Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
1550997
label
White House - Congressional Leadership Meeting, 3/17/70 (includes minutes)
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
1550997
sourceUrl
contentType
document
title
White House - Congressional Leadership Meeting, 3/17/70 (includes minutes)
citationUrl
collections
Robert T. Hartmann Papers
House of Representatives Subject Files
subjects
Economics
Legislation
Legislative liaison
largeImageUrl
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
1550997
coverageEndDate
logicalDate
1970-03-31
month
3
year
1970
coverageStartDate
logicalDate
1970-03-01
month
3
year
1970
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
b9db62b361403f08
ocrText
These documents were scanned from Box 106 of the Robert T. Hartmann Papers at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
DIARY OF WHITE HOUSE LEADERSHIP
MEETINGS -- 91st CONGRESS
March 18, 1970
The Leadership met this morning in the theatre in the
west wing while work is in progress in the Cabinet
Room. The principal agenda item washinflation and the
message the President expects to deliver to the Congress
today on construction. RMN is acutely aware that 3
times during the Eisenhower years -- 1954, 1958 and
1960 -- downturns in the economy began early but effects
were felt primarily in the fall preceding the election. He
warned that too much talk about the possibility of a reces-
sion helps to create the atmosphere which brings it on.
In the months of March, April and May, there will be
little change in the Index figures, but in the summer months
and following through the fall months, the nation can
expect a gradual but significant upturn. He introduced
McCracken, who used a series of charts to illustrate his
lecture. The charts showed some stagnation of retail
sales in 1969 but increasing personal incomes in every
quarter of 1969. At the same time, so-called "consumer
sentiment" deteriorated. The index of industrial production
fell bakk. Labor market conditions softened. In October
of 1969 the unemployment rate was 3.8%. Today it is
4. 2%. Investments in plant and equipment projections
remain strong. The rationof inventories to sales is low
enough and stable enough to be reassuring. We are now
going through an uncomfortable interlude of economic
readjustment. There is always a substantial lag time before
monetary controls or tax changes take effect and become
visible in the economy. We should begin now planning for
an increase in the money supply of about 5% 80 that its full
effects can be felt by late summer.
Shults discussed the construction message. Mayo said that
the President will announce that the September 4 slow-down
GERALD FORD VIBRARY
2
in state projects will be suspended and federal funds will
be made available again for federally-aided projects.
This will be a $1. 2 billion federal impact and $300 million
state and local impact for a total impact of $1. 5 billion.
RMN said that the Federal Reserve Board by its delay
has been the culprit in the 3 recessions he mentioned.
This time, he expects the Board to move promptly.
Mayo explained the "immediate shot in the arm" to the
housing industry. This will include $250 million for the
Federal Nome Loan Bank to subsidize interest rates on
advances to savings and loan associations to stimulate
new housing starts; $25 million for rental housing: and
$25 million for the Rent Subsidy Program; totaling @300
million to be requested in the Supplemental Appropriations
bill.
RMN said that the housing industry is in 3 parts -- 1/3
residential, 1/3 public buildings and 1/3 industrial. The
total program has an immediate effect upon the whole
industry.
Scott gave a Senate report. He predicted a possible filibuster
on Carswell to carry the vote beyond Easter.
Ford gave the House report. The welfare bill will not be
debated until after the Easter recess. The same is probably
true of the Voting Rights Conference Report. On the latter,
there may be a motion to instruct conferees to accept the
Senate amendment on 18 year-old voting, and the dehly is
designed to afford time to build public pressure.
Ford said that tieshoped the Interstate and Foreign Commerce
Committee would be able to conclude hearings on the railroad
strike crisis well in advance of the April 7 deadline. If the
Democrats attempt another bill like the last, Republicans
should make a dedicated fight for the President's proposal.
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
3
The President asked Ehrlichman to explain the possible
new legislation on the bombing crisis and bombing threats
now prevalent in Maryland, the District of Columbia,
New York and elsewhere. Ehrlichman said that legislation
should be primarily preventive but should supplement the
efforts of small communities unable to handle the problem
themselves. He suggested 3 jusisdictional bases, viz,
movement of explosives in interstate commerce, bombing
of business establishments engaged in interstate commerce,
and bombing of federal buildings.
RMN stressed the importance of a Leadership announce-
ment that such legislation is in the process of being drafted
by the Justice Department.
We adjourned at 10:40 a. m.
RICHARD H. POFF
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
K. Send to Ford via Hostman
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 17, 1970
OFFICE OF THE WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
PRESS CONFERENCE
OF
SENATOR HUGH SCOTT
AND
CONGRESSMAN GERALD R. FORD
THE ROOSEVELT ROOM
AT 11:03 A.M. EST.
SENATOR SCOTT: Ladies and Gentlemen: This morning one of
the Treasury Buildingswas evacuated because of a bomb threat.
The President is reviewing and giving careful consideration to
recommendations with regard to thepossible need for Federal
legislation to meet the spate of bombings across the country.
The areas, of course, where the Federal Government
is concerned, have yet to be worked out, but it could, of course,
include Federal buildings, Interstate Commerce, where offices
in private buildings are occupied by firms engaged in
interstate commerce, and possibly the protection of Federal
officials, the protection of vehicles and transportation of
explosives across State lines.
So I think you can expect a message or suggested
legislation somewhat later on that, in the near future.
CONGRESSMAN FORD: A major part of the meeting this
morning involved comments by Dr. McCracken as to the situation
as far as the economy is concerned, and that led to a message
which will be sent to the Hill today, which is entitled,
"A Statement by the President on Combating Construction
Inflation and Meeting Future Construction Needs."
This message will point out the things that the
President thinks have to be done in the area of vocational
education, job training for construction workers.
There was discussion about the state of the economy.
It was the consensus of those there, following the report by
Dr. McCracken, that the state of the economy was good. The
President reaffirmed what he has stated before, that this
Administration will be an activist Administration in meeting
any problems that might develop in the economy.
We were encouraged by the various reports indicating
that the inflationary problems were cooling. At the same
time, there was no serious problem developing in the field of
unemployment.
GERALD
FORD
The President, in the message, as you will find,
LIBRATT
is releasing the directive that was put into effect, I think,
in September of 1969, the limitation that involved Federally
assisted construction programs with State and local Governments.
That limitation will be lifted.
MORE
- 2 -
It will have an impact on the construction industry
across the country. It will have, however, no serious
adverse impact on the budgetary expenditures as far as the
Federal Government is concerned for this fiscal year, or for
next.
As a matter of fact, this action by the President
to release the limitation is a part of the program or
plan that has been worked out to meet any inflationary
problems or any unemployment problems that might develop.
In addition, the President wrote Senator Scott and
myself, as well as the Democratic Leaders, yesterday,
indicating that he was recommending legislation that would
make available $250 million for the savings and loans. If
that legislation is authorized and funded, it means that
some $6 billion or more would be released for the housing
industry and in addition, the President is requesting
the Congress to add $50 million in Federal funding for
Sections 235 and 236 in the housing legislation.
All of these steps are taken as a part of a well
considered plan to, on the one hand be careful about the
problems of inflation, and at the same time, meet any problems
related to the future of the economy.
SENATOR SCOTT: Let me add one thing. The President's
request for consideration of Federal legislation on bombing was
made to his department heads on Friday last.
On the matter of the removal of the freeze on Federally
assisted construction, that amounts to $1.2 billion, and also
it releases $300 million by the States who will be encouraged
to do that. Then, other States, hopefully, as the bond market
improves, will be able to release money which has been backed up.
New York State, for example, has $900 million in
projects backed up waiting for a favorable bond market.
Q
Does the release of this money indicate a fear
that the inflation has peaked and you want now to avoid a
recession by pumping money back into the economy?
CONGRESSMAN FORD: I think the release of the money
is aimed at making certain that the construction industry,
both broad construction as well as the housing industry
they have suffered the most in the last six to twelve months --
and this actionis aimed at trying to remedy the problems in
that particular area.
As I understand it, the construction industry is
about $100 billion a year, a third of it in housing, a third
of it in State and local and Federal projects, and another
third in industry. In order to try and equalize the situation
for this particular industry, these actions are being taken.
R.
0
But I am speaking of timing now. Why are you
GERAL
FORD
doing it now?
CONGRESSMAN FORD: Because these industries have
suffered the most in the last six or twelve months, and this
is an effort to give them an opportunity to get moving in the
economy as a whole.
MORE
- 3 -
Q
I think following Peter's point, that late
last Summer when these restrictions were put on, for the purpose
of having to deal with inflation, and now the restrictions
are being taken off, what has changed in that intervening
time to change the President's decision about what should be
done?
CONGRESSMAN FORD: I think there is a feeling that
the problems of inflation have been defeated, and that now
we have to try and equalize the development of the economy in
the months ahead.
As I said at the outset, the President's message
is a rather broad one. It not only provides for the actions
that I have indicated in the Federally assisted construction
programs, but points out the expansion of training programs,
vocational education, manpower training.
I might add, one of the points made in the message,
and I understand that Secretary Shultz will emphasize this later,
is that the President speaks out about the need to upgrade in
the minds of the American people, the craftsmen and skilled
workers who are in some of these trades, who have not been
adequately recognized in the past.
On Page Four of the message, the President speaks
very emphatically about a need to restore pride in a
craft and to promote the dignity of skilled labor. I think
we have to do something in this area to bring in people who
will create a bigger labor market in these particular trades.
MORE
SERIAL R. FORD
- 4 -
Q
Were there any apprehensions expressed this
morning about the possibility of a recession?
CONGRESSMAN FORD: None whatsoever. As a matter of
fact, the President was very affirmative in his belief that the
economy was healthy and that his Administration was going to be
an activist Administration in foreseeing any problems that might
develop and taking affirmative action ahead of schedule so we
would not have any problems in that area of unemployment.
SENATOR SCOTT: We expect 1970 to be a good year in
every way.
Q
Mr. Ford, could you give us some evidence that
inflation has been defeated?
CONGRESSMAN FORD: There will be a briefing by Dr.
McCracken later this morning. He is far more familiar than
I am with the details as to why, in his judgment, we have
dampened down the inflationary problems. But I am sure he
can convince you, as he did me and others, that we are on top
of the problem and that we can look forward in the months ahead
to a decrease in the inflationary pressures that have plagued
us for the last five years.
Q Does that mean, Mr. Ford, that the danger of
skidding into a recession has been averted?
CONGRESSMAN FORD: Absolutely. The danger of any
recession as far as the future is concerned is nil. This
Administration has affirmatively met the problems of any
recession, and from now on, we are going to be building forward
on a stable economy rather than on one such as we have had in
the past, in the 1950s and the early part of the 1960s. I
might point out, the question isalways raised about unemploy-
ment and my good friend Carl Albert, last week, criticized the
Administration for the 4.2 unemployment figure that was
announced.
I did a little checking, and I went back to the
records of the early 1960s. Let me read to you the unemployment
figures for 1961, 6.7 percent; 1962, 5.5 percent unemployment;
1963, 5.7 percent unemployment; 1964, 5.2 percent. As a matter
of fact, the average in those four years in the early days of
the Kennedy Administration, would indicate over 5.5 percent
unemployment. We think that is unacceptable, totally unaccept-
able. This Administration is going to maximize its effort to
keep unemployment down to a minimum.
Q
Mr. Ford, it sounds as if you are ready to
take on Larry O'Brien in his statement Sunday that the economy
would be a major issue.
CONGRESSMAN FORD: I didn't hear it. What did he say?
Ω
He said he thought the major issue in the 1970
elections would be the economy.
CONGRESSMAN FORD: In my judgment it is because the
economy is going to be good and healthy in 1970 and it will not
be an issue. The Democrats won't have anything to talk about.
R.
GERALD
ADADA
MORE
LIBRARY
- 5 -
SENATOR SCOTT: Larry O'Brien asked me at the
Gridiron Club to lend him ten until just the next day, but
he didn't say ten what. (Laughter)
We have a later report on the evacuation of one of
Treasury Buildings. It is the Bureau of Engraving and Printing
at 14th and C Streets.
&
That legislation you mentioned, will that deal
with bombing threats as well as actual bombings?
SENATOR SCOTT: I would expect that the legislation
would deal with bombings and with conspiracies to commit that
act.
Q
Are you satisfied with the security on the Hill?
SENATOR SCOTT: Not entirely, no. I think the
security on the Hill could be improved. I would hate for us
to be isolated or for anything to be done to prevent free
access by constituents, but I think the whole security problem
is great in the country and great in Washington, D. C.
Q
You mentioned that last Friday the President
asked for some report. What did he ask for, legislation to
be drawn up?
SENATOR SCOTT: It is my understanding that he has
asked for a review and a study to indicate whether legislation
in the Federal field is necessary to deal with this spread
of bombings across the country. I had mentioned some
areas that might well be covered by that study.
I
When is that study suppose to get back to him?
SENATOR SCOTT: I would expect in a few days. He
had hoped to have it early this week. It will be very soon.
Q
Senator, do you have a head count on the Carswell
vote, and can you give it to us?
SENATOR SCOTT: Senator Griffin will be taking a
head count very shortly on that. There are enough votes,
and more, to confirm Judge Carswell.
Q
Senator, did you discuss the President's coming
civil rights statement this morning?
SENATOR SCOTT: No, there was no discussion on that.
Q
What do you expect to come?
SENATOR SCOTT: Well, I think we had better wait
and see what that statement contains. If I am asked, I will
discuss it, but at this point I have no knowledge. But I
meant if I were asked at the White House, I would discuss it
here, but I have no knowledge of it.
Q
Did you discuss the Israeli jet decision?
R.
SENATOR SCOTT: That was not brought up today.
GERALD
FORD
THENKY
THE PRESS: Thank you.
END
(AT 11:16 A.M. EST.)
HOUSE ACTION, PERIOD MARCH 3 THROUGH MARCH 16, 1970
Tuesday, March 3, 1970
HOME PORT TRANSPORTATION
The House cleared for the President H.R. 8020, to provide round-trip
transportation to the home port for a member of the naval service
on permanent duty aboard a ship overhauling away from home port
whose dependents are residing at the home port, by agreeing to
the Senate amendments thereto.
AVIATION FACILITIES EXPANSION ACT
The House disagreed to the amendments of the Senate to H.R. 14465, to
provide for the expansion and improvement of the Nation's airport
and airway system, for the imposition of airport and airway user
charges; andagreed to a conference asked by the Senate. Representa-
tives Staggers, Friedel, Dingell, Pickle, Springer, Devine and Watson
were appointed as conferees; Representatives Mills, Boggs, Watts, and
Byrnes of Wisconsin were appointed as conferees for the tax provision
of the Senate amendments.
LABOR - H E W APPROPRIATIONS
The House disagreed to the amendments of the Senate to H.R. 15931,
making appropriations for the Departments of Labor and Health, Educa-
tion and Welfare, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending
June 30, 1970, and agreed to a conference asked by the Senate.
Representatives Flood, Natcher, Smith of Iowa, Hull, Casey, Mahon,
Michel, Shriver, Reid of Illinois, and Bow were appointed as conferees.
By a record vote of 228 yeas to 152 nays, the House agreed to a motion
to instruct the conferees on the part of the House to agree to the Senate
amendments. A motion to table the motion to instruct was rejected by
a record vote of 164 yeas to 220 nays.
Subsequently, by a record vote of 324 yeas to 55 nays, the House
agreed to the conference report on H.R. 15931, and sent the measure
to the Senate for further action.
SUSPENSIONS (THREE BILLS)
The House voted to suspend the rules and passed the following bills by
voice votes:
S.2593
To exclude executive officers and managerial personnel of
Western Hemisphere businesses from the numerical limitation
of Western Hemisphere immigration.
/
SERALO
- 2 -
H.R.4574
To provide for the admission to the United States of
certain inhabitants of the Bonin Islands.
H.R.914
For the relief of Hood River County, Oregon.
Wednesday, March 4, 1970
ANIMAL QUARANTINE STATION
RULE
The House adopted H.Res.861, providing one hour of debate.
PASSAGE
By a voice vote, the House passed H.R.11832, to provide for the
establishment of an international quarantine station and to permit
the entry therein of animals from any other country and the sub-
sequent movement of such animals into other parts of the United
States for purposes of improving livestock breeds.
Subsequently, this passage was vacated and S.2306, a similar Senate-
passed bill was passed in lieu after being amended to contain
the language of the House bill as passed.
RAILWAY LABOR DISPUTE
RULE
By a voice vote, H.Res.867 was adopted, providing one hour of debate.
PASSAGE
By a record vote of 343 yeas to 15 nays, the House passed H.J.Res.112,
to provide for the settlement of the labor dispute between certain
carriers by railroad and certain of their employees.
Subsequently, this passage was vacated and S.J.Res.180, an identical
Senate-passed measure, was passed in lieu.
Thursday, March 5, 1970
WHITE HOUSE EMBASSY PROTECTION
The House cleared for the President H.R.14944, to authorize an
adequate force for the protection of the Executive Mansion and
foreign embassies, by agreeing by a voice vote to the Senate
amendments thereto.
CTENAN
- 3 -
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
RULE
By a record vote of 289 yeas to 62 nays, the rule, Res. 862,
was agreed to, providing for one hour of debate.
PASSAGE
By a record vote of 209 yeas to 133 nays, with one voting "present",
the House passed S.2910, to authorize additional funds for the
Library of Congress James Madison Memorial Building.
RECOMMIT
By a record vote of 150 yeas to 197 nays, Mr. Snyder's motion to
recommit the bill to the Committee on Public Works with instruc-
tions not to report it back until all plans and designs are
completed, was rejected.
RAILROAD RETIREMENT
By a voice vote, the House agreed to the conference report on H.R. 13300,
to amend the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 and the Railroad Retire-
ment Tax Act to provide for the extension of supplemental annuities
and the mandatory retirement of employees, clearing the measure for
the White House.
Subsequently, the House agreed to H.Con.Res.527, authorizing a change
in the title of the measure.
Monday, March 9, 1970
ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
The House disagreed to the amendment of the Senate to H.R.514, to extend
programs of assistance for elementary and secondary education; and
asked a conference with the Senate. Representatives Perkins, Green
of Oregon, Thompson of New Jersey, Dent, Pucinski, Daniels, Brademas,
O'Hara, Carey, Hawkins, William D. Ford, Hathaway, Mink, Meeds, Ayres,
Quie, Ashbrook, Bell of California, Erlenborn, Scherle, Dellenback,
Esch, Steiger of Wisconsin and Ruth were appointed as conferees.
Tuesday, March 10, 1970
STOCKPILE DISPOSALS
By unanimous consent, the various bills authorizing disposals from the
national stockpile were called up, considered, and passed by voice
votes.
- 4 -
DOMESTIC WINE
RULE
The House adopted H.Res.860 by a voice vote; this rule provided for
one hour of debate.
PASSAGE
By a voice vote, the House passed H.R. 14169, to remove certain
restrictions against domestic wine under title I of the Agri-
cultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954.
Wednesday, March 11, 1970
MARITIME AUTHORIZATION
RULE
H.Res.873, providing for two hours of debate, was adopted by a
voice vote.
PASSAGE
By a record vote of 370 yeas to 12 nays, the House passed H.R. 15945,
to authorize appropriations for certain maritime programs of the
Department of Commerce; the House agreed to the committee amendments.
Monday, March 16, 1970
SUSPENSIONS
The House passed the following suspensions:
R.15143
By a record vote of 269 yeas to 44 nays, to provide
the grade of Lieutenant General for the Chief of the
National Guard Bureau,
H.R.1187
By a voice vote, to amend the Cape Cod National Seashore Act.
H.R.14896
By a record vote of 317 yeas to 9 nays, to amend the Act
establishing a program for the preservation of historic
properties.
H.R.15689
By a voice vote, to increase the authorization for the
Missouri River Basin.
H.R.15700
By a voice vote, to authorize appropriations for the saline
water conversion program.
S.743
By a voice vote, to authorize the Touchet division, Walla
Walla project, Oregon-Washington.
CERTAL
FOR
LIBERTY
- 5 -
Tuesday, March 17, 1970, and Balance of Week
H.R.15694
Coast Guard Authorization for FY 1971 (Open Rule - one
hour of debate).
S.858 (H.R.485)
Tukelake Area Durum Wheat Allotments (Open Rule - one hour
of debate).
S.952
To provide for the appointment of additional District
judges (subject to a rule being granted).
H.R.15728
To authorize the extension of certain naval vessel loans
(Open Rule - one hour of debate).
H.R.16196
District of Columbia Court Reform and Criminal Procedure
Act of 1970 (subject to a rule being granted).
H.R.15628
Foreign Military Sales Act Amendments (subject to a rule
being granted).
&
STANDO
CBP
LIBRARY
>