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White House - Congressional Leadership Meeting, 9/16/69 (includes minutes)
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1550986
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White House - Congressional Leadership Meeting, 9/16/69 (includes minutes)
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Robert T. Hartmann Papers
House of Representatives Subject Files
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Vietnam War, 1961-1975
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1969
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These documents were scanned from Box 106 of the Robert T. Hartmann Papers at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
DIARY OF WHITE HOUSE LEADERSHIP
MEETINGS -- 91st CONGRESS
September 16, 1969
We convened at 8:40 a. m. RMN introduced the subject
matter by saying that an administration with a hostile
Congress has two ways of assessing a legislative record.
First, one can emphasize the importance of a good bat-
ting record in the passage of bills proposed by the admini-
stration or second, one can urge the Congress to act and
educate the electorate on the issues involved, regardless
of the prospects of legislative success. He said that within
two weeks a decision would be made on a presidential mes-
sage concerning the legislative program. We have won all
of the difficult issues to date, but now the partisan lines
are beginning to form.
Ford reported on a sampling of sentiment during the
Congressional recess. He said that people in his District
like the Administration, but that Congress is suspect. The
Administration has more pluses than minuses in foreign
affairs, but Vietnam is still uppermost in the minds of all.
On the domestic scene, inflation is the principal issue. If
the election were held today, RMN would do better than he
did last November.
Scott reported concerning his visit to 20 Pennsylvania
counties. Essentially he agreed with Ford. He said that
the people want to get ont of Vietnam but without disgrace.
In addition to inflation, the domestic issue of most concern
is tax reform. He suggested the Republicans might usefully
employ the technique adopted by Truman in attacking what
he called the "do-nothing" 80th Congress. Issues of the 70's
will be made by what Congress fails to do. He suggested that
the President name someone to draft a resolution extending
condolences of the Joint Leadership to Mrs. Dirksen.
Agnew agreed that Vietnam is still the principal foreign
affairs issue. Domestically, he said that school desegregation
GERALD LIMITED 4. FORD
2
and busing of students was a source of much concern in
all parts of the country. He feels that the Administration
cannot win, no matter which direction it takes; that the
best hope is to neutralise the issue by being fair to all
sides and directing public attention to welfare reform,
revenue sharing and other features of "New Federalmim."
Rhodes said that his people expressed strong dissatisfaction
with inaction in the area of wages and prices. Mrs. Smith
said that in the northeastern part of the country, inflation is
even more discussed than Vietnam. Arends pointed out the
need to get the message across to the country that this
Congress is controlled by Democrats rather than by Republi-
cans. Ford reminded the problem the Republican Leader-
ship has in taking the lead to criticize Democratic inaction
in Congress. This frustrates their efforts to work with
their counterparts in support of urgent Administration
measures later.
Morton said the differences of opinion among members of
the executive establishment should be muted because public
controversy furnishes ammunition to our opponents.
Young suggested that the Administration can help itself
most in rural areas by writing a good record on agriculture,
and the President suggested that he sit down with Mr. Belcher,
Arends and others in the Congress who are knowledgeable in
the subject and advise the Secretary of Agriculture in his
efforts to draft a new farm program.
Tower said that the Republican Party faces serious trouble
in the business community, and this is best reflected in his
efforts to raise money for the Senatorial Campaign Committee.
Cramer reported on a poll taken in Florida which showed that
the Administration has the confidence of 68% of the people
and that the most pressing issues in order of priority are
Vietnam, cost of living, civil disomders, law enforcement
and student busing.
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
3
Wilson said that his impression is that the Administration
enjoys a favorable image across the country. However,
he suggested that the Administration not be too timid and
that it might be useful to create minor controversies which
would assure adequate news coverage.
The President recognized Harben to explain five charts,
listing in green the issues on which favorable action has
already been taken or is expected in this session. Listed
in red were the issues on which favorable action was not
expected in this session of Congress. These include:
1. National Security and Foreign Affairs -- Nuclear Treaty,
(G); IDA, (G); ABM, G); Foreign aid, (G); Export control,
(G); and Draft, (R); II. Human Needs and Inflation Control --
Surject, (G); Tax reform, (G); Manpower training, (R);
Welfare reform, (R); Revenue sharing, (R); Food stamps,
(G); Older Americans, (G); Hill-Burton, (G); Mass transit,
(R); Unemployment insurance, (R); Student loans, (G);
Education, (G); OEO extension, (G); Social security, (R);
Coal mine safety, (G); Occupational safety, (R); Population
growth, (R); Whd Water quality, (G); III. Other Maj or
Proposals -- Grant consolidation, (G); Reorganisation
authority, (G); Debt increase, (G); Postal rMorm,
Electomal reform, (R); ICC reorganization, (G); Bank holding
company, (G); Voting rights, (G); Airports, (R); Maritime
authorisation, (G); Postal rates, (R); D. C. Crime, (R);
1969 Trade Act, (R); and Farm, (R); and Crime Control --
Witness immunity, (R); Illegal gambling, (R); Organized
crime, (R); Drug control, (G); Wagering tax amendments,
(R); and D. C. courts and bail reform, (R); and V. Appropria-
tions.
Allott said that theremellittle proppect of Congress acting on
all appropriations bills before Christmas. The Democrats
are engaged in a deliberate plan to string out legislation so
that the President's legislative peogram cannot be considered
this year. It is impossible to meet the October 31 deadline
for tax reform.
FORDO i LIBRARY SERALD
4
Ford predicted trouble with foreign aid. Taft agreed.
He said that former advocates are now reacting to
popular disenchangment, linking their sentiment with
the 75% construction cutback, inflation, etc. He recom-
mended considering a freeze or deferment. Rhodes
added that Passman's figures concerning budget requests
and appropriations in the pipeline had been verified.
Ford said that the draft reform will not be acted upon
until after the military procurement bill has been com-
pleted and then only after the Senate has acted first. He
recommended a Presidential pronouncement raising
the 7% social security increase to 10%.
Moynihan reported that the telegram response supporting
welfare reform, revenue sharing and manpower utiliza-
tion programs was tremendous. The volume is second only
to that received by the White House when LBJ announced
his resignation. 582 editorials supported the program; and
only 25 were hostile.
Blount said that the response in the South had all been
responsive.
RMN interjected to say that leaders should remind the
people that this is a Republican program, and that if they
fail to do so, the Democrats will steal the best parts.
Scott said that he had found unanimous support for the work
requirement and work incentive features of the welfare
proposal. Rhodes urged the President to deal with the social
security issue now. Wilson agreed.
Ford said that Blount has the commitment from 14 of the 26
Committee members that the postal reform bill will be con-
sidered. Blount said that the postal pay bill will trigger a
total annual pay increase, including classified workers and
the military, of $1 billion. The President said that this issue
FORD LIBRART
5
will be considered again at a special joint leadership
meeting scheduled at the White House next Friday morn-
ing.
Laird said that draft reform has as much political mileage
as any other political issue in the youth community. He
explained that the policy will be to continue to call for
legislative action, and if none is taken by January 1, to
resort to administrative action to the extent the law will
permit.
RMN said that in addition to postal pay, draft reform and
law enforcement would be considered at the Fridam meeting.
RMN then explained the announcement that will be issued
today concerning additional troop withdrawal from Vietnam.
He emphasized that it was necessary to consult with all
nations contributing troops and with the leaders of South
Vietnam. His consultation provided the opportunity for a
leak, and this explains the comment that Ky made. Hy's
comment is inaccurate. The troop ceiling (as distinguished
from actual body withdrawal) will have been reduced by two
steps by 65, 500 by next December. The actual body with-
drawal will have been over 60, 000. In a short briefing of
the present Vietnam situation, the President disclosed that
following Ho's death, he had received a telegram from
Fulbright recommending that the President send a personal
representative to the funeral. The President flatly refused
and for the same reason he would have refused a similar
invitation with respect to Hitler's funeral.
The mesting adjourned at approximately 10:45 a. m.
RICHARD H. POFF
RHP:MJ
GERALD LIBRARY JORO
HOUSE ACTION, PERIOD AUGUST 11 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 15, 1969
Monday, August 11, 1969
MARYLAND LAND TRANSFER
The House considered by unanimous consent and passed by a voice
vote, H.R. 10420, to permit certain real property in the State
of Maryland to be used for public purposes generally.
D. C. REVENUE ACT
PASSAGE
The House passed by a voice vote H.R. 12982, to provide additional
revenue for the District of Columbia.
The House agreed to an amendment that exempts court personnel
from the personnel freeze.
The House also agreed to an amendment that kills language
that would prohibit the City Council from setting tax
rates on real and personal property.
RECOMMIT
Prior to passage, the House rejected a motion to recommit
the bill to the Committee on the District of Columbia.
Tuesday, August 12, 1969
RULE AMENDMENT
The House agreed to H.Res.495, amending rule XXXV of the House
of Representatives to increase fees of witnesses before the
House or its committees.
INVESTIGATIVE AUTHORITY
By a record vote of 196 yeas to 132 nays, the House agreed to
II. Res. 269, authorizing the Committee on Post Office and Civil
Service to conduct studies and investigations within its
jurisdiction.
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
- 2 -
U. S. FISHING FLEET IMPROVEMENT ACT
RULE
The House adopted H.Res.515 by a voice vote, providing one
hour of debate.
PASSAGE
The House passed H.R.4813 by a voice vote, to extend the
provisions of the U. S. Fishing Fleet Improvement Act.
The House agreed to an amendment that limits expenditures
for FY 1971 to $100,000.
Wednesday, September 3, 1969
RULES AGREED TO
H.Res.516, providing for the consideration of H.R.7621 to
amend the Federal Hazardous Substances Act to protect children.
H.Res.517, by voice vote, for the consideration of H.R. 10105,
the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act Authorization.
H.Res.518, providing for the consideration of H.R. 12085, to amend
the Clean Air Act to extend the program.
NATIONAL TRAFFIC AND MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY ACT AUTHORIZATION
By a record vote of 321 yeas, the House passed H.R. 10105,
to amend the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety
Act of 1966, to authorize appropriations for FY 1970, 1971
and 1972.
Thursday, September 4, 1969
CHILD PROTECTION ACT
By a record vote of 327 yeas, the House passed H.R.7621, to amend
the Federal Hazardous Substances Act to protect children from toys
and other articles intended for use by children which are hazardous
due to the presence of electrical, mechanical or thermal hazards.
CLEAN AIR ACT
By a record vote of 332 yeas, the House passed H.R. 12085, to
amend the Clean Air Act to extend the program of research relating
to fuel and vehicles.
GERALD LIBRARY FORD
- 3 -
VICE PRESIDENT'S PAY ADJUSTMENT
By a voice vote the House agreed to the Senate amendment to H.R.7206
to adjust the salaries of the Vice President of the United States
and certain officers of the Congress, thus clearing the measure
for the White House.
Monday, September 8, 1969
PEACE CORPS ACT
RULE
The House adopted H.Res.527 by voice vote, providing one hour
general debate.
PASSAGE
By a record vote of 281 yeas to 52 nays, the House passed H.R. 11039
to amend further the Peace Corps Act (75 Stat. 612), as amended.
RECOMMIT
Prior to passage, the House rejected by a record vote of 144 yeas
to 186 nays Mr. Gross' recommit motion with instructions to
reduce the authorized amount in H.R.11039 by $11.1 million.
Tuesday, September 9, 1969
CAMPING - NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM
RULE (OPEN)
The House adopted H.Res.461 by voice vote, providing one hour
of general debate.
PASSAGE
By a record vote of 334 yeas to 55 nays, the House passed
H.J.Res.247, relating to the administration of the national
park system.
INDIAN LAND (PUEBLO de TAOS)
RULE (OPEN)
The House adopted H.Res.462 by voice vote, providing one hour
of general debate.
FORG i LIBRARY GERALD
4
INDIAN LAND (PUEBLO de TAOS) Continued
PASSAGE
By voice vote, the House passed H.R.471, to amend section 4 of
the act of May 31, 1933 (48 Stat. 108).
ELECTORAL REFORM
RULE
The House agreed to H.Res.491, providing for the consideration
of, and six hours of debate on, H.J.Res. 681, proposing an
amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating
to the election of the President and Vice President.
Monday, September 15, 1969
CONSENT CALENDAR
The House passed H.J.Res.81 by unanimous consent, to provide for the
development of the Eisenhower National Historic Site at Gettysburg,
Pennsylvania.
SUSPENSIONS (TWO BILLS)
By voice vote, the House passed H.J.Res.775, to authorize the President
to award appropriate medals honoring those astronauts whose particular
efforts and contributions to the welfare of the Nation and of mankind
have been exceptionally meritorious.
The House passed H.R. 13194, Insured Student Loan Emergency Amendments
of 1969, by a record vote of 322 yeas to 60 nays.
Tuesday and Balance of Week
Private Calendar
H.J.Res.681 - Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of the United
Stated relating to the election of the President and Vice President.
(Continue Consideration Under Five Minute Rule)
H.R.
- Legislative Branch Appropriation Act, FY 1970.
H.R. 12549 - To Provide for the Establishment of a Council on
Environmental Quality. (Subject to a Rule Being Granted)
18.4
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 16, 1969
Office of the White House Press Secretary
THE WHITE HOUSE
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
After careful consideration with my senior civilian and military advisors and
in full consultation with the Government of Vietnam, I have decided to reduce
the authorized troop ceiling in Vietnam to 484, 000 by December 15. This
compares with the ceiling of 549, 500 which existed when this Administration
took office. Under the newly authorized troop ceiling, a minimum of
60, 000 troops will have been withdrawn from Vietnam by December 15. *
Since coming into office, my Administration has made major efforts to bring
an end to the war:
We have renounced an imposed military solution.
We have proposed free elections organized by Joint Commissions
under international supervision.
We have offered the withdrawal of U.S. and allied forces over
a 12-month period.
We have declared that we would retain no military bases.
We have offered to negotiate supervised cease-fires under
international supervision to facilitate the process of
mutual withdrawal.
We have made clear that we would settle for the de facto removal
of North Vietnamese forces so long as there are guarantees
against their return.
We and the Government of South Vietnam have announced that
we are prepared to accept any political outcome which is
arrive at through free elections.
We are prepared to discuss the 10-point program of the
other side together with plans put forward by the other parties.
In short, the only item which is not negotiable is the right of
the people of South Vietnam to determine their own future
free of outside interference.
I reiterate all these proposals today.
The withdrawal of 60, 000 troops is a significant step.
GERALD FOND LIBRARY
The time for meaningful negotiations has therefore arrived.
I realize that it is difficult to communicate across the gulf of five years of
war. But the time has come to end this war. Let history record that at this
critical moment, both sides turned their faces toward peace rather than
toward conflict and war.
*Actually, the total reduction in authorized ceiling strength amounts to
65, 500. But within the authorized ceiling, all units are shown at 100%
strength. In actual practice, most units are slightly below full strength, so
that actual strength normally is less than the authorized ceiling by one or
two percent.
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