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The original documents are located in Box 20, folder "1975/01/02 HR17558 Saint Lawrence
Seaway Development Corporation Administrator" of the White House Records Office:
Legislation Case 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 R. 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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.
Exact duplicates within this folder were not digitized.
from Box 20 of the White House Records Office Legislation Case Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
ACTION
JAN 2
THE WHITE HOUSE Last Day: January 4
WASHINGTON
December 28, 1974
Posted
1/3
MEMORANDUM FOR
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
KEN COLE
Jo
archine
SUBJECT:
Enrolled Bill H.R. 17558
43
Saint Lawrence Seaway Development
Corporation Administrator
Attached for your consideration is H.R. 17558, sponsored
by Representative Blatnik, which provides for a fixed
seven year term for the Administrator of the Saint Lawrence
Seaway Development Corporation and eliminates the position
of Deputy Administrator, a position which has not been
filled since 1961.
OMB recommends approval and provides additional background
information in its enrolled bill report (Tab A).
Max Friedersdorf (Loen) and Phil Areeda both recommend
approval.
RECOMMENDATION
That you sign H.R. 17558 (Tab B)
GERALD R. LIDRARY FORD
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
OFFICE OF management AND BUDGET
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503
DEC 2 3 1974
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
Subject: Enrolled Bill H.R. 17558 - Saint Lawrence Seaway
Development Corporation Administrator
Sponsor - Rep. Blatnik (D) Minnesota
Last Day for Action
January 4, 1975
Purpose
Provides for a fixed seven year term for the Administrator of
the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation and eliminates
the position of Deputy Administrator.
Agency Recommendations
Office of Management and Budget
Approval
Department of Transportation
Approval
Discussion
H.R. 17558 would provide for a fixed seven year term for the
Administrator of the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation
(SLSDC), to be appointed by the President with the advice and
consent of the Senate. Currently, the Administrator serves at
the President's pleasure. This provision would not affect the
current Administrator, who may continue to serve at the
President's pleasure without being reappointed under this pro-
cedure.
The bill would also eliminate the position of Deputy Administrator
of the Corporation, a position which has not been filled since
1961. Since the Administrator would have authority to hire
such staff as is needed, this statutory position is not neces-
sary.
2
The SLSDC was created in 1954 as a Government corporation to
construct, maintain and operate the U.S. portion of the Saint
Lawrence Seaway in conjunction with a similar Canadian entity.
It was intended that the costs of construction would be repaid
with interest from tolls levied on the seaway's users. However,
since the toll revenues have not been sufficient to repay both
interest and capital, the interest payments have been forgiven
by the Federal Government. This removes some of the arguments
that the SLSDC is an independent business-oriented corporation.
The SLSDC works with a similar Canadian entity, whose president
is appointed to a ten year term. Proponents of the fixed term
feel that continuity is a desirable factor when dealing with
international issues, such as the seaway. However, it is not
of overriding concern, as evidenced by the fact that our
ambassadors do not serve fixed terms. The fixed term for such
a corporation is not entirely unprecedented, although there
are also numerous examples of indeterminate terms. In addition,
a fixed term would conflict with the earlier intent of Congress
as expressed in the SLSDC enacting law to give the Secretary
of Transportation a policy oversight role.
OMB would have preferred that this fixed-term proposal for the
SLSDC Administrator be studied in greater detail, particularly
for its relationship to similar corporations. However, the bill
was only introduced on December 3, 1974. While we have some
problems with it as outlined above, we do not feel that they
are major enough to warrant disapproval.
Helfred H Rommel Welfred Rommel
Assistant Director for
Legislative Reference
Enclosures
OF
DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION
*
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20590
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
December 20, 1974
GENERAL COUNSEL
Honorable Roy L. Ash
Director
Office of Management and Budget
Executive Office Building
Washington, D. C.
Dear Mr. Ash:
This is in response to your request for the views of the
Department on H.R. 17558, an enrolled bill:
"To amend the Act of May 13, 1954, relating to
the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation
to provide for a seven-year term of office for
the Administrator, and for other purposes. 11
As indicated by the preamble of the bill set forth above,
H.R. 17558 provides for the appointment of the Administrator
of the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation for
a seven-year term. No term of office is specified for the
Administrator under existing law. The bill also does away
with the statutory post of deputy administrator, a position
which has not been filled for several years. The amendments
made by the bill would take effect upon the first appointment
of an Administrator made after the date of enactment of the
bill.
The Seaway Corporation is a wholly owned Government corporation
established for the purpose of constructing, operating, and
maintaining, in coordination with the Saint Lawrence Seaway
Authority of Canada, navigation works in designated sections of
the Saint Lawrence River. The Corporation carries out its
functions under the special budget and audit provisions of the
Government Corporation Control Act and finances its operations
from charges imposed for the use of Seaway services and facilities.
2
Enactment of the bill would ensure greater continuity of
leadership for the Corporation, an important ingredient to
the smooth conduct of its business-type functions. Establish-
ment of a fixed term of office for the Seaway Administrator
also would be consistent with the arrangement respecting
chief executives of certain other Government organizations
which conduct business-type functions.
The Department recommends that the President sign the
enrolled bill.
Sincerely,
That Payt
Rodney E. Eyster
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 27, 1974
MEMORANDUM FOR:
WARREN HENDRIKS
FROM:
MAX L. FRIEDERSDORF
SUBJECT:
Action Memorandum - Log No. 848
Enrolled Bill HR 17558
St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corp. Admin.
The Office of Legislative Affairs concurs in the attached proposal
and has no additional recommendations.
Attachment
Rich 12-24-74 (1:00 j.m.)
Harren To- Newdride
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
12-24-14m.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503
3:30 I'd of hill
DEC 23 1974
up pings in M.H.
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
Subject: Enrolled Bill H.R. 17558 - Saint Lawrence Seaway
Development Corporation Administrator
Sponsor - Rep. Blatnik (D) Minnesota
Last Day for Action
January 4, 1975
Purpose
Provides for a fixed seven year term for the Administrator of
the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation and eliminates
the position of Deputy Administrator.
Agency Recommendations
Office of Management and Budget
Approval
Department of Transportation
Approval
Discussion
H.R. 17558 would provide for a fixed seven year term for the
Administrator of the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation
(SLSDC), to be appointed by the President with the advice and
consent of the Senate. Currently, the Administrator serves at
the President's pleasure. This provision would not affect the
current Administrator, who may continue to serve at the
President's pleasure without being reappointed under this pro-
cedure.
The bill would also eliminate the position of Deputy Administrator
of the Corporation, a position which has not been filled since
1961. Since the Administrator would have authority to hire
such staff as is needed, this statutory position is not neces-
sary.
THE WHITE HOUSE
ACTION MEMORANDUM
WASHINGTON
LOG NO.: 848
Date: December 25, 1974
Time:
5:00 p.m.
N
FOR ACTION: Mike Duval
CC (for information): Warren Hendriks
Max Friedersdorf oh
Jerry Jones
Phil areedn no ohj
FROM THE STAFF SECRETARY
DUE: Date: Monday, December 30
Time: noon
SUBJECT:
Emrolled Bill H.R. 17558 - Saint Lawrence Seaway
Development Corporation Administrator
ACTION REQUESTED:
For Necessary Action
For Your Recommendations
Prepare Agenda and Brief
Draft Reply
X For Your Comments
Draft Remarks
REMARKS:
Please return to Judy Johnston, Ground Floor West Wing
PLEASE ATTACH THIS COPY TO MATERIAL SUBMITTED.
If you have any questions or if you anticipate a
delay in submitting the required material, please
K. R. COLE, JR.
telephone the Staff Secretary immediately.
For the President
THE WHITE HOUSE
ACTION MEMORANDUM
WASHINGTON,
LOG NO.: 848
Date: December 26, 1974
Time:
5:00 p.m.
FOR ACTION: Mike Duval
-okos
CC (for information): Warren Hendriks
Max Friedersdorf
Jerry Jones
Phil Areeda
FROM THE STAFF SECRETARY
DUE: Date: Monday, December 30
Time: noon
SUBJECT:
Enrolled Bill H.R. 17558 - Saint Lawrence Seaway
Development Corporation Administrator
ACTION REQUESTED:
For Necessary Action
For Your Recommendations
X
-
Prepare Agenda and Brief
Draft Reply
X For Your Comments
Draft Remarks
REMARKS:
Please return to Judy Johnston, Ground Floor West Wing
FORD ALBRARY
PLEASE ATTACH THIS COPY TO MATERIAL SUBMITTED.
If you have any questions or if you anticipate a
delay in submitting the required material, please
K. R. COLE, JR.
telephone the Staff Secretary immediately.
For the President
ACTION MEMORANDUM
WASHINGTON
LOG NO.: 848
Date:
Time:
December 26, 1974
5:00 p.m.
FOR ACTION: Mike Duval
CC (for information): Warren Hendriks
Max Friedersdorf
Jerry Jones
Phil Areeda
FROM THE STAFF SECRETARY
DUE: Date: Monday, December 30
Time: noon
SUBJECT:
Enrolled Bill H.R. 17558 - Saint Lawrence Seaway
Development Corporation Administrator
ACTION REQUESTED:
For Necessary Action
For Your Recommendations
X
Prepare Agenda and Brief
Draft Reply
X. For Your Comments
Draft Remarks
REMARKS:
Please return to Judy Johnston, Ground Floor West Wing
93-1565
No Objection PANK
FORD LIBRARY
PLEASE ATTACH THIS COPY TO MATERIAL SUBMITTED.
questions
if you anticipate a
delay in submitting the required material. please
K. Warren K. endriks
telephone the Staff Secretary immediately.
Fot For the Predicent
93D CONGRESS
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
REPORT
2d Session
No. 93-1565
SAINT LAWRENCE SEAWAY DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATION
DECEMBER 11, 1974.-Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
State of the Union and ordered to be printed
Mr. BLATNIK, from the Committee on Public Works,
submitted the following
REPORT
[To accompany H.R. 17558]
The Committee on Public Works to whom was referred the bill
(H.R. 17558) to amend the Act of May 13, 1954, relating to the Saint
Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation to provide for a seven-
year term of office for the Administrator, and for other purposes, hav-
ing considered the same, report favorably thereon with an amendment
and recommend that the bill as amended do pass.
The amendment is as follows:
Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert in lieu thereof
the following:
That (a) subsections (a) and (b) of section 2 of the Act of May 13, 1954,
referred to as the Saint Lawrence Seaway Act (33 U.S.C. 982), are amended to
read as follows:
"MANAGEMENT OF CORPORATION
"SEC. 2. (a) The management of the corporation shall be vested in an Admin-
istrator who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and
consent of the Senate for a term of seven years. Any Administrator appointed
to fill a vacancy in that position prior to the expiration of the term for which his
predecessor was appointed shall be apponited for the remainder of such term."
(b) Subsection (c) of section 2 of such Act of May 13, 1954, is relettered as
subsection (b), including any references thereto.
SEC. 2. The amendments made to section 2 of the Act of May 13, 1954, by the
first section of this Act shall (1) take effect upon the first appointment of an
Administrator of the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation which is
made after the date of enactment of this Act, and (2) be applicable to such first
appointment and to each subsequent appointment to such position.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the bill, as reported, is to provide for a fixed 7-year
term of office for the Administrator of the Saint Lawrence Seaway
Development Corporation. The bill also eliminates the position of
Deputy Administrator.
38-006
2
3
GENERAL STATEMENT
Cost OF THE LEGISLATION
The Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation was created
Enactment of the bill will not result in any additional costs to the
by Congress in 1954 as a Government corporation to construct, operate,
United States. In fact, with the elimination of the position of Deputy
maintain, and develop the United States portion of the Saint Law-
Administrator, a savings of $36,000 a year at present salary levels will
rence Seaway. This is the joint U.S.-Canadian waterway which opened
be realized.
the Great Lakes to deepwater navigation. Because the costs of con-
VOTE
struction of the Seaway were to be repaid from revenues generated
from tolls levied on its traffic, a Government corporation was chosen
The Committee ordered H.R. 17558 reported by voice vote.
to manage the Seaway. The Corporation is to conduct the Seaway's
business in conjunction with the appropriate Canadian entity in a
CHANGES IN EXISTING LAW MADE BY THE BILL, AS REPORTED
manner that will eventually return the original investment to the
Treasury while meeting all current financial obligations.
In compliance with clause 3 of rule XIII of the Rules of the House
Since the opening of the Seaway, a sizable international maritime
of Representatives, changes in existing law made by the bill, as re-
industry has developed on the Great Lakes. Millions of dollars in
ported, are shown as follows (existing law proposed to be omitted is
local, State, and Federal funds have been invested in dock and harbor
enclosed in black brackets, new matter is printed in italic, existing
facilities throughout the region and many jobs are directly involved
law in which no change is proposed is shown in roman) :
in this industry. The commercial health of this international mari-
time industry is necessarily dependent upon the Saint Lawrence Sea-
SECTION 2 OF THE SAINT LAWRENCE SEAWAY ACT
way, and the operational and development activities of the Seaway
Corporation have become of prime importance not only to the Corpora-
[MANAGEMENT OF CORPORATION
tion in terms of income but also to the ports and shipping industry
throughout the Great Lakes/Seaway.
[SEC. 2. (a) The management of the Corporation shall be vested in
an Administrator who shall be appointed by the President, by and
Since the planning, formulation, and implementation activities of
with the advice and consent of the Senate, and who shall receive com-
this nature frequently cover an extended period of time, particularly
in the maritime industry, it is important to both the Corporation and
pensation at the rate of $17,500 per annum.
the region that the highest degree of continuity be maintained. The
[(b) To assist the Administrator in the execution of the functions
leadership of the Corporation, if it is to truly function as a business
vested in the Corporation there shall be a Deputy Administrator who
entity, must be in a position to devise and implement long-range pro-
shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and con-
sent of the Senate, and who shall receive compensation at the rate of
grams and must be in the hands of a professional administrator
$16,000 per annum. The Deputy Administrator shall perform such
thoroughly conversant with the Seaway and its industry. In the Cor-
duties as the Administrator may from time to time designate, and shall
poration's efforts to attract and sustain cargo, as in its dealings with its
be acting Administrator and perform the functions of the Admin-
Canadian counterpart, there is an increasing awareness of the need for
istrator during the absence or disability of the Administrator or in the
continuity in order to assure the long-range implementation of busi-
event of a vacancy in the Office of the Administrator.]
ness decisions. The Canadian Government in recognizing this fact
appoints the Administrator's Canadian counterpart, the President of
anagement of Corporation
the St. Lawrence Seaway Authority, to a term of 10 years.
The bill in establishing a 7-year term for the Administrator will
Sec. 2. (a) The management of the corporation shall be vested in an
provide the needed continuity. This new fixed 7-year term will take
Administrator who shall be appointed by the President, by and with
effect upon the first appointment of an Administrator of the Saint
the advice and consent of the Senate, for a term of seven years. Any
Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation which is made after the
Administrator appointed to fill a vacancy in that position prior to the
date of enactment of this Act.
expiration of the term for which his predecessor was appointed shall
The bill also eliminates the position of Deputy Administrator of the
be appointed for the remainder of such term.
Seaway Corporation. This position has not been filled since 1961. In
[c) (b) There is hereby established the Advisory Board of the
view of the provision of a fixed term for the Administrator and his
Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, which shall be
statutory authority to hire such officers and employees as he feels are
composed of five members appointed by the President, by and with
necessary to conduct the business of the Corporation, and in light of
the advice and consent of the Senate, not more than three of whom
the long-standing vacancy, it is considered that the position of Deputy
shall belong to the same political party. The Advisory Board shall
Administrator should be eliminated.
H.R. 1565
H.R. 1565
[
4
meet at the call of the Administrator, who shall require it to meet not
less often than once each ninety days; shall review the general policies
of the Corporation, including its policies in connection with design and
construction of facilities and the establishment of rules of measure-
ment for vessels and cargo and rates of charges or tolls; and shall
advise the Administrator with respect thereto. Members of the Advis-
ory Board shall receive for their services as members compensation
of not to exceed $50 per diem when actually engaged in the perform-
ance of their duties, together with their necessary traveling expenses
while going to and coming from meetings.
H.R. 1565
H. R. 17558
Ninety-third Congress of the United States of America
AT THE SECOND SESSION
Begun and held at the City of Washington on Monday, the twenty-first day of January,
one thousand nine hundred and seventy-four
An Act
To amend the Act of May 13, 1954, relating to the Saint Lawrence Seaway
Development Corporation to provide for a seven-year term of office for the
Administrator, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled, That (a) subsections
(a) and (b) of section 2 of the Act of May 13, 1954, referred to as
the Saint Lawrence Seaway Act (33 U.S.C. 982), are amended to
read as follows:
"MANAGEMENT OF CORPORATION
"SEC. 2. (a) The management of the corporation shall be vested in
an Administrator who shall be appointed by the President, by and
with the advice and consent of the Senate, for a term of seven years.
Any Administrator appointed to fill a vacancy in that position prior
to the expiration of the term for which his predecessor was appointed
shall be appointed for the remainder of such term.".
(b) Subsection (c) of section 2 of such Act of May 13, 1954, is
relettered as subsection (b), including any references thereto.
SEC. 2. The amendments made to section 2 of the Act of May 13,
1954, by the first section of this Act shall (1) take effect upon the first
appointment of an Administrator of the Saint Lawrence Seaway
Development Corporation which is made after the date of enactment
of this Act, and (2) be applicable to such first appointment and to
each subsequent appointment to such position.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate.
December 24, 1974
Dear Mr. Director:
The following bills were received at the White House on December 24th:
S.J. Res. 40
B. 3481
H.R. 8958
H.R. 14600
S.J. Res. 133
8. 3548
M.R. 8981
H.R. 14689
S.J. Res. 262
8. 3934
H.R. 9182
H.R. 14718
S. 251
8. 3943
H.R. 9199
H.R. 15173
S. 356
S. 3976
H.R. 9588
H.R. 15223
S. 521
S. 4073
H.R. 9654
H.R. 15229
S. 544
S. 4206
H.R. 10212
M.R. 15322
S. 663
H.J. Res. 1178
H.R. 10701
M.R. 15977
S. 754
H.J. Res. 1180
H.R. 10710
H.R. 16045
S. 1017
M.R. 421
H.R. 10827
H.R. 16215
S. 1083
M.R. 1715
H.R. 11144
H.R. 16596
vs. 1296
H.R. 1820
H.R. 11273
H.R. 16925
S. 1418
M.R. 2208
H.R. 11796
M.R. 17010
S. 2149
H.R. 2933
N.R. 11802
H.R. 17045
S. 2446
H.R. 3203
H.R. 11847
M.R. 17085
S. 2607
M.R. 3339
H.R. 11897
H.R. 17468
B. 2854
H.R. 5264
H.R. 12044
H.R. 17558
S. 2888
K.R. 5463
H.R. 12113
H.R. 17597
S. 2994
H.R. 5773
H.R. 12427
H.R. 17628
S. 3022
H.R. 7599
H.R. 12884
H.R. 17655
S. 3289
H.R. 7684
H.R. 13022
S. 3358
H.R. 7767
H.R. 13296
S. 3359
H.R. 8214
H.R. 13869
S. 3394
H.R. 8322
H.R. 14449
S. 3433
H.R. 8591
H.R. 14461
Please let the President have reports and recommendations as to the
approval of these bills as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Robert D. Linder
Chief Executive Clerk
The Honorable Roy L. Ash
Director
Office of Management and Budget
Washington, D. C.