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fie e ence
WHITE HOUSE OFFICE OF PUBLIC LIAISON
BRIEFING MEMORANDUM
TO:
Secretary Donna Shalala
Geraldine Ferraro
Alexis Herman
Melanne Verveer
Betsy Myers
FROM:
Marilyn DiGiacobbe
DATE:
May 30, 1996
EVENT:
"Celebrate the Empowerment of Women" luncheon for ethnic women
community leaders and activists.
DATE/TIME:
Friday, May 31, 1996
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
LOCATION:
Room 474, Indian Treaty Room
Old Executive Office Building
PARTICIPANTS:
70 guests
PURPOSE:
To convey the Administration's accomplishments in terms of issues
important to ethnic women and to energize and activate ethnic women
supporters.
BACKGROUND:
This luncheon is focused at reaching ethnic American women of
European and Mediterranean heritage. The group includes women,
supportive of the Administration, active in the women's networks of
their ethnic communities. While the women come from different
ethnic backgrounds and different positions in their communities, (ie:
non-profit, business, media and organization representatives), they
share common experiences, values and issues.
Included are women of Albanian, Armenian, Arab, Czech, Croatian,
German, Greek, Irish, Italian, Lithuanian, Polish, Portuguese, Serbian,
Slovak and Ukrainian heritage.
AGENDA:
11:30 a.m.
Luncheon Buffet
12:00 p.m.
WELCOME Alexis Herman
12:05 p.m.
REMARKS Marilyn DiGiacobbe (3-5 min.)
(Description of Ethnic Outreach efforts)
REMARKS Betsy Myers (3-5 min.)
(Description of the Women's Office Initiatives)
12:10 p.m.
REMARKS Melanne Verveer (5-10 min.)
(First Lady's acknowledgement of the importance
of the role of ethnic women on behalf of their
families and communities)
12:20 p.m.
INTRODUCTION OF SEC. DONNA SHALALA
Alexis Herman
12:22 p.m.
REMARKS Secretary Donna Shalala (10-15 min.)
(Administration accomplishments as they pertain to
women, i: health, children, family issues)
12:40 p.m.
INTRODUCTION OF GERALDINE FERRARO
Alexis Herman
12:42 p.m.
REMARKS Geraldine Ferraro (10-15 min.)
(Empowerment of women, the importance of the
involvement of ethnic women in the political process)
1:00 p.m.
QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS
Moderated by Alexis Herman
Attachments: Event program
Table seating
List of participants
"Celebrate the Empowerment of Women" Luncheon
Friday, May 31, 1996
Indian Treaty Room, Old Executive Office Building
WELCOME
Alexis M. Herman
Assistant to the President and
Director, Office of Public Liaison
REMARKS
Marilyn DiGiacobbe
Associate Director
Office of Public Liaison
Betsy Myers
Deputy Assistant to the President and
Director, Office for Women's Initiatives and Outreach
Melanne Verveer
Deputy Assistant to the President and
Deputy Chief of Staff to the First Lady
FEATURED SPEAKERS
Donna Shalala
Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Geraldine Ferraro
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Human Rights Commission
QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS
05/30/96
20:28
DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE -> 202 456 2930
NO. 515
002
Ethnic Women's Lunch
The Indian Treaty Room
Friday, May 31, 1996
Table Assignments
Table 1
Honorable Donna Shalala
Ms. Loula Alafgiannis (Greek-American), NY
Ms. Marie Chelli (Italian-American), DC
Dr. Najat Aragat Khelil (Arab-American), MD
Ms. Lisa A. Mierzejewski (Polish-American), CT
Dr. Edna Louise Saffy (Arab-American), FL
Ms. Ruta Susinskas (Lithuanian-American), IL
Ms. Anna Riska
Table 2
Geraldine Ferraro
Ms. Susan Pacheco (Portuguese-American), RI
Ms. Gassia Apkarian (Armenian-American), DC
Ms. Julia Clones (Greek-American), DC
Karen Crosby, (Irish-American), DC
Mrs. Anna Pavichevich Harkins (Serbian-American), VA
Ms. Christine Warnke (Greek-American)
Ann Targonski-Brown (Polish-American), CT
Table 3
Melanne Verveer (Ukrainian-American)
Ms. Jane Christo (Albanian American-American)
Ms. Anna Charuk-Kowblansky (Ukrainian-American), CA
Ms. Helen Cunning (Irish-American), NJ
Ms. Maria Efstratiades (Greek-American), NJ
Ms. Orysia Hewka (Ukrainian-American), PA
Ms. Claudette Schwiry (Arab-American), DC
Ms. Gina Cioffi (Italian-American), NY
Table 4
Betsy Myers
Ms. Shqipe Malushi (Albanian-American)
Ms. Victoria Collier (Italian-American), NJ
Mrs. Elizabeth Geannopoulos (Greek-American), PA
Ms. Elizabeth Wasiutynski (Polish-American), CT
Ms. Ann Goetz (Croatian-American), PA
Ms. Maureen Shea (Irish-American), DC
Ms. Pauline Bergert (Serbian-American), PA
Ms. Helen Hatab Samham (Arab-American)
05/30/96
20:29
DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE -> 202 456 2930
NO. 515 003
Table 5
Marilyn Yager (German-American)
Ms. Christine L. Harvey (German-American)
Ms. Dunaians (Armenian-American), CA
Ms. Stella Kokolis (Greek-American), NY
Ms. Nuala F. Moore (Irish-American), DC
Ms. Irene Wodkicwicz-Wheat (Polish-American), NJ
Ms. Vicky Mongiardo (Italian-American), DC
Dr. Elona Vaisnys (Lithuanian-American), CT
Table 6
Kimberly Marteau
Ms. Berjouhi Habeshian (Armenian-American), MD
Ms. Nancy Morrison (Irish-American), MD
Ms. Minyon Moore, DNC
Ms. Janice Zarro (Italian-American), DC
Dr. Vita Vasaitis (Lithuanian-American), IL
Ms. Ilona Somogyi (Hungarian-American), NY
Ms. Marlene Stocks (German-American), NY
Table 7
Mary Anne Peters
Ms. Jane Duffin (Irish-American)
Dr. Dorota Majewska (Polish-American), VA
Ms. Katherine Stella O'Leary (Irish-American), DC
Mrs. Nicki Stephanopoulos (Greek-American), NY
Mrs. Magda Ujvagi Bertalan (Hungarian-American), OH
Ms. Joan T. Moore (Irish-American)
Table 8
Marilyn DiGiacobbe, (Italian-American)
Ms. Linda M.A. Rodrigues (Portuguese-American), NY
Ms. Dina Matos (Portugese-American), NJ
Ms. Karine Alemian (Armenian-American), DC
Ms. Barbara Woolley
Dr. Kaya Mirecka-Ploss, (Polish-American), DC
Ms. Catherine Collier (Italian-American), NJ
Table 9
Lisa Ross
Ms. Helen Shipka (Ukrainian-American), OH
Ms. Lilly Straith (Ukrainian-American) OH
Ms. Marie Asatoorian (Armenian-American), MD
Ms. Carson Robbins (Serbian-American), PA
Ms. Maria Fernanda Miranda (Portuguese-American), CT
Ms. Laurel Karabian (Armenian-American)
05/30/96
20:29
DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE -> 202 456 2930
NO. 515
004
Table 10
Sondra Seba
Ms. Christine Panchuk-Fedynsky (Ukrainian-American)
Ms. Ulana Mazurkevych (Ukrainian-American), PA
Ms. Elizabeth Chouldjian (Armenian-American), DC
Ms. Fay Mpras (Greek-American), VA
Dr. Kathym Zunich (Italian-American) MD
Dr. Marija Dixon (Croatian-American), MI
Ida Castra
"CELEBRATE THE EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN" LUNCHEON
Friday, May 31, 1996
Participants
Hostesses
Honorable Donna Shalala
Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Honorable Geraldine Ferraro
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Human Rights Commission
Honorable Melanne Verveer
Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff to the First Lady
Office of the First Lady
Dr. Laura D'Andrea Tyson
Assistant to the President for Economic Policy
National Economic Council
Betsy Myers
Deputy Assistant to the President and
Director of Women's Initiatives and Outreach
Marilyn Yager
Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Director
White House Office of Public Liaison
Marilyn DiGiacobbe
Associate Director
White House Office of Public Liaison
Kimberly Marteau
Director of Public Affairs
U.S. Information Agency
Mary Anne Peters
Director for European Affairs
National Security Council
Guests
Ms. Loula Alafogiannis
Board Member, United Hellenic American National Council
Flushing, NY
Ms. Karine Alemian
Armenian Relief Society, Inc.
Washington, DC
Ms. Gassia Apkarian
Armenian Embassy
Washington, DC
Ms. Marie Asatoorian
Vice-President, Armenian Relief Society, International Board
Potomac. MD
Ms. Colleen L. Barry
Legislative Associate, David Vienna and Associates
Alexandria, VA
Ms. Pauline Bergert
Member-at-large, American Serbian Information Center
Pittsburgh, PA
Ms. Anna Charuk-Kowblansky
President, AK Pharmacy Consultants
Santa Barbara, CA
Ms. Marie Chelli
Director of State and Local Policy, Joseph A. Seagram & Sons, Inc.
Washington, DC
Ms. Elizabeth Chouldjian
Armenian National Committee
Washington, DC
Ms. Jane Christo
General Manager, WBUR-FM
Boston, MA
Ms. Gina Marie Cioffi
National Executive Director, Cooley's Anemia Foundation
Flushing, NY
Ms. Julia Clones
Political Chair. Hellenic-American Women's Council
Washington. DC
Ms. Catherine Collier
Rocky Hill, NJ
Ms. Victoria Collier
Whitehouse Station, NJ
Ms. Karen Crosby
Federal Housing Finance Board
Washington, DC
Ms. Helen Cunning
Seton Hall University
South Orange, NJ
Dr. Marija Dixon
Bloomfield Hills, MI
Ms. Jane Duffin
Editor, The Irish Edition
Wyndmoor, PA
Ms. Flora Dunaians
Treasurer, Ladies Auxiliary, Armenian Church Western Diocese
Pasadena, CA
Ms. Maria Efstratiades
Former Director of Ethnic Affairs for Governor Florio
Cherry Hill, NJ
Mrs. Elizabeth Geannopoulos
Member, United Hellenic American National Council
Pittsburgh, PA
Mrs. Teresa Gecys
Member, Board of Directors, Lithuanian American Committee
Huntington Valley, PA
Ms. Ann Goetz
Croatian Fraternal Union
Pittsburgh, PA
Ms. Berjouhi Habeshian
Secretary, Maryland Chapter, Armenian Relief Society
Gaithersburg, MD
Mrs. Anna Pavichevich Harkins
Public Affairs Liaison. Serb Net
McLean, VA
Ms. Christine L. Harvey
Editor, The Steuben News
Ridgewood, NY
Ms. Orysia Hewka
Executive Director, Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center
Jenkintown, PA
Ms. Laurel Karabian
Los Angeles. CA
Dr. Najat Arafat Khelil
President, Arab Women's Council Research and Education Fund, Inc.
Potomac, MD
Ms. Stella Kokolis
Brooklyn, NY
Dr. Dorota Majewska
Board Member, Federation of Polish-Americans, Inc.
Annandale, VA
Ms. Shqipe Malushi
Editor and Publisher Company
Cliffside Park, NJ
Ms. Dina Matos
Director of Patient and Public Relations, Columbus Hospital
Newark, NJ
Ms. Ulana Mazurkevych
President, Ukrainian Human Rights Committee
Elkins Park, PA
Ms. Lisa A. Mierzejewski
Secretary, Connecticut Federation of Polish Americans
Middletown, CT
Ms. Maria Fernanda Miranda
Principal, Multi-Cultural Center Magnet School
Bridgeport, CT
Dr. Kaya Mirecka-Ploss
Director, American Center of Polish Culture
Washington, DC
Ms. Vicki Mongiardo
Former Director of Ethnic Affairs for President Carter
Washington, DC
Ms. Joan T. Moore
Hyattsville, MD
Ms. Minyon Moore
Political Director. Democratic National Committee
Washington, DC
Ms. Nuala F. Moore
Irish American Unity Conference
Washington, DC
Ms. Nancy Morrison
Bethesda, MD
Ms. Fay Mpras
Annandale, VA
Ms. Katherine Stella O'Leary
Washington, DC
Susan Pacheco, Esquire
President, Portuguese-American Women's Association
East Providence, Rhode Island
Ms. Christine Panchuk-Fedynsky
Rocky River, OH
Ms. Anna Riska
Board Member, United Hellenic American National Council
New York, NY
Ms. Carson Robbins
President, ISTRA
Georgetown, PA
Ms. Linda M.A. Rodrigues
Trustee. Portuguese Heritage Foundation
New York, NY
Dr. Edna Louise Saffy
Duval County Democratic Executive Committee
Jacksonville, FL
Ms. Helen Hatab Samhan
Director, Arab American Institute
Washington, DC
Ms. Claudette Schwiry
Arab American Institute
Washington. DC
Ms. Maureen Shea
Director, Office of Women's Outreach, Democratic National Committee
Washington, DC
Ms. Helen Shipka
Member, Board of Directors, Ukrainian Heritage Foundation
Parma, OH
Ms. Ilona Somogyi
Hungarian Communion of Friends
Brooklyn, NY
Mrs. Nikki Stephanopoulos
Public Relations Officer, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America
New York, NY
Ms. Marlene Stocks
United German-American Committee of the USA
Rockledge, PA
Ms. Lilly Straith
Senior Vice President, Society-KeyCorp
Cleveland, OH
Ms. Ruta Susinskas
Member, Board of Directors, PLC Center
Lemont, IL
Ms. Ann Targonski-Brown
Polish American Congress
New Britain, CT
Mrs. Magda Ujvagi Bertalan
Hungarian Folk Dance Group of Toledo
Toledo, OH
Dr. Elona Vaisnys
Baltic, Central and East European Coalition of Connecticut
North Haven, CT
Dr. Vita Vasaitis
Vice President, Lithuanian World Community
Palos Park, IL
Ms. Christine Warnke
President, Hellenic American Women's Council
Washington, DC
Ms. Elizabeth Wasiutynski
Oakville, CT
Ms. Irene Wodkicwicz-Wheat
Clark, NJ
Ms. Amy Wojslawowicz
Bayonne, NJ
Ms. Janice Zarro
Chair, Board of Trustees, National Italian American Foundation
Washington, DC
Dr. Kathryn Zunich
Potomac, MD
file
EPhnics
WHY ARE So MANY POLISH
AMERICANS VOTING
FOR DEMOCRATS
THIS YEAR?
I
t's not Just because the Administration
The Democrats' priorities are our priorities. Medicare
and Democratic leaders are working hard
for retired people. Welfare reform that requires
for NATO expansion and a secure and
work and protects children. Education. Tax breaks
prosperous Poland.
for college tuition. Cops on the beat. Job opportu-
nities for our young people. Lower interest rates on
It's because the Democrats are standing up
home loans. And drugs off the streets and out of
for the values we learned from our parents
our schools.
and grandparents. Hard work. Personal
responsibility. Educational opportuni-
This year, we must keep the dreams of
ty. And respect for senior citizens.
WIN
our parents and grandparents alive for
IN
our children and our grandchildren.
'96
Paid for by the Democratic National Committee
The Post Eagle 10 X 14
WHY ARE So MANY IRISH
AMERICANS VOTING
FOR DEMOCRATS
THIS YEAR?
WIN
IN
'96
I
t's not just because of
Medicare for retired people.
the Administration and
Welfare reform that
Democratic leaders' commit-
requires work and protects
ment for peace in Ireland.
children. Education. Tax
It's because the Democrats
breaks for college tuition.
Cops on the beat. job
are standing up for the
values we learned from our
opportunities for our young
people. Lower interest
parents and grandparents.
rates on home loans. And
Hard work. Personal
responsibility. Educational
drugs off the streets and
out of our schools.
opportunity. And respect
for senior citizens.
This year. we must keep the
dreams of our parents and
The Democrats' priorities
are our prioritles.
grandparents alive for our chil-
dren and our grandchildren.
Paid for Dy the Democratic National Committee
R
WHY ARE So MANY
ARAB AMERICANS
VOTING FOR DEMOCRATS
THIS YEAR?
SUCCI
I
I's not just because the
The Democrats' priorities are
Administration and
our priorities. Medicare for
Democratic leaders are work.
retired people. Welfare reform
ing hard for a comprehensive and
that requires work and protects
just peace in the Middle East and
children. Education. Tax breaks
to end discrimination and exclu-
for college tuition. Cops on the
sion of Arab Americans and
beat. Job opportunities for Our
Muslim Americans.
young people. Lower Interest
rates on home loans. And
it's because the Democrats are
drugs off the streets and out
standing up for the values we
of our schools.
learned from our parents and
grandparents. Hard work.
This year. we must keep the
Personal responsibility.
dreams of our parents and
Educational opportunity. And
grandparents alive for our
respect for senior citizens.
children and our grandchildren.
Pabli for BY the Controvetic National Commines
AI Boostan 10x16"
WHY ARE So MANY UKRAINIAN AMERICANS
VOTING FOR DEMOCRATS THIS YEAR?
I
I's not just because the Administration and
Democrate teaders are working hard to secure
an Independent and prosperous Ukrahe
it's because the Democrats are standing up for
the values we learned from our parents and
grandparents. Hard work. Personal responsibility.
Educational opportunity. And respect for
senior citizens.
The Democrate' priorities are our priorittes.
Medicare for retired people. Welfare reform
that requires work and protects children.
Education. Tax breaks for college tultion.
Cops on the beat. Job opportunities for our
young people. Lower Interest rates on home
loans. And drugs off the streets and Out of
our schools.
This year. we must heeD the
WIN
N
dreams of our perents and
IN
Trandparents elhe for our
Pake by by to Carrollies
children and OUT grandchlidren.
'96
Ukrainian Weekly
7 1/4 tall X 9 7/8" wide
WHY ARE So MANY GREEK AMERICANS
VOTING FOR DEMOCRATS THIS YEAR?
I
I's not just because the Administration and
Democratic leaders are working hard to
secure peace and justice for Cyprus.
It's because the Democrats are standing up
for the values we learned from our parents
and grandparents. Hard work. Personal
responsibility. Educational opportunity.
And respect for senior citizens.
The Democrats' priorities are our priorities.
Medicare for retired people. Welfare reform
that requires work and protects children.
Education. Tax breaks for college tuition.
Cops on the beat. Job opportunities for our
young people. Lower interest rates on home
loans. And drugs off the streets and out of
our schools.
This year, we must keep the
dreams of our parents and grand-
WIN
parents alive for our children and
IN
our grandchildren.
'96
JU
} ÈT R
WHY ARE So MANY GERMAN AMERICANS
VOTING FOR DEMOCRATS THIS YEAR?
I
I's because the Democrats are
standing up for the values we
learned from our parents and
grandparents. Hard work. Personal
responsibility. Educational opportunity.
And respect for senior citizens.
The Democrats' priorities are our
priorities. Medicare for retired people.
Welfare reform thet requires work end
protects children. Education. Tax breaks
for college tuition. Cops on the beat.
Job opportunities for our young people.
Lower interest rates on home loans.
And drugs off the streets and out of
our schools.
This year. we must keep the dreams of
our parents and grandparents alive for
our children and our grandchildren.
THE - BY " - Name OFFICE
freetheres
Prospective Hungarian-American Leaders
1.
Edith Lauer, President, Hungarian American Coalition
Shaker Heights, Ohio
2.
Hon. Peter Ujvagi, City Council Member and
Board Member, Hungarian American Coalition
Toledo, Ohio
3.
Eva Voison, President, Hungarian-American Chamber of Commerce and
Hungarian Honorary Consul
Redwood City, California
4.
Andrea Stetz, Activist among Hungarian-American younger groups
Chicago, Illinois
5.
Hon. Laszlo Papp, City Council Member and
President, American Council of the World Federation of Hungarians
New Canan, Connecticut
6.
Representative of
William Penn Fraternal Association
7.
Representative of
Hungarian Reform Federation
8.
Representative of
Hungarian Communion of Friends
Prospective Polish-American Leaders
1.
Delphine Lytell
President, Polish Women's Alliance
Chicago, Illinois
2.
Representative
Polish Roman Catholic Union
3.
Representative
Tw.
Polish American Congress (perhaps a strong state chapter)
4.
Deborah Majka, President
American Council for Polish Culture
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
5.
Marilyn Piurek, President, Connecticut Division
Federation of Polish-Americans
New Haven, Connecticut
6.
Teresa Abick, Vice President, Polish National Alliance
Chicago, Illinois
Re-
7.
AFL-CIO - Polish.Amarican
mes
8.
9.
10.
involved in Alonzo Spellman's "American's All" Foundation, working to promote
multi-cultural understanding among school children. Met with the First Lady in
February.
10.
Fred Schwartz
New York
Involved in building Auschwitz educational center;
very close to Michael Lewan's Commission for the Preservation of America's
Heritage Abroad.
Lminania - l heago feshival
July ≤
- Reg at
Hungary - (nFN statis h
amount w/o
tolerence)
Czech Rep.
Sharkis
1.
Walter Reich
Director
U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
Washington, D.C.
2.
Dr. Ruth Mandel
Vice Chair
U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
Child Holocaust survivor
New Jersey
3.
Rabbi Alexander Schindler
Former President
of
Union of American Hebrew Congregations
born in Poland
Connecticut
4.
Patricia Kenner
Chair
New York Council to build a Holocaust Museum in New York
New York
5.
Susan Manilow
Chair
Chicago Jewish Federation
6.
7.
8.
9.
Fritzie Fritzshall
Auschwitz survivor;
involved in Alonzo Spellman's "American's All" Foundation, working to promote
multi-cultural understanding among school children. Met with the First Lady in
February.
10.
Fred Schwartz
New York
Involved in building Auschwitz educational center;
very close to Michael Lewan's Commission for the Preservation of America's
Heritage Abroad.
1.
Walter Reich
Director
U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
Washington, D.C.
2.
Dr. Ruth Mandel
Vice Chair
11 /
U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
Child Holocaust survivor
New Jersey
3.
Rabbi Alexander Schindler
Former President
Union of American Hebrew Congregations
2
born in Poland
Connecticut
4.
Patricia Kenner
has extenseen bus interest Ank.
Chair
New York Council to build a Holocaust Museum in New York
New York
5.
Susan Manilow
Chair
Chicago Jewish Federation
6.
Jona Goldrich
Y
Escaped Poland in 1942. Speaks Polish.
volt
Parents died in Holocaust-second generation survivor
Calif
homebuilder-construction
310-204-2050
7.
Arnold Lorber
Holocaust survivor, strong supporter and contributor to Holocaust Museum
310-275-1568
8.
Fred Court
One of the few living survivors of Treblinka.
213-275-3077 h
212-489-2120 W
9.
Fritzie Fritzshall
14
Auschwitz survivor;
-chicags
write Jun Benef
malene marks
CENTRAL AND EAST EUROPEAN ETHNIC POPULATION file
STATE
ETHNICS
%
STATE
ETHNICS
%
United States
21,262,029
8.55%
Missouri
228,215
4.46%
Alabama
53,940
1.33%
Montana
52,251
6.54%
Alaska
33,344
6.06%
Nebraska
194,773
12.34%
Arizona
160,376
4.37%
Nevada
84,402
7.02%
Arkansas
39,906
1.70%
New Hampshire
87,338
7.87%
California
1,931,758
6.49%
New Jersey
1,368,364
17.70%
0
Colorado
236,190
7.17%
New Mexico
52,507
3.47%
Connecticut
605,527
18.42%
New York
2,582,440
14.35%
.
Delaware
66,743
10.02%
North Carolina
140,966
2.13%
D.C.
35,691
5.88%
North Dakota
63,393
9.92%
Florida
1,040,481
8.04%
Ohio
1,362,059
12.56%
Georgia
168,448
2.60%
Oklahoma
76,609
2.44%
Hawaii
30,565
2.76%
Oregon
153,808
5.41%
Idaho
33,884
3.37%
Pennsylvania
2,175,477
18.31%
Illinois
1,767,634
15.46%
Rhode Island
84,944
8.47%
Indiana
367,722
6.63%
South Carolina
68,116
1.95%
Iowa
136,800
4.93%
South Dakota
42,481
6.10%
Kansas
109,420
4.42%
Tennessee
84,092
1.72%
Kentucky
56,729
1.54%
Texas
644,826
3.80%
Louisiana
60,793
1.44%
Utah
42,985
2.49%
Maine
51,999
4.23%
Vermont
35,960
6.39%
Maryland
459,986
9.62%
Virginia
291,931
4.72%
Massachusetts
699,473
11.63%
Washington
275,921
5.67%
Michigan
1,419,636
15.27%
West Virginia
71,947
4.01%
Minnesota
478,348
10.93%
Wisconsin
803,721
16.43%
Mississippi
29,298
1.14%
Wyoming
25,764
5.68%
COMPILED BY THE WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, INC.
UNITED STATES
248,709,873
ETHNIC GROUP
PEOPLE
RANK
Albanian
47,710
17
Armenian
308,096
11
Bulgarian
29,595
18
Carpathian Russian
7,602
23
Croatian
544,270
8
4
Czech
1,300,192
5
Czechoslovakian
315,285
10
Estonian
26,762
19
German Russian
10,153
21
Hungarian
1,582,302
4
3
Latvian
100,331
15
5
Lithuanian
811,865
6
Macedonian
20,365
20
Polish
1
9,366,106
1
Rom
5,693
24
Romanian
365,544
9
Russian
2,952,987
2
Serbian
116,795
14
Slavic
76,931
16
Slovak
2
1,882,897
3
Slovene
124,437
13
Soviet Union
7,729
22
Ukrainian
740,803
7
Yugoslavian
257,994
12
Others
259,585
TOTAL
21,262,029
PERCENT OF POPULATION
8.55%
CENTRAL AND EAST EUROPEAN
COALITION
American Latvian Association, Inc.
Armenian Assembly of America
Belarusian Congress Committee of America
Bulgarian Institute for Research and Analysis
Congress of Romanian Americans, Inc.
Czechoslovak Council of America
Estonian World Council, Inc.
Hungarian American Coalition
Joint Baltic American National Committee
Lithuanian-American Community, Inc.
National Federation of American Hungarians
Polish American Congress, Inc.
Slovak World Congress
Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, Inc.
Ukrainian National Association, Inc.
US-Baltic Foundation
FOREIGN ASSISTANCE BRIEFING PACKET
March 1995
1625 K Street, N.W. Suite 505
Washington, D.C. 20006
CALIFORNIA
ETHNIC GROUP
NUMBER
PERCENT
IRISH
3,425,089
11.5%
ITALIAN
1,439,778
4.8%
POLISH
578,256
1.9%
PORTUGUESE
356,495
1.2%
CONNECTICUT
ETHNIC GROUP
NUMBER
PERCENT
ITALIAN
628,232
19.1%
IRISH
613,765
18.7%
POLISH
312,587
9.5%
OTHER CEE
164,857
5.0%
(Slovak, Hungarian,
Lithuanian, Ukrainian)
PORTUGUESE
43,098
1.3%
GREEK
26,646
0.8%
*Information compiled from 1990 Census Data. Number and percent are of total population.
ILLINOIS
ETHNIC GROUP
NUMBER
PERCENT
IRISH
1,860,989
16.3%
POLISH
962,827
8.4%
ITALIAN
729,000
6.4%
OTHER CEE
429,759
3.36%
(Czech, Slovak,
Lithuanian,
Hungarian)
GREEK
93,046
0.8%
MICHIGAN
ETHNIC GROUP
NUMBER
PERCENT
IRISH
1,320,458
14.2%
POLISH
889,527
9.6%
ITALIAN
409,573
4.4%
OTHER CEE
237,956
2.6%
(Hungarian, Slovak,
Ukrainian)
GREEK
42,678
0.5%
*Information compiled from 1990 Census Data. Number and percent are of total population.
NEW JERSEY
ETHNIC GROUP
NUMBER
PERCENT
ITALIAN
1,457,013
18.8%
IRISH
1,415,489
18.3%
POLISH
626,506
8.1%
OTHER CEE
333,124
4.3%
(Hungarian, Slovak,
Ukrainian)
PORTUGUESE
63,188
0.8%
GREEK
60,899
0.8%
NEW YORK
ETHNIC GROUP
NUMBER
PERCENT
ITALIAN
2,837,904
15.8%
IRISH
2,800,128
15.6%
POLISH
1,181,077
6.6%
OTHER CEE
426,056
2.4%
(Hungarian,
Ukraininan, Slovak)
GREEK
159,876
0.9%
*Information compiled from 1990 Census Data. Number and percent are of total population.
OHIO
ETHNIC GROUP
NUMBER
PERCENT
IRISH
1,896,231
17.5%
OTHER CEE
711,395
6.5%
(Slovak, Hungarian,
Czech, Croatian,
Slovene, Ukrainian)
ITALIAN
637,143
5.9%
POLISH
442,226
4.1%
GREEK
49,496
0.5%
PENNSYLVANIA
ETHNIC GROUP
NUMBER
PERCENT
IRISH
2,255,867
19.0%
ITALIAN
1,372,904
11.6%
OTHER CEE
912,022
7.8%
(Slovak- 3.8%,
Hungarian,
Ukrainian,
Lithuanian,
Croatian)
POLISH
882,348
7.4%
GREEK
55,158
0.5%
*Information compiled from 1990 Census Data. Number and percent are of total population.
Ethnics Resurging
Now that they've
resident Clinton hit the road earli-
America was amended during floor
P
er this year for some stump orato-
debate on Feb. 16 after lobbyists for the
joined forces,
ry in America's heartland. In
new Central and East European Coali-
Cleveland on Jan. 13. he addressed
tion objected to the wording of its provi-
advocates for former
the bread-and-butter concerns of middle-
sion on the expansion of NATO.
Iron Curtain nations
class workers, but with a special spin.
Formed in late 1993. the coalition is
"From Tallinn to Tiranë," he exhorted,
made up of 16 U.S. ethnic associations
are speaking with
"people must have good jobs so that they
with Washington offices that look out for
can provide for their families and feel
the concerns of a dozen newly free Euro-
greater authority.
self-confidence." The alliterative sweep
pean nations. Organized with a push
of his rhetoric-from Estonia's capital in
from well-established Armenian-Ameri-
Washington's policy
the Baltics southward to Albania's in the
can and Ukrainian-American operatives.
makers and politicians
Balkans-was custom-tailored for an
the alliance also speaks for citizens of
audience of Central and Eastern Euro-
Belarusian, Bulgarian, Czech. Estonian,
are listening.
pean ethnic leaders.
Hungarian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish,
On the same day. back in Washington.
Romanian and Slovak heritage.
Senate Majority Leader Robert Dok. R-
Loosely lumped together as the Cap-
BY DICK KIRSCHTEN
Kan.-a possible Clinton rival in 1996-
tive Nations Lobby during the Cold War
scored points with advocates for former
decades, these militantly anti-Communist
Iron Curtain nations by introducing legis-
ethnic populations were largely taken for
lation opposing blockades of humanitari-
granted in national elections as surefire
an shipments, such as that being imposed
Republican majorities. But in 1992,
by Turkey against Armenia.
angered by President Bush's besitancy in
In the House. the national security
recognizing breakaway Soviet republics.
plank of the Republicans Contract With
these voters abandoned the GOP in
droves.
Although Central and East-
UP FOR GRABS IN 1996?
ern European ethnics make
up only 8.5 per cent of the
population. according to the
1990 census. they are concen-
Of the 14 states with the highest percentages of Central and East
trated in the Northeast and
European ethnics, President Clinton won all but Nebraska and
Midwest in sufficient numbers
North Dakota in 1992.
to be a potential swing vote.
They also tend to be older
than the general population
9.92
and have an above-average
N.D.
10.93
voter turnout rate.
Minn.
Against Bush and indepen-
11.63
dent Ross Perot, Clinton car-
16.43
14.35
ried 12 of the 14 states with
Wis.
15.27
N.Y.
the highest concentrations of
Mich.
18.42
such ethnics. Those dozen
18.31
states produced 186 electoral
12.34
12.56
Pa.
votes, more than half his win-
Neb.
15.46
Ohio
17.70
ning total. (See map.)
III.
By Election Day 1996, of
course, seven years will have
10.02
passed since the fall of the
9.62
Berlin Wall, nearly five since
the dissolution of the Soviet
Union. Barring a cataclysmic
turn of events in Russia, it's
484 NATIONAL JOURNAL 2/25/95
not at all clear that the onetime
Capitive Nations bloc-many of
ence laced with ethnic leaders in
who members now are first or
Milwaukee. In a well-received
second-generation U.S. citi-
speech, Clinton outlined a "pro-
zens-will vote on the basis of
democracy foreign policy" to
foreign policy concerns.
advance America's interest in a
hen your country is imper-
more just and peaceful world.
iled and under foreign domina-
As President, Clinton arranged
tion. you have an exile instinct."
to return to the site of his Mil-
said Adrian Karatnycky. an
waukee success on Jan. 6, 1994, to
American-born foreign policy
try to ameliorate the concerns of
analyst of Ukrainian descen:
ethnic leaders unhappy that the
"But. at this point. the Centra
Administration's Partnership for
Europeans have a diaspora
Peace proposal failed to set firm
instinct. They are American
deadlines for granting NATO
now. They aren't turning 10 see
membership to Central Europe's
what the U.S. aid package 101
so-called Warsaw Pact nations.
Poland is: I think they'll basicaliv
The event was scheduled on
be voting on issues like crime or
the eve of the President's depar-
the streets and Jovcelvn Elder
ture for a NATO leadership sum-
Some ethnic politicos disagre:
mit in Brussels. When Clinton
One of them is former Rer
had to cancel at the last moment
Edward J. Derwinski. R-111.. who
because of the death of his moth-
served in Bush's Cabinet aner 0
er, Vice President Albert Gore Jr.
delivered his speech for him.
long stint in Congress as a high-
profile leader of the Polish.
From Herman's perspective,
American community. by far the
the speech was less important
largest of the country's Centra
than the staff work that preceded
European nationality groups.
it. The White House lined up a
Ethnic movements "have been
roster of 20 ethnic leaders-pri-
revitalized by a continued flow of
pride⁻ that came with the inde.
Richard A. Bloom
marily from the Czech, Hungari-
an, Polish and Slovak communi-
immigrants and by the newfounc
ties-and arranged for them to
pendence of their homelands
meet at length with Clinton's
Derwinski. who is now a business
deputy national security adviser,
Former Rep. Edward L Derwinski, R-IIL
consultant with offices in Alexan-
Samuel R. (Sandy) Berger.
Eastern Europe is sace again "back in front of us."
dria. Va., and Chicago, said in an
"What I remember," Herman
interview.
said, "is the meeting we held in
Administration moves hard or doesn't
Milwaukee the day before the Vice Presi-
Nor should Eastern Europe be ruled
move hard for NATO expansion is going
out as a campaign issue next year, Der-
dent's arrival when Sandy Berger spent
to have some bearing on how these peo-
winski said: "As you see the growing
more than three hours in a dialogue on
ple vote." He predicted that "as the elec-
chaos in Russia. the economic mess in
issues ranging from NATO expansion to
tion gets closer. the bells at the White
the war in Bosnia."
Ukraine and Belarus. the situation in
House will start ringing more loudly."
Clinton's performance in Cleveland last
Yugoslavia. the NATO issue-that part
A short time later, the Administration
of the world is back in front of us again."
month was backed up by an even more
leaked word of a decision to sell arms to
star-studded cast of Administration nota-
Zbigniew Brzezinski, the Polish-born
10 former Soviet Bloc nations to help
bles. Billed as the White House Confer-
academic who was chief White House
ready them for NATO membership.
ence on Trade and Investment-with the
national security adviser in the Demo-
cratic Carter Administration, added that
Commerce Department and the Agency
the newly unified ethnic lobbying alliance
REACHING OUT
for International Development (AID)
each asked to chip in $250,000 toward its
in Washington should not be underesti-
Before Alexis M. Herman was hired as
mated. "For the first time, the Polish-
cost-the two-day forum provided infor-
the White House's director of public liai-
American community, which is fairly
mation for potential investors and
son, she recalled in an interview, Clinton
large, but also the Balts, who are well-
providers of services to the region.
reminded her of his "wide support from
organized and motivated, the Ukrainians,
Participants in the conference, besides
ethnic communities in 1992" and made
the Hungarians, are working together,
the President, included Commerce Secre-
her promise to maintain an open-door
and that's rather unusual." (See NJ,
policy toward its leaders.
tary Ronald H. Brown, assistant secretary
12/30/89. p. 3096.)
of State for European and Canadian
Clinton opportunistically campaigned
Clinton, Brzezinski said, has a problem
affairs Richard C. Holbrooke and R.
for ethnic votes that year by ridiculing
Nicholas Burns, a former White House
in deputy secretary of State Strobe Tal-
Bush's August 1991 "Chicken Kiev"
bott, widely identified as the architect of
specialist on the former Soviet republics
speech urging the Ukrainian parliament
the Administration's policy toward the
who is now the State Department's chief
not to break from the Soviet Union and
spokesman.
former Soviet Union and "extremely
for his delays in recognizing the Baltic
unpopular among these groups."
On the opening day of the conference,
states and de-recognizing Yugoslavia.
Brzezinski, a consultant (Z.B. Inc.) and
Herman said, Administration officials
Clinton's efforts to seize the interna-
held extensive discussions with 30 U.S.
a counselor to the Center for Strategic
tional affairs initiative from the more-
community leaders of Central and East-
and International Studies, a Washington
experienced Bush peaked just weeks
think tank, added that "whether the
ern European heritage who had been
before Election Day in front of an audi-
invited. The ethnic leaders met with Clin-
NATIONAL JOURNAL 2/25/95 485
ton the next day. she said. noting that the
brooke has emerged as an advocate of
But frustration runs high among ethnic
meeting sent "the message that we are
expeditious expansion of NATO. "He's
leaders such as Eugene Iwanciw, chief
talking 10 the domestic middle class."
the good cop. as far as the East Euro-
Washington lobbvist for the Ukrainian
Zdenka Gast. a Croatian-American
peans and Balts and so forth are con-
National Association. who contends that
activist who helped Herman line up con-
cerned." Karatnycky said.
the AID bureaucracy doesn't understand
ference attendees, said in an interview
Foreign aid is also a cause of friction
the region's problems. "Tom Dine and
that every one of the nationalities (rep-
between the Administration and leaders
Brian Atwood can't go through each
resented at Cleveland] was concerned
of the European ethnic communities.
[AID] proposal." Iwanciw said in a recent
about the new emergence of a Russian
Clinton gets credit for the boldness of the
interview. "They are trying to manage
Cold H at mentality." She added that the
$2.5 billion post-Soviet aid package that
this, but it is a big problem."
Administration officials. including Clin-
won approval in 1993, but not for assign-
CHALLENGING CLINTON
At the Cleveland conference, Clinton
issued his first public condemnation of
the brutality of Russia's offensive against
secessionist Chechnya and called upon
Moscow to end "the spilling of blood."
But he argued that it would be a mistake
to withdraw U.S. support for the "forces
of reform" in Russia represented by the
beleaguered government of President
Boris N. Yeltsin.
At the root of Clinton's policy is the
conviction that European security in the
post-Cold War world depends upon Rus-
sia's becoming a stable democratic nation
that's not isolated from its neighbors. As
NATO is expanded, he has said repeated-
ly, "it should not be seen as replacing one
division of Europe with another one."
Washington's newly unified ethnic lob-
byists think Clinton has got it backward.
In a white paper on U.S. foreign policy
Fiscle
prepared for the opening of the 104th
Congress. the Central and East European
Coalition firmly rejected what it referred
Croatian-American activist Zdenka Gast
to as the "Russian-centered path" chosen
There's growing concern about "the new emergence of 0 Russian Cold War mentality."
by the Clinton Administration.
While agreeing that it's in America's
ton. "put in a lot of time" addressing
ing the preponderance to Russia. More
interests to support democratic institu-
those concerns.
money is now allocated to non-Russian
tions and market reforms in Russia, the
Gast the owner of a Buffalo (N.Y.)
republics, but it will take time for it work
alliance unabashedly argues that the top
bridge-building firm. is a veteran Repub-
its way through the foreign assistance
priority should be to "invest heavily in the
lican fund raiser and a likely Dole sup-
pipeline.
political and economic development" of
porter in 1996. She said, however, that
As pressures have mounted to reduce
Russia's western-oriented neighbors. The
Holbrooke gave a particularly eloquent
international spending in general. Clinton
alliance's position paper declares that
defense of the Clinton Administration's
has proposed cutbacks in popular pro-
"political and economic liberalism must
NATO policy during the Cleveland meet-
grams such as the 1992 Freedom Support
take root in the countries of Central and
ing. "He pulled out all the stops in reas-
Act, the National Endowment for
Eastern Europe first if Russia is to have
suring the [ethnic] leaders that the Unit-
Democracy and pro-democracy radio
any hope of following along the path."
ed States will not stand by if Russia tries
broadcasting. His 1996 budget request,
The glue that binds the alliance is mis-
to hassle any of those countries, she said.
according to a Feb. 13 statement issued
trust of Russia. And the Russian bear-
The Croatian-born construction execu-
by the Central and East European Coali-
notwithstanding the inept performance of
tive added that when pressed about why
tion, falls short of the region's need.
its army against the badly outmanned and
the Warsaw Pact nations must wait to gain
Such complaints require AID adminis-
outgunned Chechens-appears ever
the security protection of full NATO
trator J. Brian Atwood and Thomas A.
more menacing as the nation appears to
membership. "Holbrooke, to his credit,
Dine, his assistant for Europe and the
be lurching toward a post-Yeltsin eΓa of
gave a lot of good reasons for the wait-
newly independent states, to spend time
increasing antagonism toward the West.
ing."
assuring ethnic leaders that available
"Russian expansionism was the main
When informed that Holbrooke, rather
funds are being distributed efficiently.
concern when we first got started," ex-
than Talbott, took part in the Cleveland
Although Dine's job requires extensive
plained Iwanciw, who lobbies for one of
event, Karatnycky, who is head of Free-
travel in Europe, his aides note that he
the two largest Ukrainian-American
dom House, a pro-democracy advocacy
has also met with Polish and Ukrainian
groups. That remains the concern today,
group based in New York City, remarked
groups in Chicago and Armenian-Ameri-
he said, although the coalition also
that the Administration "chose wisely."
cans in Los Angeles to explain AID's pro-
weighs in on other issues. It issued an
Since taking over the State Depart-
grams and discuss ideas for improving
eight-page briefing memorandum on for-
ment's European desk last August, Hol-
them.
eign assistance issues on Jan. 20, and its
486 NATIONAL JOURNAL 2/25/95
members have spoken out against a
the bipartisan quartet of Richard J.
Dole's most personal tie is to the Arme-
Republican welfare reform proposal to
Durbin. D-III.: International Relations
nian-American community, a relationship
permanently deny benefits to immigrants.
Committee chairman Benjamin A.
that dates back to 1947, when an Armeni-
twanson said the idea for the coalition
Gilman. R-N.Y.: Joseph Knollenberg. R-
an-born surgeon. Hampar Kelikian.
begar. 10 take shape four years ago when
Mich.: and William O. Lipinski. D-III.
helped Dole recover from the serious
a few jobbyists-"basically the Armeni-
The amendment adds support for
wounds he suffered in World War II com-
ans. Balts and Ukrainians"-informally
"other countries that are emerging from
bat. "The relationship has been mutually
worked together to push for early recog-
Communist domination" 10 language
beneficial." Armenian Assembly of Amer-
nitior of republics seeking to break away
boosting NATO membership for Poland.
ica lobbyist Vartian noted. Dole, as a pub-
from the foundering Soviet Union. After
Hungary. the Czech Repubiic and Slo-
lic official, has shown compassion for
the Seviet collapse. they split apart to
vakia and softens wording that calls for
Armenia, and "the thank you for the Sen-
help establish embassies and build con-
NATO to cooperate closely with Russia.
ator has come in the form of hundreds
tacts with their newly independent moth-
substituting the statement that expansion
and hundreds of people making contribu-
er countries.
of the alliance should increase stability
tions to his various efforts."
In 1993. he continued. the informal pre-
for European nations, "including Rus-
Roger J. Stone, a Republican partner
decessor group "got back together and
sia."
in the Alexandria (Va.) political consult-
realized that we had a lot in common with
The coalition, which has steered away
ing firm of Black, Manafort, Stone &
countries like Hungary and Poland, which
from the issue of the fighting in the for-
Kelly, said in an interview that he believes
were a couple of years ahead in dealing
mer Yugoslavia, has no members repre-
the ethnic voters who abandoned Bush in
with these issues." Russian-Americans
senting the Balkan nations. But many of
1992 will return to the GOP fold next
were not invited to join the coalition, how-
its Capitol Hill champions have emerged
year. Stone views Central and Eastern
ever. -because many of the issues that
as severe critics of the Clinton Adminis-
European voters as an important part of
brough: us together were concerns about
tration's position on Bosnia.
"the single most important element of the
Russian foreign policy," he said.
Among the likely 1996 presidential
Republican presidential constituency: the
"The object is not just to win the Cold
contenders, no one has been more vigor-
blue-collar Catholic vote."
War. but to win the post-Cold War."
ous than Dole in pushing legislation to
Stone said that Sen. Phil Gramm, R-
explained Ross Vartian. who heads the
force the United States to lift the arms
Texas, "could reach them, too, but till
17-employee Washington office of the
embargo against Bosnia. Dole aide Mira
now he's been an inside-the-Beltway phe-
Armenian Assembly of America. a shop
that be said functions in the same manner
as "the tobacco lobby or any other high-
quality lobby in this city."
Vartian described the coalition's mem-
bership as "not as avowedly anti-Russian"
as the -Cold War warriors" of the Car-
tive Nations Lobby. But he emphasized
that the alliance will press Congress "10
give as much aid as possible to the forme:
Sovie: states. particularly the non-Rus-
sian ones."
Lines J. Kojelis. a founder of the
Washington-based U.S.-Baltic Founda-
tion. traces the coalition's roots to the
late 14705 and early 1980s. when "the first
generation of people of East European
ethnic heritage" began coming to Wash-
ingtor. to take political jobs on Capitol
Hill and in the executive branch. "They
figured out how Washington worked and
took that knowledge back to some of the
mainline ethnic groups or created new
organizations."
The coalition and its member organiza-
tions have strong allies on both sides of
John
the aisle on Capitol Hill. Its older con-
The Armenian Assembly of America's Ross Varties
stituents tend to come from blue-collar
Mis goal: More American aid for the former Soviet states, "particularly the non-Russian cees."
backgrounds and send Democrats to
Congress. House Minority Whip David
Baratta, whose father is a Croat from
nomenon, a cipher to the blue-collar
E. Bonior, D-Mich., for example, is of
Sarajevo, has worked tirelessly on the
masses." Dole, on the other hand, is "a
Ukrainian background; Rep. Anna G.
issue, building strong sympathy for Dole
known commodity" to these voters, he
Eshoo. D-Calif., is the only Armenian-
among Croatian-Americans, though
said.
American on the Hill. But younger eth-
alienating Serbian-Americans.
The bad news for Clinton is that if
nics and post-World War Il immigrants
Over the course of his Senate career,
Russia is still on the track toward demo-
tend to vote Republican.
coalition leaders say, Dole has paid close
cratic reform in 1996, European ethnics
The successful effort to amend the
attention to the concerns of the Central
may vote their discontent with him over
NATO expansion language in the Repub-
and East European communities and has
social issues. And if Russia backslides,
lican-sponsored National Security Revi-
included on his staff advisers with
they'll vote their anger over his foreign
talization Act was led by in the House by
Ukrainian and Latvian backgrounds.
policy.
NATIONAL JOURNAL 2/25/95 487
filemin OEOB 100
WHITE HOUSE MEETING WITH
THE CENTRAL AND EAST EUROPEAN COALITION
MAY 14, 1996 - 1:00 P.M. - ROOSEVELT ROOM
Coalition Participants
Mr. Martin Zvaners, Director of Public Affairs
American Latvian Associaton
Melanne, Fyl, this group, foreign
were meeting
Mr. Ross Vartian, Executive Director
Mr. Tim Jemal, Director of Congressional Relations
Armenian Assembly of America
with today on It's to
Mr. Russell Zavistovich, President
Belarusian Congress Committee of America
tossistance.up
Mr. Radi Slavoff, Vice President
a February the
Bulgarian Institute for Research and Analysis
the w/
Mr. Armand A. Scala, President
Congress of Romanian Americans, Inc.
Dr. Otakar Horna, President, Washington D.C. Branch
mecting
@
Czechoslovak National Council of America
Mr. Mati Koiva, Vice President
Estonian American National Council, Inc.
Mr. Vello Ederma, Director
Estonian World Council, Inc.
Mr. Frank Koszorus, President
Hungarian American Federation of Metropolitan Washington, DC
Dr. John Genys, Chairman
Ms. Aija Straumanis, Director of Public Information
Joint Baltic American National Committee, Inc.
Ms. Asta Banionis, Director, Public Affairs Office
Lithuanian American Community
Mr. Laszlo Pasztor, National President
Ms. Leslie Megyeri
National Federation of American Hungarians
Ms. Myra Lenard, Executive Director
Mr. Stanley Glod
Polish American Congress
Dr. John J. Karch, Executive Vice President
Slovak World Congress
Mr. Linas Kojelis, President
Mr. Jeff Nelson
U.S. Baltic Foundation
Mr. Michael Sawkiw, Jr., Director-Washington Office
Ukrainian Congress Committee of America
Mr. Eugene Iwanciw, UNA Representative to the CEEC
Ukrainian National Association
Administration Participants
Chip Blacker, NSC
Dick Morningstar,
Jim Holmes, State
State > Identified for CEEC as POTUS on point foreign peoplessionce
Carlos Pascual, NSC
Philip DuSault, OMB
Marilyn DiGiacobbe, OPL
Tony Gambino, State
Anne Johnson, State
Christa Capozzola, State
Olypup may
408 1056
Office of the President-Elect
and Vice President-Elect
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Dee Dee Myers
December 9, 1992
(501)399-7175
STATEMENT BY WARREN CHRISTOPHER
ON THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION'S ETHICS "PLEDGES"
Last month, the American people voted for change. They made it clear that they want
to take their government back, and that they want to end business as usual in Washington. In
recent years, too many former top officials began to sell their access and influence almost the
day after they left office. That saps public confidence in our political process.
During his Presidential campaign, Governor Clinton promised the American people that
he would seek to "stop the revolving door" by requiring his top appointees to refrain from
lobbying their agencies for five years. Today, we are announcing rules that keep that promise
to the American people. Top officials will be required to sign a pledge agreeing to these new
standards. These rules seek to change the climate in Washington, and usher in a new era of
public service.
These pledges go well beyond existing ethics rules, and are designed to signal a clear
break with existing practice. In drafting these pledges, we have sought to balance the need for
reform with the desire to attract the best people into government. We believe that these new
rules properly reconcile these goals.
The pledge has three key parts:
First. approximately 1100 of Gov. Clinton's top appointees will pledge that they will not
lobby their former agencies for five years after leaving the government. This provision goes
well beyond the current one year ban on such representation. Let me make clear that this ban
includes a very broad range of activities, including representations before administrative
agencies, as well as private lobbying conversations. The officials covered include Governor
Clinton's most senior officials, those paid over $104,000, and range as deep into the government
as deputy assistant secretaries and general counsels. Those excluded are primarily career civil
service personnel, foreign service officers and uniformed military personnel. Top White House
aides, in addition to being banned from lobbying the Executive Office of the President for five
years, will be banned from lobbying any department over which they had substantial personal
responsibility.
There are some limited exemptions. The pledge will not apply to former officials who
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1120 Vermont Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20270 202-973-2600
CLINTON TRANS.
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go to work for the federal, state or local governments. Scientists and other technical personnel
who are employed by non-profit organizations will continue to be able to seek grants. And
representation in criminal or civil litigation will also be excluded. We will continue, of course,
the existing ban against any representation where the former government official had personal
and substantial involvement with a matter while in government.
Second, these same top officials will pledge never to become registered foreign agents
for any foreign government or foreign political party.
Finally, trade negotiators will be required to pledge that they will not lobby for foreign
governments or foreign business entities for five years following their participation in a
negotiation.
For example, under these pledges, the former General Counsel of the Federal
Communications Commission would not be able to return to the agency and represent clients in
license and rulemaking proceedings. The former Deputy U.S. Trade Representative would be
barred for five years from lobbying for the Canadian government or for Volkswagen. And all
top officials would be barred from activity that would now cause them to register under the
Foreign Agents Registration Act.
The Clinton administration will vigorously enforce these pledges. Upon taking office,
Gov. Clinton will sign an executive order making these pledges the policy of the government,
and laying out some of the ways to enforce them. If a former official breaks his or her word
and lobbies in violation of this pledge, several remedies will be available. The administration
will sue to enjoin the improper activity, and will sue to recover the income for U.S. taxpayers.
And the former official will be barred from lobbying the agency for up to an additional five
years. Most important, Gov. Clinton's appointees will know that he will hold them personally
accountable for any violation of the public trust.
No doubt, these rules will make some people unhappy. That's not surprising. For
Governor Clinton intends to change the way business is done in Washington. That means
changing old ways. But we believe a dramatic step is necessary to show we are serious about
making government work.
By asking his top officials to sign these pledges, Gov. Clinton seeks to keep his pledge
to the American people. Taxpayers need to know that the public servants whose salaries they
pay will work for them, not for special interests.
These are the strongest standards any president has asked of his employees. But they are
just the beginning of Gov. Clinton's effort to give the government back to the people. As he
said following his election, he intends to propose campaign finance reform and lobbying reform
legislation. Most important, he will appoint men and women of high caliber who will see public
service as a public trust.
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December 9, 1992
FIVE-YEAR NO-LOBBYING BAN
"We will require all top appointees to
refrain from
lobbying government agencies within their responsibilities for
five years after leaving office." (Putting People First at 26.)
1. Who are the "top appointees" to whom the new rule applies?
Covered by the ban are approximately 1100 employees of the
Executive Branch and the various independent agencies who are
paid at or above Executive Schedule V (currently $104,800),
including:
approximately 700 employees who are presidential
appointees subject to Senate confirmation;
approximately 300 additional employees who are
political appointees not subject to Senate confirmation
(including officials at the level of Deputy Assistant
Secretary and agency General Counsel) ; and
approximately 100 political appointees in the Executive
office of the President ("EOP").
This pledge will not cover any career officials.
2.
What communications are prohibited by the term
"lobbying"?
For purposes of the "revolving door" pledge, "lobbying" will
be defined as follows:
"Lobbying" means knowingly communicating to or appearing
before any Executive Branch Department or agency (including
an independent agency) on behalf of another with the intent
to influence official action, except that the term
"lobbying" does not include:
(a) communications or appearances with regard to judicial
proceedings, or criminal or civil law enforcement
inquiries, investigations or proceedings (but not
administrative proceedings);
(b) communications or appearances made as an officer or an
employee of any federal, state, or local governmental
unit; or
(c) communications or appearances with regard to any
government grant, contract or similar benefit made as
an officer or an employee of an institution of higher
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education; a not-for-profit hospital or medical,
charitable, scientific, or environmental research or
educational institution; or an international
organization in which the United States participates.
This definition would prohibit, for example, a former FCC
Commissioner from appearing before or communicating with the FCC
in either a rulemaking proceeding or adjudication for five years.
This rule would not prevent a former local United States Attorney
from representing an individual or business in court or on
criminal or civil law enforcement matters that do not involve
administrative rulemaking or adjudication. Former officials will
continue to be subject to the existing one-year prohibition
against appearing before their former agencies on any matter.
This definition also allows for certain very limited
exceptions for governmental and nonprofit employees. For
example, a university professor who had served in government
could apply for a federal grant on behalf of the university to
engage in scientific research. This exception recognizes that
such contacts are not "lobbying" and are often in the public
interest.
Finally, when this rule is implemented by Executive Order,
provision will be made for the grant of waivers in exceptional
circumstances. This will allow, for example, former officials to
give testimony under oath, engage in communications solely for
the purpose of furnishing scientific or technical information,
and to make other communications determined by the President or
the head of a Department or agency to be in the national
interest. Current government ethics law allows comparable
communications.
3. Does the ban apply only to one's former "agency"?
In general, the current federal law practice of defining a
"former agency" will be used for the purposes of this
pledge. In an extension of current law, however, the most
senior appointees within the EOP will be barred for five years
from lobbying any department or agency with respect to which they
had substantial personal responsibility.
REPRESENTATION OF FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS AND ENTITIES
"We will require senior officials to pledge never to become
registered agents on behalf of any foreign government." (Putting
People First at 26.)
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71966 699 TOS
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1.
Who are the "senior officials" to whom the new rule applies?
The same personnel covered by the 5-year no-lobbying ban
will be covered under this pledge.
2. What activities are precluded?
Any activity that currently is registrable under the Foreign
Agents Registration Act will be precluded. Because the reach of
FARA is limited in some respects, the new Administration will
support appropriate legislation to reform FARA and extend its
reach.
3.
Which clients are covered?
Foreign governments and foreign political parties will be
covered.
TRADE NEGOTIATOR PROHIBITION
We will ban "trade negotiators from cashing in on their
positions by serving as representatives of foreign corporations
or governments. We will rededicate the Office of the Trade
Representative to serving the country -- not selling out for
lucrative lobbying paychecks from foreign competitors." (Putting
People First at 158.)
1. Who are trade negotiators?
The ban against representing foreign governments, political
parties, and businesses will apply to all political appointees in
the EOP, Executive Branch departments and independent agencies
who personally and substantially participate in trade
negotiations.
2.
What types of activities are prohibited?
Trade negotiators will be prohibited from representing,
aiding or advising a foreign government, foreign political party
or foreign business entity with the intent to influence any
action of an Executive Branch Department or agency or an
independent agency.
3.
What is the duration of the prohibition?
The duration of the prohibition will be five years from the
termination of substantial personal involvement in a trade
negotiation.
3
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16:32 12-06-1992
ENFORCEMENT
The pledge will be enforceable to the fullest extent
possible within the power of the President and under contract
law. Upon taking office, the Administration will issue an
Executive Order encompassing the terms of the pledge. Among the
remedies for breach of the pledge, the following will be used:
(1) Debarment. A former employee who breaks his or her
pledge will be subject to debarment for an additional 5
years from representing clients before the Executive
Branch.
(2) Injunction. The pledge and the executive order will
provide the basis for a suit to enjoin the offending
behavior for 5 years.
(3) Constructive Trust. Provision will be made to require
that any gain realized from prohibited activity be
recovered and placed in a trust for the benefit of the
U.S. Treasury.
Finally, the Administration will consider such legislation
as is necessary and appropriate to enforce the pledge.
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7196 699 S01
16:32 12-06-1992
PLEDGE
As a condition, and in consideration, of my receiving an
appointment to serve in the employ of the United States
government in a position invested with the public trust, I commit
myself to the following obligations, which I understand are
binding on me and are enforceable under law:
1. I will not, within five years after the termination of
my employment with any federal department or agency in which I am
appointed to serve, lobby any officer or employee of that
department or agency.
2. In the event that I serve as a senior appointee within
the Executive Office of the President ("EOP"), I also will not,
within five years after I cease to be a senior appointee, lobby
any officer or employee of any other federal department or agency
with respect to which I had substantial personal responsibility.
3. I will not, at any time after the termination of my
employment with the United States government, engage in any
activity on behalf of any foreign government or foreign political
party which, if undertaken today, would require me to register
under the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended.
4. I will not, within five years after termination of my
substantial and personal participation in a trade negotiation,
represent, aid or advise any foreign government, foreign
political party or foreign business entity with the intent to
influence the official action of any federal department or
agency.
5. I acknowledge that Executive Order
issued by
the President on
1 1993, which I have read before signing
this document, defines certain of the terms applicable to the
foregoing obligations and sets forth the methods for enforcing
them. I expressly accept the provisions of that Executive Order
as a part of this Agreement and as binding on me.
Signed
Dated
Name
Address
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CLINTON TRANS.
7196 699 SOS
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Office of the President-Elect
and Vice President-Elect
Excerpts from "PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST"
stopping the Revolving Door:
We will require all top appointees to sign a pledge that, if
they work in our Administration, they will refrain from lobbying
government agencies within their responsibilities for five years
after leaving office. We will require senior officials to pledge
never to become registered agents on behalf of any foreign
government. We will then challenge members of Congress to do the
same. (page 26).
Reform the office of the U.S. Trade Representative:
A Clinton-Gore Administration will issue an executive order
banning trade negotiators from cashing in on their positions by
serving as representatives of foreign corporations or governments.
We will rededicate the Office of the Trade Representative to
serving the country--not selling out for lucrative lobbying
paychecks from foreign competitors. (page 158).
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TRANS NOIN135
2196 399 SOS
16:33
I. FIVE-YEAR NO-LOBBYING BAN
CLINTON/GORE ADMINISTRATION PLEDGE
CURRENT FEDERAL LAW
60
A P oroximately 1100 most senior non-career employees will be barred from
18 U.S.C. Section 207(c) - An estimated 3500 "senior" employees, including career
*!
obying" their former Department or agency for five years.
employees, prohibited from "lobbying" their former Department or agency for one year.
This rule will continue to apply to all "scnior" employees, including those not covered
by the five-year ban.
S ior EOP employees will be banned for five years from "lobbying" алу employee
Section 207(d) only bans certain senior employees for one year and only from
a any federal Department or agency with respect to which they had substantial
"lobbying" certain other top employees (i.e., those in Executive Schedule Levels I-V) in
r sonal responsibility.
any Department or agency.
II. LIFETIME BAN ON REGISTERING UNDER FARA
CLINTON/GORE ADMINISTRATION PLEDGE
CURRENT FEDERAL LAW
A Proximately 1100 most senior employees will also be subject to a lifetime ban on
P
CLINTON TRANS.
Section 207(f) bans all "senior" and "very senior" officials from representing, aiding, or
a
ng as a foreign agent on behalf of foreign governments and foreign political
advising a foreign political party or foreign government for one year in any matter
ties.
before any Department or agency of the federal government.
III. FIVE-YEAR BAN FOR TRADE NEGOTIATORS
CLINTON/GORE ADMINISTRATION PLEDGE
CURRENT FEDERAL LAW
1
top non-career trade negotiators will not, for five years, represent, aid, or advise
Section 207(f) bans the next USTR from representing, aiding, or advising . foreign
f Heign political parties, foreign governments, or foreign business entities in any
n Her before the federal government. Applies not only to the officials in the USTR
I ponsibility for trade negotiations (e.g., the Commerce or State Departments).
501 399 96
political party or foreign government for three years in any matter before any
Department or agency of the federal government.
t
also to any other officials in a Department or agency with substantial personal
Section 207(b) prohibits for one year only any former official, who personally and
substantially participated in any ongoing trade negotiation on behalf of the United States,
and who bad access to non-public information concerning that trade negotiation, from
knowingly representing, aiding, or advising (on the basis of that non-public information)
any other person concerning such ongoing trade or treaty negotiation.
12-09-1992 16:33