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Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
FOIA Number:
S
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:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File Draft Files
Subseries:
Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13482
Folder ID Number:
13482-002
Folder Title:
Talking Points--Ethics, 4/11/89
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
G
25
6
2
2
FINAL
April 12, 1989
TALKING POINTS
THE ADMINISTRATION'S ETHICS PROPOSAL
THE FOUR PRINCIPLES GUIDING THE PRESIDENT'S ACTIONS:
1.
To establish clear ethical guidelines;
2.
To ensure uniform standards among all three branches of
government;
3.
To insist that these standards be fair and reasonable;
4.
To ensure that these standards attract, not drive out,
talented men and women to government.
These concerns led the President to issue an Executive Order
creating the President's Commission on Federal Ethics Law
Reform. President Bush asked its members to recommend steps
to foster full confidence in the integrity of all federal
public officials and employees.
On March 9, this Commission filed its report and its
recommendations. In fact, legislation was sent on April
12th to the Congress, and the President issued an Executive
Order announcing ethical principles for the conduct of
executive-branch employees.
These actions seek a common end: To raise ethical standards,
to avoid conflicts of interest, and to ensure that the law
is respected in both fact and appearance.
THE ADMINISTRATION'S PROPOSAL:
PRINCIPLE: Clear ethical guidelines
The Administration is requesting a ban on outside earned
income for non-career Presidential appointees in the
executive branch, including all employees in the immediate
White House office.
The President is proposing expanded financial disclosure for
all three branches of government, and he has instructed his
staff to perform a comprehensive review of federal campaign
finance laws.
--
The President has already determined that Congress
should extend, for all members, the prohibition against
the conversion of political contributions for personal
or office use. He is calling on Congress to close this
loophole, and to close it this year.
2
Although it is not part of the legislative package, the
President believes PACs weaken the parties, restrain
competition and deaden the political debate. He
believes that PAC contributions to candidates should be
eliminated, and he will be consulting with the Congress
on this issue. President Bush is also opposed to
federal funding of congressional campaigns.
The Administration's legislative proposal also strengthens
the rules against abusing the revolving door for private
gain at the expense of the public trust. These rules must
not make government service a bar to productive work in the
private sector, but they must prohibit the appearance of
profiting from government service -- and this must include
the legislative branch.
President Bush is also proposing a 25 percent pay raise for
federal judges, while restricting their acceptance of
honoraria. He believes that honoraria for Members of
Congress should be banned. However, the President will not
make that formal proposal until after he consults with
Congress on the question of a congressional pay raise.
President Bush will include in that discussion the question
of a pay increase for certain Executive Branch positions,
including specialized jobs like those at the National
Institutes for Health.
PRINCIPLE: Uniform standards among all three branches
The President is requesting the extension of the Independent
Counsel statute to cover the Congress.
The Administration is also proposing that the federal
statute that prohibits employees from taking actions that
enhance their own financial interest be extended to cover
legislative and judicial branch employees.
There should also be an independent ethics office for the
Congress, to be headed by a clearly nonpartisan official,
confirmed by both houses.
President Bush is requesting that the existing one-year
post-employment "cooling-off" period for senior executive-
branch employees also apply to the legislative and judicial
branches.
PRINCIPLE: Fair and reasonable standards
Some financial interests, for example, are too minor to
create any meaningful conflict-of-interest. The President
wants the Office of Government Ethics to have the authority
3
to issue regulations authorizing waivers from the conflict-
of-interest statute.
However, at the same time, we're urging tougher penalties
when intentional violations of criminal conflict-of-interest
laws occur.
The Administration is asking officials from all three
branches to simplify the forms that must be completed by
prospective appointees. There will also be mandatory annual
briefings on ethics for Presidential appointees.
The executive order would call on the Office of Government
Ethics (OGE) to establish, for the first time, a single
unified set of standard of conduct regulations applicable
across the executive branch. (Agencies could only
supplement these regulations with OGE approval.)
PRINCIPLE: Attract and keep the best people in government
An ethics law is not a weapon, a blunt instrument with which
to pound a public servant. It is a tool to ensure a
government as honest as the American people.
We have carefully crafted new post-employment restrictions,
because we must not allow overly restrictive requirements to
be abused, or to keep talented people from entering public
service. And that is why we want to allow persons who are
required to divest assets to defer their tax liability.
###
ADDENDUM TO PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEWSPAPER EDITORS
Modern Democratic government works best when organized by
strong political parties. Yet we've allowed our parties to
become weakened and overshadowed by special interests. We can
best restore the role of the parties by limiting political action
committees. PACs weaken the parties, restrain competition and
deaden the political debate. I believe we should eliminate
RAC
contributions to candidates, by political action committees, and
I'll be consulting with Congress about that. I also oppose
federal funding of congressional campaigns.
April 12, 1989
TALKING POINTS
THE ADMINISTRATION'S ETHICS PROPOSAL
THE FOUR PRINCIPLES GUIDING THE PRESIDENT'S ACTIONS:
1.
To establish clear ethical guidelines;
2.
To ensure uniform standards among all three branches of
government;
3.
To insist that these standards be fair and reasonable;
4.
To ensure that these standards attract, not drive out,
talented men and women to government.
These concerns led the President to issue an Executive Order
creating the President's Commission on Federal Ethics Law
Reform. President Bush asked its members to recommend steps
to foster full confidence in the integrity of all federal
public officials and employees.
On March 9, this Commission filed its report and its
recommendations. In fact, legislation was sent on April
12th to the Congress, and the President issued an Executive
Order announcing ethical principles for the conduct of
executive-branch employees.
These actions seek a common end: To raise ethical standards,
to avoid conflicts of interest, and to ensure that the law
is respected in both fact and appearance.
THE ADMINISTRATION'S PROPOSAL:
PRINCIPLE: Clear ethical guidelines
The Administration is requesting a ban on outside earned
income for non-career Presidential appointees in the
executive branch, including all employees in the immediate
White House office.
The President is proposing expanded financial disclosure for
all three branches of government, and he has instructed his
staff to perform a comprehensive review of federal campaign
finance laws.
--
The President has already determined that Congress
should extend, for all members, the prohibition against
the conversion of political contributions for personal
or office use. He is calling on Congress to close this
loophole, and to close it this year.
2
Although it is not part of the legislative package, the
President believes PACs weaken the parties, restrain
competition and deaden the political debate. He
believes that PAC contributions to candidates should be
eliminated, and he will be consulting with the Congress
on this issue. President Bush is also opposed to
federal funding of congressional campaigns.
The Administration's legislative proposal also strengthens
the rules against abusing the revolving door for private
gain at the expense of the public trust. These rules must
not make government service a bar to productive work in the
private sector, but they must prohibit the appearance of
profiting from government service -- and this must include
the legislative branch.
President Bush is also proposing a 25 percent pay raise for
federal judges, while restricting their acceptance of
honoraria. He believes that honoraria for Members of
Congress should be banned. However, the President will not
make that formal proposal until after he consults with
Congress on the question of a congressional pay raise.
President Bush will include in that discussion the question
of a pay increase for certain Executive Branch positions,
including specialized jobs like those at the National
Institutes for Health.
PRINCIPLE: Uniform standards among all three branches
The President is requesting the extension of the Independent
Counsel statute to cover the Congress.
The Administration is also proposing that the federal
statute that prohibits employees from taking actions that
enhance their own financial interest be extended to cover
legislative and judicial branch employees.
There should also be an independent ethics office for the
Congress, to be headed by a clearly nonpartisan official,
confirmed by both houses.
President Bush is requesting that the existing one-year
post-employment "cooling-off" period for senior executive-
branch employees also apply to the legislative and judicial
branches.
PRINCIPLE: Fair and reasonable standards
Some financial interests, for example, are too minor to
create any meaningful conflict-of-interest. The President
wants the Office of Government Ethics to have the authority
3
to issue regulations authorizing waivers from the conflict-
of-interest statute.
However, at the same time, we're urging tougher penalties
when intentional violations of criminal conflict-of-interest
laws occur.
The Administration is asking officials from all three
branches to simplify the forms that must be completed by
prospective appointees. There will also be mandatory annual
briefings on ethics for Presidential appointees.
The executive order would call on the Office of Government
Ethics (OGE) to establish, for the first time, a single
unified set of standard of conduct regulations applicable
across the executive branch. (Agencies could only
supplement these regulations with OGE approval.)
PRINCIPLE: Attract and keep the best people in government
An ethics law is not a weapon, a blunt instrument with which
to pound a public servant. It is a tool to ensure a
government as honest as the American people.
We have carefully crafted new post-employment restrictions,
because we must not allow overly restrictive requirements to
be abused, or to keep talented people from entering public
service. And that is why we want to allow persons who are
required to divest assets to defer their tax liability.
###
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 11, 1989
MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
COMMUNICATIONS
FROM:
AMY L. SCHWARTZ ALS
ASSOCIATE COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Comments on Proposed Talking Points
Counsel's office has no objection to the proposed talking points
on the ethics proposal. It seemed to us, however, that it might
be helpful to add one additional bullet under the third principle
(fair and reasonable standards), as follows:
O
The executive order would call on the Office of
A
Government Ethics (OGE) to establish, for the first
time, a single unified set of standard of conduct
regulations applicable across the executive branch.
(Agencies could only supplement these regulations with
OGE approval.)
Please feel free to let me know if you have any questions.
Document No.
025211 SS
MASTERI
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
4/11/89
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
4/11/89 5:00 PM
TALKING POINTS ON ETHICS PROPOSAL
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN no comments
SCOWCROFT no comments
PORTER
written comments by phone
DARMAN attached
on copy
STUDDERT no comments
BATES no comments
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
CARD
WINSTON
CICCONI
PINKERTON comments
DEMAREST
written on
by phone- -
FITZWATER
OMB copy
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston,
Rm. 122, x2930, no later than 5:00 PM TODAY, Tuesday,
April 11, 1989, with an info copy to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
( (Grant))
1989 NR "
April 11, 1989
TALKING POINTS
THE ADMINISTRATION'S ETHICS PROPOSAL
OVERVIEW:
High ethical standards are central to this Administration,
and we will enforce them -- strictly, comprehensively,
fairly, and to the letter and spirit of the law.
We must work together to reform a public code of conduct
that is in disarray. It is not logical or fair. Such a
system ultimately breeds cynicism and contempt for the law.
To truly reform it, we must remember that standards of trust
and honesty are not dictated from regulations written in
Washington. Ethics in public service derive from the
natural integrity of the American people.
The American people are troubled when they hear of officials
in every branch of government who show a brazen contempt for
the letter or spirit of the law. The American people do not
understand why certain behavior is considered criminal when
committed by an executive branch official, and perfectly
legal when committed by a Member of Congress.
These concerns led the President to issue an Executive Order
creating the President's Commission on Federal Ethics Law
Reform. President Bush asked its members to recommend steps
to foster full confidence in the integrity of all federal
public officials and employees.
On March 9, this Commission filed its report and its
recommendations. In fact, legislation was sent on April
12th to the Congress, and the President issued an Executive
Order announcing ethical principles for the conduct of
executive-branch employees.
These actions seek a common end: To raise ethical standards,
to avoid conflicts of interest, and to ensure that the law
is respected in both fact and appearance.
THE FOUR PRINCIPLES GUIDING THE PRESIDENT'S ACTIONS:
1.
To establish clear ethical guidelines;
2.
To ensure uniform standards among all three branches of
government;
3.
To insist that these standards be fair and reasonable;
4.
To ensure that these standards attract, not drive out,
talented men and women to government.
THE ADMINISTRATION'S PROPOSAL:
PRINCIPLE: Clear ethical guidelines
earned
The Administration is requesting a ban on outside income for
non-career Presidential appointees in the executive branch,
including all employees in the immediate White House office.
The President is proposing expanded financial disclosure for
all three branches of government, and he has instructed his
staff to perform a comprehensive review of federal campaign
finance laws.
--
The President has already determined that Congress
should extend, for all members, the prohibition against
the conversion of political contributions for personal
or office use. He is calling on Congress to close this
loophole, and to close it this year.
The Administration's legislative proposal also strengthens
the rules against abusing the revolving door for private
gain at the expense of the public trust. These rules must
not make government service a bar to productive work in the
private sector, but they must prohibit the appearance of
profiting from government service -- and this must include
the legislative branch.
President Bush is also proposing a 25 percent pay raise for
federal judges, while restricting their acceptance of
honoraria. He believes that honoraria for Members of
Congress should be banned. However, the President will not
make that formal proposal until after he consults with
Congress on the question of a congressional pay raise.
President Bush will include in that discussion the question
of a pay increase for certain Executive Branch positions,
including specialized jobs like those at the National
Institutes for Health.
PRINCIPLE: Uniform standards among all three branches
The President is requesting the extension of the Independent
Counsel statute to cover the Congress.
The Administration is also proposing that the federal
statute that prohibits employees from taking actions that
enhance their own financial interest be extended to cover
legislative and judicial branch employees.
There should also be an independent ethics office for the
Congress, to be headed by a clearly nonpartisan official,
confirmed by both houses.
President Bush is requesting that the existing one-year
post-employment "cooling-off" period for senior executive-
branch employees also apply to the legislative and judicial
branches.
PRINCIPLE: Fair and reasonable standards
Some financial interests, for example, are too minor to
create any meaningful conflict-of-interest. The President
wants the Office of Government Ethics to have the authority
to issue regulations authorizing waivers from the conflict-
of-interest statute.
However, at the same time, we're urging tougher penalties
when intentional violations of criminal conflict-of-interest
laws occur.
The Administration is asking officials from all three
branches to simplify the forms that must be completed by
prospective appointees. There will also be mandatory annual
briefings on ethics for Presidential appointees.
InsertA
PRINCIPLE: Attract and keep the best people in government
An ethics law is not a weapon, a blunt instrument with which
to pound a public servant. It is a tool to ensure a
government as honest as the American people.
We have carefully crafted new post-employment restrictions,
because we must not allow overly restrictive requirements to
be abused, or to keep talented people from entering public
service. And that is why we want to allow persons who are
required to divest assets to defer their tax liability.
# # #
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 11, 1989
MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON
FROM:
ROGER B. PORTER
RBP
SUBJECT:
Talking Points on Ethics Proposal
The talking points are well written and should help us
get our message out on this important subject.
We have two editorial suggestions. On page one of the
third paragraph we suggest that the word "violate" replace the
phrase "show a brazen contempt for". In the first bullet on
page three of the draft we recommend the word "earned" be
inserted between "outside" and "income".
If you have any questions, please let me know.
025211 SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
4/11/89
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
4/11/89 5:00 PM
DATE:
TALKING POINTS ON ETHICS PROPOSAL
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
CARD
WINSTON
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston,
Rm. 122, x2930, no later than 5:00 PM TODAY, Tuesday,
April 11, 1989, with an info copy to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
James W, Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
( (Grant))
1989 NER "
April 11, 1989
TALKING POINTS
THE ADMINISTRATION'S ETHICS PROPOSAL
OVERVIEW:
High ethical standards are central to this Administration,
and we will enforce them -- strictly, comprehensively,
fairly, and to the letter and spirit of the law.
We must work together to reform a public code of conduct
that is in disarray. It is not logical or fair. Such a
system ultimately breeds cynicism and contempt for the law.
To truly reform it, we must remember that standards of trust
and honesty are not dictated from regulations written in
Washington. Ethics in public service derive from the
natural integrity of the American people.
The American people are troubled when they hear of officials
VIOCATE
in every branch of government who show a brazen contempt for
the letter or spirit of the law. The American people do not
understand why certain behavior is considered criminal when
committed by an executive branch official, and perfectly
legal when committed by a Member of Congress.
These concerns led the President to issue an Executive Order
creating the President's Commission on Federal Ethics Law
Reform. President Bush asked its members to recommend steps
to foster full confidence in the integrity of all federal
public officials and employees.
On March 9, this Commission filed its report and its
recommendations. In fact, legislation was sent on April
12th to the Congress, and the President issued an Executive
Order announcing ethical principles for the conduct of
executive-branch employees.
These actions seek a common end: To raise ethical standards,
to avoid conflicts of interest, and to ensure that the law
is respected in both fact and appearance.
THE FOUR PRINCIPLES GUIDING THE PRESIDENT'S ACTIONS:
1.
To establish clear ethical guidelines;
2.
To ensure uniform standards among all three branches of
government;
3.
To insist that these standards be fair and reasonable;
4.
To ensure that these standards attract, not drive out,
talented men and women to government.
THE ADMINISTRATION'S PROPOSAL:
PRINCIPLE: Clear ethical guidelines
earned
The Administration is requesting a ban on outsideMincome for
non-career Presidential appointees in the executive branch,
including all employees in the immediate White House office.
The President is proposing expanded financial disclosure for
all three branches of government, and he has instructed his
staff to perform a comprehensive review of federal campaign
finance laws.
--
The President has already determined that Congress
should extend, for all members, the prohibition against
the conversion of political contributions for personal
or office use. He is calling on Congress to close this
loophole, and to close it this year.
The Administration's legislative proposal also strengthens
the rules against abusing the revolving door for private
gain at the expense of the public trust. These rules must
not make government service a bar to productive work in the
private sector, but they must prohibit the appearance of
profiting from government service -- and this must include
the legislative branch.
President Bush is also proposing a 25 percent pay raise for
federal judges, while restricting their acceptance of
honoraria. He believes that honoraria for Members of
Congress should be banned. However, the President will not
make that formal proposal until after he consults with
Congress on the question of a congressional pay raise.
President Bush will include in that discussion the question
of a pay increase for certain Executive Branch positions,
including specialized jobs like those at the National
Institutes for Health.
PRINCIPLE: Uniform standards among all three branches
The President is requesting the extension of the Independent
Counsel statute to cover the Congress.
The Administration is also proposing that the federal
statute that prohibits employees from taking actions that
enhance their own financial interest be extended to cover
legislative and judicial branch employees.
There should also be an independent ethics office for the
Congress, to be headed by a clearly nonpartisan official,
confirmed by both houses.
President Bush is requesting that the existing one-year
post-employment "cooling-off" period for senior executive-
branch employees also apply to the legislative and judicial
branches.
PRINCIPLE: Fair and reasonable standards
Some financial interests, for example, are too minor to
create any meaningful conflict-of-interest. The President
wants the Office of Government Ethics to have the authority
to issue regulations authorizing waivers from the conflict-
of-interest statute.
However, at the same time, we're urging tougher penalties
when intentional violations of criminal conflict-of-interest
laws occur.
The Administration is asking officials from all three
branches to simplify the forms that must be completed by
prospective appointees. There will also be mandatory annual
briefings on ethics for Presidential appointees.
PRINCIPLE: Attract and keep the best people in government
An ethics law is not a weapon, a blunt instrument with which
to pound a public servant. It is a tool to ensure a
government as honest as the American people.
We have carefully crafted new post-employment restrictions,
because we must not allow overly restrictive requirements to
be abused, or to keep talented people from entering public
service. And that is why we want to allow persons who are
required to divest assets to defer their tax liability.
###
025211 SS
Document No.
2538
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
4/11/89
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
4/11/89 5:00 PM
TALKING POINTS ON ETHICS PROPOSAL
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
CARD
WINSTON
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston,
Rm. 122, x2930, no later than 5:00 PM TODAY, Tuesday,
April 11, 1989, with an info copy to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
TO: Chriss Winston
April 11, 1989
The NSC staff concurs on the attached talking points.
Brent Kates Scowcroft
James W, Cicconi
Assistant to the President
CC: James W. Cicconi
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
89 APR II All : 57
( (Grant))
1989 NR "
April 11, 1989
TALKING POINTS
THE ADMINISTRATION'S ETHICS PROPOSAL
OVERVIEW:
High ethical standards are central to this Administration,
and we will enforce them -- strictly, comprehensively,
fairly, and to the letter and spirit of the law.
We must work together to reform a public code of conduct
that is in disarray. It is not logical or fair. Such a
system ultimately breeds cynicism and contempt for the law.
To truly reform it, we must remember that standards of trust
and honesty are not dictated from regulations written in
Washington. Ethics in public service derive from the
natural integrity of the American people.
The American people are troubled when they hear of officials
in every branch of government who show a brazen contempt for
the letter or spirit of the law. The American people do not
understand why certain behavior is considered criminal when
committed by an executive branch official, and perfectly
legal when committed by a Member of Congress.
These concerns led the President to issue an Executive Order
creating the President's Commission on Federal Ethics Law
Reform. President Bush asked its members to recommend steps
to foster full confidence in the integrity of all federal
public officials and employees.
On March 9, this Commission filed its report and its
recommendations. In fact, legislation was sent on April
12th to the Congress, and the President issued an Executive
Order announcing ethical principles for the conduct of
executive-branch employees.
These actions seek a common end: To raise ethical standards,
to avoid conflicts of interest, and to ensure that the law
is respected in both fact and appearance.
THE FOUR PRINCIPLES GUIDING THE PRESIDENT'S ACTIONS:
1.
To establish clear ethical guidelines;
2.
To ensure uniform standards among all three branches of
government;
3.
To insist that these standards be fair and reasonable;
4.
To ensure that these standards attract, not drive out,
talented men and women to government.
THE ADMINISTRATION'S PROPOSAL:
PRINCIPLE: Clear ethical guidelines
The Administration is requesting a ban on outside income for
non-career Presidential appointees in the executive branch,
including all employees in the immediate White House office.
The President is proposing expanded financial disclosure for
all three branches of government, and he has instructed his
staff to perform a comprehensive review of federal campaign
finance laws.
--
The President has already determined that Congress
should extend, for all members, the prohibition against
the conversion of political contributions for personal
or office use. He is calling on Congress to close this
loophole, and to close it this year.
The Administration's legislative proposal also strengthens
the rules against abusing the revolving door for private
gain at the expense of the public trust. These rules must
not make government service a bar to productive work in the
private sector, but they must prohibit the appearance of
profiting from government service -- and this must include
the legislative branch.
President Bush is also proposing a 25 percent pay raise for
federal judges, while restricting their acceptance of
honoraria. He believes that honoraria for Members of
Congress should be banned. However, the President will not
make that formal proposal until after he consults with
Congress on the question of a congressional pay raise.
President Bush will include in that discussion the question
of a pay increase for certain Executive Branch positions,
including specialized jobs like those at the National
Institutes for Health.
PRINCIPLE: Uniform standards among all three branches
The President is requesting the extension of the Independent
Counsel statute to cover the Congress.
The Administration is also proposing that the federal
statute that prohibits employees from taking actions that
enhance their own financial interest be extended to cover
legislative and judicial branch employees.
There should also be an independent ethics office for the
Congress, to be headed by a clearly nonpartisan official,
confirmed by both houses.
President Bush is requesting that the existing one-year
post-employment "cooling-off" period for senior executive-
branch employees also apply to the legislative and judicial
branches.
PRINCIPLE: Fair and reasonable standards
Some financial interests, for example, are too minor to
create any meaningful conflict-of-interest. The President
wants the Office of Government Ethics to have the authority
to issue regulations authorizing waivers from the conflict-
of-interest statute.
However, at the same time, we're urging tougher penalties
when intentional violations of criminal conflict-of-interest
laws occur.
The Administration is asking officials from all three
branches to simplify the forms that must be completed by
prospective appointees. There will also be mandatory annual
briefings on ethics for Presidential appointees.
PRINCIPLE: Attract and keep the best people in government
An ethics law is not a weapon, a blunt instrument with which
to pound a public servant. It is a tool to ensure a
government as honest as the American people.
We have carefully crafted new post-employment restrictions,
because we must not allow overly restrictive requirements to
be abused, or to keep talented people from entering public
service. And that is why we want to allow persons who are
required to divest assets to defer their tax liability.
# # #
Document No.
025211 SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
4/11/89
DATE:
APR
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
4/11/89 5:00 PM
TALKING POINTS ON ETHICS PROPOSAL
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
CARD
WINSTON
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston,
Rm. 122, x2930, no later than 5:00 PM TODAY, Tuesday,
April 11, 1989, with an info copy to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
See changes
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
( (Grant))
1989 NR. "
April 11, 1989
TALKING POINTS
of
THE ADMINISTRATION'S ETHICS PROPOSAL
OVERVIEW:
Pink this crapola- says
High ethical standards are central to this Administration,
and we will enforce them -- strictly, comprehensively,
Lead w/4
fairly and to the letter and spirit of the law.
wring order TO
clayo
We must work together torreform a public code of conduct
that is in disarray. It is reither not logical Nor fair. Such a
system ultimately breeds cynicism and contempt for the law.
To truly reform it, we must remember that standards of trust
and honesty are not dictated from by regulations written in
Washington. Ethics in public service derive from the
natural integrity of the American people.
The American people are troubled when they hear of officials
violate t Porter
in every branch of government who
show a brazen contempt for
the letter or spirit of the law. The American people do not
understand why certain behavior is considered criminal when
committed by an executive branch official, and perfectly
legal when committed by a Member of Congress.
These concerns led the President to issue an Executive Order
creating the President's Commission on Federal Ethics Law
Reform. President Bush asked its members to recommend steps
to foster full confidence in the integrity of all federal
should
public officials and employees.
On March 9, this Commission filed its report and its
follow These
principles the
recommendations. In fact, legislation was sent on April
12th to the Congress, and the President issued an Executive
Order announcing ethical principles for the conduct of
executive-branch employees.
These actions seek a common end: To raise ethical standards,
to avoid conflicts of interest, and to ensure that the law
is respected in both fact and appearance.
THE FOUR PRINCIPLES GUIDING THE PRESIDENT'S ACTIONS:
1.
To establish clear ethical guidelines;
2.
To ensure uniform standards among all three branches of
government;
3.
To insist that these standards be fair and reasonable;
4.
To ensure that these standards attract, not drive out,
talented men and women to government.
THE ADMINISTRATION'S PROPOSAL:
Pink
PRINCIPLE: Clear ethical guidelines
yes Amydd says schwart it
The Administration is requesting a ban on outside income
non-career Presidential appointees in the executive branch,
including all employees in the immediate White House office.
The President is proposing expanded financial disclosure for
all three branches of government, and he has instructed his
staff to perform a comprehensive review of federal campaign
finance laws.
--
The President has already determined that Congress
should extend, for all members, the prohibition against
the conversion of political contributions for personal
or office use. He is calling on Congress to close this
loophole, and to close it this year.
The Administration's legislative proposal also strengthens
the rules against abusing the revolving door for private
gain at the expense of the public trust. These rules must
not make government service a bar to productive work in the
private sector, but they must prohibit the appearance of
profiting from government service -- and this must include
the legislative branch.
President Bush is also proposing a 25 percent pay raise for
federal judges, while restricting their acceptance of
honoraria. He believes that honoraria for Members of
Congress should be banned. However, the President will not
make that formal proposal until after he consults with
Congress on the question of a congressional pay raise.
President Bush will include in that discussion the question
of a pay increase for certain Executive Branch positions,
including specialized jobs like those at the National
Institutes for Health.
PRINCIPLE: Uniform standards among all three branches
The President is requesting the extension of the Independent
Counsel statute to cover the Congress.
The Administration is also proposing that the federal
statute that prohibits employees from taking actions that
enhance their own financial interest be extended to cover
legislative and judicial branch employees.
There should also be an independent ethics office for the
Congress, to be headed by a clearly nonpartisan official,
confirmed by both houses.
President Bush is requesting that the existing one-year
post-employment "cooling-off" period for senior executive-
branch employees also apply to the legislative and judicial
branches.
PRINCIPLE: Fair and reasonable standards
Some financial interests, for example, are too minor to
create any meaningful conflict-of-interest. The President
wants the Office of Government Ethics to have the authority
to issue regulations authorizing waivers from the conflict-
of-interest statute.
clay
However, at the same time, we're-urging heis tougher penalties for
3080
when
intentional violations of criminal conflict-of-interest
laws occur.
The Administration is asking officials from all three
branches to simplify the forms that must be completed by
prospective appointees. There will also be mandatory annual
briefings on ethics for Presidential appointees.
PRINCIPLE: Attract and keep the best people in government
clay
An ethics law is not a weapon, a blunt instrument with which
3080
to pound a public servant. It is a tool to ensure a
government as honest as the American people.
We The have Administration carefully crafted has new post-employment restrictions, day
3080
must not be
because we must not allow overly restrictive requirements too
and Must not
be abused, or to keep talented people from entering public
service. And that is why we want to allow persons who are
should be e allowed
required to divest assets to defer their tax liability.
###
025211 SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
4/11/89
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
4/11/89 5:00 PM
DATE:
TALKING POINTS ON ETHICS PROPOSAL
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
CARD
WINSTON
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston,
Rm. 122, x2930, no later than 5:00 PM TODAY, Tuesday,
April 11, 1989, with an info copy to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
James W, Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
( (Grant))
1989 APR 1,
April 11, 1989
TALKING POINTS
THE ADMINISTRATION'S ETHICS PROPOSAL
OVERVIEW:
High ethical standards are central to this Administration,
and we will enforce them -- strictly, comprehensively,
fairly, and to the letter and spirit of the law.
We must work together to reform a public code of conduct
that is in disarray. It is not logical or fair. Such a
system ultimately breeds cynicism and contempt for the law.
To truly reform it, we must remember that standards of trust
and honesty are not dictated from regulations written in
Washington. Ethics in public service derive from the
natural integrity of the American people.
The American people are troubled when they hear of officials
in every branch of government who show a brazen contempt for
the letter or spirit of the law. The American people do not
understand why certain behavior is considered criminal when
committed by an executive branch official, and perfectly
legal when committed by a Member of Congress.
These concerns led the President to issue an Executive Order
creating the President's Commission on Federal Ethics Law
Reform. President Bush asked its members to recommend steps
to foster full confidence in the integrity of all federal
public officials and employees.
On March 9, this Commission filed its report and its
recommendations. In fact, legislation was sent on April
12th to the Congress, and the President issued an Executive
Order announcing ethical principles for the conduct of
executive-branch employees.
These actions seek a common end: To raise ethical standards,
to avoid conflicts of interest, and to ensure that the law
is respected in both fact and appearance.
THE FOUR PRINCIPLES GUIDING THE PRESIDENT'S ACTIONS:
1.
To establish clear ethical guidelines;
2.
To ensure uniform standards among all three branches of
government;
3.
To insist that these standards be fair and reasonable;
4.
To ensure that these standards attract, not drive out,
talented men and women to government.
THE ADMINISTRATION'S PROPOSAL:
PRINCIPLE: Clear ethical guidelines
The Administration is requesting a ban on outside income for
non-career Presidential appointees in the executive branch,
including all employees in the immediate White House office.
The President is proposing expanded financial disclosure for
all three branches of government, and he has instructed his
staff to perform a comprehensive review of federal campaign
finance laws.
--
The President has already determined that Congress
should extend, for all members, the prohibition against
the conversion of political contributions for personal
or office use. He is calling on Congress to close this
loophole, and to close it this year.
The Administration's legislative proposal also strengthens
the rules against abusing the revolving door for private
gain at the expense of the public trust. These rules must
not make government service a bar to productive work in the
private sector, but they must prohibit the appearance of
profiting from government service -- and this must include
the legislative branch.
President Bush is also proposing a 25 percent pay raise for
federal judges, while restricting their acceptance of
honoraria. He believes that honoraria for Members of
Congress should be banned. However, the President will not
make that formal proposal until after he consults with
Congress on the question of a congressional pay raise.
President Bush will include in that discussion the question
of a pay increase for certain Executive Branch positions,
including specialized jobs like those at the National
Institutes for Health.
PRINCIPLE: Uniform standards among all three branches
The President is requesting the extension of the Independent
Counsel statute to cover the Congress.
The Administration is also proposing that the federal
statute that prohibits employees from taking actions that
enhance their own financial interest be extended to cover
legislative and judicial branch employees.
There should also be an independent ethics office for the
Congress, to be headed by a clearly nonpartisan official,
confirmed by both houses.
President Bush is requesting that the existing one-year
post-employment "cooling-off" period for senior executive-
branch employees also apply to the legislative and judicial
branches.
PRINCIPLE: Fair and reasonable standards
Some financial interests, for example, are too minor to
create any meaningful conflict-of-interest. The President
wants the Office of Government Ethics to have the authority
to issue regulations authorizing waivers from the conflict-
of-interest statute.
However, at the same time, we're urging tougher penalties
when intentional violations of criminal conflict-of-interest
laws occur.
The Administration is asking officials from all three
branches to simplify the forms that must be completed by
prospective appointees. There will also be mandatory annual
briefings on ethics for Presidential appointees.
PRINCIPLE: Attract and keep the best people in government
An ethics law is not a weapon, a blunt instrument with which
to pound a public servant. It is a tool to ensure a
government as honest as the American people.
We have carefully crafted new post-employment restrictions,
because we must not allow overly restrictive requirements to
be abused, or to keep talented people from entering public
service. And that is why we want to allow persons who are
required to divest assets to defer their tax liability.
# # #