare
reform. The principal activity of the Board over the next six
months will be to develop this strategy.
Timetable
To fulfill the DPC's directive, the LIOB has formed a steering
group, under the direction of Richard Schamalensee, a member of
the Council of Economic Advisers, to develop this new anti-
poverty strategy. The following tasks will be undertaken:
Develop background papers on key poverty-related issues, to
be completed by January 31.
Solicit papers from a select group of outside experts to
outline their vision of what a comprehensive anti-poverty
strategy should look like, to be completed by February 16.
Convene steering group, February 21, to: 1) draft the
principles and goals of an anti-poverty strategy; 2) review
papers submitted by experts; and 3) begin development of
strategy paper.
If deemed necessary, convene outside experts.
Develop strategy and present to full LIOB by April; with
presentation to the DPC in May.
In conjunction with this effort, the LIOB will more fully develop
its proposal of November 30, 1989, to target high poverty areas,
through a limited number of demonstrations, for a radical,
concentrated anti-poverty effort.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503
January 3, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR KENNETH P. YALE
Executive Secretary to
the Domestic Policy Council
FROM:
William M. Diefenderfer III
Deputy Director
SUBJECT:
Status Report of Working Group on Responsible
Budget Reform
This responds to the Attorney General's memorandum of
December 21, 1989, requesting a brief status report on the
activities of DPC working groups. This is the report for the
Working Group on Responsible Budget Reform.
The working group focused its activities on formulating
proposals for enhanced rescission authority and for a
constitutional amendment requiring a balanced budget. The
group's activities culminated with the President's August 4,
1989, endorsement of the enhanced rescission bill sponsored by
Senators Coats, McCain and others, S. 1553, "The Legislative
Line Item Veto Act of 1989.' At about the same time, it was
decided not to pursue introduction or endorsement of a
specific balanced budget amendment proposal
Based on the foregoing, I believe that the working group
has completed its assigned tasks. It may be necessary,
however, to take action during the year to follow up on the
Administration's endorsement of S. 1553. I would propose,
therefore, that the working group be subject to call should it
be warranted by legislative developments.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 17, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
FROM:
NANCY MALOLEY
Wetlands Task Force Chair
SUBJECT: Status Report on Task Force Activities
I. CURRENT ACTIVITIES
The group meets approximately twice a month and is dealing
with four major issues:
A. Memorandum of Agreement between the Environmental
Protection Agency and the Army Corp of Engineers,
outlining the President's no net loss policy.
B. How the MOA effects the state of Alaska which has
a particularly high percentage of wetlands.
C. NOAA legislative proposal on "Coastal Zone Management
as a Tool to Achieve No Net Loss of Wetlands."
D. Briefings on issues to consider for implementing the no
net loss policy.
II. PLANNED ACTIVITIES
On January 16, the implementation of the EPA-Corps MOA was
delayed for fifteen days so as to informally solicit public
comment. The MOA has already been substantially modified to
address the concerns of some federal agencies and the Alaska
delegation. The decision on how to implement the MOA is the next
scheduled event.
III. SIX MONTH TIMETABLE
Over the next six months to a year, the Task Force will work
towards developing a comprehensive federal policy to realize the
President's goal of no net loss of the wetlands.
The Task Force will consider a broad range of issues,
including both regulatory and non-regulatory approaches to wetlands
protection. The major vehicle for implementing the findings and
conclusions of the Task Force will be a recommendation to the
President regarding strengthening Executive Order 11990, which
concerns wetlands protection.
The Task Force will accomplish its work through the use of
small interagency groups, each of which will develop options on a
particular issue, for consideration by the full Task Force. These
groups will address such issues as the scope and meaning of the no
net loss goal, specific Executive Order language required to ensure
that federal policies assist in achieving the goal, the means for
implementing the broad directives of an Executive Order, the role
of states, local communities, private conservation groups and
citizen participation, the role of market based incentives in
wetlands protection, agricultural, energy and transportation
issues, international cooperation, and additional steps that may
be necessary to implement the no net loss goal, including whether
legislative changes are required.
In addition, the Task Force will pay particular attention to
the unique geographic, typographic and hydrologic circumstances
found in certain areas of the United States.
SERVICES
HUMAN
Office of
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Human Development Services
HEALTH
=
Assistant Secretary
Washington DC 20201
January 4, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE HONORABLE RICHARD THORNBURGH
CHAIRMAN PRO TEMPORE
WHITE HOUSE DOMESTIC POLICY COUNCIL
FROM:
MARY SHEILA GALL
mses
CHAIR, WHITE HOUSE WORKING GROUP
ON CHILDREN AND FAMILY POLICY
DOMESTIC POLICY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Status Report on Working Group Activities
SUMMARY
The White House Working Group on Children and Family Policy met for
the first time on May 18, 1989. We have held six meetings to date.
Our activities include the development of a Presidential Adoption
Initiative and the 1989 Report for Executive Order 12806, The
Family. Our next policy discussion will focus on substance abuse
and the family.
ADOPTION
The first assignment given to the Working Group was the development
of a Presidential Adoption Initiative. Our proposal was presented
to the DPC on June 30, 1989, approved by the DPC on July 6, and
signed by the President on July 24.
Major Components: The plan is designed to remove barriers to
adoption and to promote adoption. The major components of the plan
are:
Legislation: The legislative package for special needs
adoption includes a proposal to allow up to a $3,000 tax
deduction for those one-time expenses incurred in the
adoption of a special needs child, and an OPM four-year
demonstration program under which federal agencies
reimburse their employees up to $2,000 for one-time
adoption expenses per special needs adoption. The
principal co-sponsors for this legislation are Senators
Bentsen and Packwood.
Intergovernmental: We are working, on an on-going basis,
with the National Governors' Association, the National
Conference of State Legislatures, the National Council
-2-
of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, the Federal
Executive Board, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and the
United States City Human Services Officials and state
adoption specialists.
Public Awareness: We have generated an aggressive media
attention on adoption. An example would be the cover
story of Time magazine in the October 9 issue. We are
also working with voluntary organizations to increase
adoption awareness at the community level.
Public/Private Partnerships: Many private sector businesses
and other organizations are developing actions plans to
promote adoption. A national fast food chain, a national
sports organization, network affiliates, the motion
picture industry, and Fortune 500 companies are just a
few of the organizations involved. Details of the plan
will be announced by the President on January 26.
White House/Federal Participation: The President sent a
memorandum to department and agency heads on July 24
announcing his adoption initiative. In the memorandum,
the President encouraged the department and agency heads
to work with their employees in assisting them in their
efforts in the adoption process.
The President held a legislative transmittal ceremony for
the special needs adoption package on September 13.
On November 21, President Bush met with adoptive families
and Members of Congress and signed a proclamation for
National Adoption Week. The President will meet with
adoptive families and public/private partnership
participants on January 26.
Mrs. Bush has taped a public service announcement and has
attended a number of public adoption events.
Department/agency activities related to adoption are
extensive, and a complete report will be submitted under
separate cover.
ANNUAL REPORT FOR EXECUTIVE ORDER 12806, THE FAMILY
Executive Order 12806, The Family, requires that the rights of the
family are considered in the formulation and implementation of
policies by executive departments and agencies. An annual report
from each agency and department is requested, citing regulatory and
-3-
statutory provisions that may have significant potential negative
impact on the family well-being and provide adequate rationale on
why such proposal should be submitted.
As per the Domestic Policy Council's request, we are currently
drafting the annual family report. The final report is due to the
DPC in March. We will submit a draft report on February 5 for
internal White House clearance prior to DPC submission.
The Working Group members were asked to submit proposed language
for their department's contribution. We are now reviewing the
reports. A proposed outline was provided to the White House on
December 22 and has been approved. We have scheduled a Working
Group meeting on January 18 to review the draft report.
FUTURE ACTIVITY: SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND THE FAMILY
Because of the President's strong commitment to an effective
national drug policy, and because substance abuse has a dramatic
impact on policies and programs of every department and agency, we
will begin a policy discussion on this issue in February (date not
yet set).
The Office of National Drug Control Policy actively supports our
participation in this activity.
TAB F
Issues
DOMESTIC POLICY COUNCIL STATUS CHART
Updated May 9, 1990
DOMESTIC POLICY COUNCIL WORKING GROUPS
ISSUE
DESCRIPTION
WORKING GROUP STATUS
DPC MEETING ST
Agent Orange
To coordinate interagency review of
A Task Force, reporting to the Health
A DPC meeting is
agent orange studies and issues.
Policy Working Group, is currently
May or June.
reviewing the selected cancers study
and a 1990 status report on existing
Agent Orange studies. Both are
developed by the Centers for Disease
Control in HHS.
Anti-Poverty
To develop a broad-based anti-poverty
The Low Income Opportunity Board
The DPC met twic
and low income opportunity agenda.
(LIOB) has prepared an initial
and directed the L
discussion paper on low income
comprehensive an
opportunity. It should be reiterated that
the Administration.
this is a discussion paper and the issue
DPC will consider
has not yet reached the decision stage.
paper.
Border Control
Implementation of recommendations
A draft charter has been prepared.
Development over
from the Task Force on Border Control.
status report is an
months.
Budget Reform
Development of an initiative on
Action completed.
Action completed.
enhanced recission authority, a
constitutional amendment for line item
veto, and balanced budget.
Civil Justice Reform
Survey of costs and delays in the civil
Monitoring ongoing work at DOJ.
Long term project.
litigation system.
Health Care Reform
To review recommendations on the
Monitoring ongoing work at HHS. A full
Congress may mov
quality, accessibility and cost of health
working group meeting May 16 may
highlight the health
care.
consider the infant mortality workplan,
is developing option
the Census statistics, a Medicare
options for initiative
Trustee report and the Health
the budget review P
Objectives for the year 2000.
Hispanic Education
The President directed Secretary
The Task Force forwarded a status
DPC consideration
Cavazos to create a Hispanic
report to the President on February 28
recommendations i
Education Task Force and make
and is now holding five public regional
recommendations to improve Hispanic
hearings.
education.
Temporary Immigration
Policy development on visas and
The Immigration Working Group has
Long term project.
regulation of temporary workers.
postponed consideration of this issue
until there is further Congressional
action, which is not anticipated until
next year.
Infant Mortality
Administration strategy to address
A Task force, reporting to the Health
The DPC met on N
infant mortality issues.
Policy Working Group, is developing a
and recommended
work plan and cost analysis. The work
Task Force in light
plan will be discussed at a Health
Administration poli
Policy Working Group meeting on May
already being cons
16.
review process.
Literacy MBO
Development of the joint HHS-
The Literacy Task Force has been
The DPC met on
Education-Labor literacy MBO.
created and begun development of the
and made recomm
Literacy MBO.
Administration liter
DPC can consider
beginning in June.
Medical Liability
Proposals for an Administration
The interim report has been prepared
The DPC met on
initiative to help restrain liability costs
for DPC consideration.
recommended the
and speed settlement of medical
develop three of fo
claims.
An interim report W
DPC on May 14, 1
at a later meeting.
OCS Task Force
Develop options for prudent, environ-
An internal White House working group
Principals met with
mentally sound OCS leasing and
met to finish an options paper on May
January 22, 1990
development.
1.
the Task Force red
Pollution Prevention
Develop a legislative package of
EPA and OMB are negotiating on an
Medium term proje
pollution prevention initiatives.
EPA legislative proposal. Further
action is pending.
Science and Technology
To consider domestic and social
A combined EPC/DPC working group
Long term project.
science policy issues and develop
chaired by Dr. Bromley. Monitoring
Administration policies.
activities in the FCCSET science
advisory group.
Volunteer Liability
Develop options for an Administration
The Tort Reform Working Group has
The DPC met on
initiative to reduce barriers to
completed development of detailed
and approved an C
volunteerism created by the current tort
options.
President approve
system.
of the options. A
scheduled for May
actions to impleme
Wetlands
Determine ways to implement the goal
A work plan on public meetings is
Long term project.
of "no net loss."
under development and has been
status report is pla
distributed to task force members. The
future.
first public meeting is planned for the
first week in June, 1990.
Crime Statistics
To monitor and coordinate current
Monitoring development of the concept
Medium term proj
reports and activities on criminal justice.
and appropriate materials by DOJ.
Cabinet is anticipa
Disabilities
To review federal agency activities and
Questionnaire has been circulated for
Long term project
programs and identify ways to improve
comment. A full working group meeting
asked to review a
federal efforts, including reducing
is anticipated for the week of May 14.
questionnaires tha
program overlap and promoting
departments and
independence.
Drug Control Policy
Develop the National Drug Control
The Working Group on Anti Drug Policy
Long term project
Strategy III.
will consider Strategy III during the
status of policy dis
summer.
scheduled in the r
will consider Strat
Summer/early Fall
Family Report
The Executive Order on the Family
The Children and Family Policy
The Executive Or
requires an annual report of the impact
Working Group developed and cleared
present the Family
of Federal programs and regulations on
a draft family report.
President through
the family.
consideration will
Federal Employee Health
To develop a comprehensive reform
The Task Force is developing reform
Principals met twi
proposal of the Federal Employees
details and will meet again on May 16.
and directed deve
Health Benefits program.
of reforms and ins
develop the details
anticipated in Fall,
Food Labeling
To monitor and coordinate among
A strategy group met on March 22,
Long term project.
affected Federal agencies the FDA
1990 and a timeline for development of
DPC may be nece
initiative for a comprehensive overhaul
regulations was proposed. FDA will
Summer. The iss
of food labeling regulations.
continue its work and the group will
Congress.
meet for a status report in May or June
1990.
INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Bergen Conference
U.S. responses to this international
A strategy group developed U.S.
Short term project
conference.
delegation instructions and
representation for the meeting, held
from May 8 to 16, 1990.
Montreal Protocol Finance
U.S. position on funding mechanisms
An informal strategy group developed
Principals meeting
under the Protocol.
U.S. delegation instructions to present
Decisions made O
at a May meeting.
framework for dele
NEPA E.T.
Reevaluation of E.O. 12114 to ensure
A CEQ interagency task force is
Legislation is movi
pertinent environmental aspects of all
currently considering this issue.
Task Force plans
major U.S. actions abroad are fully
an Administration
considered.
end of June 1990.
Montreal Protocol Controls
U.S. position on new chemical controls
A PCC Working Group developed
The DPC consider
under the Protocol.
position proposals and sent them to the
approved, initial porting
White House. The issue is also under
March 1989.
negotiation in the Clean Air Act. An
informal strategy session will be
scheduled by OPD.
Framework Convention
Steps leading to, and scheduling of, the
A strategy group is considering timing,
Long term project.
first negotiation session on a climate
substantive issues, and White House
change framework convention.
conference follow-up.
TAB G
Calendar
1655
5ʳᵈ
DPC MEETING PROJECTED SCHEDULE MAY/JUNE (May 11, 1990)
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
7
8
9
10
11
14
15
16
17
18
2:00
2:00 Anti
Medical
Poverty
Liability
Agenda
Interim
Report
(Volunteer)
21
22
23
24
25
(T) Medical
(T) Family
Liability
Report
Report
28
29
30
31
1
(T) Agent
Orange
4
5
6
7
8
11
12
13
14
15