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Domestic Policy Council 1987 Review & 1988 Plans [binder] [1]
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Richard W. Porter Subject Files
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Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
FOIA Number:
2021-0094-F
2021-0094-F
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Cabinet Affairs, White House Office of
Series:
Porter, Richard, Files
Subseries:
OA/ID Number:
07137
Folder ID Number:
07137-003
Folder Title:
Domestic Policy Council 1987 Review & 1988 Plans [binder] [1]
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
G
15
16
2
II. MEMBERSHIP, ATTENDEES AND STAFF
Domestic Policy Council Membership
President Ronald W. Reagan, Chairman
Secretary of the Interior Donald P. Hodel, Chairman Pro Tempore
Attorney General Richard Thornburgh
Secretary of Health and Human Services Otis R. Bowen
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Samuel R. Pierce, Jr.
Secretary of Energy John S. Herrington
Secretary of Education Lauro F. Cavazos
Office of Management and Budget Director James C. Miller III
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee M. Thomas
Ex-officio members are the Vice President and the Chief of Staff.
Attendees
The Assistant to the President and Cabinet Secretary, the
Assistant to the President for Domestic Affairs and the Assistant
to the President for Policy Development also participate.
All Cabinet members are welcome to attend any meeting in which
they have an interest. Agency heads are invited to participate
whenever matters affecting their organizations are on the agenda.
Senior White House advisors to the President are also invited
and, when appropriate, participate in discussions.
Domestic Policy Council Staff
The staff of the Domestic Policy Council are White House staff in
the Office of Cabinet Affairs:
Ralph C. Bledsoe, Special Assistant to the President
and Executive Secretary
Mary Beth Riordan, Staff Assistant
Fran Seidl, Secretary
Robert W. Sweet, Jr., Deputy Executive Secretary
Mary M. Tsivgoulis, Secretary
Mark Readinger, White House Fellow (for environmental issues)
TABLE 9.
Adhocracy, centralized management, and multiple advocacy: differentiating characteristics
Role of departments,
agencies, and White
Continuity
Operational responsibility
House-based staff
Adhocracy
Relatively little emphasis on
Can operate under the direction
Degree of departmental
FDR, LE5
continuity. Rehance or ad
of either honest brokers or ad-
participation depends heav-
CARTER
hoc arrangements
vocates. If under honest bro-
ily on the individual re-
kers, approximates the results of
sponsible for organizing the
multiple advocacy, except for
advice for the President.
continuity. In practice, generally
Varies widely from issue to
directed by advocates.
issue.
Centralized
Emphasizes continuity
Head of a central management
Designed to reduce depend-
Nivon
Management
through reliance or 3 single
staff is likely to be a personal
ence on departments and
White House-based stat: It.
adviser to the President and as-
agencies and to emphasize
sponsible for overallenorde
sume an advocacy role Lack 01
role of White House and
nation and issue manager
reliance on departments and
Executive Office staff in de-
ment.
agencies reduces the need for
veloping policy alternatives.
the role of bones: broker
Multiple
Emphasizes continuity
Notion of an honest broker ex.
Designed to maximize the
Reagan
Advocacy
through reliance or a single
ercising operational control of
use of departmental re-
high-level interdepartmental
the process IS essential to its suc-
sources and expertise and
mechanism responsible for
cessful functioning. If opera-
to minimize reliance on
overall coordination and
tional responsibility IS exercised
substantive expertise from
management o: issues for a
by an advocate. the other par-
White House staff. Depart-
broad policy area t.£. Da
ticipants must view him as an
ments perceive themselves
tional security. economic
honest broker.
as included.
policy. social policy..
Continuity refers to the pattern of a relatively fixed group of individuals responsible for advising the President on a broad
range o: problems: a continuity of individuais. not policy.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 4, 1988
MEMORANDUM FOR EDWIN MEESE III
FROM:
RALPH C. BLEDSOE
SUBJECT:
Domestic Policy Council 1987 Review and 1988 Plans
This report contains a summary of activities and accomplishments of
the Domestic Policy Council (DPC) in 1987, and plans for 1988.
Please let me know if you have any comments on this report.
1987 Activities
Meetings - Thirty-four meetings were held in 1987, eight chaired
by the President. (See Tab 1.)
Issues - The Council discussed 19 different policy issues, in the
following areas. (See Tab 2.)
O
Energy - 2
O
Environment - - 4
Federalism - 1
Government Operations and Management - 3
Health and Human Services - 7
Justice and Legal - 1
Science - 1
Presidential Decisions - The President issued 17 decisions on
issues presented to him by the Council. (See Tab 3.)
Working Groups - Sixteen Council working groups were active
during the year. Thirteen presented reports to the Council.
(See Tab 4.)
- 2 -
Council Membership
President Ronald W. Reagan, Chairman
Attorney General Edwin Meese III, Chairman Pro Tempore
Secretary of the Interior Donald P. Hodel
Secretary of Health and Human Services Otis R. Bowen
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Samuel R. Pierce, Jr.
Secretary of Energy John S. Herrington
Secretary of Education William J. Bennett
Office of Management and Budget Director James C. Miller III
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee M. Thomas
Ex-officio members are the Vice President, the Chief of Staff and
the Assistant to the President for Policy Development. With
participation of the Assistant to the President for Domestic
Affairs and the Assistant to the President and Cabinet Secretary.
Council Staff
Ralph C. Bledsoe, Special Assistant to the President
and Executive Secretary
Robert Johnson, White House Fellow
Mary Beth Riordan, Staff Assistant
Fran Seidl, Secretary
Robert W. Sweet, Jr., Deputy Executive Secretary
Mary M. Tsivgoulis, Secretary
1988 Plans
During 1988, the Council will focus on major policy issues and
areas stressed in the President's State of the Union Message and
Legislative Message, in addition to ongoing policy issues that
require monitoring. (See Tab 5 for 1988 plans.)
TAB 1
DPC MEETINGS
Page One
1987 DPC MEETINGS
SUMMARY
*-With The President
**-Cabinet Meeting
January 13, 21, *29
February *3, 4, 17
March 4, 9, *10, 18, 20, **24
April 1, 8, 14, *29-Joint DPC/EPC Meeting
May *4, 12, 20, 27, *28
June 11, *18
July 13, 29
August 5
September 16, 21, 22, 30
November 5, 19, 24
December 2
TAB 1
DPC MEETINGS
Page Two
1987 DPC MEETINGS AND AGENDA ITEMS
( -With The President)
Meeting #
Meeting Date
Agenda Items
74
January 13, 1987
- AIDS Education
75
January 21, 1987
- AIDS Education
*76
January 29, 1987
- Superconducting Super
Collider (SSC)
*77
February 3, 1987
.
- Catastrophic Illness
Insurance
78
February 4, 1987
- Small Appliance Standards
79
February 17, 1987
- Drug Abuse Policy
80
March 4, 1987
- Acid Rain
81
March 9, 1987
- Acid Rain
*82
March 10, 1987
- Acid Rain
83
March 18, 1987
- Privatization
- Tort Policy
- Welfare Policy
84
March 20, 1987
- Energy Security
JOINT DPC/EPC MEETING
**
March 24, 1987
- Management Goals
CABINET MEETING
TAB 1
DPC MEETINGS
Page Three
85
April 1, 1987
- Welfare Reform
- AIDS
86
April 8, 1987
- AIDS
87
April 14, 1987
- Energy Security
JOINT DPC/EPC MEETING
*88
April 29, 1987
- Energy Security
JOINT DPC/EPC MEETING
*89
May 4, 1987
- AIDS
90
May 12, 1987
- Emergency Management
91
May 20, 1987
- Stratospheric Ozone
92
May 27, 1987
- AIDS Testing
*93
May 28, 1987
- AIDS Testing
94
June 11, 1987
- Stratospheric Ozone
*95
June 18, 1987
- Stratospheric Ozone
96
July 13, 1987
- President's Commission on
Americans Outdoors
97
July 29, 1987
- Management Improvement
98
August 5, 1987
- Acid Rain
99
September 16, 1987
- AIDS Policies
- Executive Order on the
Family
TAB 1
DPC MEETINGS
Page Four
100
September 21, 1987
- Stratospheric Ozone
- AIDS
- Executive Order on the
Family
- Federalism
101
September 22, 1987
- NAPAP Report
102
September 30, 1987
- Adoption
- Low Income Opportunity
103
November 5, 1987
- Emergency Management
- Adoption
- Agent Orange
104
November 19, 1987
- Adoption
105
November 24, 1987
- Marine Debris
- Outdoor Recreation
Resources
106
December 2, 1987
- AIDS (HHS Report on AIDS
Incidence and Prevalence)
TAB 2
1987 ISSUES
Page One
ISSUES ADDRESSED BY DPC IN 1987
(*-With The President)
ISSUE
DATE
O
Acid Rain
3/4, 3/9, *3/10, 8/5, 9/22
O
Acquired Immune Deficiency
1/13, 1/21, 4/1, 4/8, *5/4,
Syndrome (AIDS)
5/27, *5/28, 9/16, 9/21,
12/2
O
Adoption
9/30, 11/5, 11/19
O
Agent Orange
11/5
O
Catastrophic Illness Insurance 2/3
Drug Abuse Policy
2/17
O
Emergency Management
5/12, 11/5
Energy Security
3/20, 4/14, *4/29
(Joint DPC/EPC Meetings)
Family
9/16, 9/21
Federalism
9/21
Low Income Opportunity
3/18, 4/1, 9/30
Management Improvement
*3/24 (Cabinet Meeting),
7/29
Marine Debris
11/24
O
Outdoor Recreation Resources
7/13, 11/24
and Opportunities
O
Privatization
3/18
Small Appliance Standards
2/4
Stratospheric Ozone
5/20, 6/11, *6/18, 9/21
Superconducting Super
*1/29
Collider (SSC)
O
Tort Policy
3/18
TAB 2
1987 ISSUES
Page Two
1987 DPC ISSUES
O Acid Rain. Administration acid rain policy includes the study
and control of chemicals that may result in acidic deposition
that affects humans, bodies of water, forests, crops and
materials. The Council met three times in March to discuss
preparations for the President's April meetings with Prime
Minister Mulroney in Canada. The Council discussed options
for developing and demonstrating control technologies, and for
reviewing future regulations and legislation. In August and
September, the Council discussed the National Acid
Precipitation Assessment Program (NAPAP) and an EPA study of
sulfur dioxide (SO,) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions
reduction. The Energy, Natural Resources and Environment
Working Group is responsible for acid rain policy development.
O Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Administration
AIDS policy includes steps the Federal government is taking to
combat the spread of AIDS and HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
In February, the Council developed principles to guide the
Federal government's educational efforts. In May, the Council
discussed an epidemiological study proposed by the Public
Health Service to determine the prevalence and incidence of
HIV. Also considered were policy proposals for testing
federal prisoners; placing HIV on the dangerous contagious
diseases list SO that immigrants and aliens must be tested
before being admitted to the U.S.; reviewing expanded routine
testing potential in other areas of the Federal government,
including the VA; and encouraging states to increase routine
testing in hospitals, STD and drug abuse clinics, for marriage
licenses and in State and local prisons. The Council's Health
Policy Working Group is responsible for coordinating policy
development and making recommendations on AIDS and HIV
testing, research, prevention, and education.
O Adoption. The President announced the formation of the
Interagency Task Force on Adoption on August 24, 1987. He
asked the Task Force to report to him, through the Domestic
Policy Council, by November 22, with recommendations on how
adoption could be encouraged, and what steps can be taken at
State and local government levels to remove barriers to
adoption. The Task Force interacted with more than 80
organizations, State and local government agencies, judges,
caseworkers, attorneys and major adoption advocacy groups
regarding concerns and proposals about adoption, and presented
its report to the Council on November 19. The President
received the report on November 23. The Task Force will have
its report printed in the spring of 1988.
TAB 2
1987 ISSUES
Page Three
Agent Orange. Administration Agent Orange policy includes
ensuring that the government examines the possible impact on
Vietnam veterans of exposure to this chemical. An Agent
Orange Working Group monitors studies being conducted, and
reported results to the Council in November. Several other
studies are to be completed during 1988-89.
Catastrophic Health Insurance. In his 1987 State of the Union
message, the President announced that legislation would be
introduced to provide catastrophic health care for Medicare
participants, and that the private sector would be encouraged
to increase catastrophic insurance coverage for all citizens.
In February, the Council discussed specific features of
legislation, which was later introduced and is pending before
Congress. The Health Policy Working Group oversees policy
development in this area.
O Drug Abuse Policy. The Administration's drug abuse policy is
to achieve a drug-free America. In February the Council's
Working Group on Drug Abuse Policy completed its efforts, and
the Council approved publication of working papers on
implementation of the President's initiatives. The National
Drug Enforcement Policy Board now coordinates the
Administration's drug abuse policies.
Emergency Management. In 1987, the Council considered how to
ensure coordination of responses by federal agencies in the
event of extreme domestic emergencies. The Working Group on
Management and Administration, in conjunction with the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) developed a national system
for emergency coordination, which was discussed by the Council
in May and November, and presented to the President in
December. The President approved the system in January 1988.
O Energy Security. The Council met with the Economic Policy
Council in March and April to discuss a study of the effects
of oil imports on national security. In April, the Councils'
presented options and proposals to the President, covering tax
incentives, Federal lands, and the Strategic Petroleum
Reserve. The Energy, Natural Resources and Environment
Working Group oversees policy development on this issue.
O Family Policy. In December 1986, the President approved the
Family Working Group report and ordered development of an
Executive Order. In 1987 the Executive Order was issued,
requiring federal agencies to review the impact of current
programs, legislative proposals, grants and contracts on
family formation and maintenance. The Council met in
September to discuss implementation of the Order.
TAB 2
1987 ISSUES
Page Four
O
Federalism. In December 1986, the President approved
development of an Executive Order on Federalism. The
Council's Federalism Working Group met throughout the spring
and early summer to develop such an Order, receiving comments
from State and local government officials. The Council met in
September to discuss major sections of the Order, including
policymaking criteria, requirements for preemption of State
laws, requirements for legislative proposals, agency implemen-
tation, government-wide coordination and review, and judicial
review. The President issued the Order on October 26.
O Low Income Opportunity. In January 1987, the President
approved implementation of a national strategy for immediate
action to meet the financial, educational, social and safety
concerns of poor families " Legislation was introduced and
is pending in Congress. The Council discussed progress at
meetings in March, April and September. In July, an Executive
Order was issued establishing a Low Income Opportunity
Advisory Board to work with States in encouraging
demonstration programs.
O Management Improvement. In March, OMB briefed the Council on
the President's Management Improvement Program and the 1988
Management Report, including efforts of the President's
Council on Integrity and Efficiency (PCIE), and the
President's Council on Management Improvement (PCMI). The
Council asked OMB to prepare goals, and to develop indicators
for measuring department and agency management performance.
These were presented to the Council in July, and will be
reflected in the President's 1989 Management Report.
O
Marine Debris. The Council established a Task Force in June
to examine problems associated with plastic marine debris,
including aesthetic and human health implications, entangle-
ment and ingestion by fish and wildlife species, and violation
of statutes that govern disposal of solid wastes in coastal
waters. In November, the Task Force presented recommendations
to the Council. They included developing a public awareness
campaign, assuring that adequate shore facilities exist,
enforcement of existing and anticipated regulations, research
on degradable plastics, and requirements for marking fishing
equipment. The Task Force will present its final report to
the Council in the spring of 1988.
O Outdoor Recreation Resources and Opportunities. The Council
met in July to discuss the President's Commission on Americans
Outdoors report. A Task Force on Outdoor Recreation Resources
and Opportunities was formed to review the Commission's
recommendations from a cost and policy perspective and to
TAB 2
1987 ISSUES
Page Five
build on its findings. A status report was discussed with the
Council in November. The Energy, Natural Resources and
Environment Working Group interacts with the Task Force.
Privatization. This policy issue deals with how to make the
economy and the government more efficient by putting selected
government assets and operations into private hands. The
Council's Working Group on Privatization studied the sale and
contracting-out of selected federal operations and services,
and presented recommendations to the Council in March. In
July, privatization proposals were announced as part of the
President's Economic Bill of Rights, and a Presidential
Privatization Commission was established.
O Small Appliance Standards. The Council discussed options for
responding to unfavorable legislative proposals on small
appliance standards at a meeting in February. The President
had vetoed a previous bill. The Council agreed that the
Administration should attempt to, delay consideration of new
bills by the Senate and send a veto signal to encourage the
drafting of favorable amendments. This was achieved. No
further action is anticipated on this issue.
O
Stratospheric Ozone. The Council met in May and June to
consider the U.S. position for the negotiations of a protocol
to control chemicals found to be depleting the stratospheric
ozone layer. The President affirmed U.S. support of an
effective international protocol to control such chemicals,
and gave the U.S. delegation instructions on how to pursue
this objective. The Council was briefed on the protocol,
which was signed on September 16.
O
Superconducting Super Collider (SSC). In January, the Council
completed discussions of a proposal by the Energy Department
to develop a high-energy physics research program leading to
construction of a superconducting super collider. The
President approved proceeding with the SSC.
O Tort Reform Policy. In March, the Working Group on Tort
Policy briefed the Council on how the Administration's efforts
to reform liability statutes has encouraged changes in state
laws, consistent with principles developed by the Working
Group. The Council will receive progress reports in 1988.
TAB 3
PRESIDENTIAL DECISIONS
Page One
1987 PRESIDENTIAL DECISIONS
Summary
Acid Rain
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
Adoption
Catastrophic Illness Insurance
Energy Security
Family
Federalism
Low Income Opportunity
Management Improvement
Stratospheric Ozone
Superconducting Super Collider
TAB 3
PRESIDENTIAL DECISIONS
Page Two
1987 PRESIDENTIAL DECISIONS
O
Acid Rain - The President, following discussion of options
presented at a Council meeting on March 10:
- approved seeking an appropriation of $2.5 billion over a
five year period to fund a demonstration-based innovative
control technologies program (ICTP).
- directed the Secretary of Energy to establish an advisory
panel that would oversee a research demonstration program and
select projects to be co-funded by the Federal government.
- directed his Task Force on Regulatory Relief to review
Federal and state economic and regulatory incentives and
disincentives to deployment of new technologies.
On November 25, the President provided Secretary Shultz with
instructions that the U.S. Section of the Bilateral Advisory
and Consultative Group should convey that portions of the
Canadian accord proposal made in May were unacceptable. They
were also to convey the following policy principles:
- the U.S. will build on the Special Envoys' recommendations
and measures underway to reduce emissions, and allow
sufficient time for the ICTP to be deployed;
- we will consider the state of the science, including the
findings of the NAPAP interim assessment;
- we will not target emissions reductions at specific
geographic areas; and,
- we require reciprocal commitments from Canada.
O
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) - Following a
Council meeting on January 21, the President approved five
principles presented to him to guide the Federal government
in providing information to the public about AIDS. Also, the
President, following discussions at a Council meeting on May
4, approved formation of a Presidential Commission on AIDS.
Following a Council meeting on May 28, the President:
- directed HHS to carry out a comprehensive program to
determine the nationwide incidence of the HIV virus and to
predict the future of its occurrence.
- directed that following a 60-day comment period, AIDS be
added to the list of dangerous contagious diseases for which
immigrants and aliens seeking permanent residence in the U.S.
could be denied entry.
TAB 3
PRESIDENTIAL DECISIONS
Page Three
- directed the Department of Justice to submit a plan for
expanded testing of Federal prisoners for the AIDS virus.
- directed the Domestic Policy Council to review other
Federal program areas where AIDS testing might be done and
make recommendations for his consideration.
- directed that the Federal Government encourage States to
offer routine testing for the AIDS virus, while recognizing
individual rights, where a medical examination or blood
testing occurs, in Sexually Transmitted Disease clinics and
drug abuse clinics, before a marriage license is issued, and
in State and local prison facilities.
Following the Council meeting on September 21, the President:
- directed that HHS undertake a family of surveys to gather
the data necessary to monitor the dynamics of the HIV
infection, including the rate o£ spread.
- directed the Centers for Disease Control to collect and
analyze data from current sources and estimate the prevalence
of HIV in the U.S. and the rate of spread, based on results
from scientific models.
- directed HHS to conduct a nationwide household seropreva-
lence survey, in which PHS or a designated contractor would
request voluntary and anonymous or confidential participation
in blood testing for the HIV. This survey would produce a
more accurate estimate of how the disease is spreading.
Adoption - On August 24, the President announced the
formation of an interagency task force on adoption, directing
that they present recommendations through the Domestic Policy
Council on how adoption can be encouraged. On November 13,
the President issued a memorandum for heads of executive
departments and agencies directing them to encourage National
Adoption Week activities to increase Federal employee
awareness about the benefits of adoption. The President
designated November 22 through 28 as National Adoption Week.
Catastrophic Illness Insurance - The President, based on
Council meetings in December 1986 and on February 3, 1987,
approved restructuring Medicare to include catastrophic
protection with an actuarially sound additional premium.
Following the February 3 Council meeting, the President
approved other initiatives to improve catastrophic illness
insurance protection for the general population under age 65,
TAB 3
PRESIDENTIAL DECISIONS
Page Four
the availability of long-term care for the elderly and
catastrophic illness insurance for the elderly, including:
- working with the private sector to educate the public
about risks, costs, and financing options available for
catastrophic illness insurance and long-term health care.
- working with States on such innovations as employment-
related catastrophic insurance coverage, State risk pools,
management of State Medicaid programs, and new programs for
loan guarantees and requiring catastrophic insurance when
registering motor vehicles.
- directing Treasury to study the impact of various tax
policy changes, including expanding deductions for sole
proprietors or unincorporated businesses, advantages of
deductions for incorporated businesses, and mandating
employer-provided deductibility to the full lawful extent if
catastrophic illness coverage i,s offered.
- directing Treasury to study means for encouraging personal
savings for long-term care and catastrophic illness
insurance, including various tax policy changes and replacing
Medicare with health care savings accounts for savings used
to buy post-retirement health insurance.
- directing Treasury to study development of the private
long-term care insurance market through tax incentives.
- encouraging Medicare beneficiaries to enroll in private
health plans which offer catastrophic coverage.
Energy Security - Following an April 29 joint meeting of the
DPC and EPC, the President approved sending a letter to
Congress on U.S. energy and oil policy supporting increased
domestic stockpiles, a strong domestic oil industry, and
expanded availability of domestic oil and gas resources.
Specific energy security decisions by the President included:
- suggesting to Congress two tax changes: increasing the net
income limitation on the percentage depletion allowance from
50 percent to 100 percent per property, and repealing the
transfer rule to permit use of percentage depletion for
proven properties that have changed ownership.
- a 100,000 barrel per day fill rate for the Strategic
Petroleum Reserve, provided that budget offsets are made
available to cover the higher costs of this fill rate.
- reducing the minimum bid requirement for Federal offshore
leases from $150 per acre to $25 per acre.
TAB 3
PRESIDENTIAL DECISIONS
Page Five
O
Family - The President, in January, approved pro-family
reform proposals contained in a report presented to him at a
Council meeting on December 2, 1986. These included:
- preparing an Executive Order directing Federal departments
to examine the impact on the family of new and current
programs, legislative proposals, grants and contracts. The
President issued the Executive Order on September 2, 1987.
- ensuring that sex education courses receiving HHS support
and/or funds be value-based.
- developing a plan for nation-wide communication of
pro-family themes to the American people.
- carrying out other executive and legislative actions that
foster sensitivity on the importance of the family, require
consideration of non-governmental solutions, and limit the
role of the Federal government in family matters.
O
Federalism - In January, the President approved reform
proposals contained in a report "The Status of Federalism in
America," presented to him at a Council meeting on November
17, 1986. These included:
- preparing an Executive Order requiring that federalism
implications of agency actions be thoroughly reviewed.
- urging Congress to require a constitutional authority and
federalism assessment for legislation.
- seeking legislation to require that Congress' intent to
preempt State law be explicit, to prohibit agency preemption
of State law by rulemaking, and to reform federal court
jurisdiction.
- encouraging States to adopt uniform laws, enter into
interstate compacts, and establish a clearinghouse to share
information and ideas.
Low Income Opportunity - In January, the President approved
implementation of a national strategy for seeking legislation
to begin long-term, State-sponsored, local government
approved demonstrations. The strategy was presented to him
at a Council meeting on December 12, 1986. On July 20, 1987,
the President established the Low Income Opportunity Advisory
Board to speed up the granting of waivers of welfare rules
and regulations for innovative State demonstration projects.
TAB 3
PRESIDENTIAL DECISIONS
Page Six
Management Improvement - The President, at a March 24 Cabinet
meeting, accepted the goals and strategy developed by OMB for
accomplishing Administration management improvement
initiatives.
Stratospheric Ozone - On June 24, the President approved
instructions to the U.S. delegation for negotiating an
international protocol on protection of the stratospheric
ozone layer. Policy options were presented to him at a June
18 Council meeting. The President's instructions included:
- entry into force should occur when a substantial
proportion of producing/consuming countries as determined by
the U.S. delegation have signed and ratified the protocol.
- lesser developed nations should be given a limited grace
period up to the year 2000.
- a system of voting that gives due weight to the major
producing and consuming countries should be sought.
- strong provisions for monitoring, reporting and
enforcement should be sought to secure the best possible
compliance with the protocol.
- a freeze at 1986 levels on production/consumption of
specified ozone-depleting chemicals should take effect one or
two years after entry into force. A 20% automatic reduction
should occur four years after, and an additional 30%
automatic reduction about eight years after entry into force,
following a scientific review.
- the ultimate objective should be protection of the ozone
layer by eventual elimination of realistic threats from
man-made chemicals.
- a provision should be sought to protect U.S. industry, by
authorizing trade restrictions against countries that do not
join or comply with the protocol provisions.
The President, on June 26, issued a memorandum to Cabinet
members apprising them of the above instructions.
Superconducting Super Collider (SSC) - On January 30, the
President decided to commit to build the SSC beginning in FY
1988 using the maximum possible cost-sharing from other
countries, private industry, and State and local governments.
The issue was discussed at a Council meeting on January 29.
The Secretary of Energy was directed to seek Congressional
authorization, select a site, obtain cost-sharing commitments
and determine construction schedules dependent on budget
realities and cost-sharing commitments obtained.
TAB 4
WORKING GROUPS
Page One
DPC WORKING GROUPS
Summary
Adoption Task Force
Agent Orange
Committee on Life Sciences
Corporate Sentencing
Drug Abuse Policy
Energy, Natural Resources and Environment
Family Policy
Federalism
Health Policy and Economics
Legal and Regulatory Policy
Low Income Opportunity
Management and Administration
Marine Debris
Outdoor Recreation Resources and Opportunities
Privatization
Tort Law Policy
TAB 4
WORKING GROUPS
Page Two
DPC WORKING GROUPS
Adoption Task Force. The President announced the formation of
the Interagency Task Force on Adoption on August 24. He asked
the Task Force to report to him, through the Domestic Policy
Council, by November 22, with specific recommendations on how
adoption could be encouraged, and identify steps which can be
taken at local levels to remove barriers to adoption. The
Chairwoman of the Task Force is Mary Gall, Counselor to the
Director of the Office of Personnel Management. In 1987, Task
Force members interacted with over 80 organizations, State and
local government agencies, caseworkers, attorneys, judges and
major adoption advocacy groups regarding adoption concerns and
proposals. The Council received the Task Force report on
November 19, and the President received the report on November
23. In 1988, the Task Force will prepare the full report for
publication, and further develop initiatives consistent with
the Administration's intent to encourage adoption. Periodic
reports will be provided to the Council.
O
Agent Orange - The Agent Orange Working Group consists of
representatives of four agencies - HHS, DOD, VA and OMB, and
is responsible for coordinating research and studies of the
effects of Agent Orange on Vietnam veterans who were exposed
to this chemical. The Chairman is Don Newman, Under Secretary
of HHS. This Working Group has coordinated over 155 studies,
several of which were completed or terminated in 1987. A
status report was presented to the Council on November 5,
1987. In 1988, the Working Group will monitor the dozen or SO
studies still in progress, and report on them to the Council.
O
Committee on Life Sciences. This subcommittee of the Federal
Coordinating Committee on Science, Engineering, and Technology
(FCCSET) replaced the Biotechnology Working Group, and is
responsible for developing biotechnology policy proposals for
Council consideration. The Committee is chaired by Beverly
Berger of the Office of Science and Technology Policy. The
Biotechnology Sciences Coordinating Council (BSCC), also a
subcommittee of the FCCSET, and chaired by James Wyngaarden of
the National Institutes of Health, remains responsible for
coordination and implementation of the biotechnology regula-
tory framework approved by the President on June 17, 1986.
Corporate Sentencing - This Working Group was established to
assist in the formulation of policies with respect to
corporate crimes. It will study applications of federal
criminal laws to corporate entities and will draft
recommendations for the U.S. Sentencing Commission on fines
and penalties to best deter corporations and similar
TAB 4
WORKING GROUPS
Page Three
organizations from violating federal criminal laws. The
Chairman is Tom Moore, a Member of the Council of Economic
Advisers. The Working Group will report to the Council in
February or March, 1988.
Drug Abuse Policy - The Working Group on Drug Abuse Policy was
established in July, 1986. Carlton Turner, Director of the
White House Drug Abuse Policy Office was the first Chairman.
He was succeeded by Ralph Bledsoe, Executive Secretary of the
Domestic Policy Council. The Working Group issued reports in
1986 and 1987, outlining steps being taken to combat illegal
drug use, to reduce the demand for drugs and to continue
enforcing the laws against drug trafficking. The Working
Group completed its efforts in 1987, and was terminated when
the Drug Abuse Prevention and Health Coordinating Group was
established under the National Drug Enforcement Policy Board.
Energy, Natural Resources and Environment. This Working Group
is responsible for issues affecting domestic energy
regulation, production, and use; regulation, protection, and
enhancement of our natural environment; regulation,
production, and the use of natural resource commodities,
including minerals, timber, and industrial feedstocks;
selected agricultural policies; and certain international
trade and global trends in the above areas. The Chairman is
Ralph Bledsoe. During 1987, the Working Group developed
policy proposals and options on energy security, stratospheric
ozone, acid rain, marine pollution, and outdoor recreation
initiatives. The Working Group is currently coordinating
policy development for acid rain, outdoor recreation, and an
interagency study of plastic debris in the marine environment.
Other policy issues that may be considered include global
climate and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.
Family Policy - The Family Working Group was established in
March 1986 to develop a report on the condition of the
American family; inventory and evaluate public policies,
programs and practices; and suggest changes that would enable
the Administration to support and strengthen families. The
Chairman is Gary Bauer, Assistant to the President for Policy
Development. A report was presented to the President in
December 1986, and Executive Order 12606 was issued September
2, 1987. In March 1988, the Working Group will report to the
Council on department and agency results in implementing the
actions called for in the Executive Order. The Working Group
will also carry out the President's directive in his 1988
State of the Union message to examine the parental role in
education and make recommendations for strengthening parent's
rights.
TAB 4
WORKING GROUPS
Page Four
O
Federalism - The Federalism Working Group is responsible for
an Administration-wide strategy for rooting constitutional
federalism principles in federal law and regulations. This
includes identifying endeavors which may be devolved to State
or local governments; developing opportunities for block
grants, regulatory relief, simplified crosscutting require-
ments, and increased State and local flexibility; developing
management improvements for categorical programs; and
proposing measures to improve federal responsiveness to State
and local concerns. The Chairman is Charles Cooper, Assistant
Attorney General, Office of Legal Counsel in the Department of
Justice. In its report to the President on "The Status of
Federalism in America," the Working Group suggested three
kinds of actions: legislative, executive, and development of
a constitutional amendment. In 1987, the Working Group
developed initiatives to implement these actions. A result
was issuance of Executive Order 12612 on October 26, 1987. In
1988, the Working Group will report to the Council on
implementation of the Executive, Order, and continue
development of initiatives contained in its report.
Health Policy and Economics - This Working Group is
responsible for identifying health policy issues and for
developing policy options for the Council in such areas as
catastrophic health care and AIDS. The Chairman is Gary
Bauer, Assistant to the President for Policy Development. In
1988, the Food and Drug Administration will present the
Working Group with an update on progress in development of an
HIV antigen test, an HIV home testing kit, and HIV drug
treatments. The Working Group will continue to monitor the
results of the family of surveys and the pilot studies being
conducted in major metropolitan areas.
Legal and Regulatory Policy - This Working Group is to monitor
and analyze legal and regulatory matters that have significant
policy implications for the Federal government, and to
identify relevant issues and options with respect to such
matters. The Chairman is Brad Reynolds, Assistant Attorney
General for Civil Rights at Justice.
Low Income Opportunity - This Working Group was established to
catalogue and assess the array of government low income
assistance programs, and to carry out the President's 1986
State of the Union charge to present "an evaluation of
programs and a strategy for immediate action to meet the
financial, educational, social, and safety concerns of poor
families." In December, 1986, the Working Group issued a
report, "Up From Dependency," and presented it to the
President, with proposals for a new national strategy
for improving the welfare system. Legislation was introduced
and is now being discussed in Congress. An Executive Order
TAB 4
WORKING GROUPS
Page Five
was also developed to provide for an advisory board at the
White House to work with the States in reforming welfare
programs. The Chairman is Charles Hobbs, Assistant to the
President for Welfare Policy.
Management and Administration - This Working Group is
responsible for developing and monitoring ways to improve
Federal government management. The Working Group works
closely with the President's Council on Management
Improvement, an inter-departmental committee that coordinates
management improvements within the executive branch. The
Working Group Chairman is Ralph Bledsoe, Executive Secretary
of the Domestic Policy Council.
O
Marine Debris - This Task Force was created to examine
problems associated with persistent plastic marine debris.
The Chairman is Timothy Keeney of the Department of Commerce.
The Task Force will assess the scope of the problem, determine
the extent of research needed, and identify actions to ensure
that problems are addressed in a coordinated manner. It will
also investigate the potential for using satellites to target
pollutant sources and assist in law enforcement activities. A
report is anticipated in the late spring of 1988.
Outdoor Recreation Resources and Opportunities. This Task
Force was created to review the report of the President's
Commission on Americans Outdoors and develop policy proposals
that build on its recommendations. Jackie Schafer, Member of
the Council on Environmental Quality, is Chairwoman of this
Task Force. Proposals will be presented in April 1988.
Privatization - The Privatization Working Group identifies
Federal government assets and operations that could be more
efficiently managed by the private sector, and recommends
strategies for achieving this. The Chairman is Tom Moore, a
Member of the Council of Economic Advisors. The Working Group
has worked closely with OMB, which identifies privatization
initiatives as part of the President's annual budget and
legislative messages.
Tort Law Policy. This Working Group is responsible for
monitoring and analyzing legislative and judicial activity in
areas relating to tort law, for identifying relevant issues
and options, and for making appropriate policy recommendations
to the Council. The Chairman is Richard Willard, Assistant
Attorney General of the Civil Division at Justice. The
Working Group issued a report in February, 1986, on proposed
reforms of product liability, government liability, and
government contractor liability laws. The Working Group has
re-drafted legislative proposals for transmittal to Congress.
TAB 5
1988 PLANS
Page One
1988 PLANS
Summary of Issues
Abortion
Acid Rain
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
Adoption
Agent Orange
Biotechnology
Catastrophic Illness Insurance
Education Reform
Emergency Management
Environmental Program
Family
Federalism
Fraud, Waste and Abuse
Global Climate
Homelessness
Low Income Opportunity
Management Improvement
Marine Debris
NOx Protocol
Outdoor Recreation Resources and Opportunity
Privatization
Stratospheric Ozone
Superconducting Super Collider (SSC)
Urban Policy
TAB 5
1988 PLANS
Page Two
1988 PLANS
In 1988, the Domestic Policy Council will consider the following
issues as part of the President's 1988 legislative and administra-
tive agenda. (* - Asterisked topics are of interest, but may not
require Council action in 1988.)
Abortion. The President has directed the Surgeon General to issue
a comprehensive medical report on physical and emotional effects
of abortion on women. The report will be released in August 1988.
The Council will review the Surgeon General's report, and present
policy recommendations to the President as required.
Acid Rain. The Council has been responsible for Administration
acid rain policy development since 1985. In 1988, the Council
will monitor negotiation of an acid rain bilateral accord with
Canada, and develop new policies as. needed.
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The Council has been
active since 1985 in developing policies to halt the spread of the
AIDS epidemic. In 1988, the Council will receive quarterly
reports on the incidence (spread) and prevalence (current cases)
of AIDS and HIV; review the AIDS Commission reports; monitor
progress on the education/information plan; and ensure that
appropriate Administration policies are developed and sufficient
funding is requested to combat the AIDS epidemic.
Adoption. In 1987, the President established and received a
report from his Adoption Task Force, through the Council. In
1988, the Task Force will print and distribute its report, and
continue work on post-adoption services, corporate/foundation
meetings, and public education efforts to promote adoption. The
Council will review the efforts of the Task Force and consider
policies that may be needed.
Agent Orange. The Council has policy oversight of research into
the possible adverse health effects of Agent Orange on Vietnam
veterans who were exposed to the chemical. In 1988, the Council
will receive reports from its Agent Orange Working Group on
studies that are completed or nearing completion.
Biotechnology. In 1987, the Council asked the Office of Science
and Technology Policy to propose policies that may be needed in
this growing field, with emphasis on international coordination
and commercial applications. These may be brought to the Council
for consideration in 1988.
TAB 5
1988 PLANS
Page Three
Catastrophic Illness Insurance. The Council is responsible for
policies that make catastrophic illness insurance available and
affordable to more Americans. In 1987, draft legislation for
acute care for the elderly was submitted to Congress. In 1988,
the Council will consider policies for promoting acute care
protection for the general population under age 65, and for
long-term health care insurance.
Corporate Sentencing. The Council was asked to develop
Administration policies for deterring corporations and other
organizations from violating criminal laws. A Working Group has
examined this issue and will recommend policies for consideration
by the Council and forwarding to the U.S. Sentencing Commission.
Education Reform. The President has directed Secretary Bennett to
prepare a follow-up of the landmark report, "A Nation At Risk,"
which was issued in 1983. The new report will be released in May
1988, and should be reviewed by the Council. Also, the Council
will form a Working Group to carry out the President's directive
to examine the parental role and make recomendations for
strengthening parent's rights in education decision-making.
Emergency Management. In 1987, the Domestic Policy Council
completed development of a system to ensure that Federal
government responses to extreme domestic emergencies are
effectively coordinated. In 1988, the Council will oversee
implementation of the system, as required.
Environmental Program. The Council will consider a variety of
environmental issues that may arise in 1988. Principles approved
by the President in early 1986 will be applied.
Family. In 1987, the President issued an Executive Order
requiring agencies to examine the impact of Federal regulations
and legislation on family formation and maintenance. A report
identifying Federal programs that have a negative impact on the
family will be presented to the Council in March 1988.
Federalism. The President issued an Executive Order in 1987,
requiring agencies to undertake a "Federalism Assessment" to
ensure that regulations and legislative proposals do not preempt
the authority of States. In 1988, the Domestic Policy Council
will review implementation of the E.O. and address other
federalism policy issues that arise.
Fraud, Waste and Abuse. The President's Council on Integrity and
Efficiency (PCIE), consisting of department and agency Inspector
Generals, focuses on eliminating fraud, waste and abuse in
governmental programs. Six-month reports will continue to be made
to the President through the Council during 1988.
TAB 5
1988 PLANS
Page Four
Global Climate. The Global Climate Protection Act was signed by
the President in December 1987. It requires the development of a
national policy on global climate change and a U.S. leadership
role in working for greater international cooperation in limiting
global climate change. In support of these goals, the Council may
be asked to take up this issue during 1988.
Homelessness. In 1987, an Interagency Council on the Homeless was
established in law to review Federal activities and programs aimed
at assisting homeless individuals, to reduce duplication among
Federal programs and activities, to recommend improvements to such
programs, and to provide professional and technical assistance to
States and local governments. In 1988, the Domestic Policy
Council will review recommendations by the Interagency Council.
Low Income Opportunity. In 1987 the President approved a national
strategy for seeking legislation supporting long-term, State
sponsored, local government demonstrations that would lead to true
welfare reform. Also in 1987, a Low Income Opportunity Advisory
Board was formed by the President to assist States in obtaining
waivers of current welfare rules, so as to speed up innovative
demonstration projects. In 1988, the Council will receive
periodic reports from the Board on the progess of relevant
legislation, and results of State demonstrations.
Management Improvement. The Domestic Policy Council has worked
with the President's Council on Management Improvement (PCMI) on
development and implementation of the President's Management
Improvement Program. In 1988, priorities will be improving
governmental financial management, increasing sales of loan assets
held by the Federal government, implementing agency productivity
plans with emphasis on quality, furthering use of technology by
Federal agencies, and examining Federal workforce needs for the
future. The Domestic Policy Council will receive reports on
results and accomplishments.
Marine Debris. In 1987, the Council formed a Task Force to
identify current Administration activities, and propose
initiatives for eliminating persistent marine debris polluting
oceans and waterways. The use of satellites to enforce
environmental laws will also be examined. An interim report has
been completed, with final recommendations due to the Council in
the spring of 1988.
NOx Protocol. In 1987, a U.S. delegation participated in U.N.
negotiations of an international protocol to limit emissions of
nitrogen oxides. In 1988, the U.S. delegation will require final
instructions and authorization to sign a protocol. The Council
may be asked to provide Administration policy guidance and
instructions for these negotiations.
TAB 5
1988 PLANS
Page Five
Outdoor Recreation Resources and Opportunity. In 1987, the
Council formed a Task Force to review the report of the
President's Commission on Americans Outdoors, and to propose
policies for improving outdoor recreational resources and
opportunities for Americans in the 1990s and beyond. In 1988, the
Council will review the Task Force's specific policy proposals.
Privatization. The Council established a Working Group in 1986 to
study privatization of Federal government activities and programs.
In 1987, the President established a Privatization Commission to
develop additional recommendations. In 1988, the Council will
review the Commission's report. Also, comprehensive studies,
pilot projects, direct privatization of selected Federal
activities, and continued emphasis on contracting-out have been
proposed in the President's 1989 Budget.
*Stratospheric Ozone. In 1987, the U.S. signed an international
protocol to reduce emissions of chemicals causing a depletion of
the stratospheric ozone layer. The protocol was submitted to
Congress for ratification, which should occur in 1988. Further
Council action on this issue will depend on Congressional and
international responses.
*Superconducting Super Collider (SSC). In 1987, the President
approved proceeding with the SSC project as proposed by the
Department of Energy. Several important decisions are due in
1988, although they will not likely require Council activity.
Urban Policy. The President's National Urban Policy report is
submitted to Congress every two years. It describes economic and
social conditions of urban areas and the activities of Federal,
State, and local government organizations in addressing urban
problems. The report will be presented to the Council in
mid-1988.
*Other Issues. The Council will discuss other specific domestic
issues that may confront the Administration throughout the year.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 23, 1987
MEMORANDUM FOR EDWIN MEESE III
DONALD T. REGAN
FROM:
RALPH C. BLEDSOE, RackBledse Executive Secretary
SUBJECT:
Domestic Policy Council 1986 Review and 1987 Plans
This report contains a summary of the activities and accomplish-
ments of the Domestic Policy Council (DPC) in 1986, and current
preliminary plans for 1987.
1986 Activities
Meetings - Forty-eight meetings were held in 1986, twelve chaired
by the President. (See Tab 1.)
Issues - The Council discussed twenty-eight different policy
issues during 1986 in the following areas (See Tab 2.) :
Energy - - 2
Environment - 2
Federalism and Intergovernmental - 3
Government Operations and Management - 5
Health and Human Services - 6
Justice and Legal - 6
Science - 2
Transportation - 2
Presidential Decisions - The President made decisions on 19 of
the issues presented to him by the Council. (See Tab 3.)
Working Groups Eleven Council working groups were active and
presented reports to the Council during the year. (See Tab 4.)
1987 Plans
During the first three months of 1987, the Council will focus on
major policy issues and areas to be stressed by the President in
the State of the Union message, the FY 1988 President's Budget,
and the Administration's legislative agenda. These include, but
are not limited to Welfare, Catastrophic Illness Insurance,
Education, Federalism, and the Family. (See Tab 5.)
copy: Alfred H. Kingon.
Tab /
DPC meetings
TAB 1
DPC MEETINGS
1986 DPC MEETINGS AND AGENDA ITEMS
(*-With The President)
Meeting #
Meeting Date
Agenda Items
26
January 22
- Invironmental Policy
- National Energy Policy
Plan (NEPP)
*27
February 5
- Low Income Opportunity
28
February 12
- Acid Rain
*29
February 18
- Acid Rain
- National Energy Policy
Plan (NEPP)
*30
February 25
- Environmental Policy
- Management & FY87 Budget
31
February 26
- Liability Insurance
Availability
- Federalism
32
March 6
- Tort Policy
33
March 12
- Low Income Opportunity
*34
March 17
- Tort Policy
35
April 2
- Low Income Opportunity
- Federal Personnel Issues
*36
April 10
- Drug Enforcement Policy
Board Report
37
April 28
- Privatization
- Legal Policy Changes
38
May 5
- Safety Belt Use By
Federal Employees
39
May 7
- Federal Personnel Issues:
Personnel Reduction
Policy, Federal Civilian
Retirement Plan,
Alternative Personnel
System
40
May 19
- Strategic Petroleum
Reserve
41
May 20
- Organ Transplantation
- Biotechnology
42
May 29
- Affirmative Action (Court
Cases)
43
June 16
- Strategic Petroleum
Reserve
44
June 30
- Management Improvement
Legislation
45
July 9
- Low Income Opportunity
- Strategic Petroleum
Reserve Options
46
July 15
- Drug Abuse Policy
47
July 21
- Strategic Petroleum
Reserve
48
July 22
- Drug Abuse Policy
49
July 24
- Speed Limit
- Drug Abuse Policy
*50
July 25
- Drug Abuse Policy
51
July 30
- Quiet Title
- Drug Abuse Policy
52
July 31
- Drug Abuse Policy
*53
August 4
- Drug Abuse Policy (Full
Cabinet)
*54
August 5
- Strategic Petroleum
Reserve
55
August 6
- National Urban Policy
Report
56
September 8
- Drug Abuse Policy
57
September 10
- Drug Abuse Policy
**
September 11
- Drug Abuse Policy
CABINET MEETING
58
October 1
- AIDS
59
October 15
- Drug Abuse Policy
- Federalism
60
October 29
- Federalism
- Emergency Management
61
November 5
- Federalism
- Economic Indicators
Legislation
62
November 12
- Family Working Group
Report
*63 (A.M.)
November 17
- Federalism
64 (P.M.)
November 17
- Family Working Group
Report
65
November 19
- Catastrophic Illness
Insurance
*66
December 2
- Family Working Group
Report
67
December 3
- Low Income Opportunity
- Catastrophic Illness
Insurance
*68 (A.M.)
December 12
- Low Income Opportunity
69 (P.M.)
December 12
- Catastrophic Illness
Insurance
*70
December 15
- Catastrophic Illness
Insurance
71
December 17
- Superconducting Super
Collider
72
December 22
- Superconducting Super
Collider
*73
December 23
- Catastrophic Illness
Insurance
Tab 2
DPC Issues
TAB 2
DPC ISSUES
ISSUES ADDRESSED BY DPC IN 1986
(*-With The President)
ISSUE
DATE
O
Acid Rain
2/12, *2/18
O
Acquired Immune Deficiency
Syndrome (AIDS)
10/1
O
Affirmative Action
5/29
Biotechnology
5/20
O
Catastrophic Illness Insurance
11/19, 12/3, 12/12,
*12/15, *12/23
O
Drug Abuse Policy
7/15, 7/22, 7/24, *7/25,
7/30, 7/31, *8/4, 9/8,
9/10, *9/11, 10/15
O
Drug Enforcement Policy
Board Report
4/10
Economic Indicators Legislation 11/5
Emergency Management
10/29
Environmental Policy
1/22, *2/25
o
Family Working Group Report
11/12, 11/17, *12/2
O
Federal Personnel Issues
4/2, 5/7
O
Federalism
2/26, 10/15, 10/29, 11/5,
*11/17
O
Legal Policy Changes
4/28
O
Liability Insurance
Availability
2/26
O
Low Income Opportunity
*2/5, 3/12, 4/2, 7/9, 12/3,
*12/12
Management & FY87 Budget
*2/25
O
Management Improvement
Legislation
6/30
O
National Energy Policy
Plan (NEPP)
1/22, *2/18
O
National Urban Policy Report
8/6
O
Organ Transplantation
5/20
O
Privatization
4/28
O
Quiet Title
7.00
O
Safety Belt Use By
Federal Employees
5/5
o
Speed Limit
7/24
O
Strategic Petroleum
Reserve (SPR)
5/19, 6/16, 7/9, 7/21, *8/5
o
Superconducting Super
Collider (SSC)
12/17, 12/22
O
Tort Policy
3/6, *3/17
STATUS OF ISSUES
O Acid Rain. The Domestic Policy Council met twice in 1986 to
review the U.S.-Canadian Report of the Special Envoys on Acid
Rain. A plan for implementing the report's recommendation was
developed and approved by the President in February, 1986,
prior to his March, 1986 meeting with Prime Minister Mulroney.
U.S. actions for 1987 are now being considered by the Council
in preparation for April, 1987 meetin between the President
and the Prime Minister. The Council's Working Group on
Energy, Natural Resources and Environment is coordinating acid
rain policy efforts.
O Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Administration
AIDS policy covers steps the Federal government is taking to
combat this epidemic disease. The Council's Health Policy
Working Group is responsible for coordinating AIDS research
and prevention activities and for reporting to the Council.
In his 1986 State of the Union message, the President asked
the Surgeon General to issue a report to the American people
on AIDS. The report was presented to the DPC in October, 1986
and sent to the President. Several hundred thousand copies
have since been distributed. The Working Group is considering
how to implement other initiatives approved by the President,
including: a major education effort to prevent AIDS;
encouraging Federal, State, and local authorities to take
steps to lessen the risk of the spread of AIDS infection; and
generally dealing with AIDS as a major public health problem
with particular emphasis on educating the public.
O Affirmative Action. In 1986, the Council discussed the
Supreme Court's four decisions dealing with affirmative action
programs and concluded that the cases required no change in
current government policies. During 1987, the Council will
again address the Administration's affirmative action
policy after the Supreme Court decides two more cases now
under consideration.
O
Agent Orange. Administration policy on this issue addresses
how to ensure that the government has examined possible
impacts of Agent Orange on people who have been exposed to
this chemical. The Agent Orange Working Group met several
times, but no Council meetings were held on this issue in
1986. Since its inception, the Working Group has coordinated
about 155 studies, with another dozen due to be completed by
1988-89. A protocol was developed by HHS in October, 1986,
using blood rather than tissue to test 400 military personnel
who might have been exposed to Agent Orange. If the results
show a positive correlation, a larger group of individuals
will be tested.
Biotechnology. A coordinated framework for the regulation of
biotechnology was approved by the President and published in
the Federal Register in 1986. Future activities include
preparing recommendations for commercialization, intellectual
property protection, and technology transfer of biotechnology
developments. The Working Group on Biotechnology now serves
as a sub group of the Energy, Natural Resources and the
Environment Working Group and will report through that group
to the Council.
O Catastrophic Health Insurance. In his 1986 State of the Union
message, the President directed Secretary Bowen to develop
proposals for private sector and government cooperation in
providing health insurance to cover the costs of catastrophic
illnesses that could wipe out a family's life savings.
Responding to the President's charge, Secretary Bowen issued a
report in November, 1986, containing several proposals. The
Council's Working Group on Health Policy studied the report
and prepared additional options. The Council debated the
options and presented them to the President in December, 1986.
The President will announce his decision in the 1987 State of
the Union message.
o Drug Abuse Policy. The Administration's drug abuse policy
covers actions to decrease and prevent drug abuse in America.
In July, 1986, the Working Group on Drug Abuse Policy was
established and after several meetings with the Council, a
report was issued containing steps to be taken to combat
illegal drug use. The President announced a six-point program
in September, 1986, including an Administration bill. Major
portions of this bill were adopted by the 99th Congress and
are now law. A number of other steps were taken by Executive
Agencies to reduce the demand for drugs and to continue
enforcing the laws against drug trafficking. The Working
Group and the National Drug Enforcement Policy Board will
monitor the Administration's efforts to control drug abuse and
ensure the implementation of Administration policy in accord
with the President's six goals.
O Economic Indicators Legislation. This issue is whether to
propose legislation containing criminal penalties for personal
speculation and gain from use of Commerce Department
statistics prior to their official release. Penalties would
also be prescribed for individuals who knowingly accept and
use such illegally released information. The Council agreed
that Commerce should develop and submit legislative proposals
covering these acts. The proposed legislation is currently in
the OMB clearance process.
O Emergency Management. The Council actively participated in a
national security management exercise in 1986, and discussed
how to improve the coordination by federal domestic agencies
being major emergencies. The Council's Working Group on
Management and Administration is interacting with the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to develop a generic
emergency management response model for domestic disasters and
national security crises, and to propose needed legislative
changes.
O Environmental Policy. In January, 1986, the Council discussed
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to amend laws and
regulations so that they protect the environment and are
mindful of economic costs and consequences. This issue was
discussed with the President, who encouraged the EPA to
continue its policies that further "environmental federalism"
by working with states, and to increase the flexibility of
environmental regulation. Other regulatory and legislative
changes are also being developed.
O Family Policy. The President asked the Council to establish a
working group to report on the condition of American families,
and to suggest changes in policies, programs and practices to
strengthen families. After eight months of deliberation and
study, the Working Group on the Family issued a report in
November, 1986, recommending several pro-family policy
initiatives. These included issuing a statement of
principles, and developing an executive order requiring
agencies to judge current programs, legislative proposals,
grants and contracts by pro-family criteria. The report was
presented to the President in December. In January, 1987, the
President approved further development of the recommendations.
O Federal Personnel Issues. In April, and May, 1986, the
Council was briefed on several initiatives to improve
government personnel policies. These included measures for
allowing more flexible retirement programs, introduction of
"pay for performance," and an alternative personnel management
system based on the Navy's China Lake experiment. The
President approved the alternative personnel proposals
containing pay for performance sections, and legislation was
introduced but not passed. OPM intends to propose similar
legislation in 1987.
O Federalism. In April, 1986, the President approved a
Statement of Principles on Federalism, developed by the
Council's Working Group on Federalism. These principles were
distributed to all executive agencies, governors, and other
Federal and State officials. The Working Group also produced
a report on "The Status of Federalism in America," which was
presented to the President and released to the public in
November. Several specific actions were recommended to ensure
that federalism is given greater consideration in the
Congressional decision making process, and to ensure that
federalism implications of Executive Branch agency actions are
thoroughly reviewed. It was also proposed that States be
encouraged to adopt uniform laws, enter into interstate
compacts, and establish a clearinghouse to share information
and ideas. The Council recommended that the President approve
the report and authorize further development of the actions
for his subsequent review and approval. In January, 1987, the
President approved the report and development of its
recommendations.
O Legal Policy Changes. In April, 1986, the Council discussed
development of policies to better handle consent decrees,
Special Masters, and presidential signing statements. Consent
decrees will be more closely examined in the future because of
the constraints they place on executive discretion and
jurisdiction. In addition, more authority will be exercised
on payment and criteria for selection of Special Masters and
when to appoint them, since the experience is that they are
becoming a fourth tier of the judiciary, and are performing
functions that conflict with the Executive Branch. A process
for declaring Presidential intent at the time of signing
formal documents will also be developed by a Justice study
group, to aid in judicial interpretations of intent. The
Justice Department will handle each of these.
O
Liability Insurance Availability. This issue pertains to the
growing problem governments, schools, professionals, and
manufacturers have in obtaining liability insurance. It was
discussed in February, 1986, and resulted in the Council
tasking the Tort Policy Working Group to develop specific
proposals. This was later discussed in the Working Group
report on tort reform.
O Low Income Opportunity. In his 1986 State of the Union
message, the President directed that the Council present "an
evaluation of programs and a strategy for immediate action to
meet the financial, educational, social and safety concerns of
poor families In December, 1986, the Council's Low Income
Opportunity Working Group issued "Up From Dependency,' a
report that described federal welfare programs, assessed their
successes and failures, and proposed a new national welfare
strategy. Legislation would be developed to implement this
national strategy. The Council discussed the report's
findings in November, 1986 and presented the report to the
President in December. In January, 1987, the President
approved implementation of the national strategy.
O
Management Improvement Legislation. This issue is how to
continue the Administration's record of improving government
management. In June, 1986, OMB briefed the Council on
management improvements to date, suggesting that all agencies
need to do more to achieve the President's objectives. The
Council asked OMB to prepare agency goals, and develop
indicators to judge management performance in executive
departments and agencies. OMB will present these indicators
to the Council and the President in early 1987, along with
reports on the efforts of the President's Council on Integrity
and Efficiency, and the President's Council on Management
Improvement. Additional goals and initiatives will be
reflected in the President's 1988 Management Report.
National Energy Policy Plan. The National Energy Policy Plan
was discussed with the President in February, 1986. The Plan
was developed by the Department of Energy to indicate major
energy developments, and to determine if the U.S. has the
proper policies to assure an adequate, long-term supply of
energy. Secretary Herrington stressed that energy supplies
are currently adequate and they are working to increase the
domestic supply of energy by reducing regulations and price
controls. The President approved publication of the Plan. He
also asked the Energy, Natural Resources and Environment
Working Group to do a special study of energy security, which
will be discussed by the Council early in 1987.
National Urban Policy. Secretary Pierce presented the
Administration's bienniel report on National Urban Policy to
the Council in August, 1986. The report's goal is to promote
policies that improve urban life by increasing economic
opportunity and self-sufficiency. The President received the
report in August, approved it, and transmitted it to Congress.
The report will be published early in 1987.
Organ Transplantation. This issue was whether expenses for
heart transplants should be covered under Medicare. Secretary
Bowen presented options to the Council in May, 1986. The
President approved a policy in which heart transplantations
would no longer be considered experimental, and Medicare
payments for these transplants would be permitted, provided
the institutions where they are performed meet criteria
specified by HHS. On October 17, 1986, a notice was published
in the Federal Register proposing the specific guidelines for
approval of hospitals as transplant centers under Medicare.
Approval of the rules from HHS and OMB will be finalized in
early 1987.
Privatization. The issue is how to make both the economy and
the government more efficient by putting selected government
assets and operations into private hands. A Council working
group studied the sale or contracting-out of several federal
operations and services, and presented its preliminary
findings to the Council in April, 1986. Privatization
proposals have been included as part of the President's FY
1988 budget message.
Quiet Title. This issue was whether to amend the Quiet Title
Act to waive the statute of limitations and allow state claims
against federal real property beyond 12 years. The Council
discussed various options in July, 1986, and the President
agreed to support legislation waiving the statute for certain
kinds of properties. Congress passed quiet title legislation
containing the Administration's preferences late in 1986.
Safety Belt Use by Federal Employees. This issue was brought
to the Council in May, 1986, by Secretary Dole, who asked the
Council to address the question of whether an Executive Order
should be issued requiring safety belt use by federal
employees on official business. The President approved and
signed an Executive Order on September 26, 1986, establishing
a safety belt use policy for federal employees.
Speed Limit. In July, 1986, the Council discussed the issue
of whether we should seek to repeal the National Maximum Speed
Limit Act, which was passed in 1974. Various options were
considered, including modifying the law to permit each state
to develop their own limits, or to raise the national limit.
The Council agreed to prepare arguments and options for the
President, to be discussed at a time determined by the
President. Further action on the issue has been delayed until
Congress passes the federal highway and mass transit bill.
Strategic Petroleum Reserve. The policy of how much and how
fast to fill the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve as insurance
against a time of world shortage or crisis, was discussed by
the Council several times in 1986. In August, the President
reaffirmed the goal of a 750 million barrels reserve, and
authorized DOE to fill the SPR at a rate of 35,000 barrels of
oil per day, the minimum fill rate mandated by Congress. He
also authorized the Secretary of Energy to consider additional
purchases if domestic oil prices fall below $12 a barrel.
Superconducting Super Collider (SSC). This issue is whether
the federal government should fund construction of the
Superconducting Super Collider, a powerful accelerator for the
study of atoms and building blocks of matter. The effort is
estimated to cost between $4.5 billion and $6 billion over a
ten-year period. The Council was briefed on this project in
December, 1986, but could not reach a consensus on a
recommendation to the President. The issue will be discussed
with the President early in 1987.
Tort Reform Policy. This issue grew out of the discussion of
liability insurance availability. In February, 1986, the
Working Group on Tort Policy issued a report containing
recommendations for legislation on product liability,
government contractor liability, and Federal government
liability. The President approved the recommendations in
March, 1986, and legislation was introduced but not passed. A
number of states have modified their laws consistent with the
principles developed by the working group, which should lessen
the pressure for federal tort reforms. Legislation will again
be proposed in 1987.
Tab 3
Presidential Decisions
TAB 3
PRESIDENTIAL DECISIONS
PRESIDENTIAL DECISIONS
Acid Rain - The President approved the U.S. position for his
talks with Prime Minister Mulroney, which was to attempt to
obtain funding for acid rain research as called for in the
report of the special envoys. The options were presented to
him in a Council meeting on February 18, 1986.
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) - In his 1986
State of the Union message, the President directed the
Surgeon General to issue a report to the American people on
AIDS. This was completed in October, 1986.
Biotechnology - The President approved the Coordinated
Framework for publication in the Federal Register. A
decision memorandum was signed on June 11, 1986.
Catastrophic Illness Insurance - In January, 1987, the
President approved proposing legislation and other actions to
increase the availability and affordability of catastrophic
illness insurance. The options were presented to him in a
meeting on December 23, 1986.
Drug Abuse Policy The President decided to seek to modify
the Mansfield Amendment; include the death penalty for major
drug traffickers where a death follows; authorize agencies
the discretion to test applicants for all positions; define
sensitive posititions as general description only; submit the
proposed legislative package to support the Administration's
six drug ause policy goals; develop and implement an
Executive Order to achieve a drug-free Federal workforce and
implement the action steps recommended by the Working Group
on Drug Abuse Policy and the National Drug Enforcement Policy
Board. These actions were presented to him at a Council
meeting on July 25, 1986.
Drug Enforcement Policy Board Report - The President accepted
the report on April 10, 1986.
Environmental Policy - The President concurred in the new
decision making approach of the Environmental Protection
Agency, and accepted the report of the Council on Environ-
mental Quality at a Council meeting on February 25, 1986.
Family - In January, 1987, the President approved development
of proposals presented by the Family Working Group at a
Council meeting on December 2, 1986. These included drafting
a new Executive Order, preparing a nation-wide communications
plan, and developing other executive and legislation actions.
Federal Personnel Management - The President approved
supporting legislation to incrementally expand alternative
personnel system improvements throughout the Federal
workforce in a controlled, measured, and budget-neutral
manner. He signed a decision memorandum on April 21, 1986.
Federalism - In January, 1987, the President approved
development of proposals presented by the Federalism Working
Group at a Council meeting on November 17, 1986. These
included preparing an Executive Order, and developing other
legislation and executive actions.
Low Income Opportunity - In January, 1987, the President
approved implementation of a national strategy for seeking
legislation to begin long-term, State-sponsored demonstration
projects presented at a Council meeting on December 12, 1986.
Management Improvement - The President signed an Executive
Order on Productivity, and an Executive Order revoking
outdated Orders at a Council meeting on February 25, 1986.
National Energy Policy Plan - The President approved issuance
of the National Energy Policy Plan presented to him at a
Council meeting on February 18, 1986.
National Urban Policy - The President approved issuance of
this report which was sent to him in August, 1986.
Organ Heart Transplantation - The President approved allowing
Medicare payment for heart transplants, in institutions that
meet facility criteria established by HHS. A decision
memorandum was signed by him on May 29, 1986.
Quiet Title - The President approved the Administration's
position and signed this legislation in October, 1986.
Safety Belt Use by Federal Employees - The President approved
an Executive Order establishing a safety belt use policy for
Federal employees on June 9, 1986.
Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) - The President approved
expanding the capacity of the SPR and retaining the fill goal
of 750 million barrels. He decided to continue filling at
the minimum legal requirement of 35,000 bpd through FY 1987
and reassess in one year. If oil goes below $12 a barrel
domestic, the Secretary of Energy is to consider additional
purchases. This was decided following a Council meeting on
August 5, 1986.
Tort Policy - The President approved drafting and submitting
to Congress legislative proposals for product liability,
government contractor liability, and Federal government
liability tort reforms, as outlined by a Working Group report
discussed with him in a Council meeting on March 14, 1986.
Tab 4
Working Groups
TAB 4
WORKING GROUPS
DPC WORKING GROUPS
Agent Orange - The Agent Orange Working Group is responsible
for coordinating research and studies of the effects of Agent
Orange on people who were exposed to this chemical. This
Working Group consists of representa ives of four agencies -
HHS, DOD, VA and OMB, and has coordinated over 155 studies.
No Working Group reports were made to the Council in 1986.
The chairman is Don Newman, Under Secretary of HHS.
Biotechnology - This interagency group completed its major
efforts in 1986, and now reports through the Energy, Natural
Resources and Environment Working Group. It is to examine
commercialization and technology transfer of developments in
the field of biotechnology.
Drug Abuse Policy - The Administration's Working Group on Drug
Abuse Policy was established in July, 1986 to decrease and
prevent drug abuse in America. The Working Group issued a
report containing steps to be taken to combat illegal drug
use. A number of other steps were taken by Executive Agencies
to reduce the demand for drugs and to continue enforcing the
laws against drug trafficking. The Working Group and the
National Drug Enforcement Policy Board will monitor the
Administration's efforts to control drug abuse and ensure the
implementation of Administration policy in accord with the
President's six goals. The Acting Chairman is Ralph Bledsoe,
Executive Secretary of the Domestic Policy Council.
Energy, National Resources and the Environment. This Working
Group is responsible for issues affecting domestic energy
regulation, production, and use; regulation, protection, and
enhancement of our natural environment; regulation,
production, and the use of natural resource commodities,
including minerals, timber, and industrial feedstocks;
selected agricultural policies; and certain international
trade and global trends in the above areas. During the year,
the Working Group developed a plan for implementation of the
report of the Joint Envoys on Acid Rain, drafted legislation
to quiet title to certain lands, and prepared a plan for
affirmation of our strategic petroleum reserve goals. Each of
these were addressed by the President. The Working Group also
developed a presentation to the President on environmental
protection strategy and accomplishments, and shaped the issues
under consideration by the high level Working Group on Energy
Security. The Chairman is Ralph Bledsoe, Executive Secretary
of the Domestic Policy Council.
O
Family Policy - The Working Group on the Family was
established in March, 1986, and was directed to develop a
report on the condition of the American family; inventory and
evaluate public policies, programs and practices; and suggest
changes that would enable the Administration to support and
strengthen families. A report was presented to the President
in December, 1986. The Chairman is Gary Bauer, Under
Secretary of Education.
O
Federalism - The Working Group on Federalism is responsible
for creating a basic, Administration-wide strategy for rooting
constitutional federalism principles in federal law and
regulations. This includes identifying endeavors which may be
privatized or devolved to State or local governments; develop-
ing opportunities for block grants, regulatory relief,
simplified crosscutting requirements, and increased state and
local flexibility; developing management improvements for
categorical programs; and proposing measures to improve
federal responsiveness to state and local concerns. The
Working Group submitted a "Statement of Federalism Principles"
which the President signed in April, 1986, and presented a
report to the President on "The Status of Federalism in
America." The Working Group suggested three kinds of actions:
legislative, executive, and development of a constitutional
amendment. The Chairman is Charles Cooper, Assistant Attorney
General and Legal Council in the Department of Justice.
Health Policy and Economics - This Working Group is
responsible for identifying health policy issues and for
developing policy options for the Council in such areas as:
the structure and financing of Medicare and Medicaid programs;
the adequacy of the health care system to meet the needs of
various groups of Americans; the impact of tax policy on
health care spending; and relationships between VA and DOD
health programs, among others. In 1986, the Working Group
studied catastrophic health care and prepared a report with a
series of recommendations for the Council. The Working Group
also addressed Medicare coverage for heart transplants and
discussed facility criteria established by HHS for
institutions authorized to perform heart transplants. The
Chairman is Bill Roper, Administrator of the Health Care
Financing Administration, Department of HHS.
O
Low Income Opportunity - This Working Group was established to
catalogue and assess the array of government low income
assistance programs, and to carry out the President's 1986
State of the Union charge to present "an evaluation of
programs and a strategy for immediate action to meet the
financial, educational, social, and safety concerns of poor
families." In December, the Working Group issued a report,
"Up From Dependency," and presented it to the President, with
proposals for a new national strategy for improving the
welfare system. The Chairman is Charles Hobbs, Acting
Assistant to the President for Policy Development.
Management and Administration - This Working Group is
responsible for developing and monitoring ways to improve
federal government management. The Working Group works
closely with the President's Council on Management
Improvement, an inter-departmental committee that coordinates
management improvements within the executive branch. The
Working Group Chairman is Ralph Bledsoe, Executive Secretary
of the Domestic Policy Council.
Privatization - The Privatization Working Group identifies
federal government assets and operations that could be better
run in the private sector, and recommends strategies for
achieving this. The Working Group has worked closely with
OMB, which has also identified candidates for privatization as
part of the President's annual budget and legislative
messages. The Chairman is Tom Moore, a member Council of
Economic Advisors.
Tort Law Policy. This Working Group oversees policy
development activities on toxic torts and compensation, and
vaccine supply and liability. It is responsible for
monitoring and analyzing legislative and judicial activity in
areas relating to tort law, for identifying relevant issues
and options, and for making appropriate policy recommendations
to the Council. The Working Group issued a report in
February, 1986, on proposed reforms of product liability,
government liability, and government contractor liability
laws. The Working Group drafted legislative proposals which
were approved by OMB, and sent to Congress in June of 1986.
The Chairman is Richard Willard, Assistant Attorney General at
Justice.
Tab 5
1987 Plans
TAB 5
1987 Plans
1987 PLANS
During the first three months of 1987, the Domestic Policy Council
will concentrate on policy issues and matters arising from the
President's 1987 State of the Union Message, actions necessary
under the approved FY 1987 budget, initiamives contained in the
President's FY 1988 budget, and policy initiatives developed by
Council Working Groups. Priorities will be given to:
promoting policies that recognize the importance of
education as the main transmitter of our shared history
and values, and as the primary means of escape from
poverty for America's poor;
seeking solutions to reduce the dependency of people on
the welfare system, through a national strategy of long
term state-sponsored demonstration programs;
public policies that strengthen the role and bond of
families in American life.
expanding principles of private health plan options,
reducing the costs of health care while improving its
quality, finding a cure for AIDS, and increasing the
availability and affordability of catastrophic illness
insurance for all Americans;
reducing the supply of illegal drugs and supporting
actions to achieve a drug-free America through drug abuse
prevention, treatment and awareness;
bringing quality housing and ownership within the reach of
all Americans, including poor families;
developing and implementing executive actions, and
proposing legislative actions to strengthen our federalist
system;
restoring a balance between enforcing the rules of a
civilized society and sustaining human liberty;
protecting our environment, as we improve our energy
security;
improving our ability to manage domestic natural disasters
and emergency situations;
modernizing our transportation systems, while making them
safer for the traveling public; and other vital issues.
THE PRESIDENT'S DOMESTIC POLICY DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
A Presentation to the
OPM "Administration of Public Policy" Seminar
Denver, Colorado
March 24, 1986
INTRODUCTION
Good Morning! I trust that everyone had a boring weekend and
that your all happy to be "back in school" on Monday morning!
As I looked over the many interesting topics in your program in
preparation for this presentation, I thought that maybe I should
be on the "listening side" rather than than the "talking side" at
this seminar. And now, as I look out over this room and see the
wealth of experience assembled here, I'm even more convinced that
I may be able to learn more today than I could hope to teach.
I'm sure that many of you have a great interest in our Domestic
Policy. This morning I hope to pass along some information on
Presidential decision making and to stimulate group discussion on
the policy process as well as several domestic issues.
My presentation will be organized into three main parts:
Presidential Decision Making and the Philosophy of Cabinet
Government;
Developing Domestic Policy; and,
An Overview of current Domestic Issues.
If we have time, I would also like to focus on one specific
domestic issue which should be of interest to all of you:
Management and the FY87 Budget.
I encourage you to ask questions during the presentation,
and I will set aside time for discussion at the end of each
topic.
PRESIDENTIAL DECISION MAKING AND CABINET GOVERNMENT
Background
Congressional decision making is often called translucent because
of its open nature. (Of course, that's if and when decisions are
actually made!) After a few days on the hill, an observer can
easily begin to recognize the Congressional system and understand
their decision making process. Presidential decision making, on
other hand, is sometimes viewed much more "mysteriously" -
in large part, to the "closed door" nature of most
esidential meetings. But I also think that this impression is
to the significantly different approaches which recent
Presidents have taken towards policy development. I hope to
.spell some of the "mystery" this morning.
importance of Presidential decision making is probably
intuitively obvious to most of you. But it takes on an even
greater significance when the President's "center stage" role is
considered within our democratic system which is solidly based in
the principle of division of power. Although many have said that
the President only has the power to persuade, it is essential
that he and his advisors recognize the true weight of their
influence, understand the factors which impact their decisions,
and proceed in a thoughtful, preplanned manner. I'm reminded of
the newly assigned Captain of a battleship.
(insert battleship joke)
In all seriousness, Presidents also have to watch for reefs and
lighthouses. Their decisions cannot usually be made by starting
with a clean slate and a free hand. Decisions are often
influenced by:
Campaign promises;
The decisions of previous Presidents; or,
Unforeseen external events.
Decisions must also be made recognizing implementation
constraints directly impacting the executive branch such as:
Congressional use of budget and oversight powers to
directly influence the actions of Cabinet Officers;
The influence of constituencies who feel that they should
be represented by Cabinet Departments and major Agencies;
and,
The large, complex executive branch supporting structure
which must be called upon to implement policy decisions,
i.e. all of us!
In his book Presidential Decision Making, Roger Porter discusses
three basic strategies which recent president's have followed to
organize the pattern of advice which they receive from their
immediate staff and from executive departments and agencies.
(Roger served on the Economic Policy Council during the Ford
Administration and until last year was the Director of the Office
of Policy Development for President Reagan. I think his book is
available in the Center library for those of you who want to
pursue this topic a little further.)
Executive Secretary ofthe
Cabinet Council on Econ Affairs
and
A. hough the three basic decision making strategies are not
ually exclusive, they can be categorized as: Adhocracy,
Centralized Management, and Multiple Advocacy. Let's briefly
look at the characteristics of each of these approaches:
Under Adhocracy, there are very few regular or systematic
channels to provide advice to the President. Instead, the
President often distributes assignments and selects whom he
listens to and when. Different advisors may be given competing
assignments to develop an initiative. Random distribution of
assignments and responsibilities can often result in "turf"
battles. (FDR created considerable internal chaos using this
approach; LBJ tried this strategy with mixed results.) Adhocracy
often emerges in the early weeks and months of a new
administration as the principle officials learn about each other
and begin to govern after months of campaigning. As its name
implies, Adhocracy relies on ad hoc groups and arrangements, and
usually operates under the direction of advocates. The degree of
departmental participation depends upon the individual who
organizes the information for the President and will vary
considerably from issue to issue. Recent examples of policies
developed by advocates using this approach are: the Carter energy
program developed by James Schlesinger; the welfare reform
proposals which Joseph Califano also developed for President
Carter; and the Carter tax reform proposals developed by Michael
Blumenthal.
Centralized Management emphasizes heavy reliance on the White
House staff and the Executive Office of the President. Ideas,
proposals, and department recommendations are filtered by these
staffs before they are presented to the President. This approach
usually grows from a desire for analysis and recommendations from
individuals who share the President's perspective. In this
system, the President's staff not only closely manages the flow
of communications between the departments and the President, but,
"in theory", it also provides neutral, objective analysis, and
structures policy alternatives to transcend departmental
parochialism. This approach began to dominate the Nixon White
House, and resulted in reduced reliance upon the Cabinet and
considerable staff growth as the President's advisors attempted
to duplicate and compete with the analytical depth of the various
departments and agencies.
By contrast, Multiple Advocacy is an open system designed to
systematically expose the President to competing arguments and
viewpoints with well defined policy options. Positions are
personnally presented by the advocates themselves. However,
chaos is avoided by a well defined process which is managed by an
"honest broker" who ensures that all interested parties are
represented and that the debate is structured and balanced. This
approach emphasizes careful weighing of views, and is based on
the philosophy that the best method for developing policy is an
orderly, systematic and balanced competition of ideas. The
nest broker and his staff do not serve as biased intermediaries
ween departmental advocates and the President; but, they are
more than just gatekeepers. They seek to promote a genuine
mpetition of ideas, to broaden the range of options or
engthen inadequately represented viewpoints, and, in short,
work to ensure due process and quality control.
All decision-making approaches have certain advantages and
limitations and Presidents have made versitile use of all three
from time to time. However, given proper staff behavior and
continuity (and sometimes that's asking a lot!), multiple
advocacy presents several significant advantages:
All points of view are represented and alternative courses
of action are fully explored;
Policy is developed within the context of the political
forces which will later impact its successful
implementation; and,
The President's influence is strengthened throughout the
executive branch by a process that mobilizes resources more
systematically than does adhocracy and more completely than
does centralized management.
There's no doubt it - Multiple Advocacy requires teamwork! It
relies heavily upon a stable core of senior advisors and
principle advocates who are willing to share responsibility for
collectively providing the President with:
breadth and depth in his decision making
over an entire range of issues
--in broad policy areas.
But Multiple Advocacy works! The President's success to date is
in no small part due to his basic decision-making philosophy and
its supporting structure.
C
Philosphy
The President's Domestic Policy process was developed around the
principles of multiple advocacy and is structured to support
Cabinet Government.
The White House and the Department and Agency staffs are
jointly involved in the policy development process;
Issues which surface from a wide range of sources are
properly analyzed, developed, and refined on an interagency
basis;
5
Divergent viewpoints are expressed and debated internally
and issue papers are prepared with competing decision
options;
Policy is set by formal decision after cabinet level
discussion; and,
Policy is implemented by Department and Agency officials who
were directly involved in policy development.
The First Term - The Cabinet Council System
(Use viewgraphs to describe the President's previous cabinet
council system.)
The Cabinet Council system, which was utilized during the
first term, can be described by the following key points:
It was a high-level management tool to provide, as the
President stated,
"
a means for deliberate consideration
of major policy issues which affect the interests of more
than one department or agency."
The full Cabinet was consulted for government-wide issues.
However, seven Cabinet Councils were established in the key
policy areas of: Commerce and Trade; Economic Affairs; Food
and Agriculture; Human Resources; Natural Resources and
Environment; Legal Policy; and Management and
Administration.
Each Cabinet Council was chaired by the President, had a
Chairman Pro Tempore of Cabinet Rank, and included selected
Agency Heads and White House Officials.
The Councils included the Vice President, the Assistant to
the President for Policy Development, and the Chief of Staff
as Ex Officio members.
Each Council had an Executive Secretary to manage the
process and serve as an "honest broker".
The Councils allowed the President to function as the "Chief
Chand
Executive Officer" of a "corporate styled" government.
Boad
New issues and problems were anticipated and "crisis" issues
were handled within an established framework with White
House and Agency officials operating as a team.
8
The Domestic Policy Council generally focuses on current
policy development and manages issues which will be ready
for discussion and decision within a 90 day planning window.
The council staff is headed by an Executive Secretary (my
boss - Dr. Ralph Bledsoe) who manages the council process.
Most of the information gathering, issue analysis, and
development of options is performed within interagency
working groups which generally include Assistant Secretaries
supported by their respective staffs. Issue papers are
physically prepared by the Working Groups and are presented
to the DPC for review, discussion and decision.
The Office of Cabinet Affairs focuses on day-to-day issues
and decisions and coordinates all formal communications
between the Departments and Agencies and the White House.
They provide a single formal point of contact between the
White House and Cabinet Staffs.
Summary of Responsibilities
The Office of Policy Development
-Articulates the strategic domestic agenda
Provides strategic policy development
Participates in the DPC decision process
The Office of Cabinet Affairs
Represents the White House Senior Staff
Coordinates formal communications
Monitors policy development
The Domestic Policy Council
Defines the domestic agenda
Formulates national policy
-Directs issue-oriented Working Groups which:
Frame policy issues
Analyze supporting information
Develop policy proposals and decision options
-Works with Department and Agency Staffs which:
Propose policy issues
Staff and support Working Groups
-- Implement Presidential decisions
Policy Development and Implementation
Once issues are identified as appropriate agenda items for
consideration by the DPC, they are usually channeled into
one of the topic-oriented standing Working Groups, or a
special short-term Working Group may be established to
handle an issue in a more specific topic area that requires
specialized inter-agency analysis.
The Second Term - The Domestic Policy Council
On April 11, 1985, the President announced the creation of
two cabinet-level bodies to assist him in the formulation
and execution of domestic and economic policy.
The Domestic and Economic Policy Councils replaced the seven
Cabinet Councils with the intent of streamlining policy
development and decision making.
The two new councils together with the National Security
Council constitute the primary channels for advising the
President on policy matters. The budget system also
provides a parallel process for addressing issues which are
primarily budget driven.
From the President's perspective, however, the shift did not
represent a major change since policy decisions were
presented to him in substantially the same manner as under
the Cabinet Council system.
The Domestic Policy Council is chaired by the President and
provides him with a single advisory group on domestic and
social policy. The Attorney General serves as the Chairman
Pro Tempore. Other members are:
The Secretary of the Interior
The Secretary of Health and Human Services
The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
The Secretary of Energy
The Secretary of Education
The Director of the Office of Management and Budget
The Vice President, the Chief of Staff, and the Assistant to
the President for Policy Development serve as Ex Officio
members of the DPC. Other interested Cabinet Officers and
Agency Heads attend DPC meetings when they have an interest
in specific issues.
The Council staff is headed by an Executive Secretary who
fulfills the role of "honest broker" and reports to the
Chief of Staff through the Cabinet Secretary.
The DPC relies heavily on interagency subcabinet level
Working Groups to fully utilize the expertise and resources
of the departments and agencies, and to provide a structure
through which department initiatives can be fully
considered.
THE DOMESTIC POLICY PROCESS
Approach
The strength of cabinet government lies in the full
involvement of departments and major agencies in proposing,
developing, and implementing the President's policy.
Drawbacks, such as additional coordination and time delays,
can be minimized by an effective organizational structure
and an efficient decision process which is known and
understood by all "players".
The President is very sensitive to the contributions which
line officials from the departments and agencies can make in
the decision-making process.
He wants to get advice directly from the people who have a
stake in the issue without filtering by White House
intermediaries - even if this approach requires competing
Key ISSUR
views to be debated in front of him at council meetings.
In addition to council discussions, the President also likes
to review issue papers which outline options and their
associated advantages and disadvantages before making a
decision.
A primary objective of the decision making process is to
array before the President, in a simple and direct manner,
all of the information he needs to make an informed
decision. The process ensures that everyone gets his day in
court.
Once the decision-making process is completed and policy is
established, the President then expects all officials in his
Administration to fully support his final decision.
Structure
Three principle groups within the White House staff are
actively involved in the Domestic Policy Process.
(Use viewgraph showing organizational elements)
The Office of Policy Development is a small group of senior
analysts and advisors who report to the Assistant to the
President for Policy Development. They focus on strategic
policy development and generally work on issues or
initiatives which will surface several months in the future.
Once they have developed a specific proposal, it is input
into the Domestic Policy Council process in much the same
way as a proposal from a department or agency. Similiarly,
OPD staffers participate in analyzing and shaping department
and agency proposals as they proceed through the DPC
process.
91
Working Groups will generally meet several times a month,
depending upon the urgency of the issue, and will report
back to the Council once they have developed specific
options and, hopefully, a consensus recommendation.
Sometimes Working Groups which are handling more complex
issues, schedule a series of presentations to the DPC over
the course of several months. Other issues are "finalized"
more quickly and Council decisions are obtained within a
matter of weeks (or even days in extremely urgent cases).
In most cases the Chairman Pro Tempore will convene the
Council without the President for the initial discussion of
an issue. In some cases, where a general consensus exists
for a particular course of action, policy can be set by the
Council without meeting with the President. This approach
is consistent with the Administration's philosophy of making
decisions at the lowest responsible level within government.
If differences exist after thorough analysis and discussion,
competing options are framed by the interested parties with
their respective pros and cons and presented to the
President personally and in a written issue paper. In many
cases, alternative implementation strategies and the
politics associated with a particular issue are also weighed
in the Council before a final decision is made.
The President's time is a valuable commodity. But, as
Chairman of the Council, he is an active participant in DPC
decisions. As I indicated earlier, true cabinet government
facilitates unconstrained debate between alternative points
of view before the final decision is made by the Chief
Executive.
But, the best policy decision in the world is worthless if
it cannot be effectively implemented. Once a DPC decision
is made, the charge to implement it is handed back to the
lead agency which originated the proposal. If they "did
their homework", the Council probably supported their
position and they should have a "head of steam" to sustain
them in initiating the required action. If their proposal
was modified, they can feel satisfied that they were active
participants in the policy development process, and that
they are now charged to implement the sense of the Council
and the decision of the President.
Whether administrative or legislative action is required,
the President's decision-making process allows objections
within the Executive Branch to be made and hopefully
resolved before a decision is made and action is initiated.
Although the upfront work may take time and sometimes prove
difficult, experience has proven that it is better to work
out the problems first, and to then approach implementation
with a unified Administration position and the full support
of the President.
DOMESTIC ISSUES
America's Agenda for the Future
The President's message to the Congress following the State
of the Union address outlined the key domestic issues facing
our government in the months and years ahead.
(Refer to the fact sheet for any discussion or questions)
The message had four broad themes:
Preparing for a decade of economic growth;
Defining our values for a modern age;
Advancing the technological era; and,
Expanding the family of free nations.
The major topics included under the two domestic themes
were:
Education
Welfare
Health
Justice and Public Safety
Personal Freedom
Environment
Federalism
Technology
At this point, I'd like to focus on those issues which are
of greatest interest to the group. Perhaps we could start
with a few questions and stimulate a more general group
discussion. I'll try to focus on facts and process and
leave the political debates for those who are "diligently
toiling" in Washington.
MANAGEMENT AND THE FY 87 BUDGET
Introduction
We have some time left, and as I mentioned earlier, I think
it would be interesting to talk a little bit about an issue
in which the DPC is deeply involved - improving government
management.
President Reagan may be unique among recent Presidents in
his personal interest in making government work.
You may be familiar with his Management Improvement Program
- Reform 88 - which was launched four years ago. This
management effort continues and is now being expanded.
Budget Decisions
This year, OMB has taken another major step forward in
management improvement by developing the FY 87 budget as an
integral part of a government-wide management
decision making process. This process is designed to focus
on our Federal bottom line - effective government within a
balanced budget - in a manner similar to every major
corporation in America.
Management decision rules were used to structure a theme
oriented FY 1987 budget which cuts across agency lines.
These decision rules can be simply stated by a series of
questions:
"Is this a function that the Federal government should be
performing?"
"If not, by whom should it be accomplished?"
By another level of government through devolution or
Federalism?'
"By the private sector through asset sales, privatization,
or contracting out?"
'Or maybe it shouldn't be performed at all - should it be
just merely terminated?"
"If, on the other hand, this function should be accomplished
by the Federal government:"
Is it presently being performed at the right level, or
should it be expanded, contracted, or frozen?"
"Also, can it be accomplished more cost-effectively as a
result of reducing waste, fraud, and abuse; productivity
improvements; efficiency enhancements; or changes in program
delivery?"
These rules were used to shape this year's budget and they
will also be used to develop the FY 88 budget next year.
I'm sure that this approach wiil become the subject of many
discussions and political debates in the months ahead.
Reform 88
An expanded Reform 88 effort will also be undertaken in the
months ahead to support management's ability to make budget
decisions based upon better information and improved
teamwork throughout the departments and agencies.
But looking back, Reform 88 achievements to date are truly
noteworthy:
$63 billion in cost avoidance was realized by stopping
waste, fraud, and abuse.
125 million copies/year of publications have been
eliminated.
Streamlined regulatory processes have saved 50Ø million
hours/year.
Cash flow management reforms have reduced costs by $3.2
billion over 6 years.
332 accounting systems will be reduced to one per agency
by 1990.
134 payroll/personnel. systems will be reduced to 12 by
1992.
And these are just a few examples. There are also many
more past and soon to be realized accomplishments.
The Reform 88 expansion will focus on total management
rather than administrative systems. There are thousands of
individual projects included in the expanded program.
However, three key priorities are: budget/financial
accounting reform, credit management, and productivity.
Budget/financial system reform:
Despite the use of "decision rules" and this year's "theme
oriented" approach to budget development, the budget still
does not adequately reflect program plans across agency
lines.
--Our Federal government needs a real financial management
system which ties the budget process into the financial
accounting system to facilitate programmatic follow-up.
--We also need to introduce a capital budget within our
current budget to improve management of our capital
investment decisions.
OMB will be working with the agencies to correct these
problems.
Credit Management:
The Federal government is the largest financial
intermediary in the United States. It is allocating credit,
directly or indirectly, worth around a trillion dollars.
The major needs to be addressed in this area are:
Stressing credit management rather than just getting the
loans out;
Developing an overall credit policy; and
Getting proven private sector tools into the hands of
agency managers.
(Refer to OMB briefing for questions on specific
initiatives)
The President's Productivity Improvement Program:
In a July 31, 1985 message to Congress, the President
announced a new government-wide program to improve
productivity 20% by 1992 in selected high-priority
functions. More recently, on February 25th, he signed an
Executive Order directing agencies to develop productivity
improvement programs.
The purpose of this initiative is to improve the quality,
timeliness and efficiency with which Federal services are
delivered to the public by becoming more productive, more
cost-conscious and more quality-conscious at all levels of
government service.
Agencies will set their own goals and will focus on
results - not process.
Agencies will be required to establish policies which make
it clear that productivity improvement is everyone's job,
and that those who contribute and participate in
problem-solving will be rewarded.
--Achieving the President's goal will make a substantial
contribution to deficit reduction. But, properly achieving
this goal will also demonstrate to the American public that
while the Federal government is serious about cost cutting
and efficiency, we will also maintain high-quality and
timely services.
The Domestic Policy Council will be deeply involved in the
numerous policy decisions supporting this program. But, the
President's challenge is clear - he is asking all of you,
the leaders and managers of our government, to work with him
and his top managers to achieve better government.
--As the President said in his first inaugural address: "It
is not my intention to do away with Government, it is rather
to make it work.'
And with that inspiring quote, it's time for me to stop.
I think that we still have time for a few more questions.
I would like to close by thanking all of you for your
attention and participation. I would also like to express
my appreciation to OPM and the Western Executive Seminar
Center for inviting me here to speak today. Good luck to
all of you and enjoy the rest of the week.
PLANNING PROCESS
POLICY
FURTHER
POLICY
REVIEW
POLICY
DECISIONS
PRESENTATION
IMPLEMENTA-
DEVELOPMENT
TION
Basic
Overview
Specific
Approve/
.
Immugural
. Legislative
Concepts
Goals
Prepasels
Modify
Address
Activity
Legislative
Set Priorities
.
State of the
Administrative
Assessment
Union
Action
Schedule
I
"Markating"
.
I
Presidential
I
-
2D TERM
ATION
DOMESTIC POLICY COUNCIL
3
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Santa Barbara, California)
For Immediate Release
April 11, 1985
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
Today I am announcing the creation of two cabinet-level bodies --
the Economic Policy Council and the Domestic Policy Council -- to
assist me in the formulation and execution of domestic and
economic policy. I will chair both Councils. These two Councils
will replace the seven existing Cabinet Councils and the Senior
Interagency Group-International Economic Policy. The new
entities will streamline policy development and decision making.
Together with the National Security Council, they will serve as
the primary channels for advising me on policy matters.
The Economic Policy Council will be composed of the Secretaries
of State, Treasury, Agriculture, Commerce and Labor, the Director
of Office of Management and Budget, the United States Trade
Representative and the Chairman of the Council of Economic
Advisors. It will provide advice to me concerning all aspects of
national and international economic policy. The heads of the
national security community departments and agencies and the
Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs will
participate in Council meetings whenever international policy or
budget matters are discussed. In my absence, the Secretary of
the Treasury will serve as Chairman Pro-Tempore.
The Domestic Policy Council will be composed of the Attorney
General, the Secretaries of the Interior, Health and Human
Services, Housing and Urban Development, Transportation, Energy
and Education, and the Director of Office of Management and
Budget. It will provide advice to me on domestic and social
policy. In my absence the Attorney General will serve as
Chairman Pro Tempore.
The heads of non-member departments and agencies will be invited
to participate in either Council's deliberations whenever matters
affecting their organizations are on the agenda. The Vice
President and Chief of Staff will serve as ex-officio members of
both Councils.
The new, streamlined decision making process enhances my
commitment to cabinet government. It will provide for added
accountability and efficiency in formulating and implementing
policy.
# # #
December 1985
INFORMATION SHEET: The President's Domestic Policy Process
Philosophy
The Domestic Policy process is structured to support
Cabinet Government
- White House and Department/Agency staffs are jointly
involved in the policy development process
- Issues which develop from a wide range of sources are
properly analyzed, developed, and refined; divergent
viewpoints are expressed in decision options
- - Policy is set by formal decision and action is
initiated by Department/Agency personnel who were
directly involved in policy development
Structure
The Domestic Policy Council - Current Policy Development
(Focus is within 90 day window)
- DPC Senior Planning Group
- - DPC Executive Secretariat
- DPC Working Groups
- -Department/Agency Staffs
The Office of Cabinet Affairs - Coordinates formal
communications between the Departments/Agencies and the
White House
The Office of Policy Development - Strategic Policy
Development (Focus is greater than 90 days)
L.
Responsibilities
The Domestic Policy Council
-- Defines the Domestic Agenda
-- Formulates National Policy
DPC Senior Planning Group
- - Plans the Domestic Agenda
-
Monitors issue development
-
Manages the Policy decision process
DPC Executive Secretariat
-
Coordinates Policy proposals
-
Monitors Policy implementation
DPC Working Groups
-- Frame Policy issues
-
- Analyze supporting information
-- Develop Policy proposals and decision options
Department/Agency Staffs
-- Propose Policy issues
-- Staff and support Working Groups
-- Implement Presidential Policy decisions
The Office of Cabinet Affairs
-- Represents White House Senior Staff
Coordinates formal communications
-
Monitors Policy Development
The Office of Policy Development
-
Articulates the Strategic Domestic Agenda
-- Provides Strategic Policy Development
-- Participates in DPC decision process
DOMESTIC POLICY EVELOPMENT PROCESS
R.R.
CABINET
0
DIRECTION
MON
WH SENIOR
OFFICER
DECISION
STAFF
DISCUSSION
WH
WH
DOMESTIC POLICY
OCA
OPD
SHIP
PoLicy IMPLEMENTAT =>-
COUNCIL
COORDINATION
1
STRATEGIC
DPC SENIOR
PLANNING
SCHEDULING
STATE 0
GROUP
DEPT/AGENCY
LEAD AGENCY
DPC
R.R's
OR
ISSUE
AGENDA
STAFFS
EXECUTIVE
WORKING GROUP
DEVELOPMENT
SECRETARIAT
PLANNING &
SUPART
TUDICIAL
1111
DPC
STAFF
58
159
GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION
§ 3109
9. Promotion
law judge was not deprived of any legally protect-
ided
ffec-
Where director of Bureau of Hearings and Ap-
ed interest by Secretary of Health, Education and
peals communicated to former administrative law
Welfare on grounds that Secretary, through ap-
judge the basis for her nonpromotion was disci-
peals council. was not authorized by statute or
and
Code
pline related, director believed that promotion was
regulation to remove case from her. Chocallo V.
inconsistent with proposed discipline, director had
Bureau of Hearings and Appeals. SSA, DC Pa.
authority to recommend adverse action for actions
1982. 548 F Supp 1349. affirmed 716 F 2d 889,
of administrative law judge which were deliberate
certioran denied 104 S Ct 426.
impediments to execution of delegated authority,
11. Power of Office of Personnel Management
although director erred in not processing former
Office of Personnel Management must be free
for
administrative law judge's promotion or grade
to define and revise criteria to govern eligibility
this
increase. former administrative law judge's statu-
for administrative law judge service Friedman V.
as
tory right to promotion was not so clear that
Devine. DC DC 1983. 565 F Supp 200, affirmed
nsi-
director's withholding of it rose to level of bad
711 F 2d 420. 229 U.S App DC 142.
faith in violation of former administrative law
judge's constitutional and statutory rights. Cho-
12. Review
callo V. Bureau of Hearings and Appeals. SSA,
Decisions of Office of Personnel Management
D.C.Pa. 1982, 548 F.Supp. 1349, affirmed 716
finding applicant ineligible to take final examina-
con-
F.2d 889, certiorari denied 104 S.Ct. 426.
non required for certification of eligibility for
and
10. Discharge
appointment as administrative law judge could not
ence
Where appeals council. after strictly following
be overturned unless they were arbitrary, capri-
IS
in
regulations. found that supplemental security in-
clous. or not supported by substantial evidence.
ent,
come claimant had been denied fair hearing and
Friedman Devine. D.C.D.C.1983, 565 F.Supp.
by
accordingly vacated and remanded case to another
200. affirmed 711 F.2d 420, 229 U.S App.D.C.
D.C.
administrative law judge, former administrative
142.
F.2d
S 3108. Employment of detective agencies: restrictions
ejec
Notes of Decisions
mercenary. quasi-military forces as strikebreakers
Character of services to be performed 1
and armed guards. U.S ex rel. Weinberger V.
urg-
Purpose 1/2
Equifax. Inc. 1977. 557 F.2d 456. rehear-
Similar organizations 2
ing denied 561 F 2d 831. certioran denied 98 Ct.
pose
min-
Standing 3
768. 434 U.S 1035. 54 L.Ed 2d 782. rehearing
denied 98 Ct 1477. 435 U.S. 918. 55 L.Ed 2d
man
511.
1/2. Purpose
af-
This section was intended to prohibit employ-
3. Standing
ment by the government of detective agency as it
was constituted in 1892, and the prohibition does
Plaintiff who alleged no injury in fact lacked
not extend only to government use of detectives
standing to seek declaratory judgment that
su-
during labor disputes. U.S. ex rel. Weinberger V.
government employment of credit reporting com-
for-
Equifax, Inc., C.A.Fla.1977, 557 F.2d 456, rehear-
pany to provide information on prospective
and
ing denied 561 F.2d 831, certiorari denied 98 S.Ct.
uest-
768, 434 U.S. 1035, 54 L.Ed.2d 782. rehearing
government employees violated this section. U.S.
denied 98 S.Ct. 1477, 435 U.S. 918, 55 L.Ed.2d
ex rel Weinberger Equifax, Inc., CA Fla 1977.
557 F 2d 456. rehearing denied 561 F 2d 831,
uest-
511.
certioran denied 98 Ct. 768. 434 US 1035. 54
ount
2. Similar organizations
L Ed 2d 782. rehearing denied 98 Ct 1477. 435
udge
An organization is not "similar" to organization
nsti-
referred to in this section unless it offers for hire
US 918, 55 L Ed 2d 511.
Ad-
seq.
this
& 3109. Employment of experts and consultants: temporary or intermittent
Cho-
(a) For the purpose of this section-
SSA,
(1) "agency" has the meaning given it by section 5721 of this title; and
716
(2) "appropriation" includes funds made available by statute under section
9104 of title 31.
[See main volume for text of (b)]
and
(c) Positions in the Senior Executive Service may not be filled under the authority
here
of subsection (b) of this section.
(As amended Pub.L. 95-454, Title IV. § 402(b). Oct 13 1978 92 Stat. 1160: Pub L 97-258,
in
§ 3(a)(4). Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1063.)
1982 Amendment. Subsec. (a)(2). Pub.L.
Effective Date of 1978 Amendment. Amend-
Ap
af-
97-258. § 3(a)(4). substituted "9104" for "849".
ment by Pub L 95-454 effective 9 months after
S.Ct.
1978 Amendment. Subsec. (c). Pub.L. 95-454
Oct 13. 1978. and congressional review of provi-
added subsec. (c).
sions of sections 401 through 412 of Pub.L.
5 3109
GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION
160
161
95-454, see section 415 of Pub.L. 95-454, set out
Notes of Decisions
as a note under section 3131 of this title.
(2) I
Legislative History. For legislative history and
1. Temporary legal services
in para
purpose of Pub.L. 95-454, see 1978 U.S. Code
When agency contracts under this section with
establis
Cong. and Adm News. P 2723. See, also, Pub.L.
consultant, such as private law firm. on indepen-
Departi
97-258. 1982 U.S Code Cong and Adm. News,
dent contractor basis, it IS required to follow
the Tre
P. 1895
formal contracting procedures and to otherwise
(
Cross References
comply with applicable provisions governing pro-
(
Procurement of services of experts and consult-
curements and recording of obligations. 1981, 61
ants by Comptroller General, see section 731 of
(rel
Comp.Gen. 69.
Title 31, Money and Finance.
((
sur
person
8 3110. Employment of relatives; restrictions
(1
[See main volume for text of (a) to (c)]
Stat
except t
(d) The Office of Personnel Management may prescribe regulations authorizing
shall be
the temporary employment, in the event of emergencies resulting from natural
Secretar
disasters or similar unforeseen events or circumstances, of individuals whose em-
such stu
ployment would otherwise be prohibited by this section.
(Added P
[See main volume for text of (e)]
97-258, §
(As amended Pub.L. 95-454, Title IX, § 906(a)(2), Oct. 13, 1978, 92 Stat. 1224.)
Referen
Revised St
1978 Amendment. Subsec. (d). Pub.L. 95-454 2. Persons entitled to maintain action
substituted "Office of Personnel Management" for
subsec (b)
"Civil Service Commission".
Only recourse of career civil servant at Federal
31, Money
Effective Date of 1978 Amendment. Amend-
Communications Commission against her transfer
1983 A
ment by Pub.L. 95-454 effective 90 days after
under antinepotism provisions this section was
97-437. I
Oct. 13, 1978, see section 907 of Pub.L. 95-454,
appeal to internal management or to political
vided in P
set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.
process; civil servant did not have standing to
Subsec.
Legislative History. For legislative history and
challenge transfer in federal district court. Cutts
par (2)
purpose of Pub.L. 95-454. see 1978 U.S. Code
V. Fowler, 1982. 692 F.2d 138, 223 U.S.App.D.C.
Cong. and Adm. News, P. 2723.
414.
1982 A
97-258. 4
for "3679(
Notes of Decisions
065(b) )".
Constitutionality 1
Effective
Persons entitled to maintain action 2
Oct 11. 19
set out as 8
! 3111. Acceptance of volunteer service
Legislati
purpose of
(a) For the purpose of this section, "student" means an individual who is enrolled,
Cong and
97-258. 19
not less than half-time, in a high school, trade school, technical or vocational
P 1895
institute, junior college, college, university, or comparable recognized educational
institution. An individual who is a student is deemed not to have ceased to be a
Wear's Fed
student during an interim between school years if the interim is not more than 5
Assistance
months and if such individual shows to the satisfaction of the Office of Personnel
we 1 1573
Management that the individual has a bona fide intention of continuing to pursue a
course of study or training in the same or different educational institution during the
school semester (or other period into which the school year is divided) immediately
3112.
after the interim.
Under s
(b) Notwithstanding section 1342 of Title 31, the head of an agency may accept.
agency m
subject to regulations issued by the Office, voluntary service for the United States if
career-cor
the service-
connected
(1) is performed by a student, with the permission of the institution at which
the student is enrolled, as part of an agency program established for the
Added Put
purpose of providing educational experiences for the student;
(2) is to be uncompensated; and
Effective
(3) will not be used to displace any employee.
Oct 13. 197
- out as a
(e)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), any student who provides voluntary
Legislative
service under subsection (b) of this section shall not be considered a Federal
purpose of
employee for any purpose other than for purposes of chapter 81 of this title (relating
Comp and A
to compensation for injury) and sections 2671 through 2680 of title 28 (relating to
Code of Fed
tort claims).
Career-con
CFR 315 201
WHITE HOI SF PORT
Cabinet Power
The Reagan Administration is evolving a form of Cabinet government in which great
authority is given to the few Cabinet Secretaries with their own activist agendas.
BY RONALD BROWNSTEIN
flow neatly through the carefully cut
else [outside of your department] under-
AND DICK KIRSCHTEN
channels of debate. The Cabinet councils
stood or cared about, you were better off
are a system for making domestic policy,
clearing it with one or two people at the
I's's ant a conceit of every incoming Presi-
but not the only one or even always the
Office of Management and Budget
that he will be the first to use his
most important one, particularly in the
(OMB)."
Cabinet for something other than cere-
first term.
This Administration has never estab-
monial photographs. That sort of vague
"Every Cabinet member dealt with the
lished Cabinet government in the text-
good intention is usually discarded at
Cabinet council differently," said former
book sense, where Cabinet members col-
about the time that the first Cabinet
Agriculture Secretary John R. Block,
lectively mull and influence important
member blunders before a congressional
now president of the National American
decisions. But in its second term, many
committee and stumbles onto the evening
Wholesale Grocers' Association. "I used
observers say, the Administration is
news.
it when I thought it would help me. But
evolving another form of Cabinet govern-
President Reagan has stuck with at
when you got into trying to decide spe-
ment in which the White House's role in
least the structures of Cabinet govern-
cific policy on the council that nobody
shaping policy and setting an agenda is
ment much more diligently than virtu-
receding and in which greater author-
ally any of his predecessors. In the
ity is being given to a few Cabinet
first term, Edwin Meese III, then
Secretaries with activist agendas of
Reagan's counselor, erected an inele-
their own.
gant structure of seven domestic pol-
"The Administration has moved
icy Cabinet councils that eventually
heavily from being a presidentially
collapsed under its own weight.
controlled government to being more
But last spring, when White House
of a Cabinet government in that
chief of staff Donald T. Regan rebuilt
sense," said a Republican political
the system into two new and stream-
consultant with close ties to the Ad-
lined councils-one for economic pol-
ministration. "Now the idea is, 'Let's
icy, the other for all other domestic
get all of the Cabinet members to
policy-to join the National Security
control those agencies.'
Council, the wheels started turning
What's missing in this arrangement,
again. And now, in the sixth year of
critics inside and outside the Adminis-
the Reagan presidency, groups of
tration maintain, is a creative ap-
Cabinet members are still taking
proach for adding specific new propos-
agency cars over to the White House
als to the highly generalized "Reagan
about once a week, holding meetings,
agenda." White House officials say
signing off on papers, debating issues
the agenda flows naturally from Rea-
before the President and handling
gan's evident and long-standing inter-
some of the government's routine busi-
ests-reducing government domestic
ness.
spending, rolling back regulation,
"The system works because this
spending more on national defense.
President likes to delegate, likes to
"There is only one guy here who was
both read papers and hear the issues
elected, and that's Ronald Reagan,"
debated in front of him," said a White
said a top White House official.
House official. "He prefers a fair
Richard A. Bloom
But to many conservative critics
amount of deliberation in the process
who want the Adminstration to push
and to have things work up to him.
more aggressively during its final
That's his style of handling policy."
years, that's not enough. Thus many of
But power in the Reagan Adminis-
Attorney General Edwin Meese III
the same people who railed against the
tration, like those before it, does not
He heads the Domestic Policy Council.
pragmatists in the first term are now
1582 NATIONAL JOURNAL 6/28/86
moaning, in the words of a critic,
much sharper cuts in federal commod-
about the "mice" holed up around
ity price supports.
chief of staff Regan "who don't have
"Then the Cabinet council system
an agenda and are suspicious of any-
broke down," said agricultural consul-
body who does."
tant William G. Lesher, who was as-
sistant Agriculture secretary for eco-
THE FIRST SYSTEM
nomics at the time. "Stockman and
When Reagan took office on Jan.
others had their ideas of what should
20, 1981, he promised to use the Cabi-
be a farm bill versus the working
net agencies to make decisions, and in
group's idea. Much to our chagrin,
Meese he had a lieutenant with the
that persuasion won out."
flow chart frame of mind needed to
THE NEW SYSTEM
flesh out those impulses. Based on
Meese's proposal, Reagan in February
Meese's somewhat tangled system
established five Cabinet councils: on
didn't fit into any of the management
economic affairs; commerce and
theories Donald Regan brought to the
trade; human resources; natural re-
White House. In April 1985, Regan
sources and the environment; and food
rolled the seven councils into two with
and agriculture. The next year, he
cleaner lines of authority: an Eco-
added councils on legal affairs and
nomic Policy Council, chaired by
government management.
Baker (who had become Treasury
Meese's conception was that policy
Secretary) to handle all economic pol-
would bubble up from the councils,
icy, and a Domestic Policy Council,
through the full Cabinet, if necessary,
chaired by Meese (who had become
and to the President for final decision.
Attorney General) to handle all other
In Meese's view, the wing of the
domestic policy.
White House under then-chief of staff
Richard A. Bloom
In the Regan command structure,
James A. Baker III would be responsi-
these councils are seen as playing sev-
ble for implementing the policy by
eral valuable functions. The system
dealing with the press, Congress and
modulates the pace of routine issues
constituency groups.
Treasury Secretary James A. Baker III
coming into the White House and al-
Several of the Cabinet councils,
He chairs the Economic Policy Council.
lows aides to keep a handle on issues
though, never really got off the
that are coming up, even as they keep
ground. Only the economic affairs coun-
many instances where the Cabinet coun-
their distance from most of them.
cil met very frequently, and critics in the
cils were sitting around discussing things
White House officials also see the Cab-
White House liked to gibe that the coun-
and Stockman couldn't make the meeting
inet council meetings as sessions that
cil held hundreds of meetings to reach
because he was on the Hill negotiating a
boost morale, let Cabinet officers get to
only a handful of important decisions.
settlement of the exact same issue they
know the President's staff and make ev-
On Meese's flow chart, it all looked
were discussing," said a former White
eryone feel that they are on the same
logical. In practice, the system became
House official.
team-the way President Eisenhower
very complex for the officials trying to
It was clear to many participants that
used Cabinet meetings.
navigate through it. Trade issues swirled
the councils lacked decision-making
The Cabinet councils also serve as a
through the economic affairs council,
power. "We were aware that neither the
convenient forum for handling normal
chaired by then-Treasury Secretary
Cabinet council nor the Cabinet itself
interagency conflict. Trade disputes,
Regan; the commerce and trade council,
could actually make the decision," said
which occur within the Administration as
headed by Commerce Secretary Mal-
William A. Niskanen Jr., a member of
frequently as between nations, come
colm Baldrige; a statutory Trade Policy
the Council of Economic Advisers (CEA)
through the Economic Policy Council,
Committee, chaired by then-U.S. Trade
from 1981 and its acting chairman from
pitting the more protectionist forces at
Representative Bill Brock; and a Na-
July 1984 until he left the Administration
Commerce and the Trade Represen-
tional Security Council (NSC) senior in-
the following March. "And at most, when
tative's office against the free traders at
terdepartmental group that Regan also
there were votes taken, that was just to
the State and Treasury Departments.
headed. "There were just too many
represent the views at that particular
Several trade issues have come to the
groups involved in trade issues," Baldrige
level.
After the social security fiasco
President for his decision, however, after
said in an interview.
in 1981 [when cuts in benefits were pro-
the council was deadlocked on split votes.
Not only was the system cumbersome,
posed], Baker's distrust of the policy peo-
And the system has been used to pre-
but over time, many participants came to
ple on both substantive and political
vent things from happening; it's a tool for
see it also as irrelevant. In the first re-
grounds grew enormously. That led
bottling up issues in interagency study.
gime, the Baker wing of the White House
Baker to assert a much larger role."
"It is a funnel to keep to a minimum the
considered the Cabinet council system a
First-term officials say it was not un-
decisions coming out of the executive
sideshow, uninvolved in the actual cre-
usual for Baker and Darman, together
branch," said Paul Light, director of
ation of policy.
with Stockman, to ignore or overturn
studies for the National Academy of Pub-
In the view of Baker and his deputy,
Cabinet council decisions. Agriculture
lic Administration.
Richard G. Darman, implementation was
Department officials learned that the
Government officials can find it as
policy. And in practice, Baker's White
hard way on the 1985 farm bill. The
difficult as outsiders to locate issues once
House Legislative Strategy Group, to-
department had worked through 1984 in
they have disappeared into the process.
gether with OMB director Dave Stock-
the food and agriculture council, building
At an early June hearing before the
man, set virtually all significant domestic
a case for its idea of the right bill. Then in
House Science and Technology Sub-
policy in the first term. "There were
December, OMB came up a bill imposing
(continued on p. 1588)
NATIONAL JOURNAL 6/28/86 1583
(continued from p. 1583)
their side. But the White House staff
committee on Natural Resources, Ag-
decided not to send the President a
ricultural Research and Environment,
decision memo. Instead, Regan or-
David T. Kingsbury, an assistant di-
dered up a series of private meetings
rector of the National Science Foun-
between Meese and Brock, with him-
dation, was asked how soon the Do-
self as referee, to try to narrow the
mestic Policy Council would approve
gap. Now, a White House official
regulations for testing and licensing
said, the issue is "on hold" while the
genetically engineered products.
Administration awaits the Supreme
Kingsbury, who headed the council
Court's decisions in two major affir-
working group that developed the pro-
mative action cases.
posal, responded: "Unfortunately, to,
"At some point, either these fellows
I think, the frustration of all of us, we
are going to make enough progress to
are not members of the Domestic Pol-
make a modification of views, or there
icy Council, and we don't know what
will remain a divergence and we will
that process is. And so we're as
just have to hand the paper to the
frustrated as you are in terms of ex-
President and let him decide," the
pecting its release. We had antici-
official said.
pated its release prior to this hearing."
White House officials say that han-
(Reagan approved the new policy two
dling of both affirmative action and
weeks after Kingsbury's testimony.)
the Baker initiatives are unusual ex-
But just as in the first term, the
ceptions to the normal process. But
system is not always the forum for
the exceptions may be as important as
making policy; it remains very much
the rule. What they suggest is that the
open to short-circuiting. The issues
Administration's skillful bureaucratic
that come into the process for deci-
players thrive in whatever system is
sions are supposed to be those that the
created, using them to achieve goals
White House staff believes either re-
they would have figured out some
quire interagency cooperation or are
Richard A. Bloom
other way to reach in a different sys-
important enough to merit the Presi-
tem. Baker has been able to keep his
dent's attention.
Cabinet affairs chief Alfred H. Kingon
prize projects out of the hands of po-
But some of the second term's most
He can influence the councils' agendas.
tential adversaries, such as Shultz and
important projects have developed
Council of Economic Advisers chair-
outside of the Cabinet councils. Baker
also spilled outside of the orderly Cabinet
man Beryl W. Sprinkel. Brock has been
has successfully resisted any council in-
council system. Originally, Meese tried
able to fend off Meese on the affirmative
volvement with his pet initiatives: the
last summer to sell the President directly
action hiring guidelines. (For a report on
plan to realign international currency ex-
on his proposal to eliminate numerical
how the Administration developed a pol-
change rates, his initiative on interna-
requirements, setting off complaints that
icy on liability insurance, see box, pp.
tional debt and the push for tax reform,
he had attempted what a White House
1586-87.)
which he took over in 1985 from Regan.
aide termed an "unconscionable" end run
"No matter how the system is physi-
Baker has consulted with Secretary of
of the process. Then Meese's proposal,
cally organized, the facts an individual
State George P. Shultz (who in the Nixon
staunchly resisted by Brock, the current
Cabinet officer or his or her organization
Administration helped to build the cur-
Labor Secretary, was pushed back into
can muster and their clarity and persis-
rency regime Baker is trying to disman-
the system and was heatedly debated at a
tence have more of an effect on the out-
tle) and with Regan on the international
Domestic Policy Council meeting last
come than the organization itself,"
initiatives. When necessary, Regan has
October that reached no consensus.
Baldrige said.
set up meetings for Baker and deputy
The usual process after a Cabinet
Treasury secretary Darman to brief the
council meeting is for the staff under
THE POWER SHIFT
President. But Baker has made it clear to
Cabinet affairs director Alfred H.
When Baker and Meese were given
others who have expressed interest in
Kingon to prepare a decision memoran-
control of the new Cabinet councils, it
discussing the issues in the Economic
dum to the President. This short memo
was widely expected to elevate them to a
Policy Council that Treasury doesn't
(usually only two or three pages) briefly
"Super Cabinet" status. To some extent,
want any help.
summarizes the major arguments for and
that has happened.
That attitude has occasioned "some
against a proposal, includes the views of
Baker has used his control of the Eco-
grumbling," a White House official said.
relevant White House offices-such as
nomic Policy Council to increase his say
But no one has successfully forced Baker
legislative or political affairs-and
on trade issues and to play a role in
and Darman to loosen their secretive
presents the President with all of the
agricultural issues, such as last year's
style of operation. "These guys had a
options discussed at the meeting. Once he
legislation to restructure the ailing Farm
system in the White House that worked,"
gets the memo, Reagan can either make
Credit System. Meese, who at first was
said a Republican consultant close to
the decision based on the paper, ask for
prone to using his Domestic Policy Coun-
Baker. "They kept things to themselves,
more written information (which happens
cil for more philosophical discussions, has
they didn't let a lot of people know what's
rarely) or call a Cabinet council meeting
gotten a shot at the remarkably diverse
going on. They figured if they could get
to hear more debate before deciding.
issues that come through that council,
to the President, wire the Hill, that's
For months, the Justice Department
ranging from acid rain to organ trans-
enough. At Treasury, they operate the
has been eager to see the affirmative
plants. But both Baker and Meese have
same way."
action issue presented to Reagan, confi-
focused most of their energy on running
The debate over affirmative action re-
dent that his basic opposition to employ-
their own departments.
quirements for federal contractors has
ment quotas would bring him down on
The simplified system was also ex-
1588 NATIONAL JOURNAL 6/28/86
pected to strengthen Regan's direct con-
successors, Edwin L. Harper, and the
tration at Harvard University's John F.
trol over policy, establishing him as a
job's current occupant, John A. Svahn,
Kennedy School of Government.
choke point for issues going to the Presi-
have played even smaller roles.
In practice, Presidents have invariably
dent. White House officials can use sev-
"There is really very little domestic
found that the White House staff is the
eral steps in the Cabinet council process
policy in this Administration that is not
only central force that can set an agenda
to get a handle on issues. Regan and
budget-driven," said Stuart E. Eizenstat,
for an Administration. The current White
Kingon can pull issues in for Cabinet
who held the policy job in the Carter
House staff is starting to get cuffed
consideration, control the schedule and
Administration. "OMB has really taken
around the ears for allegedy failing to do
ask agencies for more information before
over the [policy adviser's] function."
so. "There is nobody around Regan to set
sending options on to Reagan. "Don
Until he left government, Stockman
an agenda," said former CEA chairman
Regan, more than anyone else, has the
was a prodigious force on domestic pol-
Niskanen, now chairman of the Cato In-
authority to say this issue has to be dealt
icy. But his successor, James C. Miller
stitute, a libertarian think tank in Wash-
with by the Cabinet council," said Becky
III, has had difficulty establishing his
ington.
Norton Dunlop, senior special assistant to
credibility, particularly on Capitol Hill
Pointing to the White House-ordered
Meese for Cabinet affairs. "And he does
but elsewhere in the Administration as
welfare reform studies percolating
that on a regular basis."
well. A White House official defended
through working groups of the Domestic
Most significantly, he also gets in an
Miller, saying that "OMB has a role, a
Policy Council and to the catastrophic
informal last word on policy with Reagan
big role. Jim is different than Stockman;
health insurance plan being studied at the
when he chooses to. "Regan often sits
Stockman has this incredible knowledge
Health and Human Services Depart-
alone with the President and talks quite a
of the minutiae in the budget. But Jim is
ment, White House officials reject those
bit," a White House official said. "No
much friendlier, much less cantanker-
characterizations. What they are trying
one knows what he says."
ous." Some key Administration officials,
to do, they argue, is to keep the focus on
Still, there is a widespread view among
though, believe that because of OMB's
Reagan's basic goals. "What we've got to
those who watch the Administration
perceived weakness, the initiative on the
do is generate ways to implement the
closely that the White House's direct
budget has passed to Congress.
policy goals and directions of Ronald
influence on policy has declined since the
Many conservative critics complain
Reagan," said an official. "The problem
first term. The organizational vocabulary
that initiative is something noticeably
with Jimmy Carter was that he was direc-
assigns White House officials the same
lacking in Reagan's second term. On pa-
tional; he wasn't guided by any underly-
role as in the first four years: Regan's
per, the Administration's issue agenda is
ing principle. He would start one way,
aides still distinguish policy from imple-
supposed to rise through the Cabinet
then go another way, then yet another."
mentation, and still reserve the latter for
council system to the White House. But
But another White House official ac-
themselves through the Legislative Strat-
"the reality is that policy doesn't natu-
knowledged, "The only weak link in the
egy Group headed by Regan.
rally well up through committees," said
system is generating new ideas here."
But in the Regan regime, White House
presidential scholar Richard E.
To some extent, this was inevitable,
officials insist-and other government of-
Neustadt, a professor of public adminis-
given Reagan's predisposition to undoing
ficials agree-the West Wing staff is
existing programs rather than launch-
less likely to reshuffle policy decisions
ing new ones. After almost six years of
proposed by the agencies or the Cabi-
struggle with Congress on the budget,
net. That does occur-Regan recently
and after battles in the regulatory
rejected as inadequately justified the
agencies with environmentalists and
recommendation of an NSC group to
labor groups, the Administration has
build a fourth space shuttle. (See box,
probably undone just about every-
pp. 1584-85.) But that is rare; this
thing it can expect to undo.
White House, which is noticeably
With the White House less aggres-
light on aides with a strong back-
sive in setting the Administration's
ground or even a keen interest in sub-
policy tone, many observers say, au-
stantive policy formulation, is more
thority has passed to the few Cabinet
circumspect than its first-term prede-
Secretaries with aggressive programs
cessors.
of their own. To those observers, Rea-
"I think there has been a Cabinet
gan's second term is characterized by
reincarnation," said a top White
a few isolated areas of intense activ-
House official. "And I think it's good.
ity-Baker on international econom-
You've got some of your greatest re-
ics, Shultz on foreign policy, Meese on
sources [in your Cabinet officers].
some social and legal issues-sur-
Why replicate it?"
rounded by vistas of uninspiring
More than respect for the Cabinet
steady-state management.
is involved: The White House has rela-
The result of this subtle power shift
tively little firepower available on is-
is a form of Cabinet government. It is
sues. From the time Reagan moved
not the kind of Cabinet government
into the Oval Office, no one has ever
Shepard Sherbell/Picture Group
usually associated with that term-a
bothered to turn on the lights at the
regime of interactive discussion, col-
White House's Office of Policy Devel-
lective influence on major decisions.
opment. Martin Anderson, the first
But it is a style of running the country
domestic policy adviser, had personal
that for better or worse, gives the
influence with the President but only a
Cabinet officers greater leeway to pur-
weak organization to support him and
sue their own agendas, with less ag-
was temperamentally unsuited for bu-
Meese assistant Becky Norton Dunlop
gressive interference by the White
reaucratic infighting. His immediate
She works with him on Cabinet affairs.
House staff.
NATIONAL JOURNAL 6/28/86 1589
The:New Magazine OCTOBER 12,1986
MR. POWER
Attorney General
Meese is Reagan's man to lead
the conservative charge.
By John A. Jenkins
acceptance he receives. That combination of loy-
alty, availability and ambition are essential ele-
ments in the rise of Meese, giving him power and
N HIS CORNER OFFICE AT THE JUS-
access unequaled in the Reagan Administration.
tice Department, a private sanctum
Meese frequently sees the President a couple of
guarded by Federal Bureau of Investiga-
times a day, offering counsel on matters ranging
tion agents, Edwin Meese 3d, the 75th At-
far beyond his duties at Justice. "Often, just pri-
torney General of the United States, has
vately, I'll see him for a few minutes here, or a
surrounded himself with symbols of the
few minutes there," says Meese. "Sometimes I'll
power he wields: a Border Patrol pistol; a
ride in the car with him to someplace."
United States marshal's badge; miniature
Besides serving as Attorney General, Meese is
police cars and helicopters. The office
chairman pro tem of the President's Domestic
says much about the way Meese sees him-
Policy Council, comprising the director of the Of-
self, for its motif reflects not so much the
fice of Management and Budget, the chairman of
lawyer in Meese as it does the hard-nosed
the Council of Economic Advisers and five Cabi-
lawman: America's top cop.
net officers in addition to Meese. He also attends
Just outside his door hang two Herblock draw-
meetings of the National Security Planning
ings, portrayals of Meese as the beady-eyed
Group, the handful of top foreign policy and na-
zealot. "Oh, they're just a couple of funny car-
tional security advisers that devised last sum-
toons," Meese says. Yet it is clear that these two
mer's "disinformation" campaign against Libya.
caricatures, and some others like them on the
But it is what he has done at the Justice Depart-
walls of his outer office, mean much more to him
ment that will be his legacy, for Meese has re-
- they are a symbol of how he has made his pres-
turned the department to a political role it has not
ence felt in 19 months as Attorney General.
played since the Nixon Administration. Prior to
If the next two years produce the conservative
him, the post-Watergate Attorneys General -
transformation in judicial precedent that the
men with names such as Saxbe, Levi, Bell, Civi-
Ronald Reagan Presidency has promised but so
letti and Smith - offered a subdued leadership.
far not delivered, much of the credit must go to
But Meese has quickly steered the department
the 54-year-old Meese. The most prominent loyal-
back to the political arena, shaping it into a reflec-
ist from the Reagan California days still in the
tion of how he sees himself - boldly, morally con-
Administration, Meese has taken center stage in
servative. In the process he has become its most
an ideological debate that previously lacked a
forceful leader since Robert F. Kennedy.
credible point man within the Government. Now
"This department will be fiercely independent
it has one: pornography or drug smuggling, abor-
in
upholding the law," Meese promised at his
tion or school prayer, the Attorney General's
ceremonial swearing-in in March 1985. "But this
legal agenda is the President's political agenda.
is not inconsistent with conscientiously and vigor-
"His instincts are Ronald Reagan's instincts,"
ously implementing the President's philosophy,
Fred F. Fielding, the White House counsel during
which is in the mainstream of today's American
the President's first term, says of Meese.
political thinking."
For Meese, the path has been a tortuous one,
Since then, Meese has played a key role in judi-
muddied by infighting at the White House and
cial nominations and has publicly chided the Su-
nearly broken up altogether during his long con-
preme Court for decisions he disagrees with. In
firmation hearings by allegations of earlier
turn, he has experienced the unprecedented pub-
wrongdoing. But the strength of Ed Meese is per-
lic rebuke of two sitting Justices, William J. Bren-
severance. An iron-willed partisan with a po-
nan Jr. and John Paul Stevens.
lemical, confrontational style, he is also the quin-
While conceding that Meese "has every right to
tessential available man, an ambitious loyalist
assert his own perception of what justice is," Burt
who defines himself through the approbation and
Neuborne, professor of law at New York Univer-
sity, who until recently was the legal director of
John A. Jenkins lives in Washington and has fre-
the American Civil Liberties Union, calls the At-
quently written on legal matters for The New
torney General's views "disastrous."
York Times Magazine. His article on Supreme
"He is genuinely committed to the proposition
Court Justice William H. Rehnquist appeared in
that if a majority of the electorate expresses it-
March 1985.
self on a particular sub- (Continued on Page 89)
DAVID BURNETT/CONTACT
Meese says: "We've tried to
MEESE
find the kinds of judges that
should be acceptable to any
group. If you look at the
Snow
Continued from Page 19
judges who have had difficul-
ties, I mean, how can you do
ject, that majority should not
just as strongly as I do. But
better, or get a more accept-
be held in check by the
when you're the President,
able person, than a man who
courts," says Neuborne of
you're not as vulnerable to at-
has got 15 years of distin-
Meese. "By crippling the
tack."
guished service on the Su-
courts, he would sacrifice ef-
iece
Yet Ed Meese rarely
preme Court to be appointed
fective protections of individ-
misses an opportunity to
ture.
Chief Justice? How can you
ual rights and radically
tackle head-on those who dis-
get a better person, or a more
If baths.
transform society into a ma-
agree with him. "To with-
acceptable person, than a
lexibility.
joritarian tyranny.
draw because there's opposi-
man like Nino Scalia, who has
Reproduced For You.
"The only bright spot in all
tion on the other side," he
got an impeccable record in a
of this, is that so far he has
Quarter Inch
says, "to back down in the
variety of ways: as a practic-
been able to achieve so little.
face of that would be coward-
ing lawyer, as a teacher, on
g: $10
His rhetoric has far out-
ice."
the appellate court? I think
vable to:
stripped his effectiveness."
When he works hard to see
you can't find two more quali-
Over the last several
that judges nominated to the
fied people in the history of
IC.
months, I had five interviews
Federal bench will share the
k Bldg.
Supreme Court appoint-
with Meese, in which he
d
Administration's philosophy
ments."
1
talked about the Supreme
about such matters as abor-
888
Court, about his perception of
tion, school prayer and feder-
EESE
the roles of judges and the po-
alism, Meese calls it "getting
lice, and about his efforts to
M
TAKES
from a folder on his
All 100% imported Cambric CO
the best people." When some-
desk several sheets
covers. 226-230 threads per Si
change the Justice Depart-
one criticizes an appointee,
of paper that together consti-
The ultimate in quality craftsm
ment. He also discussed his
that is "partisan politics."
tute his blueprint for change
our True Karo Step comforter ha
confirmation ordeal, his close
baffled wall construction to elim
"That's the combination of
ric
Facility
at the Justice Department.
friendship with Ronald Rea-
cold spots while allowing maxim
a party being out of power
He has drawn up these docu-
ability of the Snow White Down
gan, and the death of his son
and being enraged by the fact
ments so that he can clearly
Nor
- all of which have pro-
Dimensions Down Fill Re
New York City's
that Ronald Reagan will be
focus on the task at hand.
Twin
60"
86"
oz.
$2
on six beautifully
foundly affected him.
selecting as high a percent-
In a two-page outline enti-
Queen/Full
86"
86"
46
oz.
И
King
102"
86"
Because of his blunt, feisty
52
oz.
$4
acute facility for
age of the judiciary as he is,"
tled "Policy Goals," he has
Colors: Light Blue. White, Pink. Creme. Lig
outspokenness, the public
the Attorney General says.
neatly encapsulated his agen-
he optimum com-
perception of the Attorney
"The fact that it's an election
da. There are the usual pri-
al, and rehabilita-
General is often devoid of the
year, and the fact that you
orities that any Attorney
humanizing nuances. But
just have some people who
General would have - con-
ESCENT
Meese says he is baffled by
like to politicize things."
HIATRIC
trolling narcotics trafficking,
that image. "I would ask you
Meese calls Jefferson B.
DIAGNOSIS
terrorism and public corrup-
to go through all the press
atric
and
Sessions Jr., whose nomina-
tion - and there are others
conferences I've had since
tion for an appeals-court
ive
which are innocent-sounding
I've become Attorney Gen-
Judgeship was rejected in
euphemisms for the conser-
HO
AL
eral, and all the interviews
June by the Senate Judiciary
vative political course that
swood, NY 11423
I've given," he says. "I would
Committee, "a very coura-
the Attorney General has em-
81
defy you to find statements or
geous prosecutor." There
barked on.
collections of statements that
was a fierce debate over the
"Total nondiscrimination
would give rise to the kind of
attitudes of Sessions, a
policy," for instance, stands,
caricature that too often is
United States Attorney from
among other things, for an
created of me."
arns
Mobile, Ala., toward blacks;
end to racial quotas benefit-
Our plush Classic Channel feat
In person, the Attorney
Meese says it was "a cam-
by 32 color pages of
ing minority groups, an Ad-
European-style hand-sewn channe
General exudes genuine
nd-dyed yarns, luxurious
paign of ideologues."
ministration goal that was di-
with almost 3 oz. of Snow White D
warmth. His suite of offices is
ir, linen, cotton, cashmere,
Meese believes that Daniel
rectly repudiated by the Su-
Designed to prevent shifting; double
ons and natural Maine
energized by those waiting to
A. Manion, who narrowly won
stitched edges add durability.
preme Court in its last term.
Norm
see him - F.B.I. Director
Dimensions
Down
Fill
Reta
ver special books, baskets,
Senate confirmation in July
Meese, however, has not
Twin
d totes. Browse with your
William H. Webster leaves as
60" 86"
26
oz.
$16
as an appeals-court judge,
given up on it.
Queen/Full
86"
36 oz.
S221
e Set and enjoy choosing
an interviewer enters; a
King
102" 86"
42 oz.
S28
was also unfairly singled out.
"Preservation of constitu-
Colors: Light Blue. White. Creme.
sy-to-knit project with
group of law-student interns
"If his name had been Smith
tional values" encompasses
ALL yarns.
mill about, photographer in
or Jones," Meese contends,
some of the most important
SUPERWASHI
tow, to memorialize their mo-
Manion wouldn't have been
issues on the Reagan Admin-
ment with Meese; trusted
opposed. "But he was a light-
istration's social-policy agen-
aide William Bradford Reyn-
ning rod for these ultralib-
da, including leaving to the
olds is in the anteroom. But
Tals, because his father had
ge color catalog.
states the issues of abortion
Meese is not preoccupied. He
d Yarn Sample Set of over 250
been connected in some way
reform and prayer in the
clearly relishes the inter-
bonus Gift Certificate.
with the John Birch Society.
schools. "Religious liberty"
erican Express Accepted
change with his questioner.
Anything in which the John
means going to court, as the
His gaze is direct and he
Birch Society was involved in
department did this summer,
LL
speaks with certitude.
was seized upon by the ultra-
to defend the Roman Catholic
This 100% Merino Wool Mattre
ne 04096
liberal groups to be a basis
Church against the loss of its
1" thick. Serving as a natural ins
I
AM NOT BY NATURE
for politicization."
tax-exempt status when an-
keeps you warm in winter; cool in
an unduly combative per-
But at the suggestion that
And it's machine washable, retair
son," Meese says. "I be-
other church-related group
18 has politicized the Justice
softness and durability. Fitted she
lieve in persuasion rather
contended it was engaging in
Department, or that he has
Dimensions Normal Retail Ou
nby's
than mortal combat. And to
political lobbying and cam-
Crib
52"
$ 80
Invored conservative inter-
paigning in opposition to legal
Twin
39"x75"
$120
the extent that people are
Full
eats over any others, Meese
54"x75"
$150
abortion activities the tax
Queen
$200
trying to use me as a target
Wistles. "That's an exaggera-
exemption does not permit.
King
$230
for attack, possibly the rea-
ion," he says. "I've spoken
Meese believes that even in
ASK FOR OUR FREE CATALOG.
son is that I have stood very
vit on some issues which I
defeat there is still glory in
comforter covers, pillows, merinc
strongly for the objectives
hink need to be aired. But I
and the priorities and the
losing for a good cause. That
Times
in't think that there's any-
principles and the philosophy
is why he was willing last
hing partisan about my com-
of the President. He stands
spring to use a relatively triv-
Do
ection
Hents on the Constitution."
(Continued on Page 92)
635 Evergreen
Meese is centralizing policy
MEESE
planning and budgeting
under the control of a few
trusted deputies. To imple-
Continued from Page 89
ment his policy goals, he has
organized key executives into
ial case to ask the Supreme
"Obviously, in taking public
small teams whose job it is to
Court to overturn its 1973 Roe
positions, I don't have the
focus on Administration pri-
V. Wade decision legalizing
time, or the audience, to go
orities. Meese and six top
abortion even though the
into legal subtleties. But I
aides, including F.B.I. Direc-
constitutionality of Roe had-
think the average man in the
tor Webster and Assistant At-
n't been an issue in the case
street understands what it
torney General Reynolds,
and even though the High
means if the truth about
comprise the "command
Court had specifically reaf-
criminals is excluded from
group" that meets every
firmed the Roe decision three
the courtroom. And when the
morning at 8:10 to map strat-
years earlier. The depart-
Mapp and Miranda cases are
ment lost its case, 5 to 4, but
egy. Another group, chaired
explained to most people,
then-Chief Justice Warren E.
by Meese's new Deputy At-
they understand that they are
torney General, Arnold I.
Burger switched camps,
less safe from criminals.
questioning for the first time
That's not hard to figure out."
Burns, matches the depart-
the wisdom of the Roe deci-
According to Meese, "there
ment's budgetary resources
sion. "We got one step
are better ways" to avoid the
to its priorities. A third
closer," Meese says.
police abuses that the two
group, headed by Reynolds,
More Than 50% On Non-Shifting
Similarly, he sees the Jus-
decisions were meant to
does strategic planning be-
HITE GOOSE DOWN
tice Department's defeat
counteract. One, he says, is,
cause, Meese explains, "I
earlier this year in three af-
"videotaped confessions, SO'
wanted a group of people who
firmative action cases as
there will be no possible way
were not involved with the
MFORTERS & PILLOWS
hinging on a mere technical-
that you could have coercion
day-to-day issues to look to
ity. Though conceding that
or any intimidation by the po-
see where the justice system
By Nancy Fleming!
the Court directly repudiated
lice." But he adds, "The best
and the department ought to
his contention that quotas can
way, frankly, is with well-
be five years from now."
be used only to aid specific,
e-for-ounce, absolutely the warmest
trained, well-disciplined,
Of Meese's aides, the 44-
identifiable victims of dis-
well-supervised policemen."
year-old Reynolds is prob-
mforter you can buy anywhere!
crimination, Meese says that
Since his youth - when his
ably the best known. Reyn-
"even in losing, there was ac-
father, a clerk at the Oakland
olds retained his position as
ble Retail Our Price Comparable Retail Our Price
quiescence by the Court that
police court, would come
Assistant Attorney General
$260.00
$129
King
$400.00
$199
the point we were making
home and regale him with
in charge of the Civil Rights
en $350.00 $169
$500.00 $249
should be the end result,
stories about the cases he'd
Division after the Senate Ju-
someday. They just said
heard that day - Meese has
diciary Committee last year
Nancy Fleming Down Shop fashions our comforters of the
we're not ready to do that
had a fascination with police
refused to confirm him as
St luxurious down-proof 230 thread count Cambric cotton
yet."
work. His sympathies are
Meese's new Associate Attor-
Then we plumply fill them with premium European white
The biggest victory of the
DOWN ONLY (a minimum of 550 cu. in. per oz. fill-
with the cop on the beat who
ney General. Reynolds has
1 fac
in size has more goose down than many king-
term, Meese says, was the
wants to nab the culprit, and
been the Justice Depart-
ort
means they'll keep you cozy even when it's
Supreme Court's upholding of
he seems genuinely per-
ment's most uncompromis-
uts
each is sewn with an end-to-end box pattern
the Georgia antisodomy law
plexed by the judicial con-
ing foe of racial quotas, and
nts LAW own from shifting. Machine wash or dry clean.
- a case the Justice Depart-
cern about police miscon-
he continues to play a key
COMFORTER COLORS
ment wasn't even involved in.
duct. "Most of the time," he
policy-making role within
ht blue, camel, burgundy or cream.
"We don't have to be in a case
says, "the officer is not acting
Meese's inner circle. He has
'S: light blue/cream, camel/cream, burgundy/cream or
to get our view across,"
illegally."
/medium grey.
also kept up the attack on the
Meese says. "The point of
Itimate comfort, take advantage of similar savings on our
To Meese, lawyers and
Supreme Court, last month
se down or white goose down and feather pillows. They
view that we've been making
judges are the ones who
accusing Justice Brennan of
lat, even after repeated washings.
— that the Court should not
argue the technicalities. "I
possessing "radical" views
All products crafted in the USA!
supersede its judgment for
wouldn't want to be a judge,"
that threaten individual lib-
the judgment of the states -
he says; not even the Su-
erty.
RDER CALL TOLL-FREE 1-800-852-5200
was vindicated in that case."
preme Court would interest
Another of the Attorney
Meese, who says he has not
him. "That's the one thing
General's innocuous-sound-
read the speech in which
GOOSE DOWN COMFORTERS
I've absolutely ruled out. For
DOWN WT
PRICE
QTY.
COLOR
TOTAL PRICE
ing policy goals is to "pro-
me, the job of being a judge,
Reynolds made his charges,
32 oz.
$129
mote truth in the courtroom."
refused to comment on it. "I
5")
on whatever bench, would be
(86x86'')
40 oz.
$169
But what Meese really wants
much too confining for any-
don't know any reason why I
6")
48
oz.
$199
is the total repeal of the Su-
thing I would really enjoy."
should particularly read it,"
104x96'
54 oz.
$249
preme Court's 1966 Miranda
Meese is proud of the stand
he said. "People give
V. Arizona decision, which re-
he has taken against judicial
speeches all the time in the
OSE DOWN PILLOWS, White on white fill wt. in ozs.
quires the police to inform
SOFT
activism. A judge's job, he in-
department here."
MEDIUM
FIRM
goose down
50% goose down.
10% goose down,
QTY.
TOTAL PRICE
suspects of their constitu-
sists, isn't "to decide how the
T. Kenneth Cribb Jr., 38, is
50% goose leathers
90% goose feathers
tional rights, and its 1961
police officer's going to act -
the Attorney General's clos-
]S50 (20 oz)
$35 (26 oz)
$20 (34 oz)
Mapp V. Ohio decision prohib-
his function is to find the
est aide, and probably the
$85 (24 oz)
$45 (32 oz)
$25 (42 oz)
iting the introduction of evi-
facts.
least-known outside of the de-
]$80 (28 oz)
$55 (36 oz)
$30 (48 oz)
dence obtained without a
"You may want to argue on
partment. A one-time na-
TOTAL Of All Items
valid search warrant.
what should be the niceties,"
tional director of the Intercol-
E. If not completely
Add $5. per comforter and S3.
These two rulings have, ac-
per pillow for shipping & handling.
he says. "But if you take my
legiate Studies Institute, the
t anytime, we will
cording to Meese, "inhibited
NJ residents add 6% sales tax.
approach, and the approach
oldest conservative student
product or refund
ase price in full.
truth in the courtroom." He
of most people in law enforce-
organization in the country,
GRAND TOTAL
maintains: "They have cast
immediate shipment.
ment, the more evidence you
and a consultant to the Herit-
aside probative evidence for
get in, the more likely you're
age Foundation, Cribb served
non-truth-finding reasons.
going to find the truth, which
on Meese's staff at the White
rders
Name
Neither Mapp nor Miranda
ultimately should be the end
House and followed him to
on
et Address
helps any innocent person.
result of the courtroom pro-
the Justice Department.
nin
They only help guilty people.
cess."
HOP
y
State
Zip
Now, as the Attorney Gen-
I think if you look at all the
6F.
eral's counselor, Cribb stays
Check
MasterCharge
Visa
American Express
cases, the only evidence that
ge Rd.,
TO "IMPROVE THE MAN-
in the background and re-
ever's been excluded is evi-
d, NJ
agement" of the 62,500-em-
Acct. No.
ceives almost no publicity,
Exp. Date
dence of guilt.
ployee Justice Department,
(Continued on Page 96)
Card Member's Signature
"It helps the department
other to get into a Yale soci-
together closely for almost 20
when we come in as an ami-
ety.
years," Meese says of Ronald
EESE
cus curiae taking a more ex-
"He was naîve," recalls
Reagan. "We are good
treme viewpoint," Kamenar
Maxwell K. Dickinson, a for-
friends. And we are people
says. "That way they can't be
mer roommate of Meese's
who, by and large, without
Continued from Page 92
called extremist."
and now a Florida stockbro-
any real effort on my part tc
y
rves as a link be-
thing had been decided, and
ker. "He didn't look under
do this, come up with the
then absolutely nothing
D MEESE WAS
rocks to see what was bad
same viewpoint on most
tv
ese and conserva-
st groups.
would happen. The uncer-
E
born and raised in
about everything. He wasn't
issues, pretty much totally in
"I am a source of informa-
tainty led to internecine
Oakland, Calif. "I was
jaundiced. He never had bit-
dependent of each other."
tion for the Attorney General
fights, and ultimately the
born in 1931, in the Depres-
ter things to say. I don't
Privately, White House
policy development got done
sion," Meese says. "Our
remember anything ever dis-
chief of staff Donald T. Regar
about people who want him to
entertain their views," Cribb
elsewhere."
family never had a lot of
appointing him."
has bridled at Meese's easy
says. "I am sometimes asked
Meese now strongly de-
money. This was never a big
After graduation, Meese
access to the President. Bu
to attend meetings to make
fends his record at the White
thing to my folks, and never a
returned to California and
anyone who has ever at
his views known, and to re-
House, saying that he "estab-
big thing to us." At the age of
started law school at Berke-
tempted to cut Meese off ha:
port back to him."
lished what is generally
10, he and his three younger
ley, finishing in 1958, after a
ended up the loser. Always
During Meese's long confir-
looked upon as the strongest
brothers published their own
two-year interruption to
the President stands by him.
serve as an artillery officer
The two first met in Sacra
mation battle, Cribb sat be-
Cabinet system of any Presi-
weekly neighborhood news-
hind Meese every day that he
dent in modern time."
paper and put the $6.40 they
in the Army. He joined the
mento. Reagan was the newl
testified. One Senate staff
He was, however, out-
earned from it toward war
Oakland District Attorney's
elected Governor of Califor
member swears they even
flanked by Baker, who took
bonds. He was valedictorian
office just out of law school,
nia, and Meese was a young
the White House policy-mak-
of his public high school class
and was still there a few
deputy district attorney fron
dressed alike, so that "from
behind the dais they just sort
ing role for himself. But
and the winner of a Lions
years later, when Sanford H.
Oakland with a penchant fo
of melded together." At the
Baker's credentials were sus-
Club speakers' contest. He
Kadish, a Berkeley law pro-
publicity. Campus turbulenc
White House, a "principals
pect among conservative fac-
notes with pride that all four
fessor, recruited him to help
in the 1960's had alread
tions. Baker had been George
of the Meese boys went to col-
teach a clinical law program.
given Meese his first bi
only" rule was imposed to
keep Meese from bringing
Bush's Presidential cam-
lege. "My folks made a lot of
"I needed someone who
break: he had directed the ai
paign manager. He hadn't
sacrifices so that we could,"
was actually working in the
rest in 1964 of 761 protester
Cribb into the weekly meet-
ings at which judicial nomi-
even registered as a Republi-
he says.
field," Kadish remembers.
at the University of Califor
can until 1970. This closet
He traveled East for the
"Ed was willing. He was very
nia at Berkeley. In 1966, h
nees were chosen.
"Ken Cribb is kind of my
moderate couldn't be the con-
first time in 1949, to attend
reliable. Always did what he
testified before the House Ur
principal personal assistant,"
servatives' friend in the
Yale, where 60 percent of his
was supposed to do. Genial.
American Activities Com
says Meese. "He's an addi-
White House. But Meese
1,123 classmates had gradu-
Likable. There was a softness
mittee that the Berkeley 01
tional set of arms, legs and,
could.
ated from elite Eastern
and a gentleness to him, no
ganizers of an early antiwa
group were giving "aid an
particularly, brains."
"It turned out that Baker
preparatory schools. Meese,
sharp edges to his personal-
In Cribb's view, the debate
was the pragmatist, the
having been awarded a last-
ity.
comfort to the enemy" an
over judicial activism still
doer," says a former Reagan
minute scholarship that he
"Ed didn't have profound
that penalties of $20,000 an
has many years to run: "The
Administration official. "But
now calls "a fluke," was vir-
political convictions. He was
20 years in prison wouldn't b
iscussion has been
he was also the one the con-
tually the antithesis of the
your average, diligent young
inappropriate if the grou
y this Attorney Gen-
servatives tended to scream
typical Yale student, but he
fellow from an average Re-
carried through with plans 1
it takes a generation
about. They thought he was
found a niche for himself with
publican background, and he
march on an Army inductic
for day-to-day politics to
breaking the faith. And
a slew of extracurricular ac-
might have continued in just
center.
catch up with ideas that are
Meese became the person
tivities: debate team; Politi-
that way, except that his at-
Meese signed on as th
first expressed in a philo-
who conservatives turned to.
cal Union; a religious club;
tractiveness led to opportuni-
Governor's extradition an
sophical context. For exam-
He filled a vacuum. He be-
freshman crew; manager of
ties. He became an ally of
clemency secretary but SOC
ple, the politics of the 1960's
came, in essence, what other
the track team; librarian at
people who had very pro-
transformed the job into th:
were the result of philosophi-
conservatives thought he was
his residential college.
found political beliefs, and he
of Reagan's legal-affairs a
cal ideas first expressed in
- what they made him into.
Among his notable qualities
assimilated those beliefs."
viser, and within two year
the 1930's. So what we're say-
He became the darling of the
were an abiding loyalty to
There is a disarming sim-
was his executive secretar
ing now will be important for
conservatives."
even casual acquaintances,
plicity to the way Meese
the highest staff job. He was
Paul D. Kamenar, execu-
and his energy and enthu-
characterizes his relation-
the capable, loyal aide who
generations to come."
An inveterate note-taker
tive legal director of the con-
siasm for almost any task.
ship with the man who has
reduced complex problems to
and maker of charts and dia-
servative Washington Legal
Two of Meese's younger
given him, or helped him get,
a few clear choices for his
grams, Meese likens his role
Foundation, describes the
roommates at Yale recalled
just about every important
boss to choose from.
at Justice to being atop a
relationship between the Jus-
recently how he took an al-
job he has had during the last
When Reagan left office
well-regimented corporate
tice Department and conser-
most parental interest in
two decades.
1974, Meese moved to the Sa
structure. During his tenure
vative interest groups as
them, patiently teaching one
"Well, I guess the way I'd
Diego suburb of La Mes
at the White House, however,
"conscious parallelism."
to play bridge and helping an-
describe it, we have worked
After a year with Rohr Indt
where his Cabinet-level staff
tries Inc., a manufacturer
job of counselor to the Presi-
aerospace components,
started a law practice; }
dent gave him responsibility
main clients were the Re
for seeing to it that each de-
partment hewed closely to
gan precampaign committe
called Citizens for the Rept
the President's policies,
Meese found himself part of
lic, and the state Chamber
Commerce.
an organization beset by jeal-
In 1977, Meese began tea(
ousies and infighting. The
battle among the President's
ing at the law school of t
University of San Diego,
top advisers was frequently
waged through the press, and
small private school. He a)
became director of the la
it was Meese's reputation
school's Center for Crimir
that suffered the most.
as supposed to for-
Justice Policy and Mana
ment. During his three-ye
policy and James
tenure with the center, whi
he chief of staff, was
to make the trains
was financed by conservati
run on time," one White
groups, Meese publish
House aide recalls. "But he
three papers, two deali
with police-press relatic
never really got the policy-
and a third on child abuse.
development syndrome.
The Attorney General n
70 through a meeting
CAMPS
MEESE
ADVISORY SERVICES
Continued from Page 96
FREE
looks upon his days in San Diego wist-
want to proceed. He insisted just ab-
Camp Referral
fully. "We had a beautiful home," he
solutely the opposite. He wanted me
Service
says. "I had a good job. I had the abil-
to go through with the thing. It was
ity to do three things: teach, direct the
American Camping
that kind of support. I felt a commit-
Association
criminal justice center, and practice
ment to him. I wanted to carry out
law on the side. And, economically,
what the President wanted me to do."
Personalized Guidance to
match your needs with the
we were doing very well. So it was an
In the summer of 1982, Meese's 19-
Roch
right program, location and
ideal situation. I would have been
year-old son Scott, the middle of three
cost
Bill
very happy to stay there."
Only ACA accredited camps
children and a sophomore at Prince-
Send for Parents' Guide to
It is easy to understand how Meese
ton, was killed in an automobile acci-
Accredited Camps
8 time Nat'l X-C
could romanticize his time in San
dent. Meese and his wife, Ursula,
We'renon-profit-
Ski Champion
commission free
Olympic Silver Medalist
Diego. It had been a charmed exist-
were devastated by the tragedy. "It's
World Cup Winner
43 W. 23rd Street
ence compared to what awaited him
the worst thing, obviously, that's ever
in Washington.
ACCREDITED
NYC 10010
happened to us," he says now, his
CAMP
212-645-6620
Nordic Track Pro
Besides the infighting at the White
eyes welling up. "And I think I was
With Adjustable
House, there were financial problems
just fortunate to have a lot of very
Elevated Legs
brought on by carrying two big mort-
good friends who were helpful at that
gages. Unable to sell his home in La
time, including the President, who
Mesa for 20 months, Meese had none-
was extremely helpful and support-
SCHOOLS
theless purchased a new house in
ive. The President and Nancy Rea-
McLean, Va. He fell 15 months behind
gan."
in his payments on the California
Meese holds dear the traditional
residence, but two savings and loan
values that his relationship with the
SPECIAL
are. Call
officials who oversaw Meese's ac-
Reagans embodies. In his own mind,
-5888
count looked the other way. Both
the Justice Department is an exten-
-448-6987
later got Federal jobs, as did a La
sion of those values, providing law en-
Mesa businessman who arranged a
forcement that is not just vigorous
the
dic/rack © PSI 1986
$70,000 loan - later forgiven - to a
but, he says, "compassionate" as
buyer to facilitate the purchase of
well. As Meese sees it, that means
Academy Horizons
Meese's house. Questions were also
protecting the average man from
vd. N., Chaska, MN 55318
Pioneering the process
raised, among other things, about
crime, from pornography or even his
of total education
Meese's stock trading and whether he
own Government. And he has no
A structured academic and social
Grades 8 thru
obtained special treatment from Gov-
doubt that the people who really mat-
environment for students with
Small Class
learning. interpersonal, and
Academic an
ernment agencies for businesses in
ter are behind him.
adjustment difficulties
OUTSTANDIN
which he had an interest.
"The law enforcement community
RD Hart Rd St Johnsville. NY 13452
Lakeside Cam
It was such goings-on that led his
518-762-4690
has labored for many years being the
3Y PHONE
predecessor at Justice, William
scapegoat for the increase in crime,
Write Ja
85
French Smith, to appoint a special
while having to take a lot of court
CO-ED BOARDING
SAVINGS
prosecutor to investigate Meese.
decisions which have been inimical to
rics for draperies,
When Meese has occasion to mention
effective law enforcement," he says.
room ensembles.
Smith now, it is almost never by
"I have gotten a tremendous re-
SCHUYLER ACADEMY
Anju, Bloomcraft,
name. He is "my predecessor" the
sponse from the law enforcement
CO-ED COLLEGE PREP GRADES 6-12
Individual programs to meet each
same way a candidate might refer to
community because I am willing to
student's needs. Ratio one to four.
Clark. Jacquards,
"my opponent." The investigation
speak out on issues which are key to
Sports, cultural and entertainment ac-
Satins, In Stock.
tivities SUMMER SESSION
was an election-year liability for Ron-
protecting the public."
A PREPARATORY SC
518 695-3218 518 695-5357
mples
vironment conducive
ald Reagan, but he stuck by his friend
or write SCHUYLER ACADEMY Box 25
strong citizenship q1
as he always had before, and Meese
Schuylerville, N.Y. 12871
enjoying extensive
2
- who denied any wrongdoing - was
Solutions to
flying. Computer ins
Band Scholarships.
7345
eventually cleared. In March 1985, 13
Students welcome. T
months he was first nominated,
Last Week's Puzzles
Jr. U.S.A. Ret.. Supe
Available
Ave., Cornwall-On-
he was sworn in as Attorney General.
ALTER
SGT
AMY
PLACE
MC/VISA
One of his lieutenants remembers
TOUTER
ACADEMIA
ROTOR
Now is
how his boss tried to laugh off the ig-
BALATA
FAREWELLTOARMS
ATL
ADSORB
ANNIE
DIET
nominy during one of his first staff
THESKINOFOURTEETH
a good
meetings. "Not such a bad record,"
LICIT
RTS
Meese had quipped, "nominated in
CABINET
SHE
CAULICLE
OPERA POSTERS
PRONGS
WAYOFALLFLESH
time to
February, confirmed in March."
Free Brochure available of the
AMOK
WAAL
BINGE
DER
Meese does not like to discuss the
SETIN
PIT
RISK
MES
famous "Ricordi-La Scala"
year he spent in limbo, a period when
THEHEARTOFTHEMATTER
buy a
Magnificent thou
scholarship, WC
business. as WE
Opera Poster collection. Re-
RIN
GIRD
IRE
CALEB
desirable traditic
produced in full color from
Justice Department morale sank per-
OSUNA
PEST
NONO
house.
tion when neede
APE
originals in archives. Puccini,
ceptibly. But it is clear he was deeply
75 horses and in
DADDYLONGLEGS
ODDITY
tion academics/r
Verdi's most famous Opera's!
affected by it. He calls the confirma-
ICEBOATS
LAT
SPOONED
TALES
SHELF
T. Ingham, V
Size 20"x28" limited printing.
tion battle "an unfortunate byproduct
PGS
You're sure to
THEGREATSTONEFACE
Fiesta Arts, Inc.
of the ultrapartisan politics that's
STOA
APRIL
ELUDES
GOV
find the right
P.O. Box 211, Northern Blvd.
Greenvale, N.Y. 11548
practiced by some people here. But I
LAMBI
S
NOTIME
one at the right
ATALL
APOSTLES
DUELER
don't think you're ever going to
BERYL
HEN
OAS
TRETS
price in the right
change people. There are just some
ELLEN GOODMAN: KEEPING
place from
people who believe in political char-
ell by mail?
acter assassination, and it's unfortu-
IN TOUCH Today's self-im-
the great
provement tack is physical.
selection
nate that they get elected. It's one of
ate the sales-
Like medieval flagellants, we are
advertised seven
the sad parts about any political sys-
Ma
making qualifications of
tem."
supposed to whip our muscles into
days a week in
A private sch
THE NEW YORK TIMES
Of this time, Meese now says: "You
line and beat our cellulite into
SHOPPING MART
always have days when you wake up
shape. It is no longer enough to
The
are learning
provides an u
programs and
Write The New York Times
and say, 'Why are you doing this?' I
walk in the path of righteousness,
New York
and caring hc
told
the
we have to run in it.
STOU
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 5, 1987
The President's Vision of the Spirit, Strength and Wellbeing of
the American People
The independence, strength and wellbeing of America's
families continues to be a priority for this administration.
Strong families are the foundation of our society, and it is the
role of government at all levels to defend the integrity of this
fundamental unit. It is, after all, in the living rooms and
kitchens of America's families that decisions are made on
education, health needs, job opportunities, recreation, care for
elderly family members and support for those less. fortunate in
our communities. The federal government has a role to play under
our Constitution in supporting the institution of the family, not
undermining it, and the policies of this administration are
designed to encourage family security, independence and general
family wellbeing.
Education:
Assessment of Education Reforms -- In 1983 a landmark report
was presented to the American people. "A Nation at Risk" sparked
a National Debate on the quality of education, and now -- five
years later we are assessing the progress we have made towards
greater choice for parents in the education of their children,
higher academic standards in the classroom, flexibility in the
way our teachers are compensated, reducing the use of drugs in
our schools, allowing our children the right to voluntarily pray
in the classroom, and transmitting the rich heritage of history
and our republican form of government. On March 26, 1987, the
President charged Secretary Bennett to develop a follow-up to the
landmark report, "A Nation At Risk, issued in May 1983. This
new report will be released in May 1988, and will assess what has
happened in education reform during the past five years and what
further reforms are needed.
Reauthorization of Funding for Disadvantaged Children --
Educational choice is an important Administration objective.
Therefore, we will actively promote our reauthorization proposal
for the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act, which
includes expanded choice for parents of disadvantaged children
and more accountability for results by local education agencies.
-2-
Health Care
The health of American families is of vital importance to
all of us. Catastrophic events have in times past reduced many
to poverty levels before help could be made available. Medicare
will provide greater protection to those who are faced with
unexpected medical disasters, if our legislative proposal is
passed by the Congress.
Protection for the General Population Under Age 65
My Administration will work with the private sector to
educate the public about the risks, costs, and financing options
available for catastrophic illness insurance, as well as the
limitations of coverage for such expenses under public insurance
programs.
We will work with States to develop the following
innovations and initiatives:
Require that catastrophic coverage be offered in all
employment-related insurance.
--
Form State risk pools to subsidize insurance for those whose
medical condition makes it prohibitively expensive or
impossible to get insurance.
--
Change Federal regulations to allow States greater
flexibility in managing State Medicaid programs.
--
Develop new programs such as loan guarantees and
catastrophic insurance requirements for motor vehicle
registration.
I have directed Treasury to study the impact on provision of
catastrophic illness insurance coverage of the following tax
policy changes:
--
Expanding the 25% deduction available to sole proprietors or
unincorporated businesses to 100%, if coverage is included
for catastrophic illness.
--
Expanding the advantages of the current deduction for
incorporated businesses, if coverage is provided for
catastrophic illness.
-3-
--
Mandating that employer-provided insurance only be
deductible to the full extent provided by law if a
catastrophic illness coverage option is offered.
A report, on their findings, will be released in
1988.
Long-term care for the elderly
We will work with the private sector to educate the public
about the risks, costs, and financing options available for
long-term care, as well as the limitations of coverage for such
service under Medicare and Medigap supplement insurance.
The Treasury Department is studying ways of encouraging
personal savings for long-term care through a tax-favored
individual medical account (IMA) combined with insurance,
and amending individual retirement account (IRA) provisions
to permit tax-advantaged withdrawal of funds for long-term care
expenses. That report will be issued in
1988.
The Treasury Department is studying the development of the
private long-term care insurance market and will propose
legislation that would provide tax incentives for purchase of
such care by individuals or employers.
Catastrophic Illness Insurance for the Elderly
The Treasury Department is studying ways to replace Medicare
with a program of health care savings accounts for savings used
to buy basic post retirement health insurance.
My Administration will move aggressively to encourage
Medicare beneficiaries to enroll in private health plans, such as
HMOs, many of which offer catastrophic coverage.
AIDS
AIDS is a public health problem that requires our best
national efforts to combat the spread of this deadly virus. We
will encourage increased routine testing, research to find a
cure, and approval of drugs to treat the disease. We are moving
rapidly with a series of surveys conducted by the Public Health
Service to determine if the virus is spreading to that part of
the population that is now considered at low risk. Our
educational efforts which are designed to encourage behavioral
changes will continue at a vigorous pace.
-4-
HHS and the Office of Science and Technology Policy, are
developing an integrated, scientific modeling effort to evaluate
data on the HIV infection already obtained and ways to guide
further data collection to reduce the uncertainties in estimates
of prevalence and rates of spread.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) will continue to
collect and analyze data from current sources from which a
November 30, 1987 estimate of the prevalence of HIV in the U.S.
was made. In March and June 1988, and each quarter thereafter,
an estimate of the incidence of HIV and the rate of spread, based
on the data from these sources, will be provided to the Domestic
Policy Council.
Abortion
We are developing a solid body of public health information
on the effects of abortion on women. Growing numbers of women
who have had abortions now say that they have been misled by
inaccurate information. Making accurate data on maternal
morbidity available to women before an abortion is performed is
an essential element of informed consent. I have directed the
Surgeon General to issue a comprehensive medical report on the
health effects, physical and emotional, of abortion on women.
That report will be released in August 1988, with recommendations
on what further steps should be taken.
I have submitted legislation that would stop all federal
funding for abortion and have asked Congress to act quickly to
pass it. This continues to be a top priority, and I will do
everything possible to see abortion ended in this nation.
Adoption
Adoption is an important way for families to be strengthened.
Many children are waiting for loving homes and the taskforce on
adoption has issued a report that points out ways in which
barriers to adoption can be removed so that children who need
homes can be welcomed to families who want them. A full report
will be released by the Task Force in March 1988.
Crime
Reduction in crime continues to be a top priority. The
Comprehensive Crime bill submitted to Congress is still awaiting
action. It is important that we take action to protect our
streets and homes from those who terrorize them. Our law
enforcement officials need the tools to further reduce crime in
America.
-5-
Pornography
In 1985 the Commission on Pornography submitted a report
with recommendations on how to stop the $9 billion pornography
industry that threatens children and adults alike. Congress has
received the Child Protection and Obscenity amendments of 1987
which respond to 95% of the Commission's recommendations.
Passage of this legislation is vital, since it means that the
pornography industry's days are numbered. I am asking the
Congress to pass this legislation by June 1988. I will also
issue an Executive Order directing that all obscene material
being sold in any federally controlled installation be removed.
Low income opportunity
The independence of those who for reasons beyond their
control are temporarily receiving welfare is of continued
importance. The Low Income Opportunity Board, established by
Executive Order in 1987 is moving forward with the States in
order to provide new opportunities for welfare recipients to find
jobs and become financially independent.
Greater Opportunities Through Work (GROW) is a new
employment and training program in AID to Families with Dependent
Children (AFDC) which will prevent and reduce welfare dependency
by increasing the focus on activities that assist young
recipients and mothers of young children. GROW would lower the
current exemption from work activities for mothers with children
under six years of age to mothers with children under six months.
It will mandate large-scale participation in work activities by
welfare beneficiaries in all States. For the first time,
uncapped supporting Federal funds for job search and workfare
administration, job-related expenses, and child care will be
provided at a 50 percent matching rate with the States.
The Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) Summer Youth
Employment Program within the AFDC Youth Training Program will be
restructured to permit States to provide year-round intensive
services to young men and women in welfare families who face
multiple barriers to becoming productive adults. In addition to
education, employment and job training activities designed to
prepare and place youths in jobs, this new program will fund
basic and remedial education; counseling on drug abuse;
counseling on pre-natal care and pregnancy prevention; and
classes on child care and life skills planning.
-6-
The Child Support Enforcement Program will seek increased
payments by absent parents in support of the children they
brought into the world. This change builds on reforms enacted in
1984, which required States to set guidelines for support award
amounts. It requires judges to use these guidelines in almost
all cases. We are also recommending that incentive payments go
only to those States which are efficient and effective in
collecting child support payments on behalf of AFDC families.
Federalism
The appropriate relationship of the national, state and
local governments, as defined by the Constitution will be
strengthened by the implementation of my Executive Order on
Federalism which requirs that all departments and agencies of the
federal government to make sure that regulation and legislative
proposals do not preempt the authority of the states. This year
a major effort is under way to make sure that all departments and
agencies implement this Order.
The family
I issued an Executive Order requiring that all federal
regulation and legislation be measured by how they impact the
family. This is another step toward insuring that government
does not undermine family values. A report on federal programs
that have a negative impact on the family will be released in
March 1988, and recommendations on how to eliminate any negative
impact will be presented for my consideration.
Drug abuse
The White House Conference on Drug Abuse will be releasing
its findings in the Spring of 1988. Their recommendations will
help us in our continued fight against illegal drug use. The
Justice Department will continue its efforts to interdict drugs
from abroad and apprehend and prosecute those who continue to
traffic in drugs in this country.
-7-
CDBG Regulations
The Council will receive a recommendation from the Working
Group on Legal and Regulatory Policy on how to reconcile the
differences between recent Supreme Court decisions and
Administration policy regarding federal funding of emergency
shelters and staples for homeless people through religious
organizations.
Disability Rights
The Council may be asked to review proposed legislation
developed by the Working Group on legal and regulatory policy to
insure the right of disabled people to participage in the job
market on an equal basis as other Americans.
Homelessness
The Council may be asked to consider proposals that address
homelessness as proposed by the Interagency Council on the
Homeless.
4-12-85
(No. 71)
LL - - 1
BNA's Daily Reporter System
TAX-RELATED
DAILY REPORT FOR EXECUTIVES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS
PRESIDENT: REAGAN REDUCES CABINET-LEVEL
COUNCILS FROM SEVEN TO TWO MAJOR PANELS
President Reagan announced April 11 that he has reorganized the major policy-making
apparatus at the White House by reducing from seven to two the Cabinet-level policy councils
responsible for Administration initiatives on a broad range of domestic and international
matters.
In a statement issued in California, where he is vacationing, the President said he was
restructuring the Cabinet councils at the request of White House Chief of Staff Donald Regan,
who will be directly responsible for coordinating the activities of the two new policy panels.
Reagan said that the new Economic Policy Council and the Domestic Policy Council-both
of which he formally will chair-"will serve as the primary channels for advising me on
[domestic] policy matters."
Besides replacing the existing seven Cabinet councils, the two new policy panels also will
absorb the duties of the Senior Interagency Group-International Economic Policy (SIG-IEP).
Created four years ago, the seven Cabinet councils and SIG-IEP have played key roles in
shaping the economic and tax policies of the Administration. The most active of these panels,
the Cabinet Council on Economic Affairs, has been particularly instrumental in honing the
President's budget and tax programs since 1981
Other Cabinet councils were responsible for areas in commerce and trade; food and
agriculture; natural resources and the environment; human resources; management reforms,
and legal policy. Headed by Cabinet secretaries, each of these councils had dozens of working
groups that would work on specific projects for presentation either to the full Cabinet or
directly to the President.
Under the reorganized system announced April 11, the Economic Policy Council will be
primarily responsible for economic policy issues, while the Domestic Policy Council will
consider issues "not primarily economic in nature," according to White House officials.
One senior presidential assistant pointed out that the new Cabinet council system will
help eliminate time lags inherent in having many panels with equal authority reviewing similar
issues, as well as "intermural" activities that sometimes would slow policy development
among the seven individual Cabinet councils.
"These [two] new entities will streamline policy development and decision making,"
Reagan noted in his statement. "Together with the National Security Council (NSC), they will
serve as the primary channels for advising me on policy matters,' his statement read. By
statute, the NSC has primary responsibility over intelligence and security affairs, a White
House aide said.
White House spokesman Larry Speakes said that, while some internal personnel changes
will be made, "there won't be new jobs" added to the President's staff. Rather than create new
staffs for the two new councils, the White House Office of Policy Development staff will
continue to provide policy expertise, Speakes said, noting, however, there may be "new
persons to fill the [existing] slots.
Speakes said that the new Economic Policy Council will be composed of the secretaries of
State, Treasury, Agriculture, Commerce and Labor, plus the director of the Office of
Management and Budget, the U.S. Trade Representative and the chairman of the Council of
Economic Advisers.
Copyright © 1985 by THE BUREAU OF NATIONAL AFFAIRS, INC., Washington, D.C. 20037
0148-8155/85/$00.50
LL 2 (No. 71)
TAX-RELATED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS
(DER) 4-12-85
In addition, Speakes said, the heads of the national security community and the assistant
to the President for national security affairs will sit in on Council meetings whenever
necessary. In the absence of the President, Speakes said, Treasury Secretary James Baker
ill serve as chairman pro-tempore.
The new Domestic Policy Council will be composed of the attorney general, the
ecretaries of the Interior, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development,
Transportation, Energy and Education, and the director of the Office of Management and
Budget, Speakes said. "In my absence, the Attorney General [Edwin Meese] will serve as
chairman pro tempore," Reagan said in his statement.
Although the Defense Department is not listed on the official roster of either council,
Speakes said that "nothing should be read into" the omission. "Cap Weinberger is a statutory
member of the NSC. There are domestic sides of [policy], but I would judge that the secretary
of Defense and the director of the CIA [Central Intelligence Agency] will be involved in many
meetings on subjects that touch on their areas," Speakes said.
To coordinate the activities of both new councils, Speakes said that each will be headed
by an executive secretary who will report directly to Regan, as the single person with ultimate
responsibility over all policy-making under the President.
By his position, Regan also will serve as an ex officio member of the Economic and
Domestic Policy Councils, Speakes said, as will Vice President Bush.
--Θ
U.S. BUDGET: PROPOSED COLA LIMITS WOULD PUT
MORE THAN 600,000 BELOW POVERTY LINE, CBO SAYS
The cutbacks in cost-of-living adjustments for non-means-tested entitlement programs
proposed in the compromise budget plan agreed to by the White House and Senate GOP leaders
buld put more than 600,000 below the poverty line, according to a Congressional Budget
ffice study.
CBO simulated the effects of the COLA limits plan on recipients of Social Security,
railroad retirement, civil service retirement, and military retirement benefits. Under the
proposal, annual COLAs for these programs would be limited for the next three years to the
change in the Consumer Price Index minus two percentage points (Report No. 70, LL-2).
Also considered in the CBO analysis was an attendant increase in the federal
Supplemental Security Income guarantee level of $10 per month for individuals and $15 for
couples. The SSI program is geared to provide additional income for the very poor, largely the
low-income aged, the blind and disabled.
In addition, CBO calculated the effects of the compromise plan using both its own
inflation assumptions and those endorsed by the Office of Management and Budget.
Under the CBO assumptions the benefit increases would be 2.0 percent, 2.6 percent and
2.2 percent for the next three years, respectively. Recipients would receive 94.6 percent of
the benefits they would get under current law.
Using the OMB assumptions, the benefits would rise 2.1 percent, 2.3 percent, and 2.1
percent for the next three years, respectively, and beneficiaries would get 94.3 percent of
what they could expect under current law.
Using CBO's inflation assumptions, the reduction in COLAs for non-means-tested
program benefits would push 600,000 below the official poverty line. Of these additional poor,
410,000 would be elderly, CBO said. If the COLA reduction is offset by the increases in SSI
guarantees, the number of additional poor would be 530,000, of which 360,000 would be
lderly, according to the report.
Copyright © 1985 by THE BUREAU OF NATIONAL AFFAIRS, INC., Washington, D.C. 20037
0148-8155/85/$00.50