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White House - Congressional Leadership Meeting, 2/9/71
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White House - Congressional Leadership Meeting, 2/9/71
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Robert T. Hartmann Papers
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These documents were scanned from Box 107 of the Robert T. Hartmann Papers at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 9, 1971
OFFICE OF THE WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
PRESS CONFERENCE
OF
R.
FORD
SENATOR HUGH SCOTT
AND
GERALO
CONGRESSMAN GERALD R. FORD
LIBRARY
THE BRIEFING ROOM
AT 10:23 A.M.
EST
MR. ZIEGLER: The Leadership Meeting this morning
lasted from eight o'clock until 10 o'clock.
Senator Scott and Congressman Ford are here to
give you a briefing on this. Senator?
SENATOR SCOTT: We had a briefing on Laos and
on the forthcoming General Health legislation from Secretary
Richardson.
The purpose of the action of the ARVN in Laos is
certainly well-known. And the interdiction of the Ho Chi
Minh Trail and tributaries to it is proceeding. After all,
over the past six years, some 630,000 troops have come down
that Trail, 400,000 weapons, other than rifles, and some
400 million rounds of ammunition.
Therefore, the attempt to deter this flow of
supplies is extremely important in aid of the Vietnamization
program and to protect the continuing withdrawal of American
forces.
I would like to note that the criticisms of each of
the decisions made by this Administration in regard to Indo-
china have fallen of their own weight. I think the steam is
out of a good deal of that criticism for the simple reason
that what the President has said on each occasion he will do
has indeed been done and if there is any lack of credibility,
it is on the doom-sayers who predicted results contrary to
those which have occurred.
CONGRESSMAN FORD: I would simply comment on the
health discussion that there was a very free give-and-take
between the Secretary of HEW and those who were there.
We made suggestions and some observations which I
think will be cranked into the final decision-making.
Secondly, on the briefing related to the incursion
into Laos, it was pointed out, and I think it ought to be
repeated throughout the country, that the decision relating to
Cambodia last year resulted in the cutting of the supply
lifeline for the North Vietnamese in the southern part of
Vietnam.
And this operation will be the cutting of a lifeline
from the north. The operation in Cambodia last year had the
effect of a substantial drop in American casualties over the
MORE
- 2 -
last nine months or more.
And the success of this operation will result in,
I believe, a reduction in the military capability of the
enemy and a reduction in American casualties.
R.
GERALD
FORD
Q
Congressman Ford, there is another supply
source in North Vietnam. Was there any discussion about
LIBRARY
going after that?
CONGRESSMAN FORD: There was no discussion of any
other military operations other than the ones that are
currently in operation.
Q Was there any indication of how long the
current operation will continue?
CONGRESSMAN FORD: There was no discussion of any
terminal date. We are just in the initial stages of it.
I suspect that the length of it will depend upon the kind of
resistance that is met as far as the enemy is concerned and
the need to mop up, if it is as successful as we hope it will
be. But there was no discussion of precise days or weeks.
Q
Could you explain the timing of this operation?
Why, if this has been going on for so long, did the President
decide now to undertake the operation?
CONGRESSMAN FORD: There was no discussion of that.
As I am sure all of you know, this is a very major
operation for the South Vietnamese military forces. And I
suspect that the timing did relate to the competence of them
to undertake such an operation, plus the need and necessity
to get it done prior to the end of the dry season and the
beginning of the monsoon season.
I might make one observation that I don't think
is generally known. I am told that approximately 30 Members
of the House and the Senate, including all of the leadership,
were briefed prior to the operation, its beginning. So there
was consultation and there was a briefing for those that do
have certain specific responsibilities in the Congress.
SENATOR SCOTT: There were more than two dozen
Members of Congress who were briefed and consulted prior to
the operation.
The purpose of the operation, to repeat, is to aid
in the continuing Vietnamization program and to protect
withdrawal of American forces. And I might suggest that
if you will go back in your records, you will find that
the President in the period between 1965 and 1967, frequently
pointed out to a previous Administration the importance of
cleaning out sanctuaries and supply depots.
Q
Senator, when you say the beginning of the
operation, do you mean the beginning of the airlift and
the imposition of the blackout or are you speaking of the
actual crossing of the border?
MORE
- 3 -
SENATOR SCOTT: They are all related. As you know,
the news embargo was at the request of General Abrams for
the protection of our forces. The military operation, of
course, began in, I should say a technical sense, at the
crossing of the border on Route 9.
Q
When were the Congressmen briefed?
SENATOR SCOTT: They were briefed prior to the
military operation, prior to the crossing of the border.
GERALD R. FORD LIBRARY
Q
What date were they briefed?
SENATOR SCOTT: There are different dates. I heard
Gerry say that he was briefed at one time on a Thursday. I had
some earlier information and I was finally briefed on Sunday.
But it was at varying times for different Senators and
Congressmen.
2 Was the opinion of the lawmakers sought or
was it a typical Johnson briefing where they were told?
SENATOR SCOTT: You don't get typical Johnson --
you don't get that kind anymore. (Laughter.) I would say
that when a military operation is in progress you don't ask
Senators how to conduct the battle of Vicksburg. But you do
tell them what is going on and you do respond to their
questions or their concerns or their problems.
Q
So nothing catastrophic has been suggested,
really?
SENATOR SCOTT: It hasn't happened. And I assume
that if something of a catastrophic nature had been suggested,
that might have affected the outcome. But I see no evidence
that that occurred.
Q Were there any Congressmen who suggested it
might not be a good operation to undertake?
SENATOR SCOTT: That I am not in a position to say
since they were in individual briefings. I will point out
to you that Senator Church said on Sunday that the Cooper-
Church inhibitions were being observed and pointed to the line
that barred the forward movement of U. S. personnel.
Q
You point out, Senator Scott, that in an
earlier period Mr. Nixon had advocated the cleaning out of
sanctuaries in Indocina. Did the impetus for this operation
in Laos come from Washington or did it come from Saigon?
SENATOR SCOTT: That I am not in a position to say.
You had better ask that of someone else.
Q Was there any indication of when the health
message will go to the Hill, Congressman Ford?
CONGRESSMAN FORD: There was no specific date
indicated. I would say generally sometime prior to the first
of March. But nothing any more firm than that.
Q
Were Senators Fulbright and Mansfield consulted?
MORE
- 4 -
SENATOR SCOTT: They were both, and Senators
Cooper, Church and Aiken, Senator Smith and a number of
others, including the Democratic side.
CONGRESSMAN FORD: I understand that the Speaker
was also briefed as well as other Members in the leadership
on the House side.
Q
Congressman Ford, why were not the Members
of the House and Senate briefed before the logistical part
of the operation started?
CONGRESSMAN FORD: I think you had to bear in
mind the major part of the operation, the part that was
most serious. The part that was most serious was the one
involving the crossing of the border. And at the time of
the logistic buildup, I am not positive personally that
GERALD R. FORD LIBRARD
there was a firm decision as to exactly the date and the
precise movements.
But as far as I was concerned, I was briefed on
a Thursday because I was going to be out of town on Friday
and Saturday. And I had so informed the White House and it
was decided to give me that briefing at that time because
of that problem.
Q
I don't mean to pursue this unnecessarily.
But I believe Senator Scott mentioned something about
credibility and apparently most of the criticism that arose
during that six-day period was because no one knew exactly
what was going on, at least, the leadership here in
Washington.
What is your response to that, Senator?
SENATOR SCOTT: I don't think that that goes to the
issue of credibility. A buildup of logistics and supplies
is not a matter which is essential for the Congress to
know until some action is about to be taken that affects our
disposition of forces, for example.
The news embargo is not all that unusual. There
was an 18-day news embargo at the time of the A Shau Valley
enterprise. I personally am in favor of news embargoes
that protect lives. And I can realize the necessity for the
people of this country being informed as soon as they can be.
I think the right to know is a little different
from the right to jeopardize.
Q
Senator Scott, you indicate the lack
of public outcry, including public and on the Hill.
Was that a determining factor for the President to go in?
SENATOR SCOTT: I don't think SO. I think the
lack of public outcry followed the entry into Laos of ARVN
forces. The lack of public outcry, I think, comes from
an increasing confidence in the President's undertakings.
When he says something is going to happen, it does. And
the critics are finding out that he is keeping his promises.
And I think that explains the lack of public outcry, plus,
of course, the reforms of the draft.
MORE
- 5 -
Q
Senator, there are two moves on the Hill
right now, one to reopen Senate Foreign Relations Committee
hearings on Laos, public hearings; and two, move toward
some resolution which would prohibit the use of any more
appropriations in Indochina except to get us out of the war.
What is the Administration's position on both of
those moves?
SENATOR SCOTT: Would you repeat the first part?
Q
To open up Senate Foreign Relations Committee
hearings on Laos.
GERATO R. FORD LIBRARY
SENATOR SCOTT: The decision of whether or not
Cabinet officers are to testify is, of course, for the
President and the Cabinet officers, as far as open sessions
are concerned. Secretary Rogers is testifying this morning
currently before Foreign Relations. The second part was?
Q
On the proposal to restrict the use of funds
to anything but to get out of Indochina.
SENATOR SCOTT: I think that would transfer the
executive function to the Congress. I personally question
very seriously whether it would be constitutional for
the Congress to control the Commander in Chief's position
of forces for the defense and security of the United States.
But aside from that, I think it would be the height
of folly to use the power of the purse to endanger the
removal of troops from a foreign enterprise.
CONGRESSMAN FORD: If I might add to that, I don't
think this suggestion is anything new. In effect, that is
what some people were trying to do in 1970 and they were
conspicuously unsuccessful in the House of Representatives
last year and I think they will be just as unsuccessful in
1971.
Most Members of the House realize that they are
not capable of making military decisions and the suggestion --
SENATOR SCOTT: And some Senators.
CONGRESSMAN FORD: -- and the amendment or the
action that you have mentioned would in effect be substituting
political decisions for a military decision. The House of
Representatives knows that the President has kept his word
about withdrawing troops.
The Members of the House or majority recognize
that the operation in Cambodia was successful and certain
beneficial results have taken place.
MORE
- 6 -
And I am confident that they will find the same in
this particular case. It will be successful. It will
insure that we will be able to make or at least open the
door to additional withdrawals beyond the 284,000 that are
scheduled to be there on May 1 of 1971.
Q Hasn't the President also said he wouldn't
widen the war and isn't putting South Vietnamese on three
fronts widening the war?
CONGRESSMAN FORD: I don't think so at all. The
action that is being taken by the South Vietnamese forces into
Laos is to protect the U.S. forces and the South Vietnamese
forces. It is a legitimate extension for the protection of
the some 335,000 U.S. military personnel still there and
half a million or more South Vietnamese forces that are
protecting their country.
FORD R. GERALO LIBRARY
This is a legitimate military operation as a defense
move, not as an offensive action.
SENATOR SCOTT: The North Vietnamese have been
on three fronts all along, except for too long two of the
three fronts have been privileged.
Q
What did you say about further withdrawals?
CONGRESSMAN FORD: I said yesterday, and I said
here today, that the success of the operation will certainly
open the door to the distinct possibility of an extension
of withdrawals beyond the figure of May 1 of 284,000.
But there is no committment at all.
It is simply an operation that in my personal
opinion will definitely give the President more options than
he would have had otherwise.
Q
Was your personal opinion reenforced in there
today?
CONGRESSMAN FORD: My personal opinion was reenforced by
what was said in my briefing last Thursday and what I
heard this morning. I am definitely encouraged.
Q Has anyone in the Administration said that if
the thing is a success that they might be able to better
the number of troops they are planning to have out by mid-May?
CONGRESSMAN FORD: No. My own impression is what I
have indicated. But I have gotten no specific views from
the Administration, as such.
Q
In the last two or three days, a group of
students met at the University of Michigan, a meeting I
am sure you are aware of, to discuss plans for large anti-
war demonstrations here in Washington in May.
Do you believe that there is still enough steam
left in the anti-war movement to mount large demonstrations
here in Washington?
CONGRESSMAN FORD: I am not certain that we can
look forward to college campuses being entirely peaceful
MORE
- 7 -
this spring. But I didn't see much publicity coming out
of that meeting in Detroit or at the University of Michigan.
I don't think they are the ones that are going to be
able to generate the kind of student activity that took
place during the Cambodian incursion.
Furthermore, as we progress in the withdrawal
of forces and as casualties go down and as the success of
this particular military operation is proven, I think most
students will realize that we are on the right track and
they don't have to meet and protest as they did a year ago.
Q
Can we move to health for a minute? Did
you get the impression at all that the decisions are made
on the Administration's health package?
CONGRESSMAN FORD: No. I thought I made that quite
clear, that there was some give and take between the
Congressional people there and the Secretary of HEW. It
was to a substantial degree a consulting session where he
indicated some basic concepts and asked for our observations
and comment.
Q
What is the problem?
CONGRESSMAN FORD: I think it is better if we
FORD R. GERALD LIBRARY
wait until the final solution rather than to talk about
alternatives at this point.
Q
Did the President say this morning anything
about his plans to take his program to the country?
CONGRESSMAN FORD: The President did say quite
specifically that he was going to really reenforce the
efforts that have been made already for revenue-sharing, et
cotera, and the other five points in the State of the
Union Message.
As I understand it, he is having now a series of
breakfasts for the Democrats in the Congress to make sure that
they understand that this is a substantive action rather than
any political move.
And I might say that the revenue-sharing bill is
going to be introduced in the House and I guess in the Senate
today. And we have, I think, an excellent number of
individuals who are going to co-sponsor it.
In the House, it is 135 at this point.
SENATOR SCOTT: It is 37 in the Senate; some from
each Body.
Q
What do you mean by "reenforce" this action?
CONGRESSMAN FORD: By the series of meetings with
Democrats, and there are other efforts that are going to be made
by those of us in the leadership throughout the country.
And I think you are going to get some bipartisan
support from the bill.
MORE
- 8 -
Q
What are the efforts?
CONGRESSMAN FORD: The Vice President held a meeting
in Indianapolis, as I understand, over the last weekend
where lots of local officials were present. Every speech
that I think a Republican is going to be giving in the
next few months will include an affirmative sales job
for revenue sharing and the other programs.
This is going to be a very substantial effort
on the part of the President and others.
Q
Did you discuss the Mayors testimony yesterday
on the Hill on revenue sharing and particularly their
resentment on the pollution timetable?
SENATOR SCOTT: It was not brought up in this
meeting today at all.
Q
Senator Scott, I would like to ask you about
Laos again.
Any military planner that is worth his salt considers
what his option will be in event things take a turn for
the worse.
At this morning's meeting was the President
asked about, or did he comment, on what he can do if the
FORD R. GERALO LIBRARY
South Vietnamese get licked in Laos?
SENATOR SCOTT: It was indicated that General
Abrams knows what he is doing. It was not indicated as to
what alternatives exist. I have no doubt that a good general
always knows what he should do under situations favorable
or adverse. But we did not anticipate defeat.
And it is not, I believe, the custom of the
Administration to anticipate defeat.
THE PRESS: Thank you.
END
(AT 10:45 A.M. EST)
HOUSE ACTION, PERIOD JANUARY 21, 1971 THROUGH FEBRUARY 8, 1971
R.
Thursday, January 21, 1971
GERALD
FORD
ELECTION OF SPEAKER
By a record vote of 250 to 176, Carl Albert of Oklahoma, was elected
Speaker of the House of Representatives over Gerald R. Ford of Michigan.
Representatives Hays, Devine, Sullivan, and Reid of Illinois acted as
tellers on this vote. The Speaker was escorted to the Chair by Repre-
sentatives Gerald R. Ford, Boggs, Arends, Teague of Texas, and Steed.
Representative Patman administered the oath of office to the Speaker,
who subsequently administered the oath to 428 Members-elect, and the
Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico en bloc.
PARTY LEADERS
It was announced that Representatives Boggs and Gerald R. Ford were se-
lected as majority and minority leaders, respectively.
ELECTION OF HOUSE OFFICERS
By voice vote, the House agreed to H. Res. 1, electing the following officers
of the House of Representatives: W. Pat Jennings, Clerk of the House of
Representatives; Zeake W. Johnson, Jr., Sergeant at Arms; William M. Miller,
Doorkeeper; H. H. Morris, Postmaster; Reverend Edward G. Latch, D.D.,
Chaplain.
NOTIFY SENATE
By a voice vote, the House agreed to H. Res. 2, to inform the Senate that
a quorum of the House had assembled and had elected Carl Albert, a Repre-
sentative from the State of Oklahoma, Speaker; and W. Pat Jennings, Clerk
of the House of Representatives.
NOTIFY PRESIDENT
By a voice vote, the House agreed to H. Res. 3, authorizing the Speaker to
appoint a committee of two Members to join with a like committee of the
Senate to notify the President that a quorum of each House has been assembled
and that Congress is ready to receive any communication that he may be
pleased to make. Subsequently, the Speaker appointed Representatives
Boggs and Gerald R. Ford.
INFORM PRESIDENT
By a voice vote, the House agreed to H. Res. 4, authorizing the Clerk of
the House to inform the President that the House of Representatives had
elected Carl Albert, a Representative from Oklahoma, Speaker; and W. Pat
Jennings, Clerk of the House of Representatives.
-2-
Thursday, January 21, 1971 (continued)
FORD R. GERALD LIBRARY
HOUSE RULES
The House considered H. Res. 5, providing for the adoption of the rules
of the House of Representatives for the 92d Congress, but came to no
resolution thereon. The House agreed to a motion by Mr. Colmer that
further consideration be postponed until tomorrow, January 22.
MINORITY EMPLOYEES
By a voice vote, the House agreed to H. Res. 6, announcing the selection
and fixing the salaries of the following minority employees: Joe Bartlett,
Robert T. Hartmann, William R. Bonsell, Tommy Lee Winebrenner, Walter P.
Kennedy, and John J. Williams.
STATE OF UNION MESSAGE
By a voice vote, the House agreed to H. Con. Res. 1, providing for a joint
session of Congress on Friday, January 22, to hear the President deliver
his State of the Union message. Also made in order the calling of a
recess by the Speaker on Friday.
HOUSE RECORDS
By a voice vote, the House agreed to H. Res. 9, relative to compliance with
subpenas duces tecum in connection with House records, documents, and
papers.
HOUSE BUILDING COMMISSION
The Speaker appointed as members of the House Building Commission, Repre-
sentatives Celler and Harsha, to serve with the Speaker.
Friday, January 22, 1971
CONDOLENCE RESOLUTION
By a voice vote, the House agreed to H. Res. 10, providing for expressions
of sympathy and condolences on the death of Senator Russell. The Speaker
appointed as members of the funeral committee the following Members on
the part of the House: Representatives Landrum, Boggs, Gerald R. Ford,
Flynt, Davis of Georgia, Hagan, Stephens, Blackburn, Brinkley, Stuckey,
Thompson of Georgia, Mathis, Colmer, Hebert, Holifield, Sikes, and
Price of Illinois.
WHIPS
It was announced that Representative O'Neill had been selected as Democratic
Whip, and Representatives McFall and Brademas were selected as assistant
whips. Representative Arends was selected as the Republican Whip.
-3-
R.
GERALD
FORD
Friday, January 22, 1971 (continued)
LIBRAHY
HOUSE RULES
By a record vote of 226 yeas to 155 nays, with 1 voting "present,"
the House agreed to H. Res. 5, relative to adoption of the rules of
the House of Representatives for the 92d Congress.
The House rejected a motion to order the previous question by a record
vote of 133 yeas to 254 nays; opening the measure for amendment. An
amendment by Mr. Sisk was offered that strikes out language relating
to the 21-day rule.
By a record vote of 213 yeas to 174 nays, the House agreed to a motion
to order the previous question on the measure as amended. Subse-
quently, by a record vote of 233 yeas to 152 nays, the House agreed
to the amendment.
WAYS AND MEANS MAJORITY ELECTIONS
By a voice vote, the House agreed to H. Res. 12, electing certain majority
Members to membership on the Committee on Ways and Means
WAYS AND MEANS MINORITY ELECTIONS
By a voice vote, the House agreed to H. Res. 13, electing certain minority
Members to membership on the Committee on Ways and Means.
HOUSE ADMINISTRATION MAJORITY ELECTIONS
By a voice vote, the House agreed to H. Res. 14, electing certain majority
Members to membership on the Committee on House Administration.
HOUSE ADMINISTRATION MINORITY ELECTIONS
By a voice vote, the House agreed to H. Res. 15, electing certain minority
Members to membership on the Committee on House Administration.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE ON STATE OF UNION
Before a joint session of Congress, President Nixon delivered his state
of the Union message. He was escorted to and from the House Chamber
by a committee composed of Senators Ellender, Mansfield, Byrd of West
Virginia, Moss, McClellan, Scott, Griffin, Smith, Allott, and Aiken;
and Representatives Boggs, O'Neill, Teague of Texas, Gerald R. Ford,
and Arends.
-4-
Monday, January 25, 1971.
R.
NO LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
GERALD
FORD
Tuesday, January 26, 1971
LIBRARY
COMMITTEE EMPLOYEES
The House agreed to H. Res. 17, authorizing payment of salaries to cer-
tain committee employees.
CAPITOL POLICE
The House agreed to H. Res. 150, relating to positions on the U.S. Capitol
Police force under the House of Representatives.
HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
The majority leader announced the following holiday schedule for the House
of Representatives for 1971:
Lincoln's-Washington's Birthdays--from the conclusion of business on
Wednesday, February 10 until noon on Wednesday, February 17;
Easter--from the conclusion of business on Wednesday, April 7 until
noon on Monday, April 19;
Memorial Day--from the conclusion of business on Thursday, May 27 until
noon on Tuesday, June 1.
Independence Day--from the conclusion of business on Thursday, July 1 until
noon on Tuesday, July 6; and
Summer Recess--from the conclusion of business on Friday, August 6 until
noon on Wednesday, September 8.
Friday, January 29, 1971
NO LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
Monday, February 1, 1971
NO LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
Tuesday, February 2, 1971
NO LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
Wednesday, February 3, 1971
NO LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
-5-
Thursday, February 4, 1971
FORD R. GERALD LIBRAHY
MAJORITY COMMITTEE ELECTION
By a voice vote, the House agreed to H. Res. 193, providing for the
election of Democratic Members to standing committees of the House.
By a record vote of 258 yeas to 32 nays, with 42 voting "present,"
the House agreed to order the previous question on the measure.
MINORITY COMMITTEE ELECTION
By a voice vote, the House agreed to H. Res. 194, providing for the
election of Republican Members to standing committees of the House.
Monday, February 8, 1971
NO LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
SCHEDULE AHEAD
No legislative business scheduled until after the Lincoln's-Washington's
Birthdays recess.