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Fundraising Dinner for Senator Phil Gramm 12/7/89 [OA 3540]
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Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
FOIA Number:
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This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
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Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
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Speechwriting, White House Office of
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Speech File Draft Files
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Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13513
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13513-013
Folder Title:
Fundraising Dinner for Senator Phil Gramm 12/7/89 [OA 3540]
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6
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#2006
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Houston, Texas)
For Immediate Release
December 7, 1989
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AT FUNDRAISING DINNER
FOR SENATOR PHIL GRAMM
The Houston Astrodome
Houston, Texas
8:09 P.M. CST
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, Phil. I'll admit it, these
days I'm a little nervous when I give a speech on December 7th.
Pearl Harbor Day, I think. (Laughter and applause.)
To our dear friend, Wendy Gramm, and the Secretary of the
Treasury, Nick Brady, and to Dr. Bill Bennett who's waging the fight
against narcotics for our country. To Chairman Atwater, the able
Chairman of the Republican National Committee, and to our able state
leaders, Fred Meyer and Penny Butler, Tom Loeffler, pleased to be
with you all. And, of course, it's a great pleasure to see my
friend, Lee Greenwood again, and Chuck Norris, with whom I
campaigned. We campaigned with both of them, and so many other
celebrities here tonight.
And I want to say a special hello to the members of our
terrific Republican Texas Congressional Delegation. To them, I would
simply say, my condolences for going from one House of Pain to
another. (Applause.) You know, the only thing better than being
introduced by Phil Gramm is hearing Phil Gramm being introduced by
Moses. (Laughter.)
And Chuck, it's a great pleasure to see you again. Long
John Silver -- and that'll be a tremendous success, I know.
But it's always good to come home to Texas. And
actually, I'm happy to say that Houston was just selected as the site
for the next economic summit. (Applause.) In 1990, the world's
economic superpowers will all convene here. I thought I'd show off
my hometown. And I hope you don't mind, but it's going to be a
tremendous meeting here. (Applause.)
As you know, I've just returned from what many have
called a saltwater "summit" with Mikhail Gorbachev. Others have
called it the "schmooze cruise." And as usual, reality is somewhere
in the middle.
Our meeting was a positive, productive, hopeful step
toward a new American-Soviet relationship. Our talks ranged widely,
and offered a glimpse of what all of us have hoped for, for these
forty years: a more stable, more peaceful world.
With the support of the American people, and with the
solidarity of the Alliance, the promise of a new world of freedom is
within our reach. May it be fulfilled in our lifetime. (Applause.)
I offered a number of ideas to Chairman Gorbachev. And I
suggested that we work to complete a trade agreement, which would
lead, then, to Most Favored Nation status for the Soviet Union, by
the time I meet with him next year, at the end of June, here in the
United States.
I proposed that we work to sign a new treaty in 1990 to
dramatically reduce conventional forces in Europe. You're aware of
our proposal where we take out 30,000 troops, and the Soviets close
MORE
- 2 -
to 200,000. And I suggested we accelerate the TART process and
speed the ban on chemical weapons.
Now, tensions have been reduced. But there was one area
where we differed. One area where I had to spea.: firmly and frankly
-- and that was on Central America. There can be no misunderstanding
here.
Whatever the Sandinistas have told the Soviet Union, we
know for fact-certain that arms are going from Nicaragua into El
Salvador. And we also know that Fidel Castro continues to export
revolution -- not just into El Salvador, but into other countries as
well.
Such activities in Nicaragua and Cuba weigh heavily on
U.S.-Soviet relations. And we want this hemisphere -- our hemisphere
-- free of that burden. We want this to be the first hemisphere made
up of entirely free, democratic countries. (Applause.) And we
support freedom everywhere.
Just last week, democracy was challenged in the
Philippines. And we stood with President Aquino then, and we
continue to stand with her and with democracy now. We must not let
the democratic process be overthrown by revolution and by military
takeover. (Applause.)
I really feel in my heart that the meeting with Mikhail
Gorbachev was a success a chance to improve an important
relationship. But tonight Malta somehow seems far away. It's great
to be home among so many old friends -- here at the Superbowl of
political fundraisers and to have a chance to say a few words
about a very close friend. One of the best friends that Texas has
ever had. Senator Phil Gramm. (Applause.)
I've known Phil for a lot of years, and I know that when
a problem needs attention -- when good policy needs to be created, or
misguided policy needs to be changed -- Phil is always the first one
out of the blocks. Willing to take the political risk for the public
good. He brings courage to Capitol Hill.
And there's no better evidence for that, than the story
of how Phil got his start as a Republican. You heard it mostly from
Chuck Heston a minute ago. In 1983, you know, Phil was a Democratic
congressman, justifiably proud of his work on the 1981 budget --
rebuilding national defense, reordering government priorities.
He risked a lot to push that budget through -- and
because of that, he was stripped of his seat by the liberal Democrats
controlling the process, there on the House Budget Committee.
So he changed parties, and in a real profile in courage,
he resigned from Congress - to allow the people of his district to
judge him and his actions. And he won re-election on Lincoln's
Birthday, as the first Republican Congressman in the history of the
6th District of Texas. And because of his views and his strong
principles, he appealed to Republicans and Democrats then -- just as
he does now. We were glad to have him. And America was lucky to get
him back. (Applause.)
And let me tell you how personally I feel. We were even
luckier to have Senator Phil Gramm when, last winter, my
administration set out to make new progress on a number of fronts:
Education. The environment. The fight against drugs and crime. And
a balanced budget. And we made progress -- and Phil Gramm has been
with me, consulting, leading -- he's been with us every step of the
way.
Because education is the path to a brighter American
future, we convened the first Education Summit in American history.
We called for greater choice, and increased accountability, while
MORE
- 3
promoting and rewarding excellence.
Phil Gramm understands the value
of good education -- he co-sponsored our Educational Excellence Act.
We've also worked hard to preserve all of the facets of
our precious environment. We've proposed the first reforms to the
Clean Air Act in over a decade, working to balance economic growth
with environmental protection. And he understands -- Phil
understands that balance -- and he's helped us craft economically
efficient market incentives for our Clean Air Proposal.
Here in Texas he's been a leader in the federal and state
program to preserve Galveston Bay. He's supported legislation for an
international treaty banning offshore dumping in the Gulf. And he's
worked to clean up the Rio Grande River. Phil Gramm is making sure
the great state of Texas preserves what's hers. (Applause.)
But we must preserve another precious resource -- our
children. There is no greater threat to the health of the American
mind and the American family, than the poison of illegal drugs -- so
our Administration is working to win the fight against drugs.
I've saluted Bill Bennett for his courageous work and I
want to say this. Phil Gramm understands that fight -- he's been on
the front line from day one. He was there as Bill Bennett crafted
our widely-accepted National Drug Strategy to toughen enforcement,
limit supply, and shut down demand. But it will be a long war -- and
that's another reason that we, you and I, need Phil Gramm in
Washington.
In many ways, our fight has been delayed unnecessarily.
You see, I sent a tough, strong crime package to the members of
Congress last June. Our Texas Congressional delegation supports it.
Our distinguished Senator Phil Gramm supports it. But we need action
on that package. We need action now. And I hope the Congress, when
they come back, will pass this critical legislation early in the next
session -- to take back America's streets. We owe it to the young
people of this country. (Applause.)
We'll also need Phil for another tough fight. This
administration is committed to get that deficit down, committed to a
balanced budget -- and Phil Gramm understands how to balance a
budget.
He's fought budget-busting irresponsibility by creating
landmark budget-balancing legislation -- the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings
legislation. By helping us fend off tax increases. And by
encouraging the kind of incentives that continue to create an average
of over 200,000 new jobs a month -- every month -- for the last 84
months of this record-breaking peacetime economic expansion. You
see, Phil understands prosperity. He helps create it -- every day
that he's working in the United States Senate.
The Senate needs him -- because as you know, this man is
very smart. Last spring, when I was flying with Phil on Air Force
One -- on my way to going to the Aggie commencement address --
(cheering) -- I see he's brought along the reserves -- he offered to
trade his A & M tie for my basic, elitist, ivy-league striped tie.
I thought that was a pretty shrewd trade on my part.
Until later, when I found out that Phil went off to the Tarrant
County Republican Women's Club and sold off my tie for a thousand
dollars. (Laughter.) With that kind of savvy in Washington, there
is no doubt that we'll be able to balance the budget.
Just the other night, I was reading a Christmas story to
a couple of grandkids -- and when they asked me who the Three Wise
Men were, I said, of course, "Gramm, Rudman, and Hollings."
(Laughter.) I'm not so sure about that third wise man.
Thanks to that landmark legislation, in three of the last
MORE
- 4
four years, government has actually gotten smaller compared to the
private sector of our economy -- the deficit as a share of Gross
National Product has been cut roughly in half.
The discipline that this legislation imposes on Congress
is absolutely crucial to our long-term efforts to balance the federal
budget deficit. And I know that Washington will never find a
stronger advocate for a disciplined, balanced budget, than the
Senator from Texas, Phil Gramin. (Applause.)
You know, there's a story that Phil's half-brother tells
that when Phil was a little guy, he started a neighborhood army of a
half-a-dozen kids. One day, the smallest of the group ran crying to
Mrs. Gramm. The other boys were corporals or captains, and they were
working this young private pretty hard.
When Phil's mother called in Colonel Gramm and told him
to fix the situation immediately, Phil said, "Yes, Ma'am," turned
around, promoted the Private to 2nd Lieutenant, and promoted himself
to Major General. (Laughter.)
Like I said -- he's smart. A smart man -- a man who
understands power and how to use it -- to imporve education and the
environment, to win the fight against drugs, and to balance the
budget. But even more important, Phil Gramm knows how to empower
other Americans. All Americans.
"The largest beneficiary of a program for economic
freedom," he said recently, "is not the person who already has a
piece of the pie, but the person who wants the opportunity to get
one."
I need and Texas demands and America deserves his bold,
courageous leadership, to make the right things happen on Capitol
Hill. He's a Senator who knows what it means to serve his
constituents and his country -- and every day he's in the Senate, he
serves them ably, compassionately and well.
It's my pleasure and it's Barbara's pleasure to have been
with you here tonight. Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the
United States of America. Thank you very, very much. (Applause.)
END
8:26 P.M. CST
TRANSFER SHEET
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Office of Speechwriting
40
Speech File - Drafts
FILE FOLDER TITLE:
Fundraising Dinner for Senator Phil Gramm 12/7/89
[OA 3540]
TRANSFERRED BY:
DATE OF TRANSFER:
JGP
4/5/96
RECEIVED BY: WauLD
DATE RECEIVED
4/5/96
PHIL GRAMM FUNDRAISER
THE ASTRODOME, HOUSTON
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1989
[7:30 P.M.]
THANK YOU, PHIL. " I'LL ADMIT IT, THESE DAYS
I'M A LITTLE NERVOUS WHEN I GIVE A SPEECH ON DECEMBER
7TH... "
WENDY GRAMM. SECRETARY BRADY. DR. BILL BENNETT.
CHAIRMAN ATWATER, FRED MEYER, PENNY BUTLER, TOM
LOEFFLER, LEE GREENWOOD. FELLOW TEXANS
AND I WANT TO SAY A SPECIAL HELLO TO THE MEMBERS
OF THE REPUBLICAN TEXAS CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION. MY
CONDOLENCES -- FOR GOING FROM ONE HOUSE OF PAIN TO
ANOTHER. 11
- 2 -
" YOU KNOW, THE ONLY THING BETTER THAN BEING
INTRODUCED BY PHIL GRAMM, IS HEARING PHIL GRAMM BEING
INTRODUCED BY MOSES. 11
BUT IT'S ALWAYS GOOD TO COME HOME TO TEXAS.
ACTUALLY, I'M HAPPY TO SAY THAT HOUSTON WAS JUST CHOSEN
AS THE SITE FOR THE NEXT ECONOMIC SUMMIT. IN 1990, THE
WORLD'S ECONOMIC SUPERPOWERS WILL ALL CONVENE HERE.
THOUGHT I'D SHOW OFF MY HOME TOWN. I HOPE YOU DON'T
MIND. 11
AS YOU KNOW, I'VE JUST RETURNED FROM WHAT MANY
HAVE CALLED A SALTWATER "SUMMIT" WITH MIKHAIL
GORBACHEV. OTHERS HAVE CALLED IT THE "SCHMOOZE
CRUISE." 11 AS USUAL, REALITY IS SOMEWHERE IN THE
MIDDLE.
OUR MEETING WAS A POSITIVE, PRODUCTIVE, HOPEFUL
STEP TOWARD A NEW AMERICAN-SOVIET RELATIONSHIP. OUR
TALKS RANGED WIDELY, AND OFFERED A GLIMPSE OF WHAT ALL
OF US HAVE HOPED FOR, THESE FORTY YEARS: A MORE
STABLE, MORE PEACEFUL WORLD.
- 3 -
WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, AND WITH
THE SOLIDARITY OF THE ALLIANCE, THE PROMISE OF A NEW
WORLD OF FREEDOM IS WITHIN OUR REACH. MAY IT BE
FULFILLED IN OUR LIFETIME. 11
I OFFERED A NUMBER OF IDEAS TO CHAIRMAN GORBACHEV.
I SUGGESTED WE WORK TO COMPLETE A TRADE AGREEMENT,
WHICH WOULD LEAD TO MOST FAVORED NATION STATUS FOR THE
SOVIET the UniteclStates . UNION, BY THE TIME I MEET WITH HIM NEXT YEAR IN
WASHINGTON.
to reduce dramatically
I PROPOSED THAT WE WORK TO SIGN A NEW TREATY ON in
1990
^
CONVENTIONAL FORCES IN EUROPE IN 1990. AND I SUGGESTED
WE ACCELERATE THE START PROCESS -- AND SPEED THE BAN OF
CHEMICAL WEAPONS.
TENSIONS HAVE BEEN REDUCED. BUT THERE WAS ONE
AREA WHERE I HAD TO SPEAK FIRMLY, AND FRANKLY - -- AND
THAT WAS ON CENTRAL AMERICA. THERE CAN BE NO
MISUNDERSTANDING HERE.
- 4 -
WHATEVER ELSE THE SANDINISTAS HAVE TOLD THE SOVIET
UNION, WE KNOW THAT ARMS ARE GOING FROM NICARAGUA INTO
EL SALVADOR. AND WE ALSO KNOW THAT FIDEL CASTRO
CONTINUES TO EXPORT REVOLUTION - -- NOT JUST INTO EL
SALVADOR, BUT INTO OTHER COUNTRIES AS WELL.
SUCH ACTIVITIES IN NICARAGUA AND CUBA WEIGH
HEAVILY ON U.S.-SOVIET RELATIONS. WE WANT THIS
HEMISPHERE FREE OF THAT BURDEN. WE WANT THIS TO BE THE
FIRST HEMISPHERE MADE UP ENTIRELY OF FREE, DEMOCRATIC
COUNTRIES.
THE MEETING WITH MIKHAIL GORBACHEV WAS A
SUCCESS : -- A CHANCE TO IMPROVE AN IMPORTANT
RELATIONSHIP. BUT TONIGHT MALTA SEEMS FAR AWAY. IT'S
GREAT TO BE HOME AMONG SO MANY OLD FRIENDS -- HERE AT
THE SUPERBOWL OF POLITICAL FUNDRAISERS - AND TO HAVE A
CHANCE TO SAY A FEW WORDS ABOUT A VERY CLOSE FRIEND.
ONE OF THE BEST FRIENDS TEXAS EVER HAD. SENATOR PHIL
GRAMM.
- 5
I'VE KNOWN PHIL FOR A LOT OF YEARS, AND I KNOW
THAT WHEN A PROBLEM NEEDS ATTENTION -- WHEN GOOD POLICY
NEEDS TO BE CREATED, OR MISGUIDED POLICY NEEDS TO BE
CHANGED -- PHIL IS ALWAYS THE FIRST OUT OF THE BLOCKS.
WILLING TO TAKE POLITICAL RISK FOR THE PUBLIC GOOD.
PHIL GRAMM BRINGS COURAGE TO CAPITOL HILL.
THERE'S NO BETTER EVIDENCE FOR THAT, THAN THE
STORY OF HOW PHIL GOT HIS START AS A REPUBLICAN. IN
1983, YOU KNOW, PHIL WAS A DEMOCRATIC CONGRESSMAN. HE
WAS JUSTIFIABLY PROUD OF HIS WORK ON THE 1981 BUDGET --
REBUILDING NATIONAL DEFENSE AND REORDERING GOVERNMENT
PRIORITIES.
HE RISKED A LOT TO PUSH THAT BUDGET THROUGH -- AND
BECAUSE OF IT, HE WAS STRIPPED OF HIS SEAT BY THE
LIBERAL DEMOCRATS CONTROLLING THE PROCESS, THERE ON THE
HOUSE BUDGET COMMITTEE.
- 6 -
SO HE CHANGED PARTIES, AND IN A REAL PROFILE IN
COURAGE, HE RESIGNED FROM CONGRESS -- TO ALLOW THE
PEOPLE OF HIS DISTRICT TO JUDGE HIM AND HIS ACTIONS.
HE WON RE-ELECTION ON LINCOLN'S BIRTHDAY, AS THE FIRST
REPUBLICAN CONGRESSMAN IN THE HISTORY OF THE 6TH
DISTRICT. BECAUSE OF HIS VIEWS AND HIS STRONG
PRINCIPLES, HE APPEALED TO REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS
THEN -- JUST AS HE DOES NOW.
WE WERE GLAD TO HAVE
HIM. AND AMERICA WAS LUCKY TO GET HIM BACK.
AND WE WERE EVEN LUCKIER TO HAVE SENATOR PHIL
GRAMM WHEN, LAST WINTER, THIS ADMINISTRATION SET OUT TO
MAKE NEW PROGRESS ON A NUMBER OF FRONTS: EDUCATION.
THE ENVIRONMENT. THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS AND CRIME.
AND A BALANCED BUDGET. WE'VE MADE PROGRESS -- AND PHIL
GRAMM HAS BEEN WITH US EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.
- 7
BECAUSE EDUCATION IS THE PATH TO A BRIGHTER
AMERICAN FUTURE, WE CONVENED THE FIRST EDUCATION SUMMIT
IN AMERICAN HISTORY. WE CALLED FOR GREATER CHOICE, AND
INCREASED ACCOUNTABILITY, WHILE PROMOTING AND REWARDING
EXCELLENCE. PHIL GRAMM UNDERSTANDS THE VALUE OF GOOD
EDUCATION -- HE CO-SPONSORED OUR EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE
ACT.
WE'VE ALSO WORKED HARD TO PRESERVE ALL OF THE
FACETS OF OUR PRECIOUS ENVIRONMENT. WE'VE PROPOSED THE
FIRST REFORMS TO THE CLEAN AIR ACT IN OVER A DECADE,
WORKING TO BALANCE ECONOMIC GROWTH WITH ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION. PHIL GRAMM UNDERSTANDS THAT BALANCE --
HE'S HELPED US CRAFT ECONOMICALLY EFFICIENT MARKET
INCENTIVES FOR OUR CLEAN AIR PROPOSAL.
HERE IN TEXAS HE'S BEEN A LEADER IN THE FEDERAL
AND STATE PROGRAM TO PRESERVE GALVESTON BAY. HE'S
SUPPORTED LEGISLATION FOR AN INTERNATIONAL TREATY
BANNING OFFSHORE DUMPING IN THE GULF. AND HE'S WORKED
TO CLEAN UP THE RIO GRANDE RIVER. PHIL GRAMM IS MAKING
SURE THE GREAT STATE OF TEXAS PRESERVES WHAT'S HERS.
- 8 -
BUT WE MUST PRESERVE ANOTHER PRECIOUS RESOURCE - --
OUR CHILDREN. THERE IS NO GREATER THREAT TO THE HEALTH
OF THE AMERICAN MIND AND THE AMERICAN FAMILY, THAN THE
POISON OF ILLEGAL DRUGS -- SO THIS ADMINISTRATION IS
WORKING TO WIN THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS.
PHIL GRAMM UNDERSTANDS THAT FIGHT -- HE'S BEEN ON
THE FRONT LINE FROM DAY ONE. HE WAS THERE AS BILL
BENNETT CRAFTED OUR NATIONAL DRUG STRATEGY TO TOUGHEN
ENFORCEMENT, LIMIT SUPPLY, AND SHUT DOWN DEMAND. BUT
IT WILL BE A LONG WAR -- AND THAT'S ANOTHER REASON I
NEED PHIL GRAMM IN WASHINGTON.
IN MANY WAYS, OUR FIGHT HAS BEEN DELAYED
UNNECESSARILY. I SENT A TOUGH CRIME PACKAGE TO THE
June
MEMBERS OF CONGRESS LAST MAY. WE NEED ACTION ON THAT
PACKAGE. WE NEED ACTION NOW. AND I HOPE CONGRESS WILL
PASS THIS CRITICAL LEGISLATION EARLY IN THE NEXT
SESSION - TO TAKE BACK AMERICA'S STREETS.
WE'LL ALSO NEED PHIL FOR ANOTHER TOUGH FIGHT.
THIS ADMINISTRATION IS COMMITTED TO A BALANCED
BUDGET -- AND PHIL GRAMM UNDERSTANDS HOW TO BALANCE A
BUDGET.
- 9
HE'S FOUGHT BUDGET-BUSTING IRRESPONSIBILITY BY
CREATING LANDMARK BUDGET-BALANCING LEGISLATION -- THE
GRAMM-RUDMAN-HOLLINGS LEGISLATION. BY HELPING US FEND
OFF TAX INCREASES. AND BY ENCOURAGING THE KIND OF
INCENTIVES THAT CONTINUE TO CREATE AN AVERAGE OF OVER
200,000 NEW JOBS A MONTH -- EVERY MONTH -- FOR THE LAST
84 MONTHS OF THIS RECORD-BREAKING PEACETIME ECONOMIC
EXPANSION. PHIL GRAMM UNDERSTANDS PROSPERITY. HE
CREATES IT -- EVERY DAY HE'S WORKING IN THE U.S.
SENATE.
THE SENATE NEEDS PHIL GRAMM -- BECAUSE AS YOU
KNOW, THIS MAN IS VERY SMART. LAST SPRING, WHEN I WAS
FLYING WITH PHIL ON AIR FORCE ONE -- ON MY WAY TO
GIVING THE AGGIE COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS -- HE OFFERED TO
TRADE HIS A & M TIE FOR MY ORDINARY STRIPED ONE. I
THOUGHT THAT WAS A PRETTY SHREWD TRADE ON MY PART.
UNTIL LATER, WHEN I FOUND OUT PHIL WENT OFF TO THE
TARRANT COUNTY REPUBLICAN WOMEN'S CLUB -- AND AUCTIONED
OFF MY TIE. FOR A THOUSAND DOLLARS. WITH THAT KIND OF
SAVVY IN WASHINGTON, THERE'S NO DOUBT WE'LL BALANCE THE
BUDGET.
- 10 .
JUST THE OTHER NIGHT, I WAS READING A CHRISTMAS
STORY TO A COUPLE OF GRANDKIDS -- AND WHEN THEY ASKED
ME WHO THE THREE WISE MEN WERE, I SAID "GRAMM, RUDMAN,
AND HOLLINGS." "
THANKS TO THAT LANDMARK LEGISLATION, IN THREE OF
THE LAST FOUR YEARS, GOVERNMENT HAS ACTUALLY GOTTEN
SMALLER COMPARED TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR OF THE
ECONOMY -- AND THE DEFICIT AS A SHARE OF G.N.P. HAS
BEEN CUT ROUGHLY IN HALF.
THE DISCIPLINE THAT THIS LEGISLATION IMPOSES ON
CONGRESS IS ABSOLUTELY CRUCIAL TO OUR LONG TERM EFFORTS
TO BALANCE THE FEDERAL BUDGET DEFICIT. AND I KNOW THAT
WASHINGTON WILL NEVER FIND A STRONGER ADVOCATE FOR A
DISCIPLINED, BALANCED BUDGET, THAN THE SENATOR FROM
TEXAS.
YOU KNOW, THERE'S A STORY THAT PHIL'S HALF-BROTHER
TELLS, THAT WHEN PHIL WAS A TYKE, HE STARTED A
NEIGHBORHOOD ARMY OF HALF A DOZEN KIDS. ONE DAY, THE
SMALLEST OF THE GROUP RAN CRYING TO MRS. GRAMM. THE
OTHER BOYS WERE CORPORALS OR CAPTAINS, AND THEY WERE
WORKING THIS YOUNG PRIVATE PRETTY HARD.
- 11 -
WELL, PHIL'S MOTHER CALLED IN COLONEL GRAMM AND
TOLD HIM TO FIX THE SITUATION IMMEDIATELY. PHIL SAID,
"YES, MA'AM," TURNED AROUND, PROMOTED THE PRIVATE TO
2ND LIEUTENANT, AND PROMOTED HIMSELF TO MAJOR GENERAL.
LIKE I SAID -- PHIL'S A SMART MAN. A MAN WHO
UNDERSTANDS POWER AND HOW TO USE IT -- TO IMPROVE
EDUCATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT, TO WIN THE FIGHT AGAINST
DRUGS, AND TO BALANCE THE BUDGET. BUT EVEN MORE
IMPORTANT, PHIL GRAMM KNOWS HOW TO EMPOWER OTHER
AMERICANS. ALL AMERICANS.
"THE LARGEST BENEFICIARY OF A PROGRAM FOR ECONOMIC
FREEDOM," HE SAID RECENTLY, "IS NOT THE PERSON WHO
ALREADY HAS A PIECE OF THE PIE, BUT THE PERSON WHO
WANTS THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET ONE."
I NEED -- TEXAS DEMANDS -- AND AMERICA DESERVES
PHIL GRAMM'S BOLD, COURAGEOUS LEADERSHIP, TO MAKE THE
RIGHT THINGS HAPPEN ON CAPITOL HILL. HE'S A SENATOR
WHO KNOWS WHAT IT MEANS TO SERVE HIS CONSTITUENTS, AND
HIS COUNTRY -- AND EVERY DAY HE'S IN THE SENATE, HE
SERVES THEM ABLY, COMPASSIONATELY, AND WELL.
- 12 -
THANK YOU. GOD BLESS YOU. AND GOD BLESS THE
GREAT STATE OF TEXAS.
###
(Lange/Blessey)
December 6, 1989
6:30 p.m.
[GRAMM.DOC]
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PHIL GRAMM FUNDRAISER
THE ASTRODOME, HOUSTON
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1989
[7:30 P.M.]
Thank you, Phil. (( I'll admit it, these days I'm a little
nervous when I give a speech on December 7th
))
Wendy Gramm. Secretary Brady. Dr. Bill Bennett. Chairman
Atwater, Fred Meyer (State Chairman), Penny Butler (National
10m Loeffler (Campoisn and I want to say a spenal hells to the
Committeewoman) / Lee Greenwood Members of the Republican Texas
mycondoliness for going from on House of Pain to
Congressional Delegation. Fellow Texans
another 11
(( You know, the only thing better than being introduced by
Phil Gramm, is hearing Phil Gramm being introduced by Moses. \\
I hear the Astrodome is just about big enough to hold the
nation of Monaco. Tall enough that rain clouds form up there.
Nice to meet you in such an intimate little setting
))
Sure it's big -- but it'll never be large enough to hold the
big heart of Texas.
But its always great to come home to Telans.
Actually, I'm happy to say that Houston was just chosen as
the site for the next economic summit. In 1990, the world's
economic superpowers will all convene here. Thought I'd show off
my home town. I hope you don't mind. \\
As you know, I've just returned from what many have called a
saltwater "summit" with Mikhail Gorbachev. Others have called it
the "schmooze cruise." \\ As usual, reality is somewhere in the
middle.
2
Our meeting was a positive, productive, hopeful step toward
a new American-Soviet relationship. Our talks ranged widely, and
offered a glimpse of what all of us have hoped for, these forty
years: a more stable, more peaceful world.
With the support of the American people, and with the
solidarity of the Alliance, the promise of a new world of freedom
is within our reach. May it be fulfilled in our lifetime.
I offered a number of ideas to Chairman Gorbachev. I
suggested we work to complete a trade agreement, which would lead
to Most Favored Nation status for the Soviet Union, by the time I
meet with him next year in Washington.
I proposed that we work to sign a new treaty on Conventional
Forces in Europe in 1990. And I suggested we accelerate the
START process -- and speed the ban of chemical weapons.
Tensions have been reduced. But there was one area where I
had to speak firmly, and frankly -- and that was on Central
America. There can be no misunderstanding here.
Whatever else the Sandinistas have told the Soviet Union, we
know that arms are going from Nicaragua into El Salvador. And we
also know that Fidel Castro continues to export revolution -- not
just into El Salvador, but into other countries as well.
Such activities in Nicaragua and Cuba weigh heavily on U.S.-
Soviet relations. We want this hemisphere free of that burden.
We want this to be the first hemisphere made up entirely of free,
democratic countries.
3
The meeting with Mikhail Gorbachev was a great success -- a
chance to improve an important relationship. But tonight Malta
seems far away. It's great to be home among so many old friends
-- here at the Superbowl of political fundraisers -- and to have
a chance to say a few words about a very close friend. One of
the best friends Texas ever had. Senator Phil Gramm.
I've known Phil for a lot of years, and I know that when
a problem needs attention -- when good policy needs to be
created, or misguided policy needs to be changed -- Phil is
always the first out of the blocks. Willing to take political
risk for the public good. Phil Gramm brings courage to Capitol
Hill.
There's no better evidence for that, than the story of how
Phil got his start as a Republican. In 1983, you know, Phil was
a Democratic Congressman. He was justifiably proud of his work
on the 1981 budget -- rebuilding national defense and reordering
government priorities.
He risked a lot to push that budget through -- and because
of it, he was stripped of his seat by the liberal Democrats
controlling the process, there on the House Budget Committee.
So he changed parties, and in a real profile in courage, he
resigned from Congress -- to allow the people of his district to
judge him and his actions. He won re-election on Lincoln's
birthday, as the first Republican Congressman in the history of
his strong
the 6th District. Because of his views and principles, he
appealed to Republicans and Democrats then -- just as he does
4
now. We were glad to have him. And America was lucky to get
him back.
And we were even luckier to have Senator Phil Gramm when,
last winter, this Administration set out to make new progress on
a number of fronts: Education. The environment. The fight
against drugs and crime. And a balanced budget. We've made
progress -- and Phil Gramm has been with us every step of the
way.
Because education is the path to a brighter American future,
we convened the first Education Summit in American history. We
called for greater choice, and increased accountability, while
promoting and rewarding excellence. Phil Gramm understands the
value of good education -- he co-sponsored our Educational
Excellence Act.
We've also worked hard to preserve all of the facets of our
precious environment. We've proposed the first reforms to the
Clean Air Act in over a decade, working to balance economic
growth with environmental protection. Phil Gramm understands
that balance -- he's helped us craft economically efficient
market incentives for our Clean Air Proposal.
Here in Texas he's been a leader in the federal and state
program to preserve Galveston Bay. He's supported legislation
for an international treaty banning offshore dumping in the Gulf.
And he's worked to clean up the Rio Grande River. Phil Gramm is
making sure the great state of Texas preserves what's hers.
5
But we must preserve another precious resource -- our
children. There is no greater threat to the health of the
American mind and the American family, than the poison of illegal
drugs -- so this Administration is working to win the fight
against drugs.
Phil Gramm understands that fight -- he's been on the front
line from day one. He was there as Bill Bennett crafted our
National Drug Strategy to toughen enforcement, limit supply, and
shut down demand. But it will be a long war -- and that's
another reason I need Phil Gramm in Washington.
In many ways, our fight has been delayed unnecessarily,
tough crime
some say, unconscionably. I sent a package of new legislation on
drugs and crime up to the members of Congress last May. We need
and hope
action on that package. We need action now. I look forward to
Congress wall pass this critical regislation
working with the members, to get passage of a meaningful crime
to take hack americas streets
package early in the next session.
We'll also need Phil for another tough fight. This
Administration is committed to a balanced budget -- and Phil
Gramm understands how to balance a budget.
He's fought budget-busting irresponsibility by creating
landmark budget-balancing legislation -- the Gramm-Rudman-
Hollings legislation. By helping us fend off tax increases. And
by encouraging the kind of incentives that continue to create an
average of over 200,000 new jobs a month -- every month -- for
the last 84 months of this record-breaking peacetime economic
6
expansion. Phil Gramm understands prosperity. He creates it --
every day he's working in the U.S. Senate.
The Senate needs Phil Gramm -- because as you know, this man
is very smart. Last Spring, when I was flying with Phil on Air
Force One -- on my way to giving the Aggie commencement address
-- he offered to trade his A & M tie for my ordinary striped one.
I thought that was a pretty shrewd trade on my part. Until
later, when I found out Phil went off to the Tarrant County
Republican Women's Club -- and auctioned off my tie. For a
thousand dollars. With that kind of savvy in Washington, there's
no doubt we'll balance the budget.
Just the other night, I was reading a Christmas story to a
couple of grandkids -- and when they asked me who the Three Wise
Men were, I said "Gramm, Rudman, and Hollings. ))
Thanks to that landmark legislation, in three of the last
four years, government has actually gotten smaller compared to
the private sector of the economy -- and the deficit as a share
of G.N.P. has been cut roughly in half.
The discipline that this legislation imposes on Congress is
absolutely crucial to our long term efforts to balance the
federal budget deficit. And I know that Washington will never
find a stronger advocate for a disciplined, balanced budget, than
the Senator from Texas.
You know, there's a story that Phil's half-brother tells,
that when Phil was a tyke, he started a neighborhood army of half
a dozen kids. One day, the smallest of the group ran crying to
7
Mrs. Gramm. The other boys were Corporals or Captains, and they
were working this young Private pretty hard.
Well, Phil's mother called in Colonel Gramm and told him to
fix the situation immediately. Phil said, "Yes, Ma'am," turned
around, promoted the Private to 2nd Lieutenant, and promoted
himself to Major General.
Like I said -- Phil's a smart man. A man who understands
power and how to use it -- to improve education and the
environment, to win the fight against drugs, and to balance the
budget. But even more important, Phil Gramm knows how to empower
other Americans. All Americans.
"The largest beneficiary of a program for economic freedom,"
he said recently, "is not the person who already has a piece of
the pie, but the person who wants the opportunity to get one."
I need -- Texas demands -- and America deserves Phil Gramm's
bold, courageous leadership, to make the right things happen on
Capitol Hill. He's a Senator who knows what it means to serve
his constituents, and his country -- and every day he's in the
Senate, he serves them ably, compassionately, and well.
Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the great state of
Texas.
# # #
095194SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 12/4/89
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 4:00 PM, TUES. , DEC. 5
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PHIL GRAMM FUNDRAISER
THE ASTRODOME, HOUSTON
SUBJECT:
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1989 [7:30 PM]
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
N/C
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
FITZWATER
WRAY
GRAY
>
DELAND N/C
HAGIN
BENNETT
REMARKS:
Please provide comments/edits directly to Chriss Winston,
Rm. 122, x2930, with a copy to my office, by 4:00 PM, TUESDAY,
DECEMBER 5. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(Lange/Blessey)
December 4, 1989
6:45 p.m.
1989 DEC - 4 PM 7: 26
1989 DEC 4 PM 7:26
[GRAMM.DOC]
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
PHIL GRAMM FUNDRAISER
THE ASTRODOME, HOUSTON
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1989
Decretory
[7:30 P.M.]
Bennett
Thank you, Phil.
(( You know, the only thing better than being introduced by
Phil Gramm, is hearing Phil Gramm being introduced by Moses.
[Charlton Heston introduces POTUS.]
The Astrodome is often called the "House of Pain." Maybe
that's why the other party is rumored to be holding its next
convention here. ))
Actually, I'm happy to say that Houston was just chosen as
the site for the next economic summit. In 1990, the world's
economic superpowers will all convene here. Thought I'd show off
my home town. I hope you don't mind. 11
It's great to be with you, here at the Superbowl of
political fundraisers -- and to have a chance to say a few words
about a very close friend. One of the best friends Texas ever
had. Senator Phil Gramm.
I've known Phil for a lot of years, and I know that when
a problem needs attention -- when good policy needs to be
created, or misguided policy needs to be changed -- Phil is
always the first out of the blocks. Willing to take political
risk for the public good. Phil Gramm brings courage to Capitol
Hill.
2
There's no better evidence for that, than the story of how
Phil got his start as a Republican. In 1983, you know, Phil was
a Democratic Congressman. He was justifiably proud of his work
on the 1981 budget -- rebuilding national defense and reordering
government priorities.
He risked a lot to push that budget through -- and was
eventually stripped of his seat on the House Budget Committee
because of it. ( ( We all make mistakes. Phil's only mistake
was running as a Democrat. ))
So he changed parties and, in a real profile in courage,
he resigned from Congress -- to allow the people of his district
to judge him and his actions. He won re-election on Lincoln's
birthday, as the first Republican Congressman in the history of
the 6th District. We were glad to have him. And America was
lucky to get him back.
And we were even luckier to have Senator Phil Gramm when,
last winter, this administration set out to make new progress on
a number of fronts: Education. The environment. The fight
against drugs. And a balanced budget. We've made progress --
and Phil Gramm has been with us every step of the way.
Because education is the path to a brighter American future,
we convened the first Education Summit in American history. We
called for greater choice, and increased accountability, while
promoting and rewarding excellence. Phil Gramm understands the
value of good education -- he co-sponsored our Excellence in
Education Act.
3
We've also worked hard to preserve all of the facets of our
precious environment. We've proposed the first reforms to the
Clean Air Act in over a decade, working to balance economic
growth with environmental protection. Phil Gramm understands
that balance -- he's supported our Clean Air Proposal, and helped
economically efficient
us craft the right t market incentives.
stet
Here in Texas he's been a leader in the federal and state
program to preserve Galveston Bay. He's supported legislation
for an international treaty banning offshore dumping in the Gulf.
And he's worked to clean up the Rio Grande River. Phil Gramm is
making sure the great state of Texas preserves what's hers.
But we must preserve another precious resource -- our
children. There is no greater threat to the health of the
American mind and the American family, than the poison of illegal
drugs -- so this administration is working to win the fight
against drugs.
Phil Gramm understands that fight -- he's been on the front
BueBennett
line from day one. He was there as we crafted our National Drug
Strategy to toughen enforcement, limit supply, and shut down
demand. But it will be a long war -- and that's another reason I
need Phil Gramm in Washington.
We'll also need Phil for another tough fight. This
Administration is committed to a balanced budget -- and Phil
Gramm understands how to balance a budget.
He's fought budget-busting irresponsibility by creating
landmark budget-balancing legislation -- the Gramm-Rudman-
4
Hollings legislation. By helping us fend off tax increases. And
by encouraging the kind of incentives that continue to create
over 200,000 new jobs a month -- every month -- for the last 84
peacetime
months of this record-breaking economic expansion. Phil Gramm
understands prosperity. He creates it -- every day he's working
in the U.S. Senate.
The Senate needs Phil Gramm -- because as you know, this man
is very smart. Last Spring, when I was flying with Phil on Air
Force One -- on my way to giving the Aggie commencement address -
- he offered to trade his A & M tie for my ordinary striped one.
I thought that was a pretty shrewd trade on my part. Until
later, when I found out Phil went off to the Tarrant County
Republican Women's Club -- and auctioned off my tie. For a
thousand dollars. With that kind of savvy in Washington, there's
no doubt we'll balance the budget.
Just the other night, I was reading a Christmas story to a
couple of grandkids -- and when they asked me who the Three Wise
Men were, I said "Gramm, Rudman, and Hollings." ))
Thanks to that landmark legislation, in three of the last
four years, government has actually gotten smaller compared to
the private sector of the economy -- and the deficit has been cut
roughly in half. (( I hear they're planning to invite Charlton
Heston to Washington, to see if he can part the red ink. \\
But I know that Washington will never find a stronger advocate
for a balanced budget, than the Senator from Texas. ))
5
You know, there's a story that Phil's half-brother tells,
that when Phil was a tyke, he started a neighborhood army of half
a dozen kids. One day, the smallest of the group ran crying to
Mrs. Gramm. The other boys were Corporals or Captains, and they
were working this young Private pretty hard.
Well, Phil's mother called in Colonel Gramm and told him to
fix the situation immediately. Phil said, "Yes, Ma'am," turned
around, promoted the Private to 2nd Lieutenant, and promoted
himself to Major General.
Like I said -- Phil's a smart man. A man who understands
power and how to use it -- to improve education and the
environment, to win the fight against drugs, and to balance the
budget. But even more important, Phil Gramm knows how to empower
other Americans. All Americans.
"The largest beneficiary of a program for economic freedom,"
he said recently, "is not the person who already has a piece of
the pie. It's the person who wants the opportunity to get one."
I need -- Texas demands -- and America deserves Phil Gramm's
bold, courageous leadership, to make the right things happen on
Capitol Hill. He's a Senator who knows what it means to serve
his constituents, and his country -- and every day he's in the
Senate, he serves both ably, compassionately, and well.
Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the great state of
Texas.
###
Document No. 09519455
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 12/6/89
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PHIL GRAMM FUNDRAISER
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
FITZWATER
WRAY
DELAND
GRAY
BENNETT
HAGIN
REMARKS:
The attached has been forwarded to the President.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 5, 1989
INFORMATION
1969 DEC -5 PM 7: 49
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
CHRISS WINSTON
ad
FROM:
MARK LANGE mg
SUBJECT:
REMARKS FOR THE PHIL GRAMM FUNDRAISER
I. SUMMARY
On Thursday, December 7, at 7:30 p.m., you will address
4,000 people in Houston's Astrodome. Charlton Heston will
introduce Senator Gramm, who will introduce you.
Wendy Gramm, Secretary Brady, Dr. Bill Bennett, Chairman
Atwater, the entire Republican Texas Congressional Delegation,
Fred Meyer (State Chairman), Penny Butler (National
Committeewoman), and Lee Greenwood will also attend.
II. DISCUSSION
The attached remarks (12 minutes, teleprompter) touch on
Malta, and then move on to praise Phil Gramm's accomplishments in
the House and Senate. The remarks salute his courageous work on
the 1981 budget, and mention his support for our proposals on
education, crime, and the environment.
(Lange/Blessey)
December 5, 1989
7:15 p.m.
[GRAMM.DOC]
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
PHIL GRAMM FUNDRAISER
THE ASTRODOME, HOUSTON
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1989
[7:30 P.M.]
Thank you, Phil. (( I'll admit it, these days I'm a little
nervous when I give a speech on December 7th
))
Wendy Gramm. Secretary Brady. Dr. Bill Bennett. Chairman
Atwater, Fred Meyer (State Chairman), Penny Butler (National
Committeewoman), Lee Greenwood. Members of the Republican Texas
Congressional Delegation. Fellow Texans
(( You know, the only thing better than being introduced by
Phil Gramm, is hearing Phil Gramm being introduced by Moses.
The Astrodome is often called the "House of Pain." Maybe
that's why the other party is rumored to be holding its next
convention here ))
Actually, I'm happy to say that Houston was just chosen as
the site for the next economic summit. In 1990, the world's
economic superpowers will all convene here. Thought I'd show off
my home town. I hope you don't mind. \\
As you know, I've just returned from what many have called a
saltwater "summit" with Mikhail Gorbachev. Others have called it
the "schmooze cruise." 11 As usual, reality is somewhere in the
middle.
Our meeting was a positive, productive, hopeful step toward
a new American-Soviet relationship. Our talks ranged widely, and
offered a glimpse of what all of us have hoped for, these forty
2
years: a more stable, more peaceful world.
With the support of the American people, and with the
solidarity of the Alliance, the promise of a new world of freedom
is within our reach. May it be fulfilled in our lifetime. 11
I offered a number of ideas to Chairman Gorbachev.
I
then
suggested we work to complete a trade agreement, granting Most
would
Favored Nation status to the Soviet Union, when I meet with him
next year in Washington.
I proposed, that we work to sign a new treaty on Conventional
Forces in Europe in 1990. And I suggested we accelerate the
START process and speed the ban of chemical weapons.
Tensions have been reduced. But there was one area where I
had to speak firmly, and frankly
I
and that was on Central
America. There can be no misunderstanding here.
Whatever else the Sandinistas have told our friends in the
Soviet Union, we know that arms are going from Nicaragua into El
Salvador. such Activities in those countries and in Cuba weigh
in Nicargua
heavily on U.S.-Soviet relations.
We want this hemisphere free
We want this to be the lot hemosple
of that burden.
11 sobelly made up of Democratic countries.
My meeting with Mikhail Gorbachev was a great success -- a
improve imp. rels tronship
Malta seems foreway.
chance to build an new friendship.
But tonight it's great to be
home among so many old friends -- here at the Superbowl of
political fundraisers and to have a chance to say a few words
about a very close friend. One of the best friends Texas ever
had. Senator Phil Gramm.
I've known Phil for a lot of years, and I know that when
and me also know that FC contrainer to export
revoluternment E. Sal. but m to other
countries as well.
3
a problem needs attention -- when good policy needs to be
created, or misguided policy needs to be changed -- Phil is
always the first out of the blocks. Willing to take political
risk for the public good. Phil Gramm brings courage to Capitol
Hill.
There's no better evidence for that, than the story of how
Phil got his start as a Republican. In 1983, you know, Phil was
a Democratic Congressman. He was justifiably proud of his work
on the 1981 budget -- rebuilding national defense and reordering
government priorities.
He risked a lot to push that budget through -- and was
by the liberse D's contralling the process there
stripped of his seat on the House Budget Committee because of it
(1 We all make mistakes. Phil's only mistake was running as a
Democrat. ))
So he changed parties and, in a real profile in courage, he
resigned from Congress -- to allow the people of his district to
judge him and his actions. He won re-election on Lincoln's
birthday, as the first Republican Congressman in the history of
Recource of views 1 principle he appealed to R&F is's then
the 6th District. We were glad to have him. And America was
lucky to get him back.
just 10
does now.
And we were even luckier to have Senator Phil Gramm when,
last winter, this Administration set out to make new progress on
a number of fronts: Education. The environment. The fight
and crime
against drugs, And a balanced budget. 1 We've made progress --
and Phil Gramm has been with us every step of the way.
Because education is the path to a brighter American future,
4
we convened the first Education Summit in American history. We
called for greater choice, and increased accountability, while
promoting and rewarding excellence. Phil Gramm understands the
value of good education -- he co-sponsored our Educational
Excellence Act.
We've also worked hard to preserve all of the facets of our
precious environment. We've proposed the first reforms to the
Clean Air Act in over a decade, working to balance economic
growth with environmental protection. Phil Gramm understands
that balance -- he's helped us craft economically efficient
market incentives for our Clean Air Proposal.
Here in Texas he's been a leader in the federal and state
program to preserve Galveston Bay. He's supported legislation
for an international treaty banning offshore dumping in the Gulf.
And he's worked to clean up the Rio Grande River. Phil Gramm is
making sure the great state of Texas preserves what's hers.
But we must preserve another precious resource -- our
children. There is no greater threat to the health of the
American mind and the American family, than the poison of illegal
drugs -- so this administration is working to win the fight
against drugs.
Phil Gramm understands that fight -- he's been on the front
line from day one. He was there as Bill Bennett crafted our
National Drug Strategy to toughen enforcement, limit supply, and
shut down demand. But it will be a long war -- and that's
another reason I need Phil Gramm in Washington.
5
We'll also need Phil for another tough fight. This
Administration is committed to a balanced budget -- and Phil
Gramm understands how to balance a budget.
He's fought budget-busting irresponsibility by creating
landmark budget-balancing legislation -- the Gramm-Rudman-
Hollings legislation. By helping us fend off tax increases. And
by encouraging the kind of incentives that continue to create an
average of over 200,000 new jobs a month -- every month -- for
the last 84 months of this record-breaking peacetime economic
expansion. Phil Gramm understands prosperity. He creates it --
every day he's working in the U.S. Senate.
The Senate needs Phil Gramm -- because as you know, this man
is very smart. Last Spring, when I was flying with Phil on Air
Force One -- on my way to giving the Aggie commencement address
-- he offered to trade his A & M tie for my ordinary striped one.
I thought that was a pretty shrewd trade on my part. Until
later, when I found out Phil went off to the Tarrant County
Republican Women's Club -- and auctioned off my tie. For a
thousand dollars. With that kind of savvy in Washington, there's
no doubt we'll balance the budget.
Just the other night, I was reading a Christmas story to a
couple of grandkids -- and when they asked me who the Three Wise
Men were, I said "Gramm, Rudman, and Hollings." If ))
Thanks to that landmark legislation, in three of the last
four years, government has actually gotten smaller compared to
as a share of 6.N.P.
the private sector of the economy and the deficit has been cut
6
roughly in half. The discipline that this legislation imposes on
Congress is absolutely crucial to our long term efforts to
balance the federal budget deficit. " I hear they're planning
to invite Charlton Heston to Washington, to see if he can part
Butz
the red ink.
But I know that Washington will never find a
stronger advocate for a balanced budget, than the Senator from
Texas. ))
You know, there's a story that Phil's half-brother tells,
that when Phil was a tyke, he started a neighborhood army of half
a dozen kids. One day, the smallest of the group ran crying to
Mrs. Gramm. The other boys were Corporals or Captains, and they
were working this young Private pretty hard.
Well, Phil's mother called in Colonel Gramm and told him to
fix the situation immediately. Phil said, "Yes, Ma'am," turned
around, promoted the Private to 2nd Lieutenant, and promoted
himself to Major General.
11
Like I said -- Phil's a smart man. A man who understands
power and how to use it -- to improve education and the
environment, to win the fight against drugs, and to balance the
budget. But even more important, Phil Gramm knows how to empower
other Americans. All Americans.
"The largest beneficiary of a program for economic freedom,"
he said recently, "is not the person who already has a piece of
the pie, but the person who wants the opportunity to get one."
I need -- Texas demands -- and America deserves Phil Gramm's
bold, courageous leadership, to make the right things happen on
7
Capitol Hill. He's a Senator who knows what it means to serve
his constituents, and his country -- and every day he's in the
Senate, he serves them ably, compassionately, and well.
Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the great state of
Texas.
# # #
095194SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 12/4/89
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 4:00 PM, TUES. / DEC. 5
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PHIL GRAMM FUNDRAISER
THE ASTRODOME, HOUSTON
SUBJECT:
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1989 [7:30 PM]
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
WRAY
FITZWATER
DELAND
GRAY
HAGIN
BENNETT
REMARKS:
Please provide comments/edits directly to Chriss Winston,
Rm. 122, x2930, with a copy to my office, by 4:00 PM, TUESDAY,
DECEMBER 5. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
Please we comments.
12/5/89
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
want of to Members Delay, Andivitual)
(Lange/Blessey)
December 4, 1989
1989 DEC -4 PM 7:26
6:45 p.m.
1989 DEC -4 PM 7:26
[GRAMM. DOC]
REMARKS:
PHIL GRAMM FUNDRAISER
THE ASTRODOME, HOUSTON
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1989
[7:30 P.M.]
inchide an
Thank you, Phil.
(( You know, the only thing better than being introduced by
Phil Gramm, is hearing Phil Gramm being introduced by Moses.
[Charlton Heston introduces POTUS.]
Gramm
Senator
?
The Astrodome is often called the "House of Pain." Maybe
that's why the other party is rumored to be holding its next
convention here. ))
Actually, I'm happy to say that Houston was just chosen as
the site for the next economic summit. In 1990, the world's
I'm glad the world will see
economic superpowers will all convene here.
Thought I I'd show off
my home town. I hope you don't mind.
It's great to be with you, here at the Superbowl of
political fundraisers -- and to have a chance to say a few words
and
about a very close friend À One of the best friends Texas ever
had. Senator Phil Gramm.
I've known Phil for a lot of years, and I know that when
a problem needs attention -- when good policy needs to be
created, or misguided policy needs to be changed -- Phil is
always the first out of the blocks. Willing to take political
risk for the public good. Phil Gramm brings courage to Capitol
Hill.
2
There's no better evidence for that, than the story of how
Phil got his start as a Republican. In 1983, you know, Phil was
a Democratic Congressman. He was justifiably proud of his work
on the 1981 budget -- rebuilding national defense and reordering
government priorities.
He risked a lot to push that budget through -- and was
eventually stripped of his seat on the House Budget Committee
because of it. (( We all make mistakes. Phil's only mistake
was running as a Democrat. ))
So he changed parties and, in a real profile in courage,
he resigned from Congress -- to allow the people of his district
to judge him and his actions. He won re-election on Lincoln's
birthday, as the first Republican Congressman in the history of
the 6th District. We were glad to have him. And America was
lucky to get him back.
And we were even luckier to have Senator Phil Gramm when,
winter, this administration set out to make new progress on
number of fronts: Education. The environment. The fight
my
against drugs. And a balanced budget. We've made progress --
we
and Phil Gramm has been helping every step of the way.
Because education is the path to a brighter American future,
we convened the first Education Summit in American history. We
called for greater choice, and increased accountability, while
promoting and rewarding excellence. Phil Gramm understands the
value of good education -- he co-sponsored our Excellence in
Education Act.
3
We've also worked hard to preserve all of the facets of our
precious environment. We've proposed the first reforms to the
Clean Air Act in over a decade, working to balance economic
growth with environmental protection. Phil Gramm understands
that balance -- he's supported our Clean Air Proposal, and helped
us craft the right market incentives.
Here in Texas he's been a leader in the federal and state
program to preserve Galveston Bay. He's supported legislation
for an international treaty banning offshore dumping in the Gulf.
And he's worked to clean up the Rio Grande River. Phil Gramm is
making sure the great state of Texas preserves what's hers.
But we must preserve another precious resource -- our
children. There is no greater threat to the health of the
American mind and the American family, than the poison of illegal
drugs -- so this administration is working to win the fight
against drugs.
Phil Gramm understands that fight -- he's been on the front
line from day one. He was there as we crafted our National Drug
Strategy to toughen enforcement, limit supply, and shut down
demand. But it will be a long war -- and that's another reason I
need Phil Gramm in Washington.
We'll also need Phil for another tough fight. This
Administration is committed to a balanced budget -- and Phil
Gramm understands how to balance a budget.
He's fought budget-busting irresponsibility by creating
landmark budget-balancing legislation -- the Gramm-Rudman-
compera
on Congress created by this single
pink reason of we legislation were able 4 was to make some progness on the the
STET
deficit this year and why we
Hollings legislation
By helping us fend off tax increases. And with
by encouraging the kind of incentives that continue to create
hope
to
-90
over 200,000 new jobs a month -- every month -- for the last 84
forther
months of this record-breaking economic expansion. Phil Gramm
next
year.
understands prosperity. He creates it -- every day he's working,
in the U.S. Senate.
He has helped
The Senate needs Phil Gramm -- because as you know, this man
is very smart. Last Spring, when I was flying with Phil on Air
Force One -- on my way to giving the Aggie commencement address -
- he offered to trade his A & M tie for my ordinary striped one.
I thought that was a pretty shrewd trade on my part. Until
later, when I found out Phil went off to the Tarrant County
Republican Women's Club -- and auctioned off my tie. For a
thousand dollars. With that kind of savvy in Washington, there's
no doubt we'll balance the budget.
Just the other night, I was reading a Christmas story to a
couple of grandkids -- and when they asked me who the Three Wise
Men were, I said "Gramm, Rudman, and Hollings." ))
Thanks to that landmark legislation, in three of the last
four years, government has actually gotten smaller compared to
the private sector of the economy -- and the deficit has been cut
roughly in half.
(( I hear they're planning to invite Charlton
Heston to Washington, to see if he can part the red ink. 11
But I know that Washington will never find a stronger advocate
for a balanced budget, than the Senator from Texas. ))
The discipline that this legislation imposed imposes on
Corgness is absolutely crucial to our H long term
efforts to balance the fedual brdget deficit.
5
You know, there's a story that Phil's half-brother tells,
that when Phil was a tyke, he started a neighborhood army of half
a dozen kids. One day, the smallest of the group ran crying to
Mrs. Gramm. The other boys were Corporals or Captains, and they
were working this young Private pretty hard.
Well, Phil's mother called in Colonel Gramm and told him to
fix the situation immediately. Phil said, "Yes, Ma'am," turned
around, promoted the Private to 2nd Lieutenant, and promoted
himself to Major General.
Like I said -- Phil's a smart man. A man who understands
power and how to use it -- to improve education and the
environment, to win the fight against drugs, and to balance the
budget. But even more important, Phil Gramm knows how to empower
other Americans. All Americans.
"The largest beneficiary of a program for economic freedom,"
he said recently, "is not the person who already has a piece of
the pie. It's the person who wants the opportunity to get one."
I need -- Texas demands -- and America deserves Phil Gramm's
bold, courageous leadership, to make the right things happen on
Capitol Hill. He's a Senator who knows what it means to serve
his constituents, and his country -- and every day he's in the
Senate, he serves both ably, compassionately, and well.
Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the great state of
Texas.
###
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 4, 1989
MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON
FROM:
ROGER B. PORTER RBP
SUBJECT:
Presidential Remarks: Phil Gramm Fundraiser the
Astrodome, Houston Thursday, December 7, 1989
We have two recommendations from a policy standpoint. In
the last sentence of the first paragraph on page three, we
suggest striking the words "the right" and inserting the words
"economically efficient" as marked on the attached draft. We
also suggest inserting the word "peacetime" between the words
"record-breaking" and "economic" in the first full sentence on
page four.
One editorial comment. I believe it is unwise for the
President to share the tie story in the second and third
paragraphs on page four. Given the current environment with
respect to ethics, I don't think we should make light of
auctioning off one of the President's ties.
If you have any questions or we can help in any other way,
please let me know.
CC: James W. Cicconi
55:45
095194SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 12/4/89
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 4:00 PM, TUES. , DEC. 5
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PHIL GRAMM FUNDRAISER
THE ASTRODOME, HOUSTON
SUBJECT:
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1989 [7:30 PM]
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
WRAY
FITZWATER
GRAY
>
DELAND
HAGIN
BENNETT
REMARKS:
Please provide comments/edits directly to Chriss Winston,
Rm. 122, x2930, with a copy to my office, by 4:00 PM, TUESDAY,
DECEMBER 5. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(Lange/Blessey)
December 4, 1989
6:45 p.m.
1989 DEC - 4 PM 7: 26
1989 DEC - 4 PM 7:26
[GRAMM.DOC]
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
PHIL GRAMM FUNDRAISER
THE ASTRODOME, HOUSTON
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1989
[7:30 P.M.]
Thank you, Phil.
(( You know, the only thing better than being introduced by
Phil Gramm, is hearing Phil Gramm being introduced by Moses.
[Charlton Heston introduces POTUS.]
The Astrodome is often called the "House of Pain." Maybe
that's why the other party is rumored to be holding its next
convention here. ))
Actually, I'm happy to say that Houston was just chosen as
the site for the next economic summit. In 1990, the world's
economic superpowers will all convene here. Thought I'd show off
my home town. I hope you don't mind. \\
It's great to be with you, here at the Superbowl of
political fundraisers -- and to have a chance to say a few words
about a very close friend. One of the best friends Texas ever
had. Senator Phil Gramm.
I've known Phil for a lot of years, and I know that when
a problem needs attention -- when good policy needs to be
created, or misguided policy needs to be changed -- Phil is
always the first out of the blocks. Willing to take political
risk for the public good. Phil Gramm brings courage to Capitol
Hill.
2
There's no better evidence for that, than the story of how
Phil got his start as a Republican. In 1983, you know, Phil was
a Democratic Congressman. He was justifiably proud of his work
on the 1981 budget -- rebuilding national defense and reordering
government priorities.
He risked a lot to push that budget through -- and was
eventually stripped of his seat on the House Budget Committee
because of it. (( We all make mistakes. Phil's only mistake
was running as a Democrat. ))
So he changed parties and, in a real profile in courage,
he resigned from Congress -- to allow the people of his district
to judge him and his actions. He won re-election on Lincoln's
birthday, as the first Republican Congressman in the history of
the 6th District. We were glad to have him. And America was
lucky to get him back.
And we were even luckier to have Senator Phil Gramm when,
last winter, this administration set out to make new progress on
a number of fronts: Education. The environment. The fight
against drugs. And a balanced budget. We've made progress --
and Phil Gramm has been with us every step of the way.
Because education is the path to a brighter American future,
we convened the first Education Summit in American history. We
called for greater choice, and increased accountability, while
promoting and rewarding excellence. Phil Gramm understands the
value of good education -- he co-sponsored our Excellence in
Education Act.
3
We've also worked hard to preserve all of the facets of our
precious environment. We've proposed the first reforms to the
Clean Air Act in over a decade, working to balance economic
growth with environmental protection. Phil Gramm understands
that balance -- he's supported our Clean Air Proposal, and helped
economically Efficient
us craft the right market incentives.
Here in Texas he's been a leader in the federal and state
program to preserve Galveston Bay. He's supported legislation
for an international treaty banning offshore dumping in the Gulf.
And he's worked to clean up the Rio Grande River. Phil Gramm is
making sure the great state of Texas preserves what's hers.
But we must preserve another precious resource -- our
children. There is no greater threat to the health of the
American mind and the American family, than the poison of illegal
drugs -- so this administration is working to win the fight
against drugs.
Phil Gramm understands that fight -- he's been on the front
line from day one. He was there as we crafted our National Drug
Strategy to toughen enforcement, limit supply, and shut down
demand. But it will be a long war -- and that's another reason I
need Phil Gramm in Washington.
We'll also need Phil for another tough fight. This
Administration is committed to a balanced budget -- and Phil
Gramm understands how to balance a budget.
He's fought budget-busting irresponsibility by creating
landmark budget-balancing legislation -- the Gramm-Rudman-
4
Hollings legislation. By helping us fend off tax increases. And
by encouraging the kind of incentives that continue to create
over 200,000 new jobs a month -- every month -- for the last 84
PEACETIME
months of this record-breaking economic expansion. Phil Gramm
understands prosperity. He creates it -- every day he's working
in the U.S. Senate.
The Senate needs Phil Gramm -- because as you know, this man
is very smart. Last Spring, when I was flying with Phil on Air
Force One -- on my way to giving the Aggie commencement address -
- he offered to trade his A & M tie for my ordinary striped one.
I thought that was a pretty shrewd trade on my part. Until
later, when I found out Phil went off to the Tarrant County
Republican Women's Club -- and auctioned off my tie. For a
thousand dollars. With that kind of savvy in Washington, there's
no doubt we'll balance the budget.
Just the other night, I was reading a Christmas story to a
couple of grandkids -- and when they asked me who the Three Wise
Men were, I said "Gramm, Rudman, and Hollings." ))
Thanks to that landmark legislation, in three of the last
four years, government has actually gotten smaller compared to
the private sector of the economy -- and the deficit has been cut
roughly in half. " I hear they're planning to invite Charlton
Heston to Washington, to see if he can part the red ink.
But I know that Washington will never find a stronger advocate
for a balanced budget, than the Senator from Texas. ))
5
You know, there's a story that Phil's half-brother tells,
that when Phil was a tyke, he started a neighborhood army of half
a dozen kids. One day, the smallest of the group ran crying to
Mrs. Gramm. The other boys were Corporals or Captains, and they
were working this young Private pretty hard.
Well, Phil's mother called in Colonel Gramm and told him to
fix the situation immediately. Phil said, "Yes, Ma'am," turned
around, promoted the Private to 2nd Lieutenant, and promoted
himself to Major General.
Like I said -- Phil's a smart man. A man who understands
power and how to use it -- to improve education and the
environment, to win the fight against drugs, and to balance the
budget. But even more important, Phil Gramm knows how to empower
other Americans. All Americans.
"The largest beneficiary of a program for economic freedom,"
he said recently, "is not the person who already has a piece of
the pie. It's the person who wants the opportunity to get one."
I need -- Texas demands -- and America deserves Phil Gramm's
bold, courageous leadership, to make the right things happen on
Capitol Hill. He's a Senator who knows what it means to serve
his constituents, and his country -- and every day he's in the
Senate, he serves both ably, compassionately, and well.
Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the great state of
Texas.
###
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 :12- 5-89 ; 11:28 ;
96732511;# 8
09519488
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
12/4/89
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 4:00 PM, TUES., DEC. 5
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PHIL GRAMM FUNDRAISER
THE ASTRODOME, HOUSTON
SUBJECT:
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1989 [7:30 PM]
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
FITZWATER
WRAY
GRAY
DELAND
HAGIN
BENNETT
REMARKS:
Please provide comments/edits directly to Chriss Winston,
Rm. 122, x2930, with a copy to my office, by 4:00 PM, TUESDAY,
DECEMBER 5. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
driss-
This one's 5km. No ammunt.
-Punil sell
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
for Bennettr and Deputy Ext. to the 2702 Chief of Staff
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 5, 1989
Memorandum to Chriss Winston
From:
Jim Pinkerton
Subject:
Phil Gramm Fundraiser Draft Speech
pg. 1, para. 3, line 1 "The Astrodome is often called the
'House of Pain.' Maybe that's why the other party is rumored to
be holding its next convention here."
Our inclination is to avoid giving the Democrats any credit
for considering Houston for 1992.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 5, 1989
MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON
Deputy Assistant to the President for
Communications
FROM:
BRENT O. HATCH Bot
Associate Counsel to the President
SUBJECT:
Presidential Remarks: Phil Gramm Fundraiser -- The
Astrodome, Houston, Texas
At your request, Counsel's office has reviewed the above-
referenced Presidential remarks. We have no legal objections.
Thank you for the opportunity to review this matter.
CC: James W. Cicconi
92:29
095194SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 12/4/89
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 4:00 PM, TUES., DEC. 5
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PHIL GRAMM FUNDRAISER
THE ASTRODOME, HOUSTON
SUBJECT:
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1989 [7:30 PM]
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
FITZWATER
WRAY
GRAY
DELAND
HAGIN
BENNETT
REMARKS:
Please provide comments/edits directly to Chriss Winston,
Rm. 122, x2930, with a copy to my office, by 4:00 PM, TUESDAY,
DECEMBER 5. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(Lange/Blessey)
December 4, 1989
1989 DEC - 4 PM 7: 26
6:45 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
1989 DEC 4 PM 7:26
[GRAMM.DOC]
PHIL GRAMM FUNDRAISER
THE ASTRODOME, HOUSTON
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1989
[7:30 P.M.]
Thank you, Phil.
(( You know, the only thing better than being introduced by
Phil Gramm, is hearing Phil Gramm being introduced by Moses.
[Charlton Heston introduces POTUS.]
The Astrodome is often called the "House of Pain." Maybe
that's why the other party is rumored to be holding its next
convention here. ))
Actually, I'm happy to say that Houston was just chosen as
the site for the next economic summit. In 1990, the world's
economic superpowers will all convene here. Thought I'd show off
my home town. I hope you don't mind. 11
It's great to be with you, here at the Superbowl of
political fundraisers -- and to have a chance to say a few words
about a very close friend. One of the best friends Texas ever
had. Senator Phil Gramm.
I've known Phil for a lot of years, and I know that when
a problem needs attention -- when good policy needs to be
created, or misguided policy needs to be changed -- Phil is
always the first out of the blocks. Willing to take political
risk for the public good. Phil Gramm brings courage to Capitol
Hill.
2
There's no better evidence for that, than the story of how
Phil got his start as a Republican. In 1983, you know, Phil was
a Democratic Congressman. He was justifiably proud of his work
on the 1981 budget -- rebuilding national defense and reordering
government priorities.
He risked a lot to push that budget through -- and was
eventually stripped of his seat on the House Budget Committee
because of it. (( We all make mistakes. Phil's only mistake
was running as a Democrat. ))
So he changed parties and, in a real profile in courage,
he resigned from Congress -- to allow the people of his district
to judge him and his actions. He won re-election on Lincoln's
birthday, as the first Republican Congressman in the history of
the 6th District. We were glad to have him. And America was
lucky to get him back.
And we were even luckier to have Senator Phil Gramm when,
last winter, this administration set out to make new progress on
a number of fronts: Education. The environment.
The fight
against drugs. And a balanced budget. We've made progress --
and Phil Gramm has been with us every step of the way.
Because education is the path to a brighter American future,
we convened the first Education Summit in American history. We
called for greater choice, and increased accountability, while
promoting and rewarding excellence. Phil Gramm understands the
value of good education -- he co-sponsored our Excellence in
Education Act.
3
We've also worked hard to preserve all of the facets of our
precious environment. We've proposed the first reforms to the
Clean Air Act in over a decade, working to balance economic
growth with environmental protection. Phil Gramm understands
that balance -- he's supported our Clean Air Proposal, and helped
us craft the right market incentives.
Here in Texas he's been a leader in the federal and state
program to preserve Galveston Bay. He's supported legislation
for an international treaty banning offshore dumping in the Gulf.
And he's worked to clean up the Rio Grande River. Phil Gramm is
making sure the great state of Texas preserves what's hers.
But we must preserve another precious resource -- our
children. There is no greater threat to the health of the
American mind and the American family, than the poison of illegal
drugs -- SO this administration is working to win the fight
against drugs.
Phil Gramm understands that fight -- he's been on the front
line from day one. He was there as we crafted our National Drug
Strategy to toughen enforcement, limit supply, and shut down
demand. But it will be a long war -- and that's another reason I
need Phil Gramm in Washington.
We'll also need Phil for another tough fight.
This
Administration is committed to a balanced budget -- and Phil
Gramm understands how to balance a budget.
He's fought budget-busting irresponsibility by creating
landmark budget-balancing legislation -- the Gramm-Rudman-
4
Hollings legislation. By helping us fend off tax increases. And
by encouraging the kind of incentives that continue to create
over 200,000 new jobs a month -- every month -- for the last 84
months of this record-breaking economic expansion. Phil Gramm
understands prosperity. He creates it -- every day he's working
in the U.S. Senate.
The Senate needs Phil Gramm -- because as you know, this man
is very smart. Last Spring, when I was flying with Phil on Air
Force One -- on my way to giving the Aggie commencement address -
- he offered to trade his A & M tie for my ordinary striped one.
I thought that was a pretty shrewd trade on my part. Until
later, when I found out Phil went off to the Tarrant County
Republican Women's Club -- and auctioned off my tie. For a
thousand dollars. With that kind of savvy in Washington, there's
no doubt we'll balance the budget.
Just the other night, I was reading a Christmas story to a
couple of grandkids -- and when they asked me who the Three Wise
Men were, I said "Gramm, Rudman, and Hollings." ))
Thanks to that landmark legislation, in three of the last
four years, government has actually gotten smaller compared to
the private sector of the economy -- and the deficit has been cut
roughly in half. (( I hear they're planning to invite Charlton
Heston to Washington, to see if he can part the red ink.
But I know that Washington will never find a stronger advocate
for a balanced budget, than the Senator from Texas. ))
5
You know, there's a story that Phil's half-brother tells,
that when Phil was a tyke, he started a neighborhood army of half
a dozen kids. One day, the smallest of the group ran crying to
Mrs. Gramm. The other boys were Corporals or Captains, and they
were working this young Private pretty hard.
Well, Phil's mother called in Colonel Gramm and told him to
fix the situation immediately. Phil said, "Yes, Ma'am," turned
around, promoted the Private to 2nd Lieutenant, and promoted
himself to Major General.
Like I said -- Phil's a smart man. A man who understands
power and how to use it -- to improve education and the
environment, to win the fight against drugs, and to balance the
budget. But even more important, Phil Gramm knows how to empower
other Americans. All Americans.
"The largest beneficiary of a program for economic freedom,"
he said recently, "is not the person who already has a piece of
the pie. It's the person who wants the opportunity to get one."
I need -- Texas demands -- and America deserves Phil Gramm's
bold, courageous leadership, to make the right things happen on
Capitol Hill. He's a Senator who knows what it means to serve
his constituents, and his country -- and every day he's in the
Senate, he serves both ably, compassionately, and well.
Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the great state of
Texas.
# # #
095194SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
V
DATE: 12/4/89
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 4:00 PM, TUES., DEC. 5
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PHIL GRAMM FUNDRAISER
THE ASTRODOME, HOUSTON
SUBJECT:
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1989 [7:30 PM]
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
WRAY
FITZWATER
DELAND
GRAY
HAGIN
BENNETT
REMARKS:
Please provide comments/edits directly to Chriss Winston,
Rm. 122, x2930, with a copy to my office, by 4:00 PM, TUESDAY,
DECEMBER 5. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
no comment
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(Lange/Blessey)
December 4, 1989
1989 DEC -4 PM 7: 26
6:45 p.m.
1989 DEC PM 7:26
[GRAMM.DOC]
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
PHIL GRAMM FUNDRAISER
THE ASTRODOME, HOUSTON
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1989
[7:30 P.M.]
Thank you, Phil.
(( You know, the only thing better than being introduced by
Phil Gramm, is hearing Phil Gramm being introduced by Moses.
[Charlton Heston introduces POTUS.]
The Astrodome is often called the "House of Pain." Maybe
that's why the other party is rumored to be holding its next
convention here. ))
Actually, I'm happy to say that Houston was just chosen as
the site for the next economic summit. In 1990, the world's
economic superpowers will all convene here. Thought I'd show off
my home town. I hope you don't mind. 11
It's great to be with you, here at the Superbowl of
political fundraisers -- and to have a chance to say a few words
about a very close friend. One of the best friends Texas ever
had. Senator Phil Gramm.
I've known Phil for a lot of years, and I know that when
a problem needs attention -- when good policy needs to be
created, or misguided policy needs to be changed -- Phil is
always the first out of the blocks. Willing to take political
risk for the public good. Phil Gramm brings courage to Capitol
Hill.
2
There's no better evidence for that, than the story of how
Phil got his start as a Republican. In 1983, you know, Phil was
a Democratic Congressman. He was justifiably proud of his work
on the 1981 budget -- rebuilding national defense and reordering
government priorities.
He risked a lot to push that budget through -- and was
eventually stripped of his seat on the House Budget Committee
because of it. (( We all make mistakes. Phil's only mistake
was running as a Democrat. ))
So he changed parties and, in a real profile in courage,
he resigned from Congress -- to allow the people of his district
to judge him and his actions. He won re-election on Lincoln's
birthday, as the first Republican Congressman in the history of
the 6th District. We were glad to have him. And America was
lucky to get him back.
And we were even luckier to have Senator Phil Gramm when,
last winter, this administration set out to make new progress on
a number of fronts: Education. The environment. The fight
against drugs. And a balanced budget. We've made progress --
and Phil Gramm has been with us every step of the way.
Because education is the path to a brighter American future,
we convened the first Education Summit in American history. We
called for greater choice, and increased accountability, while
promoting and rewarding excellence. Phil Gramm understands the
value of good education -- he co-sponsored our Excellence in
Education Act.
3
We've also worked hard to preserve all of the facets of our
precious environment. We've proposed the first reforms to the
Clean Air Act in over a decade, working to balance economic
growth with environmental protection. Phil Gramm understands
that balance -- he's supported our Clean Air Proposal, and helped
us craft the right market incentives.
Here in Texas he's been a leader in the federal and state
program to preserve Galveston Bay. He's supported legislation
for an international treaty banning offshore dumping in the Gulf.
And he's worked to clean up the Rio Grande River. Phil Gramm is
making sure the great state of Texas preserves what's hers.
But we must preserve another precious resource -- our
children. There is no greater threat to the health of the
American mind and the American family, than the poison of illegal
drugs -- so this administration is working to win the fight
against drugs.
Phil Gramm understands that fight -- he's been on the front
line from day one. He was there as we crafted our National Drug
Strategy to toughen enforcement, limit supply, and shut down
demand. But it will be a long war -- and that's another reason I
need Phil Gramm in Washington.
We'll also need Phil for another tough fight. This
Administration is committed to a balanced budget -- and Phil
Gramm understands how to balance a budget.
He's fought budget-busting irresponsibility by creating
landmark budget-balancing legislation -- the Gramm-Rudman-
4
Hollings legislation. By helping us fend off tax increases. And
by encouraging the kind of incentives that continue to create
over 200,000 new jobs a month -- every month -- for the last 84
months of this record-breaking economic expansion. Phil Gramm
understands prosperity. He creates it -- every day he's working
in the U.S. Senate.
The Senate needs Phil Gramm -- because as you know, this man
is very smart. Last Spring, when I was flying with Phil on Air
Force One -- on my way to giving the Aggie commencement address -
- he offered to trade his A & M tie for my ordinary striped one.
I thought that was a pretty shrewd trade on my part. Until
later, when I found out Phil went off to the Tarrant County
Republican Women's Club -- and auctioned off my tie. For a
thousand dollars. With that kind of savvy in Washington, there's
no doubt we'll balance the budget.
Just the other night, I was reading a Christmas story to a
couple of grandkids -- and when they asked me who the Three Wise
Men were, I said "Gramm, Rudman, and Hollings." ))
Thanks to that landmark legislation, in three of the last
four years, government has actually gotten smaller compared to
the private sector of the economy -- and the deficit has been cut
roughly in half. " I hear they're planning to invite Charlton
Heston to Washington, to see if he can part the red ink.
But I know that Washington will never find a stronger advocate
for a balanced budget, than the Senator from Texas. ))
5
You know, there's a story that Phil's half-brother tells,
that when Phil was a tyke, he started a neighborhood army of half
a dozen kids. One day, the smallest of the group ran crying to
Mrs. Gramm. The other boys were Corporals or Captains, and they
were working this young Private pretty hard.
Well, Phil's mother called in Colonel Gramm and told him to
fix the situation immediately. Phil said, "Yes, Ma'am," turned
around, promoted the Private to 2nd Lieutenant, and promoted
himself to Major General.
Like I said -- Phil's a smart man. A man who understands
power and how to use it -- to improve education and the
environment, to win the fight against drugs, and to balance the
budget. But even more important, Phil Gramm knows how to empower
other Americans. All Americans.
"The largest beneficiary of a program for economic freedom,"
he said recently, "is not the person who already has a piece of
the pie. It's the person who wants the opportunity to get one."
I need -- Texas demands -- and America deserves Phil Gramm's
bold, courageous leadership, to make the right things happen on
Capitol Hill. He's a Senator who knows what it means to serve
his constituents, and his country -- and every day he's in the
Senate, he serves both ably, compassionately, and well.
Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the great state of
Texas.
###
095194SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
12/4/89
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 4:00 PM, TUES. , DEC. 5
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PHIL GRAMM FUNDRAISER
THE ASTRODOME, HOUSTON
SUBJECT:
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1989 [7:30 PM]
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
WRAY
FITZWATER
DELAND
GRAY
HAGIN
BENNETT
REMARKS:
Please provide comments/edits directly to Chriss Winston,
Rm. 122, x2930, with a copy to my office, by 4:00 PM, TUESDAY,
DECEMBER 5. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
Why Nothing Malta Ma
OK are diafted DOWN 12/5/89
FYI- Sec. Bennett will be at head
table - p.243
SO
A
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(Lange/Blessey)
December 4, 1989
1989 DEC -4 PM 7: 26
6:45 p.m.
1989 DEC - 4 PM 7:26
[GRAMM.DOC]
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
PHIL GRAMM FUNDRAISER
THE ASTRODOME, HOUSTON
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1989
[7:30 P.M.]
Thank you, Phil.
(( You know, the only thing better than being introduced by
Phil Gramm, is hearing Phil Gramm being introduced by Moses.
[Charlton Heston introduces POTUS.]
The Astrodome is often called the "House of Pain." Maybe
that's why the other party is rumored to be holding its next
convention here. ))
Actually, I'm happy to say that Houston was just chosen as
the site for the next economic summit. In 1990, the world's
economic superpowers will all convene here. Thought I'd show off
my home town. I hope you don't mind. 11
It's great to be with you, here at the Superbowl of
political fundraisers -- and to have a chance to say a few words
about a very close friend. One of the best friends Texas ever
had. Senator Phil Gramm.
I've known Phil for a lot of years, and I know that when
a problem needs attention -- when good policy needs to be
created, or misguided policy needs to be changed -- Phil is
always the first out of the blocks. Willing to take political
risk for the public good. Phil Gramm brings courage to Capitol
Hill.
2
There's no better evidence for that, than the story of how
Phil got his start as a Republican. In 1983, you know, Phil was
a Democratic Congressman. He was justifiably proud of his work
on the 1981 budget -- rebuilding national defense and reordering
government priorities.
He risked a lot to push that budget through -- and was
eventually stripped of his seat on the House Budget Committee
because of it. (( We all make mistakes. Phil's only mistake
was running as a Democrat. ))
So he changed parties and, in a real profile in courage,
he resigned from Congress -- to allow the people of his district
to judge him and his actions. He won re-election on Lincoln's
birthday, as the first Republican Congressman in the history of
the 6th District. We were glad to have him. And America was
lucky to get him back.
Bennett
And we were even luckier to have Senator Phil Gramm when,
last winter, this administration set out to make new progress on
a number of fronts: Education. The environment. The fight
against drugs. And a balanced budget. We've made progress --
and Phil Gramm has been with us every step of the way.
Because education is the path to a brighter American future,
we convened the first Education Summit in American history. We
called for greater choice, and increased accountability, while
promoting and rewarding excellence. Phil Gramm understands the
value of good education -- he co-sponsored our Excellence in
Education Act.
3
We've also worked hard to preserve all of the facets of our
precious environment. We've proposed the first reforms to the
Clean Air Act in over a decade, working to balance economic
growth with environmental protection. Phil Gramm understands
that balance -- he's supported our Clean Air Proposal, and helped
us craft the right market incentives.
Here in Texas he's been a leader in the federal and state
program to preserve Galveston Bay. He's supported legislation
for an international treaty banning offshore dumping in the Gulf.
And he's worked to clean up the Rio Grande River. Phil Gramm is
making sure the great state of Texas preserves what's hers.
But we must preserve another precious resource -- our
children. There is no greater threat to the health of the
American mind and the American family, than the poison of illegal
drugs -- so this administration is working to win the fight
against drugs.
Phil Gramm understands that fight -- he's been on the front
line from day one. He was there as we crafted our National Drug
Strategy to toughen enforcement, limit supply, and shut down
demand. But it will be a long war -- and that's another reason I
need Phil Gramm in Washington.
We'll also need Phil for another tough fight. This
Administration is committed to a balanced budget -- and Phil
Gramm understands how to balance a budget.
He's fought budget-busting irresponsibility by creating
landmark budget-balancing legislation -- the Gramm-Rudman-
4
Hollings legislation. By helping us fend off tax increases. And
by encouraging the kind of incentives that continue to create
over 200,000 new jobs a month -- every month -- for the last 84
months of this record-breaking economic expansion. Phil Gramm
understands prosperity. He creates it -- every day he's working
in the U.S. Senate.
The Senate needs Phil Gramm -- because as you know, this man
is very smart. Last Spring, when I was flying with Phil on Air
Force One -- on my way to giving the Aggie commencement address -
- he offered to trade his A & M tie for my ordinary striped one.
I thought that was a pretty shrewd trade on my part. Until
later, when I found out Phil went off to the Tarrant County
Republican Women's Club -- and auctioned off my tie. For a
thousand dollars. With that kind of savvy in Washington, there's
no doubt we'll balance the budget.
Just the other night, I was reading a Christmas story to a
couple of grandkids -- and when they asked me who the Three Wise
Men were, I said "Gramm, Rudman, and Hollings." ))
Thanks to that landmark legislation, in three of the last
four years, government has actually gotten smaller compared to
the private sector of the economy -- and the deficit has been cut
roughly in half. " I hear they're planning to invite Charlton
Heston to Washington, to see if he can part the red ink.
But I know that Washington will never find a stronger advocate
for a balanced budget, than the Senator from Texas. ))
5
You know, there's a story that Phil's half-brother tells,
that when Phil was a tyke, he started a neighborhood army of half
a dozen kids. One day, the smallest of the group ran crying to
Mrs. Gramm. The other boys were Corporals or Captains, and they
were working this young Private pretty hard.
Well, Phil's mother called in Colonel Gramm and told him to
fix the situation immediately. Phil said, "Yes, Ma'am," turned
around, promoted the Private to 2nd Lieutenant, and promoted
himself to Major General.
Like I said -- Phil's a smart man. A man who understands
power and how to use it -- to improve education and the
environment, to win the fight against drugs, and to balance the
budget. But even more important, Phil Gramm knows how to empower
other Americans. All Americans.
"The largest beneficiary of a program for economic freedom,"
he said recently, "is not the person who already has a piece of
the pie. It's the person who wants the opportunity to get one."
I need -- Texas demands -- and America deserves Phil Gramm's
bold, courageous leadership, to make the right things happen on
Capitol Hill. He's a Senator who knows what it means to serve
his constituents, and his country -- and every day he's in the
Senate, he serves both ably, compassionately, and well.
Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the great state of
Texas.
###
095194SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 12/4/89
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 4:00 PM, TUES., DEC. 5
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PHIL GRAMM FUNDRAISER
THE ASTRODOME, HOUSTON
SUBJECT:
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1989 [7:30 PM]
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
WRAY
FITZWATER
GRAY
>
DELAND
HAGIN
BENNETT
REMARKS:
Please provide comments/edits directly to Chriss Winston,
Rm. 122, x2930, with a copy to my office, by 4:00 PM, TUESDAY,
DECEMBER 5. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
oh
93:39 sr $ 030.68
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(Lange/Blessey)
December 4, 1989
1989 DEC -4 PM 7: 26
6:45 p.m.
1989 DEC - 4 PM 7:26
[GRAMM.DOC]
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
PHIL GRAMM FUNDRAISER
THE ASTRODOME, HOUSTON
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1989
[7:30 P.M.]
Thank you, Phil.
(( You know, the only thing better than being introduced by
Phil Gramm, is hearing Phil Gramm being introduced by Moses.
[Charlton Heston introduces POTUS.]
The Astrodome is often called the "House of Pain." Maybe
that's why the other party is rumored to be holding its next
convention here. ))
Actually, I'm happy to say that Houston was just chosen as
the site for the next economic summit. In 1990, the world's
economic superpowers will all convene here. Thought I'd show off
my home town. I hope you don't mind. \\
It's great to be with you, here at the Superbowl of
political fundraisers -- and to have a chance to say a few words
about a very close friend. One of the best friends Texas ever
had. Senator Phil Gramm.
I've known Phil for a lot of years, and I know that when
a problem needs attention -- when good policy needs to be
created, or misguided policy needs to be changed -- Phil is
always the first out of the blocks. Willing to take political
risk for the public good. Phil Gramm brings courage to Capitol
Hill.
2
There's no better evidence for that, than the story of how
Phil got his start as a Republican. In 1983, you know, Phil was
a Democratic Congressman. He was justifiably proud of his work
on the 1981 budget -- rebuilding national defense and reordering
government priorities.
He risked a lot to push that budget through -- and was
eventually stripped of his seat on the House Budget Committee
because of it. (( We all make mistakes. Phil's only mistake
was running as a Democrat. ))
So he changed parties and, in a real profile in courage,
he resigned from Congress -- to allow the people of his district
to judge him and his actions. He won re-election on Lincoln's
birthday, as the first Republican Congressman in the history of
the 6th District. We were glad to have him. And America was
lucky to get him back.
And we were even luckier to have Senator Phil Gramm when,
last winter, this administration set out to make new progress on
a number of fronts: Education. The environment. The fight
against drugs. And a balanced budget. We've made progress --
and Phil Gramm has been with us every step of the way.
Because education is the path to a brighter American future,
we convened the first Education Summit in American history. We
called for greater choice, and increased accountability, while
promoting and rewarding excellence. Phil Gramm understands the
value of good education -- he co-sponsored our Excellence in
Education Act.
3
We've also worked hard to preserve all of the facets of our
precious environment. We've proposed the first reforms to the
Clean Air Act in over a decade, working to balance economic
growth with environmental protection. Phil Gramm understands
that balance -- he's supported our Clean Air Proposal, and helped
us craft the right market incentives.
Here in Texas he's been a leader in the federal and state
program to preserve Galveston Bay. He's supported legislation
for an international treaty banning offshore dumping in the Gulf.
And he's worked to clean up the Rio Grande River. Phil Gramm is
making sure the great state of Texas preserves what's hers.
But we must preserve another precious resource -- our
children. There is no greater threat to the health of the
American mind and the American family, than the poison of illegal
drugs -- so this administration is working to win the fight
against drugs.
Phil Gramm understands that fight -- he's been on the front
line from day one. He was there as we crafted our National Drug
Strategy to toughen enforcement, limit supply, and shut down
demand. But it will be a long war -- and that's another reason I
need Phil Gramm in Washington.
We'll also need Phil for another tough fight. This
Administration is committed to a balanced budget -- and Phil
Gramm understands how to balance a budget.
He's fought budget-busting irresponsibility by creating
landmark budget-balancing legislation -- the Gramm-Rudman-
4
Hollings legislation. By helping us fend off tax increases. And
by encouraging the kind of incentives that continue to create
over 200,000 new jobs a month -- every month -- for the last 84
months of this record-breaking economic expansion. Phil Gramm
understands prosperity. He creates it -- every day he's working
in the U.S. Senate.
The Senate needs Phil Gramm -- because as you know, this man
is very smart. Last Spring, when I was flying with Phil on Air
Force One -- on my way to giving the Aggie commencement address -
- he offered to trade his A & M tie for my ordinary striped one.
I thought that was a pretty shrewd trade on my part. Until
later, when I found out Phil went off to the Tarrant County
Republican Women's Club -- and auctioned off my tie. For a
thousand dollars. With that kind of savvy in Washington, there's
no doubt we'll balance the budget.
Just the other night, I was reading a Christmas story to a
couple of grandkids -- and when they asked me who the Three Wise
Men were, I said "Gramm, Rudman, and Hollings." ))
Thanks to that landmark legislation, in three of the last
four years, government has actually gotten smaller compared to
the private sector of the economy -- and the deficit has been cut
roughly in half. " I hear they're planning to invite Charlton
Heston to Washington, to see if he can part the red ink.
But I know that Washington will never find a stronger advocate
for a balanced budget, than the Senator from Texas. ))
5
You know, there's a story that Phil's half-brother tells,
that when Phil was a tyke, he started a neighborhood army of half
a dozen kids. One day, the smallest of the group ran crying to
Mrs. Gramm. The other boys were Corporals or Captains, and they
were working this young Private pretty hard.
Well, Phil's mother called in Colonel Gramm and told him to
fix the situation immediately. Phil said, "Yes, Ma'am," turned
around, promoted the Private to 2nd Lieutenant, and promoted
himself to Major General.
Like I said -- Phil's a smart man. A man who understands
power and how to use it -- to improve education and the
environment, to win the fight against drugs, and to balance the
budget. But even more important, Phil Gramm knows how to empower
other Americans. All Americans.
"The largest beneficiary of a program for economic freedom,"
he said recently, "is not the person who already has a piece of
the pie. It's the person who wants the opportunity to get one."
I need -- Texas demands -- and America deserves Phil Gramm's
bold, courageous leadership, to make the right things happen on
Capitol Hill. He's a Senator who knows what it means to serve
his constituents, and his country -- and every day he's in the
Senate, he serves both ably, compassionately, and well.
Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the great state of
Texas.
# # #
(Lange/Blessey)
December 4, 1989
4:30 p.m.
[GRAMM.DOC]
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PHIL GRAMM FUNDRAISER
THE ASTRODOME, HOUSTON
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1989
[7:30 P.M.]
Thank you, Phil.
" You know, the only thing better than being introduced by
Phil Gramm, is hearing Phil Gramm being introduced by Moses.
[Charlton Heston introduces POTUS. ]
The Astrodome is often called the "House of Pain." Maybe
that's why the other party is rumored to be holding its next
convention here. ))
I'm happy to say that
Actually, Houston was just chosen as the site for the next
economic summit. In 1990, the world's economic superpowers will
Thought I'd show 00 my hometown. I hape your
all
convene
here.
Somehow
that
just
makes
sense.
#1
clon't mind,
It's great to be with you, here at the Superbowl of
political fundraisers -- and to have a chance to say a few words
about a very close friend. One of the best friends Texas ever
had. Senator Phil Gramm.
I've kuswn Phil for a Lotter years and I know that
When a problem needs attention -- when good policy needs to
be created, or misguided policy needs to be changed -- Phil is
always the first out of the blocks. Willing to take political
risk for the public good. Phil Gramm brings courage to Capitol
Hill.
There's no better evidence for that, than the story of how
Phil got his start as a Republican. In 1983, you know, Phil was
a Democratic Congressman. He was justifiably proud of his work
2
on the 1981 budget -- reordering government priorities and
rebuilding national defense and restructuring entitlements.
He risked a lot to push that budget through -- and was
because of
eventually stripped of his seat on the House Budget Committeex it.
(( We all make mistakes. Phil's only mistake was running as a
Democrat. )).
to allow the people
his district to judge
in a real life probile m caurage
of
him and his actions,
portis he So charged
and so, he resigned from Congress And He won re-election on
Lincoln's birthday, as the first Republican Congressman in the
history of the 6th District. We were glad to have him. And
America was lucky to get him back.
and we were ever to nove Senator Phe Gon when,
Last winter, this administration set out to make new
progress on a number of fronts: Education. The environment.
The fight against drugs. And a balanced budget. We've made
progress -- and Phil Gramm has been with us every step of the
way.
Because education is the path to a brighter American future,
we convened the first Education Summit in American history. We
and mexased accientability
called for greater choice and flexibility, promoting
and
rewarding excellence. Phil Gramm understands the value of good
education he co-sponsored our Excellence in Education Act.
also
We've worked hard to preserve all of the facets of our
the
precious environment. We've proposed the first reforms to clean
act
air legislation in over a decade, working to balance economic
growth with environmental protection. Phil Gramm understands
that balance -- he's supported our Clean Air Proposal, and helped
us craft the right market incentives.
3
Here in Texas he's been a leader in the federal and state
program to preserve Galveston Bay. He's supported legislation
for an international treaty banning offshore dumping in the Gulf.
And he's worked to clean up the Rio Grande River. Phil Gramm is
we
making sure the great state of Texas preserves what's hers.
But
LS
printer and
muser must
This administration has worked to renew and reorganize the
Theres
fight against drugs. We know no greater threat to the health of
the American mind and the American family, than the poison of
for
illegal drugs Phil Gramm understands- that fight -- he's been on
will
the front line from day one. He was there as we crafted our
to
But we a long wa,
National Drug Strategy X to limit supply and shut down demand,
and
why thatsand
Finally, this administration is committed to a balanced
budget -- and Phil Gramm understands how to balance a budget.
He's fought budget-busting irresponsibility by creating
the Gramn - Rudmon Hollwss lego lation.
landmark budget-balancing legislation. By helping us fend off
tax increases. And by setting into motion the kind of incentives
that continue to create over 200,000 new jobs a month -- every
month -- for the last 84 months of this record-breaking economic
expansion. Phil Gramm understands prosperity. He creates it --
every day he's working in the U.S. Senate.
((
You know, Senator Gramm takes a lot of ribbing that his wife
Burt
Wendy -- also a Ph.D. economist -- is smarter than he is. I can
sympathize with Phil. They say he married above himself.
All men do.
But you know, this man is very smart. Last Spring, when I
was flying with Phil on Air Force One -- on my way to giving the
4
Aggie commencement address -- he offered to trade his A & M tie
for my ordinary striped one.
I thought that was a pretty shrewd trade on my part. Until
later, when I found out Phil went off to the Tarrant County
Republican Women's Club -- and auctioned off my tie. For a
thousand dollars. With that kind of savvy in Washington, there's
no doubt we'll balance the budget.
Just the other night, I was reading a Christmas story to a
couple of grandkids -- and when they asked me who the Three Wise
Men were, I said "Gramm, Rudman, and Hollings." ))
Thanks to that landmark legislation, in three of the last
four years, government has actually gotten smaller compared to
the private sector of the economy -- and the deficit has been cut
roughly in half. (( I hear they're planning to invite Charlton
Heston to Washington, to see if he can part the red ink. \\
But I know that Washington will never find a stronger advocate
for a balanced budget, than the Senator from Texas. ))
You know, there's a story that Phil's half-brother tells,
that when Phil was a tyke, he started a neighborhood army of half
a dozen kids. One day, the smallest of the group ran crying to
Mrs. Gramm. The other boys were Corporals or Captains, and they
were working this young Private pretty hard.
Well, Phil's mother called in Colonel Gramm and told him to
fix the situation immediately. Phil said, "Yes, Ma'am," turned
around, promoted the Private to 2nd Lieutenant, and promoted
himself to Major General. 11 like I said Chils a smeet
mand
5
You see, Phil a man who understands power and how to use
it -- to improve education and the environment, to win the fight
against drugs, and to balance the budget. But even more
important, Phil Gramm knows how to empower other Americans. All
Americans.
"The largest beneficiary of a program for economic freedom,"
he said recently, "is not the person who already has a piece of
the pie. It's the person who wants the opportunity to get one."
I need -- Texas demands -- and America deserves Phil Gramm's
bold, courageous leadership, to make the right things happen on
Capitol Hill. With your support, I have no doubt we're looking
at another successful term for Phil Gramm.
Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the great state of
Texas.
# # #
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 5, 1989
INFORMATION
1989 DEC -5 PM 7: 49
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
CHRISS WINSTON as
FROM:
MARK LANGE
mg
SUBJECT:
REMARKS FOR THE PHIL GRAMM FUNDRAISER
I. SUMMARY
On Thursday, December 7, at 7:30 p.m., you will address
4,000 people in Houston's Astrodome. Charlton Heston will
introduce Senator Gramm, who will introduce you.
Wendy Gramm, Secretary Brady, Dr. Bill Bennett, Chairman
Atwater, the entire Republican Texas Congressional Delegation,
Fred Meyer (State Chairman), Penny Butler (National
Committeewoman), and Lee Greenwood will also attend.
II. DISCUSSION
The attached remarks (12 minutes, teleprompter) touch on
Malta, and then move on to praise Phil Gramm's accomplishments in
the House and Senate. The remarks salute his courageous work on
the 1981 budget, and mention his support for our proposals on
education, crime, and the environment.
(Lange/Blessey)
December 5, 1989
7:15 p.m.
[GRAMM.DOC]
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PHIL GRAMM FUNDRAISER
THE ASTRODOME, HOUSTON
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1989
[7:30 P.M.]
Thank you, Phil. (( I'll admit it, these days I'm a little
nervous when I give a speech on December 7th...
))
Wendy Gramm. Secretary Brady. Dr. Bill Bennett. Chairman
Atwater, Fred Meyer (State Chairman), Penny Butler (National
Committeewoman), Lee Greenwood. Members of the Republican Texas
Congressional Delegation. Fellow Texans
(( You know, the only thing better than being introduced by
7
Phil Gramm, is hearing Phil Gramm being introduced by Moses. \\
The Astrodome is often called the "House of Pain." Maybe
that's why the other party is rumored to be holding its next
convention here. ))
Actually, I'm happy to say that Houston was just chosen as
the site for the next economic summit. In 1990, the world's
economic superpowers will all convene here. Thought I'd show off
my home town. I hope you don't mind. 11
As you know, I've just returned from what many have called a
saltwater "summit" with Mikhail Gorbachev. Others have called it
the "schmooze cruise." \\ As usual, reality is somewhere in the
middle.
Our meeting was a positive, productive, hopeful step toward
a new American-Soviet relationship. Our talks ranged widely, and
offered a glimpse of what all of us have hoped for, these forty
2
years: a more stable, more peaceful world.
With the support of the American people, and with the
solidarity of the Alliance, the promise of a new world of freedom
is within our reach. May it be fulfilled in our lifetime. \\
I offered a number of ideas to Chairman Gorbachev. I
suggested we work to complete a trade agreement, granting Most
Favored Nation status to the Soviet Union, when I meet with him
next year in Washington.
I proposed that we work to sign a new treaty on Conventional
Forces in Europe in 1990. And I suggested we accelerate the
START process -- and speed the ban of chemical weapons.
/
Tensions have been reduced. But there was one area where I
had to speak firmly, and frankly -- and that was on Central
America. There can be no misunderstanding here.
Whatever else the Sandinistas have told our friends in the
Soviet Union, we know that arms are going from Nicaragua into El
And me also know that Full Castoo contumes to exper
Salvador Activities in those countries and in Cuba weigh
revolution
heavily on U.S. -Soviet relations. We want this hemisphere free
norgurt
into
of that burden.
Salvada
The
a
out
My meeting with Mikhail Gorbachev was a groat success --
a
a chaver to immode as uniontrost
this
chance to build a new friendship. But tonight it's great to be
contus
home among so many old friends -- here at the Superbowl of
political fundraisers -- and to have a chance to say a few words
about a very close friend. One of the best friends Texas ever
had. Senator Phil Gramm.
I've known Phil for a lot of years, and I know that when
3
a problem needs attention -- when good policy needs to be
created, or misguided policy needs to be changed -- Phil is
always the first out of the blocks. Willing to take political
risk for the public good. Phil Gramm brings courage to Capitol
Hill.
There's no better evidence for that, than the story of how
Phil got his start as a Republican. In 1983, you know, Phil was
a Democratic Congressman. He was justifiably proud of his work
on the 1981 budget -- rebuilding national defense and reordering
government priorities.
He risked a lot to push that budget through -- and was
stripped of his seat on the House Budget Committee because of it.
(( We all make mistakes. Phil's only mistake was running as a
Democrat ))
So he changed parties and, in a real profile in courage, he
resigned from Congress -- to allow the people of his district to
judge him and his actions. He won re-election on Lincoln's
birthday, as the first Republican Congressman in the history of
the 6th District, We were glad to have him. And America was
lucky to get him back.
And we were even luckier to have Senator Phil Gramm when,
last winter, this administration set out to make new progress on
a number of fronts: Education. The environment. The fight
against drugs. And a balanced budget. We've made progress --
and Phil Gramm has been with us every step of the way.
Because education is the path to a brighter American future,
4
we convened the first Education Summit in American history. We
called for greater choice, and increased accountability, while
promoting and rewarding excellence. Phil Gramm understands the
value of good education -- he co-sponsored our Educational
Excellence Act.
We've also worked hard to preserve all of the facets of our
precious environment. We've proposed the first reforms to the
Clean Air Act in over a decade, working to balance economic
growth with environmental protection. Phil Gramm understands
that balance -- he's helped us craft economically efficient
market incentives for our Clean Air Proposal.
Here in Texas he's been a leader in the federal and state
program to preserve Galveston Bay. He's supported legislation
for an international treaty banning offshore dumping in the Gulf.
And he's worked to clean up the Rio Grande River. Phil Gramm is
making sure the great state of Texas preserves what's hers.
But we must preserve another precious resource -- our
children. There is no greater threat to the health of the
American mind and the American family, than the poison of illegal
drugs -- so this administration is working to win the fight
against drugs.
Phil Gramm understands that fight -- he's been on the front
line from day one. He was there as Bill Bennett crafted our
National Drug Strategy to toughen enforcement, limit supply, and
ratlay
shut down demand. But it will be a long war -- and that's
now another reason I need Phil Gramm in Washington.
action
5
We'll also need Phil for another tough fight. This
Administration is committed to a balanced budget -- and Phil
Gramm understands how to balance a budget.
He's fought budget-busting irresponsibility by creating
landmark budget-balancing legislation -- the Gramm-Rudman-
Hollings legislation. By helping us fend off tax increases. And
by encouraging the kind of incentives that continue to create an
average of over 200,000 new jobs a month -- every month -- for
the last 84 months of this record-breaking peacetime economic
expansion. Phil Gramm understands prosperity. He creates it --
every day he's working in the U.S. Senate.
The Senate needs Phil Gramm -- because as you know, this man
is very smart. Last Spring, when I was flying with Phil on Air
Force One -- on my way to giving the Aggie commencement address
-- he offered to trade his A & M tie for my ordinary striped one.
I thought that was a pretty shrewd trade on my part. Until
later, when I found out Phil went off to the Tarrant County
Republican Women's Club -- and auctioned off my tie. For a
thousand dollars. With that kind of savvy in Washington, there's
no doubt we'll balance the budget.
Just the other night, I was reading a Christmas story to a
couple of grandkids -- and when they asked me who the Three Wise
Men were, I said "Gramm, Rudman, and Hollings." ))
Thanks to that landmark legislation, in three of the last
four years, government has actually gotten smaller compared to
the private sector of the economy -- and the deficit has been cut
6
roughly in half. The discipline that this legislation imposes on
Congress is absolutely crucial to our long term efforts to
balance the federal budget deficit. (( I hear they're planning
to invite Charlton Heston to Washington, to see if he can part
the red ink.
But I know that Washington will never find a
stronger advocate for a balanced budget, than the Senator from
Texas. ))
You know, there's a story that Phil's half-brother tells,
that when Phil was a tyke, he started a neighborhood army of half
a dozen kids. One day, the smallest of the group ran crying to
Mrs. Gramm. The other boys were Corporals or Captains, and they
were working this young Private pretty hard.
Well, Phil's mother called in Colonel Gramm and told him to
fix the situation immediately. Phil said, "Yes, Ma'am," turned
around, promoted the Private to 2nd Lieutenant, and promoted
himself to Major General.
Like I said -- Phil's a smart man. A man who understands
power and how to use it -- to improve education and the
environment, to win the fight against drugs, and to balance the
budget. But even more important, Phil Gramm knows how to empower
other Americans. All Americans.
"The largest beneficiary of a program for economic freedom,"
he said recently, "is not the person who already has a piece of
the pie, but the person who wants the opportunity to get one."
I need -- Texas demands -- and America deserves Phil Gramm's
bold, courageous leadership, to make the right things happen on
7
Capitol Hill. He's a Senator who knows what it means to serve
his constituents, and his country -- and every day he's in the
Senate, he serves them ably, compassionately, and well.
Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the great state of
Texas.
###
Document No. 09519455
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 12/6/89
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PHIL GRAMM FUNDRAISER
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
SCOWCROFT
DARMAN
ACTION FYI WITHWEN
NEWMAN
PORTER
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
FITZWATER
WRAY
DELAND
GRAY
BENNETT
HAGIN
REMARKS:
The attached has been forwarded to the President.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 5, 1989
INFORMATION
1989 DEC 5 PM 7: 49
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
CHRISS WINSTON ad
FROM:
MARK LANGE mg
SUBJECT:
REMARKS FOR THE PHIL GRAMM FUNDRAISER
I. SUMMARY
On Thursday, December 7, at 7:30 p.m., you will address
4,000 people in Houston's Astrodome. Charlton Heston will
introduce Senator Gramm, who will introduce you.
Wendy Gramm, Secretary Brady, Dr. Bill Bennett, Chairman
Atwater, the entire Republican Texas Congressional Delegation,
Fred Meyer (State Chairman), Penny Butler (National
Committeewoman), and Lee Greenwood will also attend.
II. DISCUSSION
The attached remarks (12 minutes, teleprompter) touch on
Malta, and then move on to praise Phil Gramm's accomplishments in
the House and Senate. The remarks salute his courageous work on
the 1981 budget, and mention his support for our proposals on
education, crime, and the environment.
(Lange/Blessey)
December 5, 1989
7:15 p.m.
[GRAMM.DOC]
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PHIL GRAMM FUNDRAISER
THE ASTRODOME, HOUSTON
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1989
[7:30 P.M.]
Thank you, Phil. (( I'll admit it, these days I'm a little
nervous when I give a speech on December 7th...
))
Wendy Gramm. Secretary Brady. Dr. Bill Bennett. Chairman
Atwater, Fred Meyer (State Chairman), Penny Butler (National
Committeewoman), Lee Greenwood. Members of the Republican Texas
Congressional Delegation. Fellow Texans
(( You know, the only thing better than being introduced by
Phil Gramm, is hearing Phil Gramm being introduced by Moses. 11
The Astrodome is often called the "House of Pain." Maybe
that's why the other party is rumored to be holding its next
convention here. ))
Actually, I'm happy to say that Houston was just chosen as
the site for the next economic summit. In 1990, the world's
economic superpowers will all convene here. Thought I'd show off
my home town. I hope you don't mind. 11
As you know, I've just returned from what many have called a
saltwater "summit" with Mikhail Gorbachev. Others have called it
the "schmooze cruise." 11 As usual, reality is somewhere in the
middle.
Our meeting was a positive, productive, hopeful step toward
a new American-Soviet relationship. Our talks ranged widely, and
offered a glimpse of what all of us have hoped for, these forty
2
years: a more stable, more peaceful world.
With the support of the American people, and with the
solidarity of the Alliance, the promise of a new world of freedom
is within our reach. May it be fulfilled in our lifetime.
I offered a number of ideas to Chairman Gorbachev. I
suggested we work to complete a trade agreement, granting Most
Favored Nation status to the Soviet Union, when I meet with him
next year in Washington.
I proposed that we work to sign a new treaty on Conventional
Forces in Europe in 1990. And I suggested we accelerate the
START process -- and speed the ban of chemical weapons.
Tensions have been reduced. But there was one area where I
had to speak firmly, and frankly -- and that was on Central
America. There can be no misunderstanding here.
Whatever else the Sandinistas have told our friends in the
Soviet Union, we know that arms are going from Nicaragua into El
Salvador. Activities in those countries and in Cuba weigh
heavily on U.S.-Soviet relations. We want this hemisphere free
of that burden.
My meeting with Mikhail Gorbachev was a great success -- a
chance to build a new friendship. But tonight it's great to be
home among so many old friends -- here at the Superbowl of
political fundraisers -- and to have a chance to say a few words
about a very close friend. One of the best friends Texas ever
had. Senator Phil Gramm.
I've known Phil for a lot of years, and I know that when
3
a problem needs attention -- when good policy needs to be
created, or misguided policy needs to be changed -- Phil is
always the first out of the blocks. Willing to take political
risk for the public good. Phil Gramm brings courage to Capitol
Hill.
There's no better evidence for that, than the story of how
Phil got his start as a Republican. In 1983, you know, Phil was
a Democratic Congressman. He was justifiably proud of his work
on the 1981 budget -- rebuilding national defense and reordering
government priorities.
He risked a lot to push that budget through -- and was
stripped of his seat on the House Budget Committee because of it.
(( We all make mistakes. Phil's only mistake was running as a
Democrat. ))
So he changed parties and, in a real profile in courage, he
resigned from Congress -- to allow the people of his district to
judge him and his actions. He won re-election on Lincoln's
birthday, as the first Republican Congressman in the history of
the 6th District. We were glad to have him. And America was
lucky to get him back.
And we were even luckier to have Senator Phil Gramm when,
last winter, this administration set out to make new progress on
a number of fronts: Education. The environment. The fight
against drugs. And a balanced budget. We've made progress --
and Phil Gramm has been with us every step of the way.
Because education is the path to a brighter American future,
4
we convened the first Education Summit in American history. We
called for greater choice, and increased accountability, while
promoting and rewarding excellence. Phil Gramm understands the
value of good education -- he co-sponsored our Educational
Excellence Act.
We've also worked hard to preserve all of the facets of our
precious environment. We've proposed the first reforms to the
Clean Air Act in over a decade, working to balance economic
growth with environmental protection. Phil Gramm understands
that balance -- he's helped us craft economically efficient
market incentives for our Clean Air Proposal.
Here in Texas he's been a leader in the federal and state
program to preserve Galveston Bay. He's supported legislation
for an international treaty banning offshore dumping in the Gulf.
And he's worked to clean up the Rio Grande River. Phil Gramm is
making sure the great state of Texas preserves what's hers.
But we must preserve another precious resource -- our
children. There is no greater threat to the health of the
American mind and the American family, than the poison of illegal
drugs -- so this administration is working to win the fight
against drugs.
Phil Gramm understands that fight -- he's been on the front
line from day one. He was there as Bill Bennett crafted our
National Drug Strategy to toughen enforcement, limit supply, and
shut down demand. But it will be a long war -- and that's
another reason I need Phil Gramm in Washington.
5
We'll also need Phil for another tough fight. This
Administration is committed to a balanced budget -- and Phil
Gramm understands how to balance a budget.
He's fought budget-busting irresponsibility by creating
landmark budget-balancing legislation -- the Gramm-Rudman-
Hollings legislation. By helping us fend off tax increases. And
by encouraging the kind of incentives that continue to create an
average of over 200,000 new jobs a month -- every month -- for
the last 84 months of this record-breaking peacetime economic
expansion. Phil Gramm understands prosperity. He creates it --
every day he's working in the U.S. Senate.
The Senate needs Phil Gramm -- because as you know, this man
is very smart. Last Spring, when I was flying with Phil on Air
Force One -- on my way to giving the Aggie commencement address
-- he offered to trade his A & M tie for my ordinary striped one.
I thought that was a pretty shrewd trade on my part. Until
later, when I found out Phil went off to the Tarrant County
Republican Women's Club -- and auctioned off my tie. For a
thousand dollars. With that kind of savvy in Washington, there's
no doubt we'll balance the budget.
Just the other night, I was reading a Christmas story to a
couple of grandkids -- and when they asked me who the Three Wise
Men were, I said "Gramm, Rudman, and Hollings." " ))
Thanks to that landmark legislation, in three of the last
four years, government has actually gotten smaller compared to
the private sector of the economy -- and the deficit has been cut
6
roughly in half. The discipline that this legislation imposes on
Congress is absolutely crucial to our long term efforts to
balance the federal budget deficit. " I hear they're planning
to invite Charlton Heston to Washington, to see if he can part
the red ink. But I know that Washington will never find a
stronger advocate for a balanced budget, than the Senator from
Texas. ))
You know, there's a story that Phil's half-brother tells,
that when Phil was a tyke, he started a neighborhood army of half
a dozen kids. One day, the smallest of the group ran crying to
Mrs. Gramm. The other boys were Corporals or Captains, and they
were working this young Private pretty hard.
Well, Phil's mother called in Colonel Gramm and told him to
fix the situation immediately. Phil said, "Yes, Ma'am," turned
around, promoted the Private to 2nd Lieutenant, and promoted
himself to Major General. 11
Like I said -- Phil's a smart man. A man who understands
power and how to use it -- to improve education and the
environment, to win the fight against drugs, and to balance the
budget. But even more important, Phil Gramm knows how to empower
other Americans. All Americans.
"The largest beneficiary of a program for economic freedom,"
he. said recently, "is not the person who already has a piece of
the pie, but the person who wants the opportunity to get one."
I need -- Texas demands -- and America deserves Phil Gramm's
bold, courageous leadership, to make the right things happen on
5
7
Capitol Hill. He's a Senator who knows what it means to serve
his constituents, and his country -- and every day he's in the
Senate, he serves them ably, compassionately, and well.
Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the great state of
Texas.
# # #