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The Reagan Presidency: A Review Of The First Two Years (3)
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The Reagan Presidency: A Review Of The First Two Years (3)
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Records of the White House Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff (Reagan Administration)
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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Digital Library Collections
This is a PDF of a folder from our textual
collections.
Collection: Deaver, Michael
Folder Title: The Reagan Presidency: A
Review of the First Two Years (3)
Box: 55
To see more digitized collections
visit: https://reaganlibrary.gov/archives/digital-library
To see all Ronald Reagan Presidential Library inventories
visit: https://reaganlibrary.gov/document-collection
Contact a reference archivist at: [email protected]
Citation Guidelines: https://reaganlibrary.gov/citing
National Archives
Catalogue: https://catalog.archives.gov/
NATIONAL DEFENSE: REBUILDING THE FOUNDATION
Of those responsibilities assigned to the President
of the United States, the most fundamental is providing for
the national defense -- keeping the American people safe and
at peace. As President Reagan said recently, "I consider
this to be a sacred trust."
In pursuing peace, the Reagan Administration has
followed two policies simultaneously -- deterrence and arms
control. The first policy seeks to maintain the capability
to convince a potential adversary that he has nothing to
gain by attacking us; the second seeks to obtain significant,
verifiable and mutual reduction of arms. For those policies
to succeed, America's defenses first had to be restored.
This continues to be among the foremost challenges facing
the Reagan Administration.
1. Shifting the Military Balance
By 1980 the traditional U.S.-Soviet military balance
had shifted. When President Reagan took office, U.S. armed
forces were not capable of carrying out all of the traditional
missions assigned to them. Two concurrent developments had
brought this about:
DEFENSE SPENDING
BILLIONS
OF CONSTANT
$
275
USSR
200
US
100
1962
1972
1982
-- First, U.S. military capabilities had been allowed
to erode significantly because of a decade of in-
adequate defense budgets. Defense spending actually
declined in real terms during most of the 1970s.
-77-
--- Second, the Soviet Union's military capabilities
had improved significantly in both size and quality
as a result of a twenty-year military build-up --
fueled by annual increases in defense spending.
As a result of both factors, by 1980 the overall mili-
tary balance between the United States and the Soviet Union
already had begun to shift dangerously toward the Soviets.
STRATEGIC
MISSILES AND BOMBERS
3000
2000
1000
1962
1972
1982
In particular, the strategic nuclear balance was tipping
to the Soviets' advantage, thereby eroding the deterrent
value of our strategic nuclear forces. Similarly, the Soviet
deployment of a new generation of intermediate-range missiles
aimed at Europe, when NATO had none at all, was diminishing
the deterrent value of NATO's forces.
MISSILE WARHEADS
INTERMEDIATE RANGE LAND BASED
USSR
1200
USSR
USSR
600
1972
1977
1982
-78-
The conventional force balance had also shifted. Tradi-
tional American maritime superiority had been put at risk by
the Soviet Union's new blue water Navy which had expanded
power projection capabilities. Although the previous adminis-
tration had pledged to prevent any outside force from gaining
control of the Persian Gulf Region, it neither sought nor was
given the resources necessary to implement that decision. In
addition, years of inadequate pay and compensation for U.S.
military personnel, coupled with the progressive deterioration
of living and working conditions, had resulted in a serious
exodus of experienced military personnel which threatened to
cripple the All Volunteer Force.
President Reagan's aim is not to outspend the Soviets,
or merely to devote more resources to defense. Rather, his
aim is to identify America's vital national security interests,
to evaluate the nature and extent of the threat to these inter-
ests, to develop a strategy to meet these threats, and then
to achieve the capabilities needed for implementing that stra-
tegy within the constraint of our resources. U.S. strategy,
like the forces that implement it, must be prepared to guaran-
tee security in the near-term and beyond.
2. Repairing the Foundation
President Reagan began immediately to correct this danger-
ous imbalance and to revise the problems inherited from previ-
ous administrations. He requested and was granted an FY 1981
Budget Supplemental and an FY 1982 Budget Amendment aimed at
correcting the most immediate problems of our forces -- their
low state of readiness and sustainability. The Department of
Defense used these funds to prepare U.S. forces to fight should
that be necessary; to buy spare parts to restore equipment to
operational condition; to pay for fuel and ammunition for
training; and, most importantly, to restore adequate levels
of military compensation to keep the All Volunteer Force from
collapsing. These funds were also used to secure much needed
combat equipment and ammunition so that the U.S. could sustain
conflict if it were forced to fight.
For the long-term, President Reagan proposed a five-year
defense plan for FY 1983-87 designed to continue these efforts,
and also to begin modernizing the United States' increasingly
outdated and obsolete weapons systems. The FY 1983 budget
makes great strides in reversing the trend of the previous
decade by supplying U.S. forces with the modern equipment they
need to keep up with the constantly improving Soviet forces.
By providing funds to improve the readiness and sustaina-
bility of U.S. forces, President Reagan has taken the steps
necessary to keep the peace today. By providing funds to
modernize these forces and to undertake essential research and
-79-
development, President Reagan has put America on the course to
guarantee security in the future. Increases in the Department
of Defense budget over the past two years have allowed the U.S.
to redress partially the neglect and deficiencies of the past
and have provided a foundation upon which America's defense
posture can be further strengthened. When President Reagan
took office, defense spending's 24% share of total federal
spending was about half what it was 20 years ago. Under his
long-term spending plans, at somewhat under 35% in 1985, it
will be significantly strengthened.
DEFENSE SHARE OF THE FEDERAL BUDGET
PERCENT
50
40
30
20
1962
'64
'66
68
'70
'72
'74
'76
'78
'80
'82
'83
'84
'85
PROJECTED
3. Real Progress After Two Years
The U.S. defense posture has been enhanced in a number of
tangible ways -- particularly in improving combat readiness and
redressing severe manpower shortages. Military and civilian
manpower levels have increased, along with pay and benefits
for military personnel. This has led to a dramatic upturn in
America's ability to recruit and retain skilled manpower. The
U.S. military now has a more fully manned force with higher-
caliber men and women. During the past two years, the Armed
Forces has substantially increased the pace of current operations
and training, and additional equipment, spare parts, and support
and maintenance equipment, thus improving materiel readiness.
To ensure that U.S. strategic forces continue to deter war
now and in the future, the President made the necessary budget-
ary commitment to modernize these forces. To restore the strate-
gic balance, the President has taken steps to maintain an effec-
tive penetrating bomber force, a more capable and survivable
-80-
force. In addition, he has initiated major improvements in
strategic communications, command and control (C³) systems.
The development of satellite and missile defense capabilities,
deployment of new air defense radars, and modernization of the
air defense interceptor forces characterize strategic defensive
improvements.
To contend with the Soviet Union's strengthened conven-
tional capabilities, the Defense Department has begun major
modernization of non-nuclear ground, air, and naval forces;
restored funding for amphibious ships, command and control air-
craft, and critical weapons systems -- greatly enhancing stra-
tegic mobility. It has embarked on a program to modernize
and expand the Air Force and Navy/Marine Corps tactical air
units in order to increase U.S. ability to respond flexibly
to ambiguous warning, to deploy rapidly to distant regions,
and to provide much needed support for our outnumbered ground
forces. Strategic mobility enhancements -- airlift, sealift,
and prepositioning of supplies and equipment abroad -- permit
us to meet widespread overseas commitments.
4. Strategic Modernization
On October 2, 1981, President Reagan announced a compre-
hensive program for modernizing America's strategic triad of
land-, sea-, and air-based strategic forces, and supporting
elements.
It consisted of five mutually-reinforcing parts: moderni-
zation of the strategic bomber force; a phased introduction of
new land-based Peacekeeper missiles; deployment of new subma-
rine-launched missiles; improvements in communications and
control systems; and improvements to strategic defenses.
President Reagan's 5-point plan has already been trans-
lated into action:
B-1B and Stealth: The first B-1Bs -- a variant of the B-1
bomber -- went into production in 1982. Eventually, 100
operational aircraft will be deployed -- with an initial
operational capability in 1986. Meanwhile, R&D will continue
on the Advanced Technology Bomber -- the "stealth" aircraft
-- with deployment projected in the early 1990s. The first
squadron of 16 B-52Gs equipped with cruise missiles became
operational in December 1982, while the newest B-52 bombers,
the H model, are programmed for cruise missile carriage
beginning in 1985.
MX: The President intends to modernize the land-based leg
of the Triad. While development continues on the Peacekeeper
missile, the President has appointed a Commission on strate-
-81-
gic forces to make recommendations to him. After reviewing
the Commission's recommendations, early in 1983, the President
will report to Congress on this subject.
Trident II: A larger and more accurate sea-launched ballis-
tic missile, the D-5, is under development for deployment on
our new Trident submarines beginning in 1989. Construction of
Trident class submarines continues at the rate of one a year.
The first, the OHIO, launched in 1982, is now deployed on
active duty. A second Trident, the USS MICHIGAN, was under-
going sea trials at the end of 1982. In addition, sea-launched
cruise missiles will be deployed on general purpose submarines
beginning in 1984 to augment strategic reserve forces.
Communications and Control: The U.S. is deploying improved
radar and satellite systems to improve warning capabilities
and to assess more accurately and reliably the size and scope
of a Soviet missile attack. Development has also begun on a
new satellite communications system employing extremely-high-
frequency channels to ensure that Presidential orders can
be passed from command centers to our commanders in the field.
The U.S. is upgrading E-4B and EC-135 airborne command posts
for the National Command Authority and key military commanders.
The survivability of communications systems that link the
command centers with all three legs of the strategic Triad
will be greatly enhanced.
Strategic Defense: Credibility is being restored to U.S.
strategic defenses after nearly two decades of neglect.
The North American surveillance networks are being upgraded;
F-15s are replacing aging F-106 interceptors; and E-3A AWACS
surveillance aircraft will be added for air defense. The
United States is pursuing research and development on a
ballistic missile defense and reasonable efforts to expand
civil defense programs are underway.
5. Rebuilding Conventional Forces
While President Reagan's strategic modernization program
has received the highest priority, the bulk of defense funds
-- about 85% -- is allocated to conventional forces. The
Administration continues to take steps to counter the threat
posed by the massive Soviet build-up of conventional weapons
over the last two decades. The President's initiatives have
halted the relative decline of U.S. forces and set a new
course aimed at restoring confidence in America's ability to
defend against aggression in any form. He requested $12
billion more for military readiness improvements than the
previous administration for 1981 and 1982. These investments
are beginning to pay off. Now, 32 percent more of the mili-
tary's major units are fully or substantially ready for combat.
-82-
6. Restoring Readiness and Sustainability
Stocks of supplies and ammunition have been below desired
levels for too long. The Reagan Administration is taking
positive action to improve this element of America's combat
posture. To replenish stocks of supplies and ammunition that
had become so depleted that U.S. forces would have been
unable to continue fighting in the event of a protracted con-
flict, funding for sustainability has been increased so that
at the end of the second year, the military will have ten
additional days of munitions and supplies. In addition,
the Department of Defense is addressing the deteriorating
state of the U.S. industrial base and the associated lack
of an adequate capability to mobilize.
Total funding for materiel readiness, manpower, facilities,
and other support, increased in real terms (constant FY 1983
dollars) by 8.9% in FY 1981, and 9.1% in FY 1982.
In the most significant expansion of conventional force,
the Administration has begun rebuilding the Navy. Funds have
been allocated for two nuclear-powered carriers, continued
nuclear submarine production and additional amphibious capa-
bility to counter-block obsolescence that threatens the Navy's
amphibious lift capability.
The FY 1982 and FY 1983 shipbuilding budgets represent
a 117% increase over the previous administration, progres-
sively building toward a goal of a 600-ship Navy structured
around at least 14 carriers and up to four battleships, 100
attack submarines, and amphibious lift for 48,500 Marines
and their combat equipment.
The Army is fielding new equipment such as the Ml Tank,
the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, the Apache attack helicopter
and heavy artillery. The new fighting systems, when coupled
with updated battle tactics and reorganized combat units,
enable America's maneuver oriented land forces to defeat a
numerically superior enemy. To derive maximum effectiveness
from the new equipment and unit structures, the Army has
instituted a new manning system based on unit as well as
individual replacement. The system promises to stabilize
unit composition, thereby allowing them to become more co-
hesive and reducing or eliminating the most disruptive factor
to unit readiness by preventing the excessive turnover of
soldiers.
Funds for Air Force readiness and sustainability have
more than doubled since the previous administration, and unit
readiness has improved substantially. For example, an F-15
wing which failed its operational readiness inspection in
1980 because of a lack of spare parts, poor manning, and
shortages in critical maintenance skills, passed with flying
colors in 1982. The Administration also plans to procure an
-83-
additional 56 KC-10 air refueling tankers and 50 C-5B heavy
cargo aircraft to increase strategic airlift capability,
enabling the military to reduce the present deficit in the
transport of outsized equipment. The Administration is
expanding the Civil Reserve Air Fleet to provide added civil
carrier assets in time of need. Finally, it has begun
RDT&E for a new outsize capable airlifter -- the C-17 -- to
meet longer-term needs.
In consonance with the President's stated commitment
to equip the Guard and Reserve Forces to meet their full
responsibility as combat ready elements of the Total Force,
the Secretary of Defense has issued two significant memoranda.
One memorandum to the Defense Resources Board (DRB) directs
solutions be found that will cure Guard and Reserve equipment
problems. A second memorandum was sent to the Chairman,
Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Service Secretaries directing
that DOD equipment policy be enunciated and followed. That
policy prescribes that "units that fight first shall be
equipped first regardless of component."
The Defense Department is also revitalizing the Special
Operations Forces whose capabilities were dangerously eroded
during the 1970s. It has initiated a long-overdue modernization
of Special Operations Forces equipment, taken steps to fill
and maintain these units with highly qualified personnel,
funded additional force structure, and enhanced command and
control procedures. These and additional steps will ensure
that these forces are fully capable of performing the vital
and highly demanding missions with which they are charged.
Stimulated by the President's emphasis on combatting
terrorism, the Administration is significantly expanding
intelligence collection, collation and dissemination capa-
bility. DoD sponsored a political-level counter-terrorist
exercise attended by Cabinet-level officers --- an unprece-
dented level of involvement -- to assure that all agencies
understand their respective roles in a terrorist incident.
This exercise has helped to close a serious gap in counter-
terrorist capabilities. The Defense Department is also
heavily engaged with other U.S. agencies in a wide variety
of additional counter-terrorist planning and exercise activi-
ties that will assure smooth coordination in the event of a
terrorist incident.
The Administration is constructing minimum essential
facilities to support its Southwest Asia strategy. Through
supplemental funding of the FY 1981 Military Construction
Program and the 1982 and 1983 budgets, approximately one
billion dollars has been made available. These facilities,
when completed, will significantly improve the capability of
U.S. forces to react in time of crisis.
-84-
During 1982, formal discussions began with representa-
tives from the Federal Republic of Germany regarding the re-
stationing of three Army brigades to positions closer to the
eastern border of Germany. This move supports force moderni-
zation, increases deterrence and war-fighting capabilities,
and improves the working and living conditions for American
soldiers and their families. In 1983, the U.S. will continue
discussions to develop alternatives for funding this $1 billion
construction program.
Significant achievements in military space activities
include orbiting the first military payload on the Space
Shuttle and creating the Space Command on September 1, 1982.
The Space Command consolidates space activities into a major
Air Force command and provides an organizational structure
to employ space systems effectively in support of assigned
missions.
7. Manpower: Better Troops, Better Morale
From the beginning of the Administration, this Administra-
tion has paid much more attention to military personnel in
terms of pay and compensation. As a direct result, there is
higher morale and better recruitment and retention. In
addition, the amount and quality of training has improved,
contributing positively to the military readiness posture.
Reversing several years of neglect of America's military
people, President Reagan obtained from the Congress an increase
in basic pay that restored military compensation to levels that
were more competitive with industry. Through his personal
involvement, he has restored the attractiveness of the mili-
tary profession. The caliber of the young people joining the
military has improved to an all-time high and more of our ex-
perienced people are remaining in the Services.
FY 1982 was one of the best years since the beginning
of the All Volunteer Force and was better than most years
under conscription. In FY 1982 each of the Military Services
met or exceeded its overall recruiting objectives for the
active force, enlisting nearly 301,600 men and about 36,000
women. In terms of quality, 86% of all new recruits had a
high school diploma. This is the highest proportion ever
achieved and compares favorably with the 75% of the youth
population with high school diplomas. In the past two fiscal
years, the number of women on active duty has increased by
18,000. In addition, overall reenlistment rates were higher
than they have been since 1964, resulting in improved levels
of manpower readiness.
Preliminary estimates show that Selected Reserve strength
increased by more than 110,000 members in the past two years
and that, during the past fiscal year, the National Guard
-85-
and Reserves recruited 240,900 new people and achieved 104%
of their recruiting objective.
8. Cutting Costs and Improving Efficiency
President Reagan and Secretary Weinberger have long been
committed to eliminating unnecessary and wasteful expenditures
in government. Within a few months of taking office, the
Secretary of Defense instituted a sweeping reform of defense
management and procurement. In April 1981, DOD began a 32-
Point Acquisition Improvement Program to reduce the costs of
weapon systems and the time it takes to acquire them, to
make the process more efficient, and to increase the program
stability.
In April 1981, DoD also instituted a continuing audit,
inspection and evaluation process to eliminate waste and
uncover fraud and abuse. DOD created the Office of Review
and Oversight to coordinate its auditors, inspectors, and
investigators. The Director reports directly to the Secretary
of Defense on all efforts to uncover and eliminate fraud,
waste and mismanagement. DOD also set up a "hotline" in waste
and has encouraged everyone connected with the Defense Depart-
ment to report anonymously any suspicions they have of improper
expenditures. A new special unit investigates reports and pro-
secutes procurement fraud.
These reforms have begun- to show positive results. The
32-Point Acquisition Improvement Program has already saved
$2.9 billion and it is anticipated it will save another $18.5
billion over the next five years. The Office of Review and
Oversight has produced more than $2.3 billion in savings in
six months. The "hotline" is receiving over 500 calls a month
and producing serious leads expected to save millions of dol-
lars more.
The Defense Department continues to assess critically
all its pregrams to find ways to meet its most important
requirements. To bring this defense modernization effort
about in an affordable manner, several important initiatives
have been undertaken to reduce costs including multi-year pro-
curements, competitive contracting, planned product improve-
ments and encouraging cancellation of lower priority programs
to meet higher priority needs.
Finally, DOD has recently directed its lawyers, auditors,
and acquisition officers to look at how DOD might reform its
procurement practices. For example, DoD has recently taken
steps to disallow reimbursement of contractor lobbying costs
and legal fees that result from prosecution and conviction
for fraud.
-86-
By implementing the 32-Acquisition Initiatives, consid-
erable progress has been made in reducing the unit cost of
weapon systems in production and preparing more realistic
estimates of future systems costs. Two years ago DoD imple-
mented a program to encourage the purchase of certain leased
computers. In the first two years of this program, a $35
million investment offset $90 million in leases for a net
economy of $55 million. This is consistent with Administra-
tion goals to reduce spending growth rates and to strengthen
the U.S. defense posture in the most efficient manner possible.
Additionally, a new initiative to save money and continue
the current high level of effectiveness concentrates on the
efficient use of resources. Another evaluates management
structures for effectiveness and consolidates structures with
similiar functions to improve productivity. Also, DOD is
aggressively supporting the Administration's initiative to
identify and sell unneeded or underused federal lands to
reduce the national debt.
Finally, Americans will spend 2.1 million hours less
in responding to 1983 Department of Defense paperwork re-
quests than they did in 1980. In putting into effect the
Paperwork Reduction Act, DOD has consolidated previously
fragmented information management activities into a single
office. A high-level management council has been set up
to address policy for improving information management.
Initiatives have been taken to reduce forms printing and
storage costs, information technology acquisition costs,
and to review Defense information management activities to
identify additional opportunities for improvements.
9. Getting the Job Done
While much attention has been focused on overdue moderni-
zation, increased readiness, quality-of-life improvements,
and managerial initiatives, United States military forces
have been deployed worldwide conducting training, preserving
the peace and responding when U.S. vital interests are threat-
ened. This Administration has maintained NATO commitments and
has stopped the trend of the 1970s which saw America's Pacific
force structure reduced to well below pre-Vietnam (1960)
levels.
Recognizing that the U.S. cannot halt Soviet expansion
by itself, the Administration has made major efforts to re-
vitalize the alliances, persuade America's allies to contribute
more to the collective defense, and improve the coordination
of collective efforts. In East Asia, the Secretary of Defense
visited all six of the United States' treaty allies to empha-
size the importance America attaches to these efforts. DOD
also worked closely with the State Department to stress the
importance of security assistance as an indispensable comple-
ment to U.S. defense policy.
-87-
Commencing in June 1982, with the evacuation of U.S.
citizens and selected foreign nationals from Lebanon, the
U.S. has been actively involved in new military peacekeeping
operations in the Middle East. In addition to the evacuation,
operations have included the resettlement of members of the
Palestine Liberation Organization from Lebanon to other African
and Middle East countries, and a significant contribution to
the multinational force currently in place in Lebanon.
Certainly this most significant deployment has demon-
strated the ability of forward-deployed military forces to
respond to crises in the Middle East. The flexibility of
U.S. forces was superbly demonstrated as Navy and Marine
Amphibious Units were moved quickly from contingency exer-
cises in the Mediterranean to Lebanon to provide stability in
Beirut. After completing one difficult task under extremely
adverse conditions, U.S. forces again joined the Multinational
Force to enhance the peace process in Lebanon. Less than 72
hours after the President decided once again to demonstrate
U.S. resolve to maintain world peace, U.S. Marines were headed
back to Lebanon. The speed with which they acted symbolizes
this nation's determination and capability to maintain peace
with freedom.
Throughout the Middle East and Southwest Asia, military-
to-military relationships were strengthened, bolstering the
capability and credibility of the American military deterrent.
This complements the President's Middle East initiatives de-
signed to initiate a fresh start toward a settlement of con-
flicts with the goal of ensuring Israel's security, protecting
the legitimate rights of the Palestinians, and promoting
stability in the area.
America's ability to match resources to U.S. Southwest
Asia policy was improved in December 1982 with the announced
activation of a new Unified Command for Southwest Asia. This
will enable the United States to meet the full-time responsi-
bility for planning, training, and employing U.S. forces
in this vital region. The new Unified Command, which will
be named the United States Central Command (USCENTCOM), will
better serve U.S. interests and the needs of friendly regional
states and demonstrate U.S. resolve to defend its interests
in the region. USCENTCOM will comprise the Southwest Asia/
Persian Gulf area and is being established to improve U.S.
response capabilities for limited contingencies.
The Central American and Caribbean area, the strategic
southern flank of the United States and site of vital sea
lines of communication for the U.S. and Europe, has been a
key focus of national security emphasis. The U.S. has pro-
vided security assistance to counter hostile subversive
activities in the region. Security assistance is part of
the Reagan Administration's overall commitment to peace,
stability, and economic progress in the region, emphasized
by the President's Caribbean Basin Initiative and his recent
-88-
Conclusion
The President has laid a firm foundation for a long-term
defense program, mindful that past trends cannot be completely
reversed by one or two years of increased spending. A sustained
commitment over the next several years is necessary. At the
same time, he recognizes his responsibility as trustee of the
Nation's defense resources and will do all in his power to
see that the taxpayers' money is spent wisely and efficiently.
Under President Reagan's leadership, America is on an
ambitious, but necessary, course designed to strengthen
American defenses. Substantial progress has been made in
two short years. Achievable goals have been set to ensure
that, while the President works for peace and mutual arms
reductions, the security of this nation cannot be success-
fully threatened by any other nation.
-89-
RONALD REAGAN THE COMMUNICATOR
In the first two years of his Administration, President
Reagan has made 14 major televised addresses. On each
occasion he went before the nation, and in one case the
world, to make clear his position on issues of vital
concern:
January 20, 1981
Inaugural address
February 5, 1981
Address to the nation on the
economy
February 18, 1981
State of the Union address
April 28, 1981
Address to joint session of
Congress on the economic
package (first appearance since
assassination attempt)
July 27, 1981
Address to the nation on tax
proposals/budget
September 24, 1981
Address to the nation on the
economy
November 18, 1981
National Press Club speech:
foreign policy (The speech was
beamed to 200 million people
worldwide. It reached one of
the largest audiences of any
President.)
January 26, 1982
State of the Union address
April 29, 1982
Address to the nation on the
budget
August 16, 1982
Address to the nation on the
tax bill
September 1; 1982
Address to the nation on
Middle East Policy
September 20, 1982
Address to the nation on a new
multinational peacekeeping
force in Lebanon.
October 13, 1982
Address to the nation on the
economy
November 22, 1982
Address to the nation on arms
control
-90-
The President conducted 15 formal press conferences in
the White House over the last two years. He also held one
informal press conference at his California ranch after
signing the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981.
Since January 1981, President Reagan has given 80 inter-
views to individual members of the press or small groups of
press representatives. He also had 12 briefings with out-of-
town editors and broadcasters.
The President also gave 31 Saturday afternoon radio
addresses. He also had numerous informal Q and A sessions
with the press as well as nine press availabilities.
-91-
PRESIDENTIAL MEETINGS WITH FOREIGN LEADERS
(January 21, 1982 through January 18, 1983)
In nearly 24 months in office, President Reagan met with leaders from
65 countries throughout the world. In addition, 82 diplomats
presented their credentials to the President. His travels took him to
12 countries -- eight in the Americas and four in Europe -- and the
Vatican.
STATE VISITS (18 total)
February 26, 1981
Prime Minister Thatcher
Great Britain
May 7, 1981
Prime Minister Suzuki
Japan
May 21, 1981
Chancellor Schmidt
Germany
June 30, 1981
Prime Minister Fraser
Australia
August 5, 1981
President Sadat
Egypt
September 9, 1981
Prime Minister Begin
Israel
October 13, 1981
King Juan Carlos
Spain
November 2, 1981
King Hussein
Jordan
November 17, 1981
President Herrera
Venezuela
February 3, 1982
President Mubarak
Egypt
March 25, 1982
President Pertini
Italy
April 19, 1982
Queen Beatrix
Netherlands
May 12, 1982
President Fiqueiredo
Brazil
July 29, 1982
Prime Minister Ghandi
India
September 16, 1982
President Marcos
Philippines
October 12, 1982
President Soeharto
Indonesia
November 15, 1982
Chancellor Helmut Kohl
Germany
December 7, 1982
President Zia
Pakistan
WORKING VISITS (26 total)
January 28, 1981
Prime Minister Seaga
Jamaica
February 2, 1981
President Chun
Korea
June 9, 1981
President Portillo
Mexico
June 19, 1981
Prime Minister Lee
Singapore
July 10, 1981
Prime Minister Trudeau
Canada
July 24, 1981
Prime Minister Muldoon
New Zealand
September 25, 1981
President Moi
Kenya
October 6; 1981
Prime Minister Prem
Thailand
January 5, 1982
Chancellor Schmidt
Germany
February 17, 1982
Prime Minister Martens
Belgium
March 12, 1982
President Mitterrand
France
April 29, 1982
Prime Minister Mzali
Tunisia
May 19, 1982
King Hassan II
Morocco
June 21, 1982
Prime Minister Begin
Israel
Prime Minister Lee
Singapore
July 26, 1982
President Ahidjo
Cameroon
August 17, 1982
General Doe
Liberia
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September 8, 1982
Pres. Vigdis Finnbogadottir
Iceland
October 19, 1982
President Gemayel
Lebanon
October 22, 1982
King Hassan II
Morocco
November 3, 1982
Prime Minister Spadolini
Italy
December 13, 1982
Prime Minister Schluter
Denmark
December 15, 1982
Prime Minister Balsemao
Portugal
December 21/23, 1982
King Hussein
Jordan
January 5, 1983
President Navon
Israel
January 18, 1983
Prime Minister Nakasone
Japan
MEETINGS AND COURTESY CALLS (79 total)
February 12, 1981
Foreign Minister Colombo
Italy
Foreign Minister Al-Zawawi
Oman
February 24, 1981
Foreign Minister Shamir
Israel
February 25, 1981
For. Min. Francois-Poncet
France
February 28, 1981
Prime Minister Thatcher
Great Britain
March 9, 1981
Foreign Minister Genscher
Germany
March 17, 1981
President-elect Viola
Argentina
March 20, 1981
Form. Prime Minister Fukuda
Japan
March 24, 1981
Foreign Minister Ito
Japan
April 16, 1981
Secretary General Luns
NATO
April 30, 1981
Secretary General Waldheim
The U.N.
May 1-2, 1981
Prince Charles
Great Britain
May 8, 1981
Prime Minister Suzuki
Japan
May 15, 1981
Prime Minister Botha
South Africa
Foreign Minister Andrei
Romania
May 22, 1981
Chancellor Schmidt
Germany
June 5, 1981
Foreign Minister Cheysson
France
June 8, 1981
President Portillo
Mexico
President Bongo
Gabonese Republic
July 9, 1981
Foreign Minister Llorca
Spain
July 12, 1981
President Thorn
Cmsn/Europ. Comm.
August 6, 1981
President Sadat
Egypt
September 15, 1981
Mayor von Weizsacker
Berlin
September 16, 1981
Patriarch Khoraiche
Antioch
September 17, 1981
Former President d'Estaing
France
Prime Minister Trudeau
Canada
President Portillo
Mexico
September 21, 1981
President Duarte
El Salvador
September 25, 1981
President Moi
Kenya
October 2, 1981
Vice President Mubarak
Egypt
October 16, 1981
Prime Minister Ramgoolam
Mauritius
Chancellor Helmut Kohl
Germany
October 18, 1981
President Mitterrand
France
October 29, 1981
Vice Premier Huang Hua
China
November 3, 1981
King Hussein
Jordan
November 12, 1981
Foreign Minister Stray
Norway
November 13, 1981
High Cmsn. Hartling
UN
November 18, 1981
President Herrera
Venezuela
November 20, 1981
President Nimeiri
Sudan
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November 22, 1981
King Gustav
Sweden
December 1, 1981
President Mobutu
Zaire
December 8, 1981
President Kyprianou
Cyprus
December 15, 1981
Secretary of State Casaroli
Vatican
Minister Yamani
Saudi Arabia
January 14, 1982
Secretary Gen. de Cuellar
The U.N.
January 18, 1982
Trade Minister Abe
Japan
February 23, 1982
Special Trade Rep. Esaki
Japan
March 9, 1982
Foreign Minister Genscher
Germany
March 11, 1982
President Siad Barre
Somalia
March 17, 1982
Prime Minister Haughey
Ireland
March 18, 1982
Parliament Member Strauss
Germany
March 22, 1982
For. Minister Sakurauchi
Japan
Premier Swan
Bermuda
March 25, 1982
Three Latin American Foreign
Ministers
March 29, 1982
Defense Minister Ghazala
Egypt
April 16, 1982
Islamic Ambassadors
May 1, 1982
Depty. Prem. Marjai
Hungary
May 6, 1982
Foreign Minister Llorca
Spain
May 17, 1982
Prime Minister Fraser
Australia
June 16, 1982
Foreign Minister Ali
Egypt
June 22, 1982
President Monge
Costa Rica
June 23, 1982
Prime Minister Thatcher
Great Britain
June 30, 1982
President Toure
Guinea
July 14, 1892
President Suazo
Honduras
July 15, 1982
Pres-elect. Blanco
Dominican Repub.
July 20, 1982
For. Ministers/Ambassadors
Syria/Saudi Arab.
July 26, 1982
General Jusuf
Indonesia
July 30, 1982
Foreign Minister Ali
Egypt
August 2, 1982
Foreign Minister Shamir
Israel
October 1; 1982
President Espriella
Panama
October 18, 1982
King Olav
Norway
November 4, 1982
President Monge
Costa Rica
November 7, 1982
Prince Phillip
Great Britain
November 12, 1982
Foreign Minister Ali
Egypt
Foreign Minister Amor
Mexico
December 15, 1982
Foreign Minister Salem
Lebanon
January 5, 1983
President Navon
Israel
January 13, 1983
Paris Mayor Chirac
France
January 14, 1983
Secretary Gen. de Cuellar
The U.N.
FOREIGN TRAVEL (7 total)
March 10-11, 1981
Prime Minister Trudeau
Canada
July 19-21, 1981
Ottawa Economic Summit
Canada
Bilateral Meetings:
Chancellor Schmidt
--Germany
President Mitterrand
--France
P.M. Spadolini
Italy
P.M. Thatcher
-Britain
P.M. Suzuki
Japan
October 21-24, 1981
Cancun Summit
Mexico
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Bilateral Meetings:
President Portillo
Mexico
Premier Ziyang
China
P.M. Ghandi
India
President Shagari
Nigeria
President Herrera
Venezuela
President Kraigher
Yugoslavia
President Marcos
Philippines
P.M. Rahman
Bangladesh
President Bendjedid
Algeria
President Burnham
Guyana
Crown Prince Fahd
Saudi Arabia
Secretary Gen. Waldheim
--UN
President Nyerere
Tanzania
Foreign Min. Pahr
Austria
April 7-11, 1982
Caribbean
Jamaica, Barbados
Also meetings with leaders
from St. Vincent/Grenadines;
Antigua/Barbuda; Dominica;
St. Kitts
June 2-11, 1982
Europe
France, Italy,
Bilateral Meetings:
Vatican, Great
Britain, Germany
President Mitterrand
-France
Paris Mayor Chirac
France
P.M. Suzuki
Japan
P.M. Spadolini
Italy
President Pertini
Italy
P.M. Thatcher
Britain
Chancellor Schmidt
Germany
President Carstens
Germany
Mayor von Weizsacker
Berlin
General Luns
Netherlands
October 8; 1982
Pres-elect la Madrid
Mexico
Nov. 30-Dec. 4, 1982
Latin America
Brazil, Colombia,
Bilateral Meetings:
Costa Rica,
Honduras
President Figueiredo
--Brazil
President Betancur
Colombia
President Monge
Costa Rica
President Magana
--El Salvador
President Suazo
Honduras
President Montt
Guatemala
-95-
CHRONOLOGY - OF THE FIRST TWO YEARS
1981
January 20
President Reagan sworn into office, first ever on
West front of the Capitol; immediately announces a
freeze on federal hiring.
The President announces his nominees for the
Cabinet.
January 21
The President swears-in the White House staff;
requests resignations of Carter appointees.
January 22
The President signs memorandum to departments and
agencies ordering reductions in spending for con-
sulting contracts, office redecoration and other
non-essentials.
The President signs an Executive Order establishing
the Task Force on Regulatory Relief, chaired by
Vice President Bush, to lessen regulatory burdens.
January 28
The President signs an Executive Order decontrol-
ling oil.
January 29
The President signs an Executive Order eliminating
the wage and price program of the Council on Wage
and Price Stability.
First nationally televised Presidential news con-
ference.
February 3
Senate completes action on Cabinet nominations.
February 4
The President meets with the bipartisan Congres-
sional leadership; first trip to Capitol Hill after
Inaugural.
February 5
The President makes his first nationally televised
address to the nation outlining the state of the
economy and describing his plans for recovery.
February 7
The President approves an Act to provide for a
temporary increase in the public debt to $985
billion.
February 17
The President signs an Executive Order requiring
Office of Management and Budget review of all
proposed new regulations.
-96-
February 18
The President makes televised address to joint
session of Congress; outlines his Program for
Economic Recovery.
February 24
The President issues an Executive Order suspending
litigation against Iran.
February 26
The Administration formally constitutes five
Cabinet Councils.
March 2
The President issues an Executive Order estab-
lishing the President's Economic Policy Advisory
Board, chaired by George Shultz; will advise the
Administration on domestic and international
economic policy.
The President speaks at the Mid-Winter Conference
of the National League of Cities in Washington,
D.C.
March 5
The President approves federal aid to Atlanta in
the wake of child killings there.
March 6
Nationally televised Presidential news conference.
March 9
The President proposes replacing federal hiring
freeze with permanent federal hiring guidelines.
March 10
The President submits to Congress more details of
the Program for Economic Recovery outlining 200
additional budget cuts.
March 20
The President speaks at the Conservative Political
Action Conference dinner in Washington, D.C.
March 24
The President designates Vice President Bush to
chair the Administration's "crisis management"
team.
March 26
The President issues an Executive Order to estab-
lish the Council on Integrity and Efficiency to
identify and eliminate federal waste, fraud and
abuse.
The United States declares Poland should be allowed
to resolve its own problems without interference
from any outside power.
March 30
Attempted assassination of President Reagan by John
Hinckley, Jr.; Press Secretary James Brady shot and
gravely wounded; Secret Service Agent Timothy
McCarthy and D.C. Metropolitan Police Office Thomas
-97-
Delahanty also wounded; incident occurred after
speech to AFL-CIO at the Washington Hilton Hotel.
April 1
The Administration withholds aid to Nicaragua for
sending arms to El Salvadoran guerillas.
April 6
The President proposes to ease regulations to help
the auto industry by eliminating the need for $1.4
billion in capital costs; proposal to lower con-
sumer prices by $9.3 billion over the next five
years.
April 8
The President issues an Executive Order estab-
lishing the Presidential Advisory Committee on
Federalism and Coordinating Task Force on
Federalism chaired by U.S. Senator Paul Laxalt.
April 11
The President returns to the White House after 12
days in the hospital.
April 21
The President announces his decision to sell AWACS
planes to Saudi Arabia.
April 24
The President lifts the Soviet grain embargo.
April 28
The President makes a nationally televised speech
before a joint session of Congress; discusses his
Program for Economic Recovery.
May 1
Japanese government announces its voluntary deci-
sion to limit auto exports to the U.S. for two
years.
May 5
The President announces Philip Habib's mission to
Israel, Lebanon and Syria to explore ways to reduce
tension there.
May 6
The Administration orders the Libyan diplomatic
mission closed.
May 7
The House passes the Reagan bipartisan (Gramm-
Latta) budget resolution.
May 12
The Senate passes the President's budget.
HHS Secretary Schweiker announces the President's
proposed Social Security revisions-to return the
system to financial stability yet protect basic
benefits.
May 17
The President addresses the 1981 graduating class
at Notre Dame University commencement exercises.
-98-
May 27
The President addresses the 1981 graduating class
at West Point commencement exercises.
May 28
In a letter to Congress, the President outlines his
commitment to three principles for Social Security
reform; asks for bipartisan cooperation to save the
Social Security system.
June 5
The President issues an Executive Order estab-
lishing the Task Force on the Arts and Humanities.
June 12
The President proclaims July 17, 1981, National
P.O.W.-M.I.A. Recognition Day.
June 16
Nationally televised Presidential news conference.
The President issues an Executive Order estab-
lishing the Presidential Advisory Commission on
National Housing Policies chaired by William
McKenna.
June 25
The Senate passes the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation
Bill.
June 26
The House passes the Reagan bipartisan (Gramm-Latta
II) budget.
June 29
The President speaks at the annual convention of
the National Association for the Advancement of
Colored People (NAACP) in Denver.
July 7
The President nominates Sandra Day 'Connor to be
the first woman Justice of the Supreme Court.
July 17
The Administration issues a national energy plan.
July 20 - 22
The President attends Ottawa Economic Summit.
July 27
The President makes a television address to the
nation asking for support of his tax plan.
July 29
Congress passes the President's Economic Recovery
Tax Act of 1981 - the largest tax cut in history.
July 30
The President announces major immigration and
refugee policy.
The President speaks at the annual convention of
the National Conference of State Legislatures in
Atlanta.
July 31
The House and Senate agree on the Conference Report
on the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Bill.
-99-
August 3
The President responds to an illegal strike by air
traffic controllers; says that those who do not
return to work in 48 hours will be dismissed.
August 5
The Administration announces 11 guidelines for
revision of the Clean Air Act.
August 6
The President signs legislation passed at his
request transferring the Maritime Administration
from the Commerce Department to the Transportation
Department.
August 13
The President signs into law the Economic Recovery
Tax Act of 1981 and the Omnibus Budget Reconcilia-
tion Act of 1981; holds an informal press confer-
ence.
August 20
Two U.S. Navy fighters shoot down two attacking
Libyan fighters during a training exercise in the
Mediterranean.
September 15
The President announces a program to increase
participation of historically Black colleges and
universities in federal programs.
September 16
The President speaks to representatives from the
Hispanic community at a luncheon in honor of
National Hispanic Heritage Week.
September 18
The President speaks at the dedication of the
Gerald Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids,
Michigan; meets with President Lopez Portillo of
Mexico, Prime Minister Trudeau of Canada and Former
President Giscard d'Estaing of France.
September 22
The President establishes the Presidential Commis-
sion on Broadcasting to Cuba.
September 24
The President makes nationally televised address on
his Program for Economic Recovery; withdraws Social
Security reform proposals and calls for appointment
of bipartisan commission.
September 25
Sandra O'Connor sworn in as the first woman Justice
of the Supreme Court.
September 28
The President outlines the Administration's plans
to combat crime in America in speech to the
International Association of Chiefs of Police in
New Orleans.
-100-
September 30
The President signs a bill raising the national
debt ceiling to more than $1 trillion dollars.
October 1
The Administration authorizes sales to the USSR of
an additional 15 million metric tons of grain.
Nationally televised Presidential news conference.
October 2
The President announces five-part comprehensive
plan for modernization of U.S. strategic forces
including his decision on the B-1 bomber and MX
missile.
October 8
The Administration announces a series of nuclear
energy policy initiatives.
Former Presidents Nixon, Ford and Carter meet with
the President in the White House then depart for
Cairo to attend President Sadat's funeral.
October 14
The President establishes Task Force on Private
Sector Initiatives; will promote private sector
involvement in meeting social problems.
October 18 - 19
The President attends the Yorktown Bicentennial
celebration in Yorktown, Virginia, with French
President Mitterrand.
October 20
The President establishes the Foreign Intelligence
Advisory Board, chaired by Anne Armstrong.
October 21 - 24
The President attends Cancun Summit.
October 28
Senate approves sale of five AWACS planes to Saudi
Arabia.
November 6
President Reagan announces he favors an extension
of the Voting Rights Act.
November 10
Nationally televised Presidential news conference.
November 12
The President meets with OMB Director David
Stockman, declines his resignation offer; Stockman
discusses controversial Atlantic Monthly article in
press conference.
November 17
The President announces all branches of the U.S.
military achieved their recruiting goals for fiscal
'81 -- the most successful year since the start of
an all volunteer force in 1973.
November 18
The President addresses the nation and the world
via satellite to propose elimination of inter-
mediate range, land-based nuclear missiles.
-101-
November 23
The President issues his first veto -- of the
continuing resolution for FY '82 appropriations.
Later the same day, the President signs compromise
legislation temporarily extending the continuing
resolution through December 15, 1981. Presidential
Press Secretary James Brady returns to his home
after an eight month hospital stay.
November 30
Beginning of U.S.-Soviet European arms reductions
talks.
December 3
The President announces revision of pension plan
regulations to permit construction-oriented pension
funds to invest assets in home mortgage markets.
December 9
The President lifts the ban on federal rehiring of
fired air traffic controllers except by the FAA.
December 10
The President bans U.S. travel to Libya and calls
on American corporations to return their 1500 U.S.
employees to the United States in wake of reports
of Libyan assassination plot against U.S. leaders.
The House passes the Continuing Budget Resolution
with $4 billion in domestic appropriations cuts
asked for by the President.
December 11
The Senate passes the Continuing Budget Resolu-
tion.
December 12
Martial law declared in Poland.
December 15
The President signs the Continuing Budget Resolu-
tion.
December 16
The President signs an Executive Order establishing
the National Commission on Social Security Reform.
December 17
Nationally televised Presidential news conference.
The President lights the National Christmas Tree.
December 21
The President issues an Executive Order establishing
the Task Force On Legal Equity For Women to correct
federal regulations that discriminate against women.
December 23
The President makes a nationally televised holiday
address to the nation; asks Americans to light a
candle on Christmas Eve for the people of Poland.
-102-
December 29
The President signs two foreign aid bills, the first
enacted since 1979.
The President signs into law the Black Lung Pro-
gram Bill.
The President signs into law the Multinational Force
and Observers Participation Resolution ensuring U.S.
participation in the implementation of security as-
pects of the peace treaty between Israel and Egypt.
1982
January 4
The President accepts the resignation of Richard V.
Allen, National Security Adviser; names William P.
Clark to the fill the position.
January 7
The President announces his decision to continue
draft registration.
January 12
The President announces his support of statehood
for Puerto Rico if the people of the island choose
statehood in a free and democratic election.
January 14
The President speaks at a luncheon of the New York
City Partnership, an association of business and
civic leaders, to outline his Private Sector
Initiatives effort.
January 18
The President transmits to Congress proposed legis-
lation allowing tax exemptions for private schools.
January 19
Nationally televised Presidential news conference.
January 20
The President proclaims January 30 Solidarity Day.
January 26
The President delivers televised State of the Union
address before a joint session of the Congress.
January 28
The President announces establishment of a federal
task force to assist the state of Florida in com-
batting crime and drug-traffic in South Florida.
The President speaks at a White House luncheon on the
centennial of the birth of Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
Italian police free Brigadier General James L. Dozier
from Red Brigade captors.
January 29
The President issues a statement of U.S. policy to
the third United Nations Conference on the Law
of the Sea.
-103-
The President announces the formation of the Cabinet
Council on Legal Policy.
The President sends a message to hunger strikers in
the United States Embassy in Moscow protesting the
Soviet Union's failure to allow their emigration.
February 2
The President transmits to Congress the United
States-Bangladesh agreement on nuclear energy.
February 4
The President calls on Soviet President Brezhnev to
join the United States in negotiations on the reduc-
tion of intermediate-range nuclear forces.
February 8
The President transmits to Congress his FY83 Budget
request.
February 9
The President addresses a joint session of the Iowa
State Legislature in Des Moines; later that day;
addresses a joint session of the Indiana State
Legislature in Indianapolis.
February 10
The President sends to the Congress an annual Econo-
mic Report of the President and the Economic Report
of the Council of Economic Advisers.
February 18
Nationally televised Presidential news conference.
February 24
The President addresses the Permanent Council of the
Organization of American States outlining his
Caribbean Basin Initiative.
February 26
The President speaks at the Conservative Political
Action Conference dinner in Washington, D.C.
March 1
The President transmits to Congress an annual re-
port on the state of small business, meets with
small business leaders.
The President announces he will not ask Congress to
accelerate the schedule of partial natural gas de-
control in 1982.
March 3
The President speaks at the Los Angeles County Board
of Supervisors' Town Meeting in Los Angeles.
March 11
The President transmits to Congress a report stating
the continuation of a policy of nuclear non-pro-
liferation and peaceful nuclear cooperation as re-
quired by the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978.
-104-
March 15
The President addresses a joint session of the
Alabama State Legislature in Montgomery; later that
day, addresses a joint session of the Tennessee State
Legislature in Nashville.
March 16
The President makes an address before a joint session
of the Oklahoma State Legislature in Oklahoma City.
March 17
The President transmits to Congress the Caribbean
Basin Economic Recovery Act.
March 20
The President vetoes Standby Petroleum Allocation
legislation.
March 22
The President signs into law a House resolution
calling on the Soviet Union to cease its repressive
actions against Soviet citizens who want to emigrate
or practice religious or cultural traditions.
March 23
The President transmits to Congress the Enterprise
Zone Tax Act to establish an experimental program
for economically depressed urban areas.
The President receives the Charles Evans Hughes Gold
Medal for "Courageous Leadership in Governmental,
Civic and Human Affairs" from the National Con-
ference of Christians and Jews; awarded to only four
Presidents and 13 Americans.
March 24
The Senate votes to sustain the President's March
20th veto.
March 31
The President sends a letter to government officials
in El Salvador congratulating them on their success-
ful first national election.
Nationally televised Presidential news conference
April 2
Argentina invades the Falkland Islands.
The President issues an Executive Order prescrib-
ing a uniform system for classifying, declassifying
and safeguarding national security information.
April 3
The President makes a radio address to the nation
about the Economic Recovery Program, first in new
series of weekly radio addresses.
April 5
The President speaks at the AFL-CIO Building and
Construction Trades Department's annual legislative
conference in Washinton, D.C.
April 7-10
The President visits Jamaica and Barbados.
-105-
April 8
Secretary of State Alexander Haig begins a Falkland
Islands diplomatic mission; holds preliminary dis-
cussions with British and Argentine officials.
April 10
The President makes a radio address to the nation
about the Caribbean Basin Initiative and student
loans.
April 13
Secretary of State Haig ends Falkland Islands
diplomatic talks due to the failure of Great Britain
and Argentina to reach a compromise.
April 14
The President signs an Executive Order establishing
the Presidential Commission on Drunk Driving.
April 15
Secretary of State Haig resumes the Falkland
Islands diplomatic mission.
The President speaks at a meeting of the National
Catholic Education Association in Chicago.
April 17
The President makes a radio address to the nation
about nuclear arms negotiations.
April 23
The President signs an Executive Order establishing
the President's Task Force on Victims of Crime.
April 24
The President makes a radio address to the nation
about taxes, interest rates and tuition tax credits.
April 25
Israel successfully completes its withdrawal from
the Sinai Pennisula.
April 26
The President speaks at the annual meeting of the
U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C.
April 27
The President meets with National Service Organi-
zation leaders to discuss Private Sector Initiatives.
April 29
The President makes a nationally televised address
to the nation about the FY '83 budget.
April 30
The United States imposes limited sanctions against
Argentina.
May 1
Great Britain and Argentina go to war over the
Falkland Islands.
The President makes a radio address to the nation
about the Economic Recovery Program.
-106-
The President speaks at the opening ceremony of the
World's Fair in Knoxville, Tennessee.
May 3
The President and Mrs. Reagan visit the Phillip
Butler family in College Park Woods, Maryland to
express regret over a cross burning on the Butler's
front lawn.
May 4
The President attends the Republican House/Senate
fundraising dinner "Salute to President Ronald
Reagan" in Washington, D.C.
May 8
The President makes a radio address to the nation
about the Economic Recovery Program and unemployment.
May 9
The President addresses the 1982 graduating class
at Eureka College commencement exercises.
May 13
Nationally televised Presidential news conference.
May 15
The President makes a radio address to the nation
about Armed Forces Day.
May 17
The President transmits to Congress a proposed con-
stitutional amendment to allow voluntary prayer in
public schools.
May 21
The Senate passes the FY '83 Congressional Budget
Resolution.
May 22
The President makes a radio address to the nation
about the federal budget.
May 26
The President transmits to Congress a report on the
Sinai Support Mission of U.S. troops.
May 28
The President speaks at the Mexican-United States
Interparliamentary Conference in Santa Barbara,
California.
May 29
The President makes a radio address to the nation
about the FY '83 Budget and the Western Alliance.
May 31
The President speaks at Arlington National Ceme-
tary on Memorial Day.
The governments of the United States and the Soviet
Union agree to begin formal negotiations on reducing
intermediate-range nuclear forces.
June 1
The President proclaims July 9, 1982 to be National
P.O.W.- M.I.A. Recognition Day.
-107-
June 2-11
The President departs for meetings in Europe.
June 2-6
The President attends the Versailles Economic Summit
Conference in Versailles, France.
June 5
The President makes a radio address to the nation
about his trip to Europe from Versailles, France.
June 6
Israel invades Lebanon.
June 7
The President meets with Pope John Paul II.
The President meets with President Alessandro
Pertini and Prime Minister Spadolini of Italy.
June 8
The President addresses members of Parliament in
London, England.
June 9
The President addresses the Bundestag in Bonn, Fed-
eral Republic of Germany.
The President asks Congress to provide $20 milllion
to aid victims of the conflict in Lebanon.
June 10
The House passes the FY '83 Congressional Budget
Resolution.
The President meets with members of the North
Atlantic Council of NATO at Schaumberg Palace in
the Federal Republic of Germany.
June 11
The President speaks in Berlin, goes to Checkpoint
Charlie to view the Berlin Wall.
The President returns from Europe.
June 15
There is a cease-fire between Argentina and the
United Kingdom in the Falkland Islands.
June 17
The President speaks before the United Nations
General Assembly during a special session on
disarmament.
June 18
The President announces $10 million in additional
aid to the war-torn country of Lebanon.
June 22
The President transmits to Congress proposed legis-
lation for federal income tax credit for nonpublic
school tuition.
June 23
Congress approves the FY '83 Congressional Budget
Resolution.
-108-
The President signs a bill making it a crime to
disclose the names of U.S. intelligence agents.
June 24
The President issues an Executive Order establishing
a federal drug abuse policy and begins a new cam-
paign against drug abuse.
The President vetoes the FY '82 Supplemental Appro-
priations Bill passed by the House.
June 25
The President vetoes a second FY '82 Supplemental
Appropriations Bill passed by the House.
Secretary of State Alexander Haig resigns; the
President nominates George P. Schultz to succeed.
June 26
Israel and Lebanon announce a cease-fire and agree to
begin negotiations.
June 29
The President signs into law the longest extension of
the Voting Rights Act in history.
June 30
The President signs an Executive Order establishing
the President's Private Sector Survey on Cost Con-
trol in the Federal Government.
Nationally televised Presidential news conference.
July 3
The President makes a radio address to the nation
about Independence Day.
July 4
The President announces his national space policy.
July 12
The President terminates economic sanctions against
Argentina imposed during the Falkland Island dispute.
July 14
The Administration issues a statement on continued
United States neutrality in the Iraq-Iran war.
The President issues an Executive Order to provide
for federal, state and local government review of
federal programs.
July 15
The Senate confirms George P. Schultz as Secretary
of State.
July 18
The President signs into law the FY '82 Supplemental
Appropriations bill.
July 19
The President signs into law an Urgent Supplemental
Appropriations Act.
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The President speaks at the Balanced Budget Amend-
ment rally at the Capitol.
July 20
The President attends a reception marking formation
of the James S. Brady Presidential foundation.
July 21
The House approves funds for the production of the
MX Missile.
July 22
The President signs the Small Business Innovation
Development Act of 1982.
July 23
Murray L. Weidenbaum resigns as Chairman of the
Council of Economic Advisers.
The President signs into law the Federal Employees
Flexible and Compressed Work Schedules Act of 1982.
The President sends a letter to Members of the House
of Representatives asking for support for a biparti-
san strategic arms reduction resolution and not a
nuclear freeze resolution.
July 28
Nationally televised Presidental news conference.
July 30
The Administration announces a one year extension of
the United States-Soviet Grain Sales Agreement.
August 2
The President meets with Israeli Foreign Minister
Yitzhak Shamir to discuss the conflict in Lebanon.
The President speaks at the National Corn Grower's
Annual Convention in Des Moines, Iowa.
August 3
The President speaks at the Centennial Meeting of
the Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus in
Hartford, Connecticut.
The President signs the Energy Emergency Prepared-
ness Act of 1982.
August 4
The Senate passes the Balanced Budget Amendment.
August 5
The House passes a strategic arms reduction reso-
lution supported by the President.
August 6
The President nominates Martin Feldstein to be
Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers.
The Administration announces an agreement on
European exports of steel to the United States.
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August 16
The President makes a nationally televised address
to the nation on the Tax Equity and Fiscal Respon-
sibility Act.
August 17
The Administration and China issue a joint statement
on arm sales to Taiwan.
August 19
Congress passes the Tax Equity and Fiscal Respon-
sibility Act.
August 20
The President announces his approval of the deploy-
ment of United States forces in Beirut, Lebanon as
part of a multinational force to assist in the
withdrawal of the PLO from Lebanon.
August 23
The President congratulates Bashir Gemayel, newly
elected President of Lebanon.
August 24
The President sends a report to the Speaker of the
House and President of the Senate on the deployment
of U.S. forces in Lebanon.
August 26
The President transmits to Congress an alternate plan
for federal civilian pay increases of four percent.
August 27
The President announces the formation of the White
House Coordinating Council on Women.
August 28
The President vetoes the Supplemental Appropria-
tions Bill for federal programs and agencies.
The President makes a radio address to the nation
on the national economy.
September 1
The President makes a nationally televised address
to the nation about United States policy for peace
in the Middle East.
September 3
The President signs into law the Tax Equity and
Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982.
September 4
The President makes a radio address to the nation
about Labor Day.
September 7
The President presents Ambassador Philip C. Habib
with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
September 8
The President sends a letter to the Speaker of the
House and President of the Senate calling for
United States readiness to extend credit to Mexico.
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September 9
The President signs into law the Cumberland Island
Wilderness Area and Crater Lake National Park Bill;
designates the first wilderness area granted
statutory protection during the Administration.
The President delivers an address at the Alfred
Landon Lecture Series in Manhattan, Kansas; later,
speaks at a Kansas Republican Party fundraising
luncheon in Topeka.
The House overrides the President's veto of the
Supplemental Appropriations Bill.
September 10
The Senate overrides the President's veto of the
Supplemental Appropriations Bill.
The President speaks at the Utah Republican Party
picnic in Hooper.
September 11
The President makes a radio address to the nation
about crime and criminal justice reform.
September 13
The President transmits to Congress the Criminal
Justice Reform Act of 1982 to strengthen society's
defenses against crime in America.
The President sends a message to Congress proposing
additions to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers and
National Wilderness Preservation Systems totalling
245 miles of rivers and 21,000 acres of wilderness.
The President issues an Executive Order establishing
the President's National Security Telecommunications
Advisory Committee.
September 14
The President makes a statement condemning the
assassination of Bashir Gemayel, President-elect of
Lebanon.
September 15
The President speaks at the National Black Republi-
can Council dinner in Washington, D.C.
September 16
The President instructs Congress to convene in a
special session following the November elections
to pass regular appropriations bills for FY '83.
September 17
The President speaks at the San Gennaro Festival
attended by New Jersey Republican candidates.
September 18
The President makes a radio address to the nation
about prayer in schools.
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September 20
The President makes a nationally televised address
to the nation announcing the formation of a new
multinational peacekeeping force in Lebanon.
September 22
The President meets with Black college and university
presidents; announces a stepped-up plan to increase
participation of these institutions in federal
programs.
The President announces the formation of the Cabinet
Council on Management and Administration.
The President submits to Congress the National Debt
Retirement Act of 1982 allowing the Treasury Depart-
ment to use the proceeds from the sale of federal
property to retire the national debt.
The President signs into law a Senate Joint Reso-
lution ending a four-day railway strike.
The President sends a letter of congratulations to
Amin Gemayel, the President-elect of Lebanon.
September 25
The President makes a radio address to the nation
about the economy.
September 28
Nationally televised Presidential news conference.
September 29
The President speaks at a state Republican Party
rally in Richmond, Virginia.
October 1
The House defeats the Balanced Budget Amendment.
October 2
The President makes a radio address to the nation
about the federal drug policy.
October 4
The President meets with Ohio veterans; later speaks
at a reception for the Bud Brown for Governor cam-
paign in Columbus, Ohio.
October 7
The President speaks at a state Republican Party
rally in Reno, Nevada.
October 8
The President signs into law the Export Trading
Company Act of 1982.
October 9
The President makes a radio address to the nation
about Solidarity and U.S. relations with Poland.
October 11
The President speaks at a statewide Republican
candidates rally in Irving, Texas.
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October 12
The President signs into law the Missing Children
Act to help parents trace missing children.
The President signs into law the Victim and Witness
Protection Act of 1982.
October 13
The President signs into law the Job Training
Partnership Act; will train more than one million
Americans a year in skills for private sector jobs.
The President makes a nationally televised address
to the nation about the economy.
October 14
The President speaks via satellite from Washington,
D.C. to eleven campaign events across the nation.
The President signs into law student aid legislation.
The President announces federal initiatives against
drug trafficking and organized crime.
The President signs into law the Veterans Compensa-
tion, Education and Employment Amendments of 1982,
providing a 7.4 percent cost-of-living increase to
2.3 million disabled veterans.
October 15
The President makes a radio address to the nation
about agriculture and grain exports.
The President signs into law the Garn-St. Germain
Depository Institutions Act of 1982.
The President signs into law the FY '83 Military Con-
struction Appropriation Act providing budget authori-
ty of $7.0 billion for vitally needed military
facilities in the U.S. and Europe.
October 16
The President makes a radio address to the nation
about the economy.
October 18
The President signs into law the Coastal Barriers
Resources Act saving taxpayers millions of dollars
while preserving undeveloped coastal lands.
October 20
The President visits a family-owned farm in Chapin,
Illinois; later speaks at a rally for Republican
candidates in Peoria.
October 21
Administration reaches agreement with the European
community on restricting steel exports to the U.S.
The President speaks at a state Republican Party
rally in Omaha, Nebraska.
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October 22
The President signs into law a bill giving Amerasian
children the right to claim American citizenship.
October 23
The President makes a radio address to the nation
about economic and budget issues.
October 25
The President signs into law a bill establishing a
grant program to encourage states to establish pro-
grams to reduce or eliminate drunk driving.
The President signs into law a bill which estab-
lishes the White House Conference on Productivity.
October 26
The President speaks at a state Republican Party
rally in Raleigh, North Carolina.
October 28
The President speaks at state Republican Party
rallies in Casper, Wyoming; Great Falls, Montana; and
Las Vegas, Nevada.
October 29
The President speaks at state Republican Party
rallies in Salt Lake City, Utah and Roswell,
New Mexico.
October 30
The President makes a radio address to the nation
about the Economic Recovery Program.
November 5
Secretary of Energy James B. Edwards resigns; the
President appoints Donald P. Hodel.
November 6
The President makes a radio address to the nation
about the Congressional agenda and the economy.
November 10
Second anniversary of Solidarity.
November 11
Death of Soviet President Leonid Brezhnev.
Nationally televised Presidential news conference.
November 13
The President makes a radio address to the nation
about East-West trade relations.
November 19
The President lifts sanctions against U.S. and for-
eign companies for selling U.S. developed technology
for use in the construction of the Soviet-Western
Europe natural gas pipeline.
November 20
The President makes a radio address to the nation
about international free trade.
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The President issues an Executive Order establish-
ing the International Private Enterprise Task Force;
will advise on the role of private enterprise in the
implementation of programs under the Foreign
Assistance Act of 1961.
November 22
The President announces his MX basing decision.
The President makes a nationally televised address
to the nation about arms reduction and deterrence.
November 27
The President makes a radio address to the nation
about the highway and bridge repair program.
November 29
The President speaks at the National League of
Cities annual convention in Los Angeles.
November 30
The President submits to Congress legislation for
a highway and bridge repair program.
November 30-
The President attends meetings in Latin America
December 4
--visits Brazil, Costa Rica, Columbia and Honduras.
December 4
The President makes a radio address to the nation
about the Caribbean Basin Initiative while in Costa
Rica.
December 7
The House approves the Surface Transportation Assis-
tance Act of 1982 increasing federal gasoline
taxes by five cents per gallon to provide funds
for highway and bridge repair.
The House approves funds for the research and de-
velopment of the MX Missile but denies funds for
the dense-pack basing mode.
December 8
President Reagan addresses final meeting of the
Task Force on Private Sector Initiatives.
December 9
The President announces the Administration's
proposed agriculture payment-in kind program to
address the problem of surplus commodities.
The President speaks at a dinner honoring the Re-
publican majority in the Senate in Washington,
D.C.
December 10
The President proclaims December 12, 1982 to be a
day of solidarity and prayer for Poland.
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December 11
The President makes a radio address to the nation
about the production of the MX Missile.
December 13
The President proclaims the week of December 12; 1982
to be National Drunk and Drugged Driving Awareness
Week.
December 16
The President lights the National Christmas Tree.
December 17
The President announces an initiative for minority
business enterprise development.
The House approves the Caribbean Basin Initiative.
The Senate approves funds for the production of the
MX Missile--the President announces plans for
formation of a bipartisan commission to study basing
options.
December 18
The President makes a radio address to the nation
about economic recovery and defense.
December 20
The Senate approves the Surface Transportation
Act of 1982, the President's program for highway and
bridge repair.
December 21
The President signs into law continuing appropria-
tions for FY '83.
December 25
The President makes a radio address to the nation
about Christmas.
December 26
The President makes a statement on the third anni-
versary of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan--re-
affirming U.S. support of a resolution calling for a
settlement based on Soviet withdrawal.
December 27
The President accepts the resignation of Drew L.
Lewis, Secretary of Transportation.
December 28
The President speaks at the ceremony recommission-
ing the U.S.S. New Jersey in Long Beach, California.
December 30
The President makes a statement on withholding U.S.
funds for the Law of the Sea Preparatory Commission
because of financing methods deemed fiscally
irresponsible.
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1983
January 1
The President makes a radio address to the nation
about New Year's Day.
January 3
The President signs an Executive Order establishing
the bipartisan Commission on Strategic Forces.
January 5
Nationally-televised news conference. The President
announces the nomination of Elizabeth Dole to be
Secretary of Transportation and Faith Whittlesey to
replace Mrs. Dole as Assistant for Public Liaison.
January 8
The President makes a radio address to the nation
about U.S. relations with the Soviet Union.
January 11
The President speaks before the 64th annual meeting
of the American Farm Bureau in Dallas. Announces
implementation of the "Payment-In-Kind" program to
help farmers and reduce grain surpluses.
January 12
The President accepts the resignation of Richard
Schweiker, Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Announces the nomination of Margaret Heckler to the
post.
The President accepts the resignation of Eugene V.
Rostow, Director of the U.S. Arms Control and
Disarmament Agency. Announces the nomination of
Kenneth L. Adelman to the post.
January 14
The President holds an informal news conference.
Discusses arms control.
The President announces the appointment of Eugene
Rostow to the Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board.
January 15
The President makes a radio address to the nation
about Dr. Martin Luther King.
The National Commission on Social Security Reform
formulates a plan to restore financial solvency to
the system. The plan receives the support of the
President and the bipartisan Congressional
leadership.
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