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Budget Deadline Research--Deadline Memos 3/20/92 [OA 7570] [1]
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Budget Deadline Research--Deadline Memos 3/20/92 [OA 7570] [1]
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Folder Title:
Budget Deadline Research--Deadline Memos 3/20/92 [OA 7570] [1]
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26
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1
FEBRUARY 26, 1992
MEMORANDUM FOR SPEECHWRITERS AND RESEARCHERS
FROM
DOUG CHIA, RESEARCH INTERN DC
RE
POTUS AND CONGRESS
The POTUS' continuing frustrations with getting legislation
through Congress may be caused mostly by the fact that he is
forced to play on an unlevel field. Here is an interesting fact:
When President George Bush took office in 1989, he became
the only elected Republican President in history to start his
first term with such a one-sided Democratic Congress.
101st. Congress
House:
D-259, R-174
(difference= D-85)
Senate:
D-55, R-45
(difference= D-10)
However, President Bush has not faced the most lopsided
Democratic Congress of any Republican President at any time
during a Presidency. President Gerald Ford had it worse as did
President Dwight Eisenhower.
102nd. Congress
House:
D-267, R-167
(difference= D-100)
(Bush)
Senate:
D-56, R-44
(difference= D-12)
94th. Congress
House:
D-291, R-144
(difference= D-147)
(Ford)
Senate:
D-60, R-37R
(difference= D-23)
86th. Congress
House:
D-283, R-153
(difference= D-130)
(Eisenhower)
Senate:
D-64, R-34
(difference= D-30)
President Eisenhower was in his final term in office when
Congress managed to get so lopsided, and you can probably guess
why President Ford had to face the biggest differential for any
Republican President ever.
MEMORANDUM
TO:
SPEECHWRITERS AND RESEARCHERS
FROM:
DOUG CHIA, RESEARCH INTERN IC
DATE:
FEBRUARY 21, 1992
RE:
COMPLAINTS ABOUT MARCH 20 DEADLINE
MAGIC NUMBER: 28
The Washington Post decided to write my memo today about the cat
and mouse games going on over on Capitol Hill in regards to the
deadline. See attached article.
Meanwhile, we research interns have been busy monitoring
Congress' work habits since the SOTU. A calendar for each
chamber is attached showing the vital information. Take for
example Tuesday, February 11, 1992: The Senate called it a day
after a thirty-eight second pro forma session on their ninth day
in session since the SOTU. The House topped that performance by
clocking-in a forty-seven minute session with no legislative
business on their seventh (out of a possible fourteen) day in
session since January 28. We will continue updating this
calendar until March 20.
THE WASHINGTON POST
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1992 A17
HE FEDERAL PAGE
Graphically, Senators Make Their Points
Floor Becomes Stage for Assigning Economic Blame, but Many Deplore Lack of Substance
By Helen Dewar
DEMOCRATS
Washington Post Staff Writer
On and off for the past couple of
weeks, Republicans have dragged a
REPUBLICANS
large chart onto the Senate floor and
Bush ECOROMIC
DAYS OF RECESSION
deposited it in a convenient spot for
Growth Plan
BEFORE PRESIDENT BUSH:
the television cameras that record
the chamber's proceedings. The
1st Time Home Buyer
chart shows the number of days-
declining by one every day-that
Penalty-Free IRA will
acknowledged the recession
533 days
remain before President Bush's
Capital Gains Rate #
July 1. 1890 December 18, 1991
March 20 deadline for Congress to
act on his economic recovery pro-
DAYS
Investment Tax Allo
provided extended UI benefits 502 days
gram.
Democrats, never to be outdone
July 1, 1880 November 15, 1991
when it comes to charts and cam-
eras, have responded with strategic-
announced an economic plan 576 days
ally located graphics of their own,
including one with giant-sized num-
Passive Less Hello
July 1, 1990 January 28, 1992
bers-far larger than the Republican
20th
numbers-to remind viewers how
Simplify AMT Der
long it had been since the "Bush re-
cession" started: 585 days.
For Americans who cannot get
THE WASHINGTON POST
enough of finger-pointing, scapegoat-
ing and partisan posturing by poli-
Dole (R-Kan.) after introducing the
Mich.) expanded on that view. "First
themes, Dole arrived on the Senate
ticians in Washington, the Senate is
president's economic program-
Reagan-Bush, and then Bush-Quayle,
floor Wednesday, the day after the
the place to watch these days.
and the countdown-to-deadline
has been in office now 11 years," he
New Hampshire primary, with a
But for those who are fed up with
chart-on Feb. 5. "Forty-four days
said. "That is over 4,000 days. They
new chart twitting the Democrats
what they regard as politics-as-usual
to make a difference for every man,
have had 4,000 days to construct an
for the success of Tsongas, who,
in Washington-a majority of their
woman and child in America-44
economic growth plan for America,
opposed the Democrats' proposals
constituents, many lawmakers say,
more days to decide if Congress will
and they have not done it."
for middle-income tax cuts. It read:
be part of the solution or part of the
When the Democrats started roll-
"Bob Dole Gift Certificate: To Paul:-
pointing to the New Hampshire
showings of former senator Paul E.
problem," he added.
ing out their charts, they noted,
Tsongas. One free trip to Washing-
Tsongas and commentator Patrick J.
"The president says he wants us
among other things, that it took 502
ton (all expenses paid). Purpose:-
to act within 44 days on this eco-
days from the start of the recession
Convince fellow Democrats to aban-
Buchanan-the scene in recent days
for Bush to agree to extended eco-
don class warfare strategy; give up
will only reinforce their dissatisfac-
nomic growth plan," responded
nomic benefits and 533 days from its
anti-growth, anti-business, anti-con-.
tion.
start before the president acknowl-
sumer agenda."
"This is what people back home
don't want to hear from us. It really
For Americans avid
edged that it had started.
If voters are not impressed by
Others, such as Sen. Pete V. Do-
this kind of thing, why do senators
does confirm their worst
for finger-pointing,
menici (R-N.M.), ranking minority
keep on doing it?
impressions.
I think they prob-
member of the Budget Committee,
No one is really sure.
ably just tune out," said Sen. Nancy
weighed in with yet another set of
"Dole started it" with his count-
Landon Kassebaum (R-Kan.).
the Senate is the
numbers. "Tomorrow, if I am here,"
down-to-March 20 chart, and "we
"It demonstrates the type of con-
place to watch these
he said the day after Dole kicked off
had to respond," said a Democratic
duct that people are so antagonistic
the rhetorical exchanges, "I will
aide.
and hostile toward.
It reminds
days.
come to the floor and I will borrow
"Actually, the Democrats started
me of kids playing marbles," said
the chart that says 494 days. I will
early in January with criticism of the
Sen. Dale Bumpers (D-Ark.).
make it 493. But I will put under it,
president, and then our side an-
"There really is a thirst for sub-
Budget Committee Chairman Jim
'Democratically-led Congress has
swered, and it started going back and
stance and an appreciation for it by
Sasser (D-Tenn.). "It took him 548
done nothing about the recession
forth and it keeps on going," said
people when they see it," said Sen.
days in this 18-month recession, the
for 493 days.'
Kassebaum. "Both parties want to
John C. Danforth (R-Mo.), speaking
longest recession since the Second
Domenici also started passing out
get out their side of the story. One
of Tsongas's victory.
World War, to come forward and
peanut-butter cups, costing 54
thing leads to another, and then it's
But any thirst for substance
even propose some sort of fig-leaf
L
cents a pair, to illustrate the daily
a, well, it becomes a moveable feast."
would not be quenched by the Sen-
economic growth plan to this Con-
value of the Democrats' proposed
"The leaders should be willing to
ate debate over which party is more
gress" in his State of the Union ad-
$200 tax reduction for middle-in-
stand up and say, 'Stop, no more, cut
to blame for inaction on the nation's
dress Jan. 28, Sasser added. And
come Americans. "Frankly, if I had
it out,' but they won't do it," said a
economic problems.
now "he wants us to act on it within
a plan like that I would wait 494
senator who asked not to be identi-
"It is 44 days and counting," said
44 days."
days, too," he added.
fied. "I'm not sure they get it," he
Senate Minority Leader Robert J.
Sen. Donald W. Riegle Jr. (D-
In a variation on the earlier
added.
SENATE
CITIDAY
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1/29
1/30
1/31
-2/1
In Session
In Session
In Session
11:00AM-7: 05PM
10:00AM-8:09PM
8:30AM-2:37PM
Magic #: 51
50
49
DIS/DSS= 1/1
2/2
3/3
2/2
2/3
2/4
2/5
2/6
2/7
2/8
In Session
In Session
In Session
In Session
In Session
2:00PM-5: 0PM
9:10AM-7:22PM
10:30AM-7:28PM
8:30AM-10:23PM
9:00AM-5:12PM
46
45
44
43
42
4/6
5/7
6/8
7/9
8/10
2/9
2/10
2/11
2/12
2/13
2/14
2/15
NOT
In Session
NOT
NOT
In Session
*Pro Forma
*Pro Forma
IN
IN
IN
11AM- 11 : 00 : 38AM
11:00:32AM -
SESSION
38
SESSION
SESSION
11:01:10AM
35
9/14
10/17
2/16
2/17
2/18
2/19
2/20
2/21
2/22
NOT
In Session
In Session
In Session
9:30AM-7: : 31PM
9:00AM-8:11PM
NLB
IN
31
30
11AM
SESSION
11/21
12/22
KEY
DIS/DSS=Days in Session
Days Since SOTU
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
SUNDAY
MONDAY A 77
TUESDAY 7 Y
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1/29
1/30
1/31
2/1
In Session
In Session
NOT
*Pro Forma
*Pro Forma
IN
2:00PM-3:52 PM
11:00AM-3:08PM
SESSION
Magic #: 51
50
DIS/DSS=1/1
2/2
2/2
2/3
2/4
2/5
2/6
2/7
2/8
In Session
In Session
In Session
NOT
In Session
No Legislative
12:00PM-6:20PM
1:00PM-10:37PM
IN
*Pro Forma
Business
45
44
SESSION
42
12:00PM-1:18PM
46
4/7
5/8
6/10
3/6
2/9
2/10
2/11
2/12
2/13
2/14
2/15
NOT
In Session
NOT
NOT
In Session
IN
No Leg. Business
IN
IN
No Leg. Business
Session
12:00PM-12:47PM
Session
Session
11:00AM-11:05AM
38
35
7/14
8/17
2/16
2/17
2/18
2/19
2/20
2/21
2/22
NOT
In Session
In Session
In Session
N/S
IN
12:00PM-1:43PM
2:00PM-4 : 59PM
NLB
Session
31
30
9/21
10/22
2/23
2/24
2/25
2/26
2/27
2/28
2/29
IS
is
NLB
1.2 ?
12-?
KEY
DIS/DSS=Days in Session
Days Since SOTU
MEMORANDUM
TO:
SPEECHWRITERS AND RESEARCHERS
FROM:
DOUG CHIA, RESEARCH INTERN DC
DATE:
FEBRUARY 14, 1992
RE:
COMPLAINTS ABOUT MARCH 20 DEADLINE
(correct) MAGIC NUMBER: 35
Even though Speaker Thomas Foley had said that "[a] recess
cancellation would achieve nothing," the House last week decided
not to take the President's Day recess, also called a "district
work period," as originally planned.
The Senate took its recess as planned, but Sen. George Mitchell
cancelled another recess scheduled for March 9 to 16. Last week,
Sen. Mitchell rejected Sen. Arlen Specter's request that the
President's Day recess be cancelled in order to meet the
President's deadline. Sen. Mitchell also declared that votes
will be held every Friday the Senate is in session to prevent
Senators from skipping town every Thursday. "We cannot tolerate
a situation in which the Senate simply cannot transact business
on those relatively few days when we are, in fact, in session..."
said the Senate Majority Leader.
Meanwhile, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Lloyd Bentsen warned
that "[i]f [the President] makes any more changes [in his
proposals], in fact, he may be unable to meet the deadline
himself."
Editorials
ROLL CALL
Buckle Down
2/13/92.
The House leadership last week decided to cancel the scheduled Lincoln/
Washington Birthday recess. Instead, leaders agreed not to meet Monday,
meet pro forma on Tuesday, not meet yesterday and today, and meet pro
forma tomorrow. Next week, the House will be out of session on Monday and
return to work on Tuesday. Good thing recess was cancelled.
An aide to Speaker Tom Foley (D-Wash) called the compromise "a mid-
way point between recess and no recess." But the truth is that when the House
meets pro forma, there are no scheduled debates, no votes, and no legislative
business. In effect, the House floor is shut down for the week.
Clearly, the compromise was hatched between high-pressure Republicans,
led by Minority Whip Newt Gingrich (R-Ga), who wanted simply to go on
record fighting to cancel recess, and Democrats who wanted to avoid an
embarrassing vote on the issue.
But all of this is just partisan antics surrounding the President's economic
growth package: Republicans want Democrats to look like they're stalling on
the March 20 deadline, while the Democrats actually are saying they will vote
on the plan by then.
But the bickering over this week's recess is eclipsing the bigger issue: The
House has not accomplished a thing in months. The first session of the 102nd
Congress effectively adjourned Nov. 27. The second session officially recon-
vened nearly six weeks ago on Jan. 3. Since then, the House has been in
session for a total of 11 days, including pro forma sessions. In that time, there
have been only 13 votes, including nine on Feb. 5 dealing with the post office
scandal and October Surprise. Still awaiting action: the education bill, Family
and Medical Leave Act, a crime bill, campaign finance reform, and, of course,
the economic growth plan.
We're in an election year, and charades like last week's move to "cancel"
the recess are insulting to the public and harmful to the institution. And at the
moment, Congress can't afford more bad feelings.
Meanwhile, Members on both sides of the aisle flew out of DC last week-
end for scheduled trips abroad. This newspaper has long defended so-called
fact-finding missions, and we still find them noble voyages. But if Members
are not careful, Congress soon will join President Bush as the victim of
accusations that domestic issues are playing second fiddle to foreign affairs.
Upon its return Tuesday, the House does not have a scheduled "District
Work Period" until Easter recess begins on April 13. We think it would be a
good idea to use this time wisely, to buckle down and get to work.
MEMORANDUM
TO:
SPEECHWRITERS AND RESEARCHERS
FROM:
DOUG CHIA, RESEARCH INTERN De
DATE:
FEBRUARY 11, 1992
RE:
COMPLAINTS ABOUT MARCH 20 DEADLINE
MAGIC NUMBER: 28
Talk about the deadline has died down quite a bit. Here is a
compilation of comments gathered from the past few days:
In an exchange with Samuel Skinner on NBC's "Meet The Press,"
John Cochran said, "[0]f course, Congress will not [pass the
President's economic package] by March 20."
Campaigning in New Hampshire, Patrick Buchanan said, "When
[Ronald Reagan] came to Washington, he buckled on his sword and
he went out and fought from Day One for what he wanted. He did
not wait until March 20 of his fourth year in office."
Sen. Bob Packwood said Thursday that it was unlikely Congress
would meet the March 20 deadline the President set.
Roll Call reports that the deadline is slowing the movement of a
campaign finance reform bill. They state that Speaker Thomas
Foley and Sen. George Mitchell have "concern that President
Bush's March 20 deadline for action on his economic growth
package could interfere with the timetable [for campaign finance
reform legislation].
Roll Call also reports that Republicans see Senate procedures
generating over 100 amendments onto a tax policy that would bog
things down as March 20 approaches. Sen. Mitchell "says he
wouldn't put it past Republicans themselves to slow the process
down, then point the finger at Democrats."
ROLL CALL
Miss Deadline,
2/10/92.
Lose $355/Day,
Seymour Urges
By Karen Foerstel
Sen. John Seymour (R-Calif) wants his
colleagues to be docked one day's pay,
every day starting March 21, if they fail to
pass an economic growth package by the
deadline set by President Bush during his
State of the Union message last month.
Seymour introduced legislation Thurs-
day night calling for the Secretary of the
Senate to withhold $355 from each
Senator's paycheck for each day past the
President's March 20 deadline that a pack-
age is not passed.
The amount of $355 was derived from
the annual Senate salary of $129,500. If the
Senators would have
to pass Bush's
economic plan, or some
other, by March 20.
package were not passed until June 1, for
example, the delay would cost each Senator
$25,560.
"Either we produce or we do not get
paid," Seymour, who faces a tough election
race this year, said on the floor Thursday.
"No package, no pay. That is the challenge."
Under the legislation, S.J. Res. 253, the
docked pay would be transferred daily to
the Unemployment Trust Fund.
"[It] may be the first time that our pen-
chant for inactivity would be put to good
use," Seymour said.
The legislation does not require that the
Senate approve the exact economic growth
package called for by Bush, but simply that
some package addressing the matter is
passed by the Senate. Members would not
get their missed pay returned to them after
an economic growth package was passed.
So far, the joint resolution has received
no co-sponsors, but a Seymour aide said
several offices have been contacted and
have expressed an interest.
MEMORANDUM
TO:
SPEECHWRITERS AND RESEARCHERS
FROM:
DOUG CHIA, RESEARCH INTERN DC
DATE:
FEBRUARY 5, 1992
RE:
COMPLAINTS ABOUT MARCH 20 DEADLINE
MAGIC NUMBER: 44
Rep. Dan Rostenkowski said today that he is "drop-dead" serious
about getting tax cuts passed quickly to get the economy out of
its slump and that he is "ready to cooperate with any good-faith
effort to get this economy moving" and to meet the deadline.
"There will be only one tax bill this year, and it's going to be
written in the next few weeks as the President has demanded."
Meeting the President's timetable is a "tall order, he said, but
he pledged that his Ways and Means Committee would act swiftly,
"not because of the President's demand, but rather because
there's a lot of pain in America today." They will begin
drafting a bill next Wednesday and work through the weekend if
necessary.
Sen. Lloyd Bentsen said that every effort will be made to meet
the deadline, but added, "We're not going to rubber-stamp what
the President proposed.' He said his Finance Committee will
begin action on a bill Feb. 19.
Speaker Thomas Foley predicted "a very early vote" on an economic
package and said it would come well before March 20. Foley said
Friday that "I'm satisfied we'll bring both [a budget and tax
reform package] by the March 20 deadline."
Sen. Arlen Specter urged fellow Senators to forego their Feb.8 to
17 recess and instead work on solving the nation's economic
problems. "I believe it is incumbent on us, Mr. President, to
tackle these problems right now, Friday afternoon, Jan. 23 [sic],
almost 2 p.m. ... I don't think we ought to be in recess in
February, Mr. President, and I don't think we ought to be in
recess in March, and I think this Congress ought to respond to
this President's challenge of a March 20 date."
MEMORANDUM
TO:
SPEECHWRITERS AND RESEARCHERS
FROM:
DOUG CHIA, RESEARCH INTERN DC
DATE:
FEBRUARY 4, 1992
RE:
COMPLAINTS ABOUT MARCH 20 DEADLINE
MAGIC NUMBER: 45
Not much noise today about the deadline except from CBS's Susan
Spencer who last night said, "I think [the POTUS's plan] has
absolutely no chance of passing before this artificial deadline.
Parts of it probably will get through because the Democrats don't
want to be blamed for everything. What we all have to keep in
mind, of course, is that this plan is now five days old, and
suddenly there's this urgency about it that didn't exist before."
The attached article from the latest issue of Congressional
Quarterly is worth reading.
CQ
2/1/92.
Congress' Latest Deadline
"I submit my plan tomorrow. And I am asking you to
But with the economy limping along and an election less
pass it by March 20. And I ask the American people to
than 10 months away, the Democratic majority in Congress
let you know they want this action by March 20. From
will ignore the latest deadline at its own political peril.
the day after that, if it must be: The battle is joined."
Indeed, the House Ways and Means and Budget commit-
-President Bush
tees plan to work through the February recess, to ready tax
and budget legislation for floor action. Even so, the package
W
ith these words, President Bush demonstrated in
Congress sends Bush probably will not be the one he
his State of the Union address on Jan. 28 how easy
requested; Democrats have their own ideas about tax relief.
it is for a president to set Congress' agenda and even
And the bill won't arrive by March 20.
establish the terms for its consideration.
Rep. Mickey Edwards, R-Okla., a member of the House
The deadline is a particularly effective tool, and this
GOP leadership, said the deadline isn't firm. "All we need
is the second time in a year the president has used it.
by March is a commitment from the Democrats to have a
Last year, after the Persian Gulf War, he challenged
vote on the president's tax package, or whatever Republi-
Congress to send him anti-crime and transportation legis-
can tax package emerges from Ways and Means," he said.
lation in 100 days. It took considerably longer than that for
The White House probably never expected Congress to
the transportation bill to arrive at the White House. As for
meet its deadline; there is no explanation for March 20,
the crime bill, it still hasn't arrived, held up, ironically, by
beyond the president's say-so. If anything, the deadline was
Senate Republicans who don't like what's in it.
selected because it won't be met; failure will transfer the
Congress generally bristles at such presidential inter-
heat generated by the recession from Bush to Congress.
ference. "The truth of it is, the president has taken two
"Now it's up to Congress to produce," White House Chief
months to figure out what he wants to do, and he's just
of Staff Samuel K. Skinner said. "And if they don't, they are
changed it," Sen. Sam Nunn, D-Ga., said. "He is not giving
going to go into the fall having failed the American people.
Congress as long as he took himself.
The legislative
And if they fail the American people, they won't be coming
process should be given, on average, at least twice as long as
back in January."
one man has to make up his mind."
This is the type of talk that leads Rep. Byron L. Dorgan,
Senate Majority Leader George
D-N.D., to conclude that the "pres-
J. Mitchell, D-Maine, said if Con-
ident's plan has a made-in-New
gress moves expeditiously, it will be
Hampshire label on it." Any doubts
because the times demand it.
disappeared Jan. 30. Bush's re-
Speaker Thomas S. Foley, D-
election campaign began airing a
Wash., has pressed House chair-
30-second television spot that fea-
men with jurisdiction over tax and
tured the president's challenge to
budget legislation to move quickly,
Congress. The president, who ac-
but he also has said the president's
knowledged the recession only two
"swaggering" attitude isn't helpful.
months ago, urged voters "to send a
Even Senate Republican leader
real message to Congress to get this
Bob Dole of Kansas has expressed
R. MICHAEL JENKINS
job done."
doubt about a March 20 deadline.
A packed chamber listens to Bush's speech.
-Chuck Alston
MEMORANDUM
TO:
SPEECHWRITERS AND RESEARCHERS
FROM:
DOUG CHIA, RESEARCH INTERN
DC
DATE:
FEBRUARY 3, 1992
RE:
COMPLAINTS ABOUT MARCH 20 DEADLINE
MAGIC NUMBER: 46
Sen. Lloyd Bentsen said after the SOTU, "I think the President's
decision to set an artificial deadline. will not be helpful."
He added, "He's demanding that Congress approve in 50 days a
proposal he's been working on for 90 days, and he's still fine-
tuning it."
Speaker Thomas Foley said, "I'm satisfied we will move to a vote
before the March 20 deadline, not because he set a deadline, but
because we believe we should move quickly."
The Washington Post has reported that Rep. Dan Rostenkowski "also
pledged to meet the deadline but complained that the
administration has not presented a bill containing Bush's
economic proposals. In an interview, Rostenkowski dismissed as
'silly speculation' suggestions that Bush set a deadline of March
20, three days after a rare primary challenge to the Chicago
Democrat, to benefit him politically. He said his votes on the
economic package would be cast before the primary, so there was
no political advantage to be had."
Talking to a conference of House Democrats on Friday, Foley said,
regarding passing an economic package, "Our first task, which has
not been easy in the past, is to be both faster and clearer."
The New York Times points to three important dates as to the task
to be faster. "One is Mr. Bush's March 20, and all that anyone
expects it to produce is a lot of speeches by him and Republican
lawmakers about how the Democrats aren't meeting his reasonable
expectations of tax legislation.
The real deadline is
probably April 10, the Friday before Congress's scheduled Easter
break. It will mean fewer Mondays and Fridays off, but it can be
met. As long as Congress is working, Republican's complaints
about Mr. Bush's March 20 deadline will carry little weight, but
it would be another thing to miss a deadline and then take a
vacation. The other important date is Feb. 18, when New
Hampshire holds its primary."
Donald Lambro of The Washington Times says that Congress is not
likely to act on any of the President's short-term economic
growth proposals by March 20. "And not because it is impossible:
If Congress can pass a pay raise in a matter of hours, surely it
can come up with a recovery package in two months. But Congress
won't because the Democrats do not want to engineer an economic
turnaround this early in the presidential election year.'
In the latest New York Times/CBS News Poll, just 17 percent
approved Congress's handling of its job, while 71 percent
disapproved.
Editorials
ROLL CALL
End the Delay
1/30/92.
In his State of the Union Address Tuesday, the President set another
deadline for Congress: pass my economic recovery package by March 20, or
else. We generally find such presidential threats obnoxious (and, judging by
the last one, not particularly effective), but, in this case, Bush may have a valid point.
Is Congress truly working hard to resolve what most Members at least
publicly call an economic crisis? Consider: The first session of the 102nd
Congress was effectively adjourned on Nov. 27 - two to three weeks earlier
than normal. The House and Senate returned for a few minutes on Jan. 3, then
disappeared until last week. Since then, the Senate has been preoccupied with
amendments to S.2, the education bill that's long overdue, while the House
Well, what has the House been doing? Here, verbatim, is the schedule for this
week, as published by the Democratic Study Group:
"Monday, January 27: House not in session. Tuesday, January 28 (House
meets at noon): Suspensions - - Five bills are scheduled for consideration
under suspension of the rules Wednesday & Thursday, January 29 & 30
(House meets at 2 p.m. on Wednesday and at 11 a.m. on Thursday): Pro forma
sessions. No legislative business. Friday, January 31: House not in session."
Not a particularly taxing schedule, and don't forget the long-awaited
"Lincoln/Washington District Work Period" coming up in mid-February.
This newspaper has long been a defender of Congressional work habits, but
in this instance the delays are unjustified. The President has given Congress 52
days (including weekends and district work periods) to pass his package -
that's a shorter time than the holiday recess just past. There may well be
partisan reasons for dilatory tactics, but it would serve the institution far better
either to pass the package, or reject it. The delays must end; the battle must be joined.
MEET THE PRESS - FEBRUARY <, 1742
MR. BRODER: --is seriously in trouble. Will the Congress
"act by the March 20 deadline that the president has set?
SEN. MITCHELL: The Congress will act promptly because it's
the right thing to do, not because of any deadline.
The fact of the matter is, of course, that there has been
a 21-month delay in action, caused entirely by the president. For
18 months, he's said there's no recession, there's no problem,
therefore he offered no solution. When it was finally obvious to
every American and the president admitted it, he then asked for
three more months to figure out what to say.
So we've had a long delay--21 months--induced entirely by
the president. We're going to act, and we're going to act
promptly, but not because of a deadline.
MR. BRODER: Excuse me, Senator, you say "induced entirely
by the president."
SEN. MITCHELL: Yes.
MR. BRODER: The president last January--a year ago--asked
for a highway bill which would have put money into states and
local government to create jobs. Congress didn't pass that
highway bill until the very last day of the session. That was not
caused by the president, was it?
SEN. MITCHELL: Not the highway bill's final passage. The
fact of the matter is, we pushed that. We passed it in the Senate
prior to the deadline that (he proposed?).
MR. BRODER: Well, will the March 20 deadline be met?
SEN. MITCHELL: Well, it's my hope that we can do it before
that. We may do it before then. We may do it on that day. It
may be a little bit (after?). The deadline is a political ploy.
It has no relationship to what actually occurs in government and
in the process--
MR. BRODER: But you're prepared to sit here this morning
and tell the American people that on your own, irregardless of
anything the president may have said, you will have an economic
package ready for the president to sign or veto by March 20?
SEN. MITCHELL: We're going to act as soon as possible. The
deadline--
MR. BRODER: What does that mean, Senator?
SEN. MITCHELL: That means it may be before March 20. Why
should we say (inaudible) --
MR. BRODER: Also means it could be May 20 or June 20?
SEN. MITCHELL: I don't think it's likely to be that. I
think it's going to be very soon. We're going to act promptly.
We obviously have to proceed through the legislative process.
These proposals must be considered and evaluated, some accepted,
some rejected, constructive alternatives proposed.
MEMORANDUM
TO:
SPEECHWRITERS AND RESEARCHERS
FROM:
DOUG CHIA, RESEARCH INTERN DC
DATE:
FEBRUARY 3, 1992
RE:
COMPLAINTS ABOUT MARCH 20 DEADLINE
MAGIC NUMBER: 46
Sen. Lloyd Bentsen said after the SOTU, "I think the President's
decision to set an artificial deadline. will not be helpful."
He added, "He's demanding that Congress approve in 50 days a
proposal he's been working on for 90 days, and he's still fine-
tuning it."
Speaker Thomas Foley said, "I'm satisfied we will move to a vote
before the March 20 deadline, not because he set a deadline, but
because we believe we should move quickly."
The Washington Post has reported that Rep. Dan Rostenkowski "also
pledged to meet the deadline but complained that the
administration has not presented a bill containing Bush's
economic proposals. In an interview, Rostenkowski dismissed as
'silly speculation' suggestions that Bush set a deadline of March
20, three days after a rare primary challenge to the Chicago
Democrat, to benefit him politically. He said his votes on the
economic package would be cast before the primary, so there was
no political advantage to be had."
Talking to a conference of House Democrats on Friday, Foley said,
regarding passing an economic package, "Our first task, which has
not been easy in the past, is to be both faster and clearer."
The New York Times points to three important dates as to the task
to be faster. "One is Mr. Bush's March 20, and all that anyone
expects it to produce is a lot of speeches by him and Republican
lawmakers about how the Democrats aren't meeting his reasonable
expectations of tax legislation.
The real deadline is
probably April 10, the Friday before Congress's scheduled Easter
break. It will mean fewer Mondays and Fridays off, but it can be
met. As long as Congress is working, Republican's complaints
about Mr. Bush's March 20 deadline will carry little weight, but
it would be another thing to miss a deadline and then take a
vacation. The other important date is Feb. 18, when New
Hampshire holds its primary."
Donald Lambro of The Washington Times says that Congress is not
likely to act on any of the President's short-term economic
growth proposals by March 20. "And not because it is impossible:
If Congress can pass a pay raise in a matter of hours, surely it
can come up with a recovery package in two months. But Congress
won't because the Democrats do not want to engineer an economic
turnaround this early in the presidential election year."
In the latest New York Times/CBS News Poll, just 17 percent
approved Congress's handling of its job, while 71 percent
disapproved.
Editorials
ROLL CALL
End the Delay
1/30/92.
In his State of the Union Address Tuesday, the President set another
deadline for Congress: pass my economic recovery package by March 20, or
else. We generally find such presidential threats obnoxious (and, judging by
the last one, not particularly effective), but, in this case, Bush may have a valid point.
Is Congress truly working hard to resolve what most Members at least
publicly call an economic crisis? Consider: The first session of the 102nd
Congress was effectively adjourned on Nov. 27 - two to three weeks earlier
than normal. The House and Senate returned for a few minutes on Jan. 3, then
disappeared until last week. Since then, the Senate has been preoccupied with
amendments to S.2, the education bill that's long overdue, while the House
Well, what has the House been doing? Here, verbatim, is the schedule for this
week, as published by the Democratic Study Group:
"Monday, January 27: House not in session. Tuesday, January 28 (House
meets at noon): Suspensions - Five bills are scheduled for consideration
under suspension of the rules Wednesday & Thursday, January 29 & 30
(House meets at 2 p.m. on Wednesday and at 11 a.m. on Thursday): Pro forma
sessions. No legislative business. Friday, January 31: House not in session."
Not a particularly taxing schedule, and don't forget the long-awaited
"Lincoln/Washington District Work Period" coming up in mid-February.
This newspaper has long been a defender of Congressional work habits, but
in this instance the delays are unjustified. The President has given Congress 52
days (including weekends and district work periods) to pass his package -
that's a shorter time than the holiday recess just past. There may well be
partisan reasons for dilatory tactics, but it would serve the institution far better
either to pass the package, or reject it. The delays must end; the battle must be joined.
"MEET THE PRESS"- FEBRUARY 2, 1992
MR. BRODER: --is seriously in trouble. Will the Congress
act by the March 20 deadline that the president has set?
SEN. MITCHELL: The Congress will act promptly because it's
the right thing to do, not because of any deadline.
The fact of the matter is, of course, that there has been
a 21-month delay in action, caused entirely by the president. For
18 months, he's said there's no recession, there's no problem,
therefore he offered no solution. When it was finally obvious to
every American and the president admitted it, he then asked for
three more months to figure out what to say.
So we've had a long delay--21 months--induced entirely by
the president. We're going to act, and we're going to act
promptly, but not because of a deadline.
MR. BRODER: Excuse me, Senator, you say "induced entirely
by the president."
SEN. MITCHELL: Yes.
MR. BRODER: The president last January--a year ago--asked
for a highway bill which would have put money into states and
local government to create jobs. Congress didn't pass that
highway bill until the very last day of the session. That was not
caused by the president, was it?
SEN. MITCHELL: Not the highway bill's final passage. The
fact of the matter is, we pushed that. We passed it in the Senate
prior to the deadline that (he proposed?).
MR. BRODER: Well, will the March 20 deadline be met?
SEN. MITCHELL: Well, it's my hope that we can do it before
that. We may do it before then. We may do it on that day. It
may be a little bit (after?) The deadline is a political ploy.
It has no relationship to what actually occurs in government and
in the process--
MR. BRODER: But you're prepared to sit here this morning
and tell the American people that on your own, irregardless of
anything the president may have said, you will have an economic
package ready for the president to sign or veto by March 20?
SEN. MITCHELL: We're going to act as soon as possible. The
deadline-
MR. BRODER: What does that mean, Senator?
SEN. MITCHELL: That means it may be before March 20. Why
should we say (inaudible)
MR. BRODER: Also means it could be May 20 or June 20?
SEN. MITCHELL: I don't think it's likely to be that. I
think it's going to be very soon. We're going to act promptly.
We obviously have to proceed through the legislative process.
These proposals must be considered and evaluated, some accepted,
some rejected, constructive alternatives proposed.
MEMORANDUM
TO:
SPEECHWRITERS AND RESEARCHERS
FROM:
DOUG CHIA, RESEARCH INTERN DC
DATE:
JANUARY 31, 1992
RE:
COMPLAINTS ABOUT MARCH 20 DEADLINE
THE MAGIC NUMBER IS 49
More comments regarding the deadline from the past few days:
Rep. Dan Rostenkowski commented that Congress is not bound by the
POTUS' March 20 deadline and said, "we might have a package by
March 20 or not."
Sen. Daniel Inouye said, "The President has asked us to wait for
three months to hear his plan, and now he says he wants us to act
in 45 days.
...
It's rather unreasonable."
Jay Buchert, chairman of the National Association of Home
Builders, said, "We think the March 20 deadline is very, very
important."
Sen. Jim Sasser said, "The President has given us 50 days to send
him a solution, when it took him 480 days to notice we had an
economic problem."
Sen. Lloyd Bentsen said, "I think when the President talks about
getting it all done by March 20, he knows it can't be done that
quickly. And that's to try to set up a political confrontation."
Budget Committee Chairman Leon Panetta said that his panel and
the House Ways and Means Committee are "planning to move quickly"
on the budget proposal and will try to meet the deadline. He
also said, "The speaker has asked [us] to meet through the
Presidents Day break and to try to report a budget resolution to
the floor by late February or early March, and we intend to do
that."
A Washington Post-ABC News Poll conducted Wednesday night found
that, by 2 to 1, most Americans supported Bush's Call for
Congress to act on his economic proposal by March 20. The survey
also found that 8 in 10 expected Congress will fail to meet the
deadline.
Speaking about the deadline, Rep. George Mitchell said, "We don't
operate that way
[The deadline] has no meaning in terms of
what and how we act [sic. ]."
Bill Pascoe of the Washington Times says that the 50-day time
limit is "egregiously hypocritical. Mr. Bush's first 'wait for
the [SOTU]' response to a question about what he planned to do
about the recession came as far back as Nov. 15 -- 10 weeks ago.
If the recession is so serious a problem that he believes a
remedy must be written into law by March 20, why did he make us
wait 10 weeks to hear his plan? The logic escapes me. " Pascoe
adds that "to believe that George Bush will actually declare war
on Congress is to believe in the tooth fairy and little green men
on the moon."
Rowland Evans and Robert Novak
WP 1/31/92
Will Bush Fight?
George Bush stopped the hemorrhag-
since 1988) and adequately delivered,
advocate of dealing with the Democrats
ing from conservative supporters with
would have saved the president 60 days
that the cost of retaining him is reduced
an address he should have delivered last
of political devastation had it been given
congressional backing for the president.
Nov. 15, but the new question is wheth-
when Congress adjourned. It was not
That was shown when Darman and
er he will confront Congress by sticking
because of caution, Darman and Brady.
Skinner faced the House GOP confer-
to his March 20 deadline for action.
Bush's residual desire to avoid pro-
ence just before the president's speech.
Republican congressional cloakrooms
voking Congress with term limits con-
Darman encountered Rep. Dick Armey,
are permeated with fears that President
tradicts reality. Senate Majority Leader
a feisty Texas conservative who had
Bush's new line in the sand will vanish,
George Mitchell runs a take-no-prisoners
excoriated the budget chief in a New
as did his 1991 demand for results in "a
ship. Easygoing Republican elder How-
York Times article. "Thanks for helping
hundred days." Such apprehension is
ard Baker, a former Senate majority
me with my moderate base," Darman
justified by backstage events at the
leader and White House chief of staff, has
cracked to Armey, who was not
White House.
told the Bush high command he has
amused. Later, when Skinner asked for
The popular limitation of congression
never seen the Democrats more blood-
suggestions from the floor, Armey said,
al terms, nominally supported by Bush,
thirsty.
"Get rid of that guy sitting next to you."
Skinner defended Darman then, but
was not included in his speech. The
The president, in laying down a gen-
reason: concern that it might offend
tlemanly gauntlet Tuesday night, repre-
subsequent news leaks from the White
sents a compromise between Hobbesian
House depicted the chief of staff coun-
Congress.
reality and Bush's kinder, gentler pref-
termanding the OMB director. The
White House Chief of Staff Samuel
Skinner is trying to "compartmentalize"
erences. His demand for a capital gains
White House has put out word it wants
Richard G. Darman as director of the
cut, though three years late, defied
Darman in his own "compartment," with
Office of Management and Budget. That
Mitchell. But the 15.4 percent rate faced
his power curtailed.
means "limiting" Darman, always an
opposition from Brady's Treasury (which
That would be done by bringing in
advocate of compromise with Congress,
Republican National Chairman Clayton
wanted 19 percent) and came only after a
Yeutter as an augmented domestic poli-
to one of the government's most power-
guerrilla raid by Dan Quayle.
cy adviser. Darman claims he doesn't
ful jobs.
The vice president and his chief of
mind, but Brady has bitterly resisted
Treasury Secretary Nicholas Brady,
staff, William Kristol, pressed on Brady
the threat to his chairmanship of the
reflecting his department's permanent
an idea by supply-sider Paul Craig Rob-
Economic Policy Council. He considers
bureaucracy, resisted the size of the
erts to reduce capital gains taxation
the Yeutter scheme a personal affront
capital gains cut and killed any bigger
without congressional approval-by or-
and has told Bush as much.
reduction. He has been fighting staff
dering the Internal Revenue Service to
No wonder the president is in a fix. No
restructuring at the White House that
plug in inflation when calculating prof-
wonder he didn't deliver a radical State
might reduce his power.
its. Recoiling in terror, Treasury bu-
of the Union stressing welfare, budget
These three factors, while raising
reaucrats bought the 15.4 percent.
and tort reform, demanding term limits
doubts about the future, also help ex-
Darman's current sins are less obvi-
and calling for a-zero capital gains tax. No
plain Bush's current difficulty. His State
ous, and in fact, he was helpful in
wonder there are doubts he will confront
of the Union, well written (by Peggy
writing the speech's final draft. But he
Congress on what he did propose.
Noonan, called on for the first time
is so unpopular with Republicans as an
© 1992. Creators Syndicate Inc.
MEMORANDUM
TO:
SPEECHWRITERS AND RESEARCHERS
FROM:
DOUG CHIA, RESEARCH INTERN DC
DATE :
JANUARY 30, 1992
RE:
COMPLAINTS ABOUT MARCH 20 DEADLINE
Here are the highlights of today's complaints from the Hill and
elsewhere about the deadline:
Thomas Foley said "there's a sense in the [SOTU] of combativeness
and challenge that I think creates some sense of concern" about
the POTUS's political motives.
Foley also said there was an "almost swaggering suggestion that
after the 20th of March, well, if there is going to have to be a
fight, then you know how I welcome fights.
...
And I'm not sure
that meshes with his call for cooperation."
George Mitchell said that Bush's deadline "doesn't mean
anything." He also said "We want to act, we intend to act, we
will act, not because of any so-called deadline, but because it's
the right thing to do."
The Washington Post notes that "in further indication that
Congress will rush to act on an economic package, even while
complaining about Bush's deadline, members of the House Budget
and Ways and Means committees have been notified to be ready to
work through the Feb. 8-17 President's Day recess if necessary to
hasten work on the plan."
Robert Byrd said "There is certainly no need to hurry and pass
this plan
It is the wrong course for America.'
Robert Dole urged Republicans to "roll up our sleeves and help
[the POTUS] meet his March 20 deadline."
A12
REVIEW & OUTLOOK
WSJ
Will George Do It?
1/30/92
Put a circle around March 20 on
Jack Kemp's HOPE program to em-
your calendar. If we understand what
power poor people with property,
George Bush said in his State of the
which the President asked for, was
Union address, that should be the eve
trashed last year. And of course, his
of Operation Domestic Storm.
capital-gains proposals have been fili-
"This will not stand," the Presi-
bustered and otherwise kept from
dent said twice of the "hard times"
even coming to a vote.
the nation's economy faces. "I pride
So the March 20 deadline will pass.
myself that I'm a prudent man, and I
Then what?
believe that patience is a virtue, but I
Then, we hope, George Bush will
understand that politics is, for some,
mount a unilateral campaign to liber-
a game and that sometimes the game
ate the American economy, and dare
is to stop all progress and then decry
Congress to stop him.
the lack of improvement," he said. He
As President, Mr. Bush has direct
asked the Congress to pass his short-
authority over the executive branch,
term economic program by March 20.
which is to say all the departments,
"From the day after that, the battle is
agencies and attendant bureaucrats
joined. And you know, when principle
who most directly affect the economic
is at stake, I relish a good fair
life of America's workers and em-
fight."
ployers. The President has the author-
George Bush, as they discovered in
ity to issue executive orders, as he
Iraq, likes deadlines. With this delib-
demonstrated Tuesday night with his
erate invocation of his Desert Storm
90-day moratorium on new regulations
rhetoric, he is putting himself on the
that "will hurt growth." When Con-
spot. Unless he wants to go back on
gress refuses to act, he has the option
another "read my lips," on March 21
of asserting his authority, leaving it to
he'll have to do something dramatic
voters to approve or disapprove in No-
about the economy and, more to the
vember.
point; about the Congress. Can he?
The President could, for example,
Will he? When President Bush gave
unilaterally adopt indexation of capi-
Saddam Hussein a date certain for
tal gains via regulatory fiat. The ar-
getting out of Kuwait, many people,
gument for this action, which has
including us, wondered whether he'd
been discussed at the White House,
actually make good on the threat.
was described here Tuesday ("Presi-
Saddam assumed he wouldn't, but on
dential Indexation"). As we have also
January 16 there were cruise missiles
argued, he could also unilaterally as-
over Baghdad.
sert the line-item veto; his signature
The President's economic pro-
messages have in effect already exer-
gram, as it happens, is too timid for
cised this option against unconstitu-
our tastes. Even the capital-gains pro-
tional provisions in dozens of non-
posal, the best of the lot, is encum-
spending bills. Item-veto fans noted
bered with gimmicks on holding pe-
the President's pointed references to
riods. Robert Barro details other
the Lawrence Welk museum and Bel-
shortcomings alongside. But in a cer-
gian endive research, not to mention
tain sense the specifics are not the
246 programs that "don't deserve fed-
point. The economy is suffering most
eral funding."
of all from a sour public mood, and
These assertions of executive au-
the quickest way to break that mood
thority would be controversial, and ul-
would be for the administration to
timately subject to Supreme Court re-
break out of the Depublican-Remocrat
view. But the most important verdict
deadlock and offer the voters a clear
would be that of the voters. The in-
choice on economic policy.
ability of Washington to control the
In any event, there is almost no
budget, the political deadlock, the
chance that Congress will pass the
anti-incumbent mood all argue for
President's proposals. The blood of
finding a vehicle to sharpen the de-
election-year politics will be in the
bate, not for endless wheel-spinning
water, whether or not Bill Clinton de-
over the terms of a deal. So it's signif-
feats Gennifer Flowers in the New
icant that Mr. Bush strongly hinted
Hampshire primary. The virulent
going unilateral, "There are certain
anti-incumbent mood in the land
things that a President can do without
means the Members will be looking
Congress. And I'm going to do
out for only their own parochial inter-
them."
ests, not the common good, which is
The State of the Union has been de-
traditionally a presidential responsi-
livered. The New Hampshire primary
bility. Besides, the Senate voted down
will be coming February 18. The pre-
the education bill the very day Mr.
liminaries are already under way.
Bush spoke (newspaper photos de-
We're buying box seats for March 20.
picted a triumphant Ted Kennedy).
The Deadline.
The Deadline:
A Tactic With
Political Roots
The March 20 deadline
that President Bush set in
his State of the Union ad-
dress for Congress to pass
his economic growth agenda
is one firmly rooted in pol-
itics, not law.
There is no legal sanction
if the deadline is missed,
but, as Bush made clear
Tuesday night, there will be
a rhetorical one. "From the
day after that, if it must be,
the battle is joined," he said.
Bush used the same tech-
nique last year when he chal-
tenged Congress to pass
highway and crime legislation
in 100 days, the amount of
time it took U.S.-led forces to
drive Iraq from Kuwait.
When the date passed
without final action on either
measure, Bush traveled
around the country assailing
lawmakers for inaction, tap-
ping the strong anti-Congress
sentiment among the public.
Administration and Bush-
Quayle campaign officials plan
to do the same if Congress
does not act on the economic
legislation in the 50 days be-
tween yesterday's budget
submission and March 20.
The deadline falls amid
important primaries in the
Democratic presidential race.
According to congressional
officials, the White House had
considered March 15 as a
deadline, but wanted to avoid
allusions to the Ides of
March, the date in 44 B.C.
when conspirators led by
Marcus Junius Brutus assas-
sinated Gaius Julius Caesar.
Others noted that moving
the deadline to March 20 put
it beyond the Illinois primary,
when House Ways and Means
Chairman Dan Rostenkowski
(D-III.) faces his first chal-
lenge in many years. "That
might have been a consider-
ation," one congressional of-
ficial said.
-John E. Yang
WP 1/30/92