Ask the Scholar

Document scope · 1 page
doc
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory. For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.

Scholar Source Context

Document identity
localId
1551020
label
White House - Congressional Leadership Meeting, 6/15/71
core
doc
dtoType
document
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
1551020
contentType
document
title
White House - Congressional Leadership Meeting, 6/15/71
collections
Robert T. Hartmann Papers
House of Representatives Subject Files
subjects
Legislation
Legislative liaison
Pentagon Papers
Vietnam War, 1961-1975
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
1551020
coverageEndDate
logicalDate
1971-06-30
month
6
year
1971
coverageStartDate
logicalDate
1971-06-01
month
6
year
1971
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
100d6bc1573f26a1
ocrText
These documents were scanned from Box 107 of the Robert T. Hartmann Papers at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JUNE 15, 1971 OFFICE OF THE WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY THE WHITE HOUSE PRESS CONFERENCE OF SENATOR HUGH SCOTT AND CONGRESSMAN GERALD F. FORD THE BRIEFING ROOM GERALD PL FORD LIBRARY AT 10:15 A.M. EDT MR. ZIEGLER: The Leadership Meeting this morning lasted for two hours. Senator Scott and Congressman Ford are here to give you a report on that meeting. Senator Scott. SENATOR SCOTT: There was discussion of the forthcoming vote tomorrow before five o'clock on the McGovern-Hatfield Amendment. I reported to the President that the vote this year will be very close to the same vote last year when the amendment lost 39 to 55. There are about six doubtful and the vote will be in the same neighborhood, give or take one or two votes. I also brought up at another part in the discussion the old question of the inadvisability of fixing a deadline for the withdrawal of troops. I am convinced that fixing a deadline could not be helpful and would, indeed, be harmful to the continuing negotiations. Congressman Ford can speak on it, but I gather that the fate of the Nedzi-Whalen Amendment is about the same in the House of Representatives. I will turn over the discussion to Representative Ford now on the question of drug addition, which consumed at least an hour, didn't, Jerry? CONGRESSMAN FORD: Thank you very much, Hugh. The first hour of the Leadership Meeting this morning was in reference to the President's expanded program against the problem of drugs in the United States. The President is sending a Message to the Congress on Thursday, which will call for the establishment of a White House office to coordinate the expanded program. It will have four main points, first of which is to expand our efforts to get at the source of supply in those countries where heroin, hard drugs, are grown. The President had a meeting with Ambassadors from these countries earlier this week. MORE -2- Secondly, there will be an expanded effort by the law enforcement agencies against the pushers, the professional people who make these drugs available to the people who are in the process of becoming addicts. Thirdly, there will be a greatly expanded program for the veterans who are all over the world, who have become addicted to the drug problem. It will be a detoxification program, a readjustment program, so that when they get back to society, they will not have the problems that they acquired at the time they were in the service. Fourthly, there will be a program greatly expanded as well of education to convince younger people primarily that the drug culture atmosphere is not in their best interests or in the best interests of the country. This Message will come up on Thursday. It will include legislation to expand in the areas I have indicated and will include a request for additional funding. Q How much? CONGRESSMAN FORD: That particular dollar amount was not discussed in detail. It will be included in the Message, but the indication was it would be fairly substantial. MORE FORD P. GERALO LIBRARY - 3 - Ω Senator, has the publication by the New York Times of these documents on Vietnam affected the Senate attitude on the MaGovern-Hatfield Amendment? SENATOR SCOTT: I very much doubt it. The sentiment on MaGovern-Hatfield is substantially as before, but the improvement in the withdrawal situation in Vietnam is marked. There have been something over 200,000 armed forces withdrawn from Vietnam since the MaGovern-Hatfield Amendment was first discussed about two years ago. And I do not think that there has been any impact on this vote at all. CONGRESSMAN FORD: If I might supplement that, because the question could be, "Would the document release have an impact on the Nedzi-Whalen Amendment?" I don't think it will for this reason: When President Nixon came into office, he asked for a total reassessment of the situation in Vietnam and on the basis of that reassessment, the policy of withdrawal was implemented. So this Administration is not predicating its actions on any of those documents that have been revealed. This Administration is acting on the basis of a new reassessment that was made at the outset of the Administration. SENATOR SCOTT: The President's first action when he became President was to call for this full and complete reassessment of foreign policy and on that basis he evolved his own new foreign policy. Q Could I ask you gentlemen if you support the move of the Administration to impose an injunction on the GERALD R. FORD LIBRANT New York Times not to continue publishing this? SENATOR SCOTT: I understand that the Justice Department will take such action as it deems in the interest of national security. You have seen the papers. There has been the necessary preliminary demand for the return of the documents. I take it that that is the first step on which an injunction would be based. But you would have to ask the Justice Department how they would proceed step by step. Q Senator, I think maybe you ducked my question. I asked you if you supported an injunction against the New York Times. SENATOR SCOTT: On the question of classification of documents, the declassifcation can only be made by the Executive Department. And a release of classified information, if it violates the law, would require action by the Justice Department. If they so conclude, then I would feel that they were acting in accordance with their own sworn duty. Q Mr. Ford? CONGRESSMAN FORD: This is classified information. There is a law that says the release of such information is MORE - 4 - in viloation of the statute. This matter undoubtedly, if the New York Times continues, will go to the courts. The final decision will rest with the courts as to whether or not there has been a violation of the law. That is where the decision will be made. It won't be made in the Congress and it won't be made in the Executive Branch of the Government. SENATOR SCOTT: The courts would have to determine the question of the damage to the integrity of government and to the trust of other governments in dealing with us incidental to the whole question of who has the right to classify and declassify documents. THE PRESS: Thank you, gentlemen. END (AT 10:25 A.M. EDT) GERALD LEBRARY R FORD HOUSE ACTION, PERIOD MAY 18, 1971 THROUGH JUNE 14, 1971 Tuesday, May 18, 1971 THE HOUSE CONSIDERED THE PRIVATE CALENDAR GERALD R. FORD LIBRARY EMPLOYMENT ACT RULE By a record vote of 349 yeas to 34 nays, the House agreed to H. Res. 437, providing three hours of open debate. By a record vote of 182 yeas to 210 nays, the previous question on the rule was rejected; and subsequently, by a record vote of 210 yeas to 176 nays the House agreed to an amendment to the rule that made in order the text of H.R. 0141 as a sub- stitute to the committee amendment. The House consumed 1 hour and 3 minutes of the 3 hours of debate pro- vided for the Emergency Employment Act of 1971, H.R. 3613, and came to no resolution thereon. RAILWAY LABOR DISPUTE RULE By a voice vote, the House adopted H. Res. 447, providing 1 hour of open debate. PASSAGE By a voice vote, the House passed H. J. Res. 642, to provide for a temporary prohibition of strikes or lockouts with respect to the current railway labor-management dispute. Subsequently, this passage was vacated and S. J. Res. 100, an identical Senate-passed measure was passed in lieu. Wednesday, May 19, 1971 PRINTING RESOLUTIONS The House passed various printing resolutions from the Committee on llouse Administration. Thursday, May 20, 1971 SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS The House disagreed to the amendments of the Senate to H.R. 8190, making supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1971, and agreed to a conference asked by the Senate. Appointed as conferees: Representatives Mahon, Whitten, Andrews of Alabama, Rooney of New York, Passman, Boland, Natcher, Flood, Steed, Hansen of Washington, McFall, Bow, Jonas, Cederberg, Rhodes, Minshall, Conte, and Davis of Wisconsin. By a record vote of 264 yeas to 28 nays, the House agreed to the con- ference report on H.R. 8190, making supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1971, clearing the measure for Senate action. The House rejected on a record vote of 117 yeas to 157 nays, with one voting "present" the original motion to recede and concur with the Senate amendment providing $155.8 million for the SST program termina- tion costs; subsequently, by a voice vote, the House agreed to a substitute amendment providing $97.3 million for the SST program R. termination costs. Monday, May 24, 1971 GERALD FORD MEMORIAL DAY RECESS The House agreed to H. Con. Res. 316, providing for an adjournment of Congress from May 27, until June 1. NATIONAL PEACE CORPS WEEK The House passed S. J. Res. 29, to provide for the designation of the calendar week beginning on May 30, 1971, and ending on June 5. 1971, as "National Peace Corps Week." YOUTH APPRECIATION WEEK The House passed H. J. Res. 556, providing for the establishment of an Annual Youth Appreciation Week. Agreed to amendments that struck out the preamble; limited the measure for 1 year only; and amended the title. NAVY WIVES CLUBS DAY The House passed H. J. Res. 34, to provide for the designation of June 3 as "National Navy Wives Clubs of America Day." Agreed to amendments that struck out the preamble, limited the measure for 1 year only; and amended the title. COMMITTEE INVESTIGATIVE AUTHORITY By a record vote of 201 yeas to 88 nays, the House agreed to H. Res. 415, authorizing the Committee on Post Office and Civil Service to conduct studies and investigations within its jurisdiction. -3- Tuesday, May 25, 1971 REORGANIZATION PLAN NO. 1 By a record vote of 131 yeas to 224 nays, the House rejected H. Res. 411, to disapprove Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1971; in effect approving the plan. MEMORIAL DAY RECESS The House agreed to an amendment of the Senate to H. Con. Res. 316, pro- viding for the adjournment of the Congress from May 27, 1971, until June 1, 1971, clearing the measure. Wednesday, May 26, 1971 SELECT COMMITTEE ON ENERGY RESOURCES By a record vote of 128 yeas to 218 hays, the House rejected H. Res. 155, creating a select committee of the House to conduct a full and complete investigation of all aspects of the energy resources of the United States. R GERALD FORD Thursday, May 27, 1971 LIBRARY NO LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS Adjourned for the Memorial Day recess until noon on Tuesday, June 1, 1971. Tuesday, June 1, 1971 THE HOUSE CONSIDERED THE PRIVATE CALENDAR. EMERGENCY EMPLOYMENT ACT The House continued consideration of H.R. 3613, to provide during times of high unemployment for programs of public service employment for unemployed persons, to assist States and local communities in pro- viding needed public services, but came to no resolution thereon. There are 48 minutes of general debate time remaining when considera- tion continues tomorrow. Wednesday, June 2, 1971 EMERGENCY EMPLOYMENT ACT PASSAGE By a record vote of 244 yeas to 142 nays, with 1 voting "present," the House passed H.R. 3613, to provide during times of high unemployment for programs of public service employment for unemployed persons, to assist States and local communities in providing needed public services. (MORE) -4- Wednesday, June 2, 1971 (continued) EMERGENCY EMPLOYMENT ACT (continued) PASSAGE (continued) Subsequently, this measure was vacated, and S. 31, = similar Senate-passed measure was passed in lieu after being amended to contain the language of the House bill as passed. RECOMMIT By a record vote of 183 yeas to 201 nays, with 1 voting "present," the House rejected a motion by Mr. Esch to recommit the bill to the Committee on Education and Labor with instructions to report it back forthwith containing an amendment (the text of H.R. 8141, restructures manpower program, stressing local control). While in the Committee of the Whole, the same amendment was rejected by a teller vote of 132 yeas to 204 nays. The House insisted on its amendment and asked for a conference with the Senate. Appointed as conferees: Representatives Perkins, Daniels of New Jersey, Meeds, William D. Ford, Burton, Hawkins, Gaydos, Scheucr, Diaggi, Grasso, Hicks of Massachusetts, Green of Oregon, Quie, Esch, Steiger of Wisconsin, Eshleman, Ruth, Forsythe, Veysey, and Erlenborn. CAPITOL POLICE The House agreed to H. Res. 449, creating additional positions on the U.S. Capitol Police force for duty under the House of Repre- sentatives and providing a system of overtime pay for the U.S. Capitol Police under the House. R. Thursday, June 3, 1971 GERALD FORD LIBRARY NASA AUTHORIZATION RULE By a voice vote, the House adopted H. Res. 438, providing two hours of open debate. PASSAGE By a record vote of 302 yeas to 64 nays, the House passed H.R. 7109, to authorize appropriations to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for research and development, construction of facili- ties, and research and program management. (MORE) -5- Thursday, June 3, 1971 (continued) NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION AUTHORIZATION RULE By a record vote of 357 yeas to 4 nays, the House adopted H. Res. 452, providing for the consideration of H.R. 7960, to authorize appropria- tions for activities of the National Science Foundation. Friday, June 4, 1971 LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATIONS PASSAGE By a record vote of 259 yeas to 25 nays, with three voting "present," the House passed H.R. 8825, making appropriations for the legis- lative branch for fiscal year 1972. By a voice vote, the House agreed to an amendment by Mr. Sisk that provides an additional $200,000 for salaries and expenses of the Congressional Research Service. By a division vote of 48 yeas to 69 nays, the House rejected an amendment by Mr. Randall that sought to strike out funds for the James Madison Memorial Building. PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE--ENERGY The House received and read a message from the President transmitting a program to provide the basic ingredients for a new effort to meet our clean energy needs -- referred to the Committee on Government Operations and ordered printed (H. Doc. 92-118). R. Monday, June 7, 1971 THE HOUSE CONSIDERED THE CONSENT CALENDAR GERALD FORD LIBRARY SUSPENSIONS (4 BILLS) The House voted to suspend the rules and pass the following bills: H.J. Res. 169 - authorizing the acceptance, by the Joint Committee on the Library on behalf of the Congress, from the United States Capitol Historical Society, of preliminary design sketches and funds for murals in the cast corridor, first floor, in the House wing of the Capitol. (passed by voice vote) (MORE) -6- Monday, June 7, 1971 (continued) SUSPENSIONS (continued) H.R. 8011 - amended, to extend provisions relating to Government procurement of commodities produced by the blind to commodities produced by other severely handicapped individuals (passed by a record vote of 309 yeas); subsequently, this passage was vacated and S. 557, a similar Senate-passed bill was passed in lieu after being amended to contain the language of the House bill as passed. Agreed to amend the title of the bill. H.R. 6217 - amended, to amend the peanut marketing quota provisions of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938. (passed by voice vote) H.R. 1161 - to amend section 402 of the Agricultural Trade Develop- ment and Assistance Act of 1954, as amended, in order to remove certain restrictions against domestic wine under title I of such act (passed by a record vote of 298 yeas to 13 nays). NSF AUTHORIZATION By a record vote of 319 yeas to 8 nays, the House passed H.R. 7960, to authorize appropriations for activities of the National Science Foundation. Tuesday, June 8, 1971 MARITIME AUTHORIZATION The House disagreed to the amendments of the Senate to H.R. 4724, to authorize appropriations for certain maritine programs of the Depart- ment of Commerce, and asked a conference with the Senate. appointed as conferees Representatives Garmatz, Downing, Sullivan, Pelly, and Mailliard. COFFEE AGREEMENT ACT RULE By a record vote of 336 yeas to 41 nays, the House adopted H.Res. 465, providing two hours of open debate for the consideration of H.R. 8293, to continue until the close of September 30, 1973, the International Coffee Agreement Act of 1968. R. GERALD FORD RENEGOTIATION ACT RULE LIBRARY By a voice vote, the House adopted H. Res. 466, providing two hours of open debate. (MORE) -7- Tuesday, June 8, 1971 (continued) RENEGOTIATION ACT (continued) PASSAGE By a voice vote, the House passed H.R. 8311, to amend the Renegotia- tion Act of 1951 to extend the Act for 2 years to modify the interest rate on excessive profits and on refunds, and to provide that the Court of Claims shall have jurisdiction of renegotiation cases. TARIFFS A number of tariff bills from the Committee on Ways and Means were called up by unanimous consent, considered, and passed by voice votes. Wednesday, June 9, 1971 SAN GABRIEL, CALIFORNIA The House agreed to H. Res. 450, congratulating San Gabriel, California, and her residents on the occasion of her 200th anniversary. MICRONESIAN CLAIMS RULE By = voice vote, the House adopted H. Res. 467, providing one hour of open debate. PASSAGE By a record vote of 225 yeas to 158 nays, the House passed H. J. Res. 617, to authorize an CK gratia contribution to certain inhabitants of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands who suffered damages arising out of the hostilities of the Second World War, to provide for the payment of noncombat claims occurring prior to July 1, 1951, and to establish a Micronesian Claims Commission. RECOMMIT By a record vote of 166 yeas to 215 nays, the House rejected a motion by Mr. Gross to recommit the measure to the Committee on Foreign Affairs with instructions to report it back forthwith containing an amendment that called for a cash contribution from Japan of $5 million, in lieu of the value of $5 million in goods and services. While in the Committee of the Whole, the same amendment was rejected by a division vote of 46 yeas to 54 nays. R. GERAVO FORD LIBRARY -0- Thursday, June 10, 1971 SUGAR ACT RULE By a voice vote, the House adopted H. Res. 471, providing three hours of closed debate. The previous question was ordered by = record vote of 213 yeas to 166 nays. PASSAGE By a record vote of 229 yeas to 128 nays, the House passed H.R. 8866, to amend and extend the provisions of the Sugar Act of 1948, as amended. RECOMMIT By a voice vote, the House rejected a motion by Mr. Goodling to recommit the bill to the Committee on Agriculture. Monday, June 14, 1971 FLAG DAY The House observed with appropriate ceremonies Flag Day. DISTRICT DAY (Four Bills) The House considered and passed the following legislation pertaining to the District of Columbia: H.R. 8794 - Medical Services for Totally Disabled Firemen and Policemen. (Passed by record vote of 311 yeas to 1 nay) H.R. 2591 - Amendments to Acts Affecting Public Utilities. (Passed by voice vote) H.R. 2592 - Vacation Work Permits For Minors. (Passed by voice vote) H.R. 8589 - Amendment To Healing Arts Practice Act. (Passed by voice vote) PROGRAM AHEAD Tuesday, June 15, 1971 and Balance of Week R. GERALD FORD PRIVATE CALENDAR LIBRARY S. 575 - Conference Report - Public Works Acceleration Act, 1971. (MORE) -9- PROGRAM AHEAD (continued) Tuesday, June 15, 1971 and Balance of Week (continued) H.R. 8687 - Military Procurement Authorization (OPEN RULE - FOUR HOURS OF DEBATE) H.R. 6483 - Marine Corps Generals Appointments (OPEN RULE - ONE HOUR OF DEBATE) H.R. 8629 - Health Manpower Training Act (SUBJECT TO A RULE BEING GRANTED) H.R. 8630 - Nurse Training Act (SUBJECT TO A RULE BEING GRANTED) H.R. 7736 - Health Professions Student Loan and Scholarship Expansion (SUBJECT TO A RULE BEING GRANTED) GERAVA R. FORD LIBRARY