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Peterson Commission Report on Executive Salaries, November 1976
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The original documents are located in Box 6, folder "Peterson Commission Report on
Executive Salaries, November 1976" of the White House Special Files Unit Files at the
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
THE WHITE HOUSE
NOV 20 1976
ACTION MEMORANDUM
WASHINGTON
LOG NO.:
Date: November 29, 1976
Time:
FOR ACTION:
cc (for information): FYI-Bill Nicholson
Phil Buchen
Alan Greenspan
Jim Cannon
Jerry Jones
Max Friedersdorf
Ron Nessen
Jack Marsh
FROM THE STAFF SECRETARY
DUE: Date:
Time:
COB Today
SUBJECT:
James T. Lynn memo, 11/29/76 re
Quadrennial Commission Report
ACTION REQUESTED:
For Necessary Action
X For Your Recommendations
Prepare Agenda and Brief
Draft Reply
X
For Your Comments
Draft Remarks
REMARKS:
Release report but
view of the commission and
clearly state it is the
not those of the President
you
PLEASE ATTACH THIS COPY TO MATERIAL SUBMITTED.
If you have any questions or if you anticipate a
Jim Connor
delay in submitting the required material, please
telephone the Staff Secretary immediately.
For the President
Digitized from Box 6 of the White House Special Files Unit Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
CERTIFICATE
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503
NOV 29 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
James T. Lynn
SUBJECT:
Quadrennial Commission Report
The Quadrennial Commission on Executive, Legislative,
and Judicial Salaries has been operating for several
weeks, and it is clear that the members are doing a
commendably thorough and conscientious job under the
chairmanship of Peter Peterson. They have completed
their public hearings and are now drafting their report.
During this process, the Chairman will be touching base
with key Congressmen and perhaps others. The Commission
is planning to review a first draft within the next few
days and is hoping to have its final meeting on
November 30, with delivery of the printed report shortly
thereafter.
If you concur, Chairman Peterson wants to release the
formal report as soon as it has been delivered to you.
He would like to be able to hold a press conference and
commence, in earnest, a public education compaign con+
cerning the desperate need to do something about execu-
tive and judicial compensation. For this purpose, he
really will need to be free to use the Commission's
report.
We believe it is in your best interests to let the report
go public in advance of submitting your own executive
salary recommendations in the budget. Mr. Peterson is
willing, and it would seem preferable, to let the expected
controversy focus on him for a month or more before you
make your recommendations. Of course, if asked, you
probably would want to indicate your continued support
for some adjustment without committing yourself to any-
thing very specific. This provides time for you to better
gauge public and media reaction and to consult with the
congressional leadership on your recommendations. Chairman
Peterson would expect to do what he can to enlist under-
standing and support both prior to and after your decision
and up to the point of congressional action on your recom-
mendations.
2
The main argument for withholding a report such as this
would be to give you time to review it and formulate a
position before its release. In this case, there seem
no compelling reasons for doing so. On the contrary,
because of the great interest in the subject, there is
strong likelihood of leaks or damaging speculation if
the report is not released. We believe it best that the
Commission's findings and rationale be made available,
along with their actual recommendations. Otherwise,
congressional and other opportents are likely to take
advantage of the opportunity to begin cricizing the
recommendations without the counter-balancing effect
of the Commission's findings. In short, there are serious
risks in delay, with little or nothing to be gained.
It would be appropriate and useful for you to receive
the report personally from the Chairman and, perhaps
the entire Quadrennial Commission of nine. This could
be followed immediately by a meeting of the Chairman
with the press in the White House. Pete Peterson or
Ron Nessen could emphasize that you have not studied
or committed yourself to the Commission's recommendations.
Since Peterson needs an answer by the Commission's next
meeting on the 30th, I plan to inform him that I believe
this general approach will be acceptable to you, unless
you advise me otherwise before the 30th.
THE WHITE HOUSE
ACTION MEMORANDUM
WASHINGTON
LOG NO.:
Date: November 29, 1976
Time:
FOR ACTION:
CC (for information): FYI-Bill Nicholson
Phil Buchen
Alan Greenspan
Jim Cannon
Jerry Jones
Max Friedersdorf
Ron Nessen
Jack Marsh
FROM THE STAFF SECRETARY
DUE: Date:
Time:
COB Today
SUBJECT:
James T. Lynn memo, 11/29/76 re
Quadrennial Commission Report
ACTION REQUESTED:
For Necessary Action
X For Your Recommendations
Prepare Agenda and Brief
Draft Reply
X For Your Comments
Draft Remarks
REMARKS:
Domestic Council concurs with OMB
recommendation.
AFQ/cd
PLEASE ATTACH THIS COPY TO MATERIAL SUBMITTED.
If you have any questions or if you anticipate a
Jim Connor
delay in submitting the required material, please
telephone the Staff Secretary immediately.
For the President
112906
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
UNITED
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
STATE
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503
NOV 29 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
James T. Lynn
SUBJECT:
Quadrennial Commission Report
The Quadrennial Commission on Executive, Legislative,
and Judicial Salaries has been operating for several
weeks, and it is clear that the members are doing a
commendably thorough and conscientious job under the
chairmanship of Peter Peterson. They have completed
their public hearings and are now drafting their report.
During this process, the Chairman will be touching base
with key Congressmen and perhaps others. The Commission
is planning to review a first draft within the next few
days and is hoping to have its final meeting on
November 30, with delivery of the printed report shortly
thereafter.
If you concur, Chairman Peterson wants to release the
formal report as soon as it has been delivered to you.
He would like to be able to hold a press conference and
commence, in earnest, a public education compaign con-
cerning the desperate need to do something about execu-
tive and judicial compensation. For this purpose, he
really will need to be free to use the Commission's
report.
We believe it is in your best interests to let the report
go public in advance of submitting your own executive
salary recommendations in the budget. Mr. Peterson is
willing, and it would seem preferable, to let the expected
controversy focus on him for a month or more before you
make your recommendations. Of course, if asked, you
probably would want to indicate your continued support
for some adjustment without committing yourself to any-
thing very specific. This provides time for you to better
gauge public and media reaction and to consult with the
congressional leadership on your recommendations. Chairman
Peterson would expect to do what he can to enlist under-
standing and support both prior to and after your decision
and up to the point of congressional action on your recom-
mendations.
2
The main argument for withholding a report such as this
would be to give you time to review it and formulate a
position before its release. In this case, there seem
no compelling reasons for doing so. On the contrary,
because of the great interest in the subject, there is
strong likelihood of leaks or damaging speculation if
the report is not released. We believe it best that the
Commission's findings and rationale be made available,
along with their actual recommendations. Otherwise,
congressional and other opporents are likely to take
advantage of the opportunity to begin cricizing the
recommendations without the counter-balancing effect
of the Commission's findings. In short, there are serious
risks in delay, with little or nothing to be gained.
It would be appropriate and useful for you to receive
the report personally from the Chairman and, perhaps
the entire Quadrennial Commission of nine. This could
be followed immediately by a meeting of the Chairman
with the press in the White House. Pete Peterson or
Ron Nessen could emphasize that you have not studied
or committed yourself to the Commission's recommendations.
Since Peterson needs an answer by the Commission's next
meeting on the 30th, I plan to inform him that I believe
this general approach will be acceptable to you, unless
you advise me otherwise before the 30th.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 29, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JIMCONNOR BUCHEN
BK
FROM:
BOBBIE KILBERG
THROUGH:
PHILIP BUCHEN P.
SUBJECT:
Quadrennial Commission Report
The Counsel's Office approves Jim Lynn's memo on
the above subject.
However, we would suggest that Peter Peterson's
press conference not be held at the White House
in order to assure that the press clearly under-
stands that the President has not studied or
committed himself to the Committee's recommendations.
Attachment
THE WHITE HOUSE
ACTION MEMORANDUM
WASHINGTON
LOG NO.:
Date: November 29, 1976
Time:
FOR ACTION:
CC (for information): FYI-Bill Nicholson
Phil Buchen
Alan Greenspan
Jim Cannon
Jerry Jones
Max Friedersdorf
Ron Nessen
Jack Marsh
FROM THE STAFF SECRETARY
DUE: Date:
Time:
COB Today
SUBJECT:
James T. Lynn memo, 11/29/76 re
Quadrennial Commission Report
ACTION REQUESTED:
For Necessary Action
X For Your Recommendations
Prepare Agenda and Brief
Draft Reply
X For Your Comments
Draft Remarks
REMARKS:
PLEASE ATTACH THIS COPY TO MATERIAL SUBMITTED.
If you have any questions or if you anticipate a
delay in submitting the required material, please
Jim Connor
telephone the Staff Secretary immediately.
For the President
THE WHITE HOUSE
ACTION MEMORANDUM
WASHINGTON
LOG NO.:
Date: November 29, 1976
Time:
FOR ACTION:
CC (for information): FYI-Bill Nicholson
Phil Buchen
Alan Greenspan
Jim Cannon
Jerry Jones
Max Friedersdorf
Ron Nessen
Jack Marsh
FROM THE STAFF SECRETARY
DUE: Date:
Time:
COB Today
SUBJECT:
James T. Lynn memo, 11/29/76 re
Quadrennial Commission Report
ACTION REQUESTED:
For Necessary Action
X For Your Recommendations
Prepare Agenda and Brief
Draft Reply
X For Your Comments
Draft Remarks
REMARKS:
I would appose release of this
until the President sees it. Release will
signal Presidential endorsement of a 7edral
Pay Raise. This w The pay raise question & will
touch off a big battle m the , tell -
believe should not put The President
in The position we of indorsing any federal could pay
increase which the Deponats
use to justify parsage.
PLEASE ATTACH THIS COPY TO MATERIAL SUBMITTED.
If you have any questions or if you anticipate a
Jim Connor
delay in submitting the required material, please
telephone the Staff Secretary immediately.
For the President
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503
NOV 29 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
James I. Lynn
SUBJECT:
Quadrennial Commission Report
The Quadrennial Commission on Executive, Legislative,
and Judicial Salaries has been operating for several
weeks, and it is clear that the members are doing a
commendably thorough and conscientious job under the
chairmanship of Peter Peterson. They have completed
their public hearings and are now drafting their report.
During this process, the Chairman will be touching base
with key Congressmen and perhaps others. The Commission
is planning to review a first draft within the next few
days and is hoping to have its final meeting on
November 30, with delivery of the printed report shortly
thereafter.
If you concur, Chairman Peterson wants to release the
formal report as soon as it has been delivered to you.
He would like to be able to hold a press conference and
commence, in earnest, a public education compaign con-
cerning the desperate need to do something about execu-
tive and judicial compensation. For this purpose, he
really will need to be free to use the Commission's
report.
We believe it is in your best interests to let the report
go public in advance of submitting your own executive
salary recommendations in the budget. Mr. Peterson is
willing, and it would seem preferable, to let the expected
controversy focus on him for a month or more before you
make your recommendations. Of course, if asked, you
probably would want to indicate your continued support
for some adjustment without committing yourself to any-
thing very specific. This provides time for you to better
gauge public and media reaction and to consult with the
congressional leadership on your recommendations. Chairman
Peterson would expect to do what he can to enlist under-
standing and support both prior to and after your decision
and up to the point of congressional action on your recom-
mendations.
2
The main argument for withholding a report such as this
would be to give you time to review it and formulate a
position before its release. In this case, there seem
no compelling reasons for doing SO. On the contrary,
because of the great interest in the subject, there is
strong likelihood of leaks or damaging speculation if
the report is not released. We believe it best that the
Commission's findings and rationale be made available,
along with their actual recommendations. Otherwise,
congressional and other opporents are likely to take
advantage of the opportunity to begin cricizing the
recommendations without the counter-balancing effect
of the Commission's findings. In short, there are serious
risks in delay, with little or nothing to be gained.
It would be appropriate and useful for you to receive
the report personally from the Chairman and, perhaps
the entire Quadrennial Commission of nine. This could
be followed immediately by a meeting of the Chairman
with the press in the White House. Pete Peterson or
Ron Nessen could emphasize that you have not studied
or committed yourself to the Commission's recommendations.
Since Peterson needs an answer by the Commission's next
meeting on the 30th, I plan to inform him that I believe
this general approach will be acceptable to you, unless
you advise me otherwise before the 30th.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
UNITED
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503
NOV 29 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
James T. Lynn
SUBJECT:
Quadrennial Commission Report
The Quadrennial Commission on Executive, Legislative,
and Judicial Salaries has been operating for several
weeks, and it is clear that the members are doing a
commendably thorough and conscientious job under the
chairmanship of Peter Peterson. They have completed
their public hearings and are now drafting their report.
During this process, the Chairman will be touching base
with key Congressmen and perhaps others. The Commission
is planning to review a first draft within the next few
days and is hoping to have its final meeting on
November 30, with delivery of the printed report shortly
thereafter.
If you concur, Chairman Peterson wants to release the
formal report as soon as it has been delivered to you.
He would like to be able to hold a press conference and
commence, in earnest, a public education compaign con-
cerning the desperate need to do something about execu-
tive and judicial compensation. For this purpose, he
really will need to be free to use the Commission's
report.
We believe it is in your best interests to let the report
go public in advance of submitting your own executive
salary recommendations in the budget. Mr. Peterson is
willing, and it would seem preferable, to let the expected
controversy focus on him for a month or more before you
make your recommendations. Of course, if asked, you
probably would want to indicate your continued support
for some adjustment without committing yourself to any-
thing very specific. This provides time for you to better
gauge public and media reaction and to consult with the
congressional leadership on your recommendations. Chairman
Peterson would expect to do what he can to enlist under-
standing and support both prior to and after your decision
and up to the point of congressional action on your recom-
mendations.
2
The main argument for withholding a report such as this
would be to give you time to review it and formulate a
position before its release. In this case, there seem
no compelling reasons for doing SO. On the contrary,
because of the great interest in the subject, there is
strong likelihood of leaks or damaging speculation if
the report is not released. We believe it best that the
Commission's findings and rationale be made available,
along with their actual recommendations. Otherwise,
congressional and other opponents are likely to take
advantage of the opportunity to begin cricizing the
recommendations without the counter-balancing effect
of the Commission's findings. In short, there are serious
risks in delay, with little or nothing to be gained.
It would be appropriate and useful for you to receive
the report personally from the Chairman and, perhaps
the entire Quadrennial Commission of nine. This could
be followed immediately by a meeting of the Chairman
with the press in the White House. Pete Peterson or
Ron Nessen could emphasize that you have not studied
or committed yourself to the Commission's recommendations.
Since Peterson needs an answer by the Commission's next
meeting on the 30th, I plan to inform him that I believe
this general approach will be acceptable to you, unless
you advise me otherwise before the 30th.
THE WHITE HOUSE
ACTION MEMORANDUM
WASHINGTON
LOG NO.:
Date: November 29, 1976
Time:
FOR ACTION:
CC (for information): FYI-Bill Nicholson
Phil Buchen
Alan Greenspan
Jim Cannon
Jerry Jones
Max Friedersdorf
Ron Nessen
Jack Marsh
FROM THE STAFF SECRETARY
DUE: Date: COB Today
Time:
SUBJECT:
James T. Lynn memo, 11/29/76 re
Quadrennial Commission Report
ACTION REQUESTED:
For Necessary Action
X For Your Recommendations
Prepare Agenda and Brief
Draft Reply
X For Your Comments
Draft Remarks
REMARKS:
FORDS Linarry 07/875
Greenspan - no comment
Cannon- concerns
Marsh-with comment
with comments (appose)
Exect
PLEASE ATTACH THIS COPY TO MATERIAL SUBMITTED
If you have any questions or if you anticipate
Jim Connor
delay in submitting the required material, pleas
For the President
telephone the Staff Secretary immediately.
THE WHITE HOUSE
ACTION MEMORANDUM
WASHINGTON
LOG NO.:
Date: November 29, 1976
Time:
FOR ACTION:
CC (for information): FYI-Bill Nicholson
Phil Buchen
Alan Greenspan
Jim Cannon
Jerry Jones
Max Friedersdorf
Ron Nessen
Jack Marsh
FROM THE STAFF SECRETARY
DUE: Date:
Time:
COB Today
SUBJECT:
James T. Lynn memo, 11/29/76 re
Quadrennial Commission Report
ACTION REQUESTED:
For Necessary Action
XFor Your Recommendations
Prepare Agenda and Brief
Draft Reply
X For Your Comments
Draft Remarks
REMARKS:
Depends
our the leanin favor of ther
give
report yvet, holdut
PLEASE ATTACH THIS COPY TO MATERIAL SUBMITTED
If you have any questions or if you anticipate a
delay in submitting the required material, please
Jim Connor
telephone the Staff Secretary immediately.
For the President
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503
NOV 29 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
James T. Lynn
SUBJECT:
Quadrennial Commission Report
The Quadrennial Commission on Executive, Legislative,
and Judicial Salaries has been operating for several
weeks, and it is clear that the members are doing a
commendably thorough and conscientious job under the
chairmanship of Peter Peterson. They have completed
their public hearings and are now drafting their report.
During this process, the Chairman will be touching base
with key Congressmen and perhaps others. The Commission
is planning to review a first draft within the next few
days and is hoping to have its final meeting on
November 30, with delivery of the printed report shortly
thereafter.
If you concur, Chairman Peterson wants to release the
formal report as soon as it has been delivered to you.
He would like to be able to hold a press conference and
commence, in earnest, a public education compaign con-
cerning the desperate need to do something about execu-
tive and judicial compensation. For this purpose, he
really will need to be free to use the Commission's
report.
We believe it is in your best interests to let the report
go public in advance of submitting your own executive
salary recommendations in the budget. Mr. Peterson is
willing, and it would seem preferable, to let the expected
controversy focus on him for a month or more before you
make your recommendations. Of course, if asked, you
probably would want to indicate your continued support
for some adjustment without committing yourself to any-
thing very specific. This provides time for you to better
gauge public and media reaction and to consult with the
congressional leadership on your recommendations. Chairman
Peterson would expect to do what he can to enlist under-
standing and support both prior to and after your decision
and up to the point of congressional action on your recom-
mendations.
2
The main argument for withholding a report such as this
would be to give you time to review it and formulate a
position before its release. In this case, there seem
no compelling reasons for doing so. On the contrary,
because of the great interest in the subject, there is
strong likelihood of leaks or damaging speculation if
the report is not released. We believe it best that the
Commission's findings and rationale be made available,
along with their actual recommendations. Otherwise,
congressional and other opponents are likely to take
advantage of the opportunity to begin cricizing the
recommendations without the counter-balancing effect
of the Commission's findings. In short, there are serious
risks in delay, with little or nothing to be gained.
It would be appropriate and useful for you to receive
the report personally from the Chairman and, perhaps
the entire Quadrennial Commission of nine. This could
be followed immediately by a meeting of the Chairman
with the press in the White House. Pete Peterson or
Ron Nessen could emphasize that you have not studied
or committed yourself to the Commission's recommendations.
Since Peterson needs an answer by the Commission's next
meeting on the 30th, I plan to inform him that I believe
this general approach will be acceptable to you, unless
you advise me otherwise before the 30th.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 30, 1976
return To
MR PRESIDENT:
Lymnot
rent
Quadrennial Commission Report
Your immediate attention is required on the attached
memorandum from Jim Lynn.
Staffing resulted in the following recommendations:
Jack Marsh - 'Release report but clearly state it is the
view of the commission and not those of the President. "
Max Friedersdorf - "I would oppose release of this until
the President sees it. Release will signal Presidential
endorsement of a Federal Pay Raise. The pay raise question
will touch off a big battle on the Hill and I believe we should
not put the President in the position of endorsing any Federal
pay increase which the Democrats could use to justify passage. 11
Phil Buchen - Approve Jim Lynn's memo, however, we would
suggest that Peter Peterson's press conference not be held at
the White House in order to assure that the press clearly under-
stands that the President has not studied or committed himself
to the Committee's recommendations. "
Jim Cannon - concurs with OMB's recommendation.
Alan Greenspan - no comments.
Jerry Jones and Ron Nessen - No coments at this writing.
Approve Approach Outlined by Jim Lynn
Disapprove Jim Lynn's Approach.
Jim Connor
November 30, 1976
MR PRESIDENT:
Quadrennial Commission Report
Your immediate attention is required on the attached
memorandum from Jim Lynn.
Staffing resulted in the following recommendations:
Jack Marsh -'Release report but clearly state it is the
view of the commission and not those of the President."
Max Friedersdorf - "I would oppose release of this until
the President sees it. Release will signal Presidential
endorsement of a Federal Pay Raise. The pay raise question
will touch off a big battle on the Hill and I believe we should
not put the President in the position of endorsing any Federal
pay increase which the Democrats could use to justify passage. "
Phil Buchen - Approve Jim Lynn's memo, however, we would
suggest that Peter Peterson's press conference not be held at
the White House in order to assure that the press clearly under-
stands that the President has not studied or committed himself
to the Committee's recommendations."
Jim Cannon - concurs with OMB's recommendation.
Alan Greenspan - no comments.
Jerry Jones and Ron Nessen - No coments at this writing.
-
Approve Approach Outlined by Jim Lynn
Disapprove Jim Lynn's Approach.
Jim Connor
December 1, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JIM LYNN
FROM:
JIM CONNOR
SUBJECT:
Quadrennial Commission Report
In accordance with instructions from Dick Cheney your memorandum
of November 29 on the above subject is returned to you.