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Senior Staff Meetings-1982 (February 1982)
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Senior Staff Meetings-1982 (February 1982)
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Records of the White House Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff (Reagan Administration)
Michael Deaver's Senior Staff Meeting Files
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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Digital Library Collections
This is a PDF of a folder from our textual
collections.
Collection: Deaver, Michael
Folder Title: Senior Staff Meetings 1982
(February 1982)
Box: 31
To see more digitized collections
visit: https://reaganlibrary.gov/archives/digital-library
To see all Ronald Reagan Presidential Library inventories
visit: https://reaganlibrary.gov/document-collection
Contact a reference archivist at: [email protected]
Citation Guidelines: https://reaganlibrary.gov/citing
National Archives
Catalogue: https://catalog.archives.gov/
SENIOR STAFF MEETING ACTION ITEMS (2-1-82)
ACTION
ITEMS
1.
Schedule: Meeting with Dick Wirthlin added for 3:15.
2.
Federalism: Photo opportunity during meeting at
Williamson
11:00. Williamson or Anderson to brief President
Anderson
on financial aspects at 10:45.
Budget Message: Final draft will be circulated by
Darman
3.
Darman this morning. Comment deadline is 7:00 p.m.
Harper
4.
Tax Exemption Bill: Testimony being offered today
Fuller
in Senate. House testimony is scheduled for 2-4-82
Fielding
in Ways and Means.
Cabinet Councils: Meeting this week to discuss new
Fuller
5.
employment and training program to replace CETA;
telecommunications policy in aftermath of AT&T
decision; thrift industry; and position on private
express statutes (Baxter testimony on hold).
6.
Family Planning Regulation: Differences in Cabinet
Fuller
Council over whether to notify parents re provision
Anderson
of birth control devices, or whether to question
entire law. Decision memo is being written.
7.
Volcker: Meeting with President Wednesday or Thurs-
Meese
day; prior meeting being handled by Meese; Darman
Darman
to forward memo on subject to Meese. Guidance is
not to be seen as blaming our economic problems on
the Fed.
8.
Legislative Veto: D. C. Circuit Court has declared
Duberstein
legislative veto to be unconstitutional. Effect
Fielding
this will have on certain legislative proposals to
be explored. Duberstein should draft new talking
points for President to use in calling Schmitt.
9.
El Salvador: President to receive update on situa-
Clark
tion, including recent deaths as reported in press.
10. Enterprise Zones: Kemp and Garcia to discuss minimum Anderson
wage provision with Anderson.
11. DOL Supplemental: OMB has proposed $2.3B to cover
Harper
unemployment compensation, a sum already assumed in
Speakes
our most recent FY '82 estimates. This should be
Darman
announced in the briefing today; Harper to provide
fact sheet.
12.
Unemployment: Guidance is not to use 10% figure
Gergen
(which was mentioned yesterday by Regan).
13. Van de Water: Teamsters now officially oppose nomi-
James
nation. In light of this, extra care should be taken
with ICC appointments.
Senior Staff Meeting Action Items (2-1-82)
Page 2 of 2
ACTION
ITEMS
14. Supplementals: Will be proposed for guaranteed
Harper
student loans, BATF, and Merit System Protection
Board.
15. Minority Business Enterprise Regulations: Purpose is Dole
to encourage and increase participation by minority
Harper
firms in government contracts, etc. However, regu-
lations may be misinterpreted. Dole to check into
matter with Harper, and will attempt to sort it out.
16. Clean Water Reauthorization: Only testimony now
Harper
slated on this matter concerns a supplemental. Cabinet
Council will review any package EPA comes up with on
reauthorization.
17. Flicks and Flacks: Report is that 500 USDA publica-
Harper
tions have been abolished; "user" policy applied to
Gergen
others. Announcement of this should be made by WH
for additional news play.
18. Poland Film: Criticized in advance, but reviews
Gergen
following showing have been good; film seems to have
broad public appeal. Suggestion that a screening be
set up for certain reporters.
19. Prayer Breakfast: To be held Thursday, 2-4; senior
staff meeting that day may be cancelled.
20. Ralph Abernathy: Holding breakfast to honor Adminis- Dole
tration officials; should be checked into.
SENIOR STAFF MEETING ACTION ITEMS (2-2-82)
ACTION
ITEMS
1.
Schedule: No photo opportunity today.
2.
Volcker: Meeting with President set today at 11:15
Fuller
as prelude to Volcker meeting (tentatively set for
Darman
Thursday, but not yet firm). Regan has questions
concerning necessity of meeting and timing.
El Salvador: Haig testifying today in House. State
Clark
3.
Department is forwarding press guidance re possible
Gergen
questions.
4.
SBA: Question raised concerning public testimony
Harper
today on Davis-Bacon by head of agency's advocacy
section. This person may not have to clear testimony
with OMB; thus, Administration viewpoint will need to
be made clear at hearing.
Tax Exemption: "Sense of the Congress" resolution
Duberstein
5.
being considered on this matter, and will need to
Fielding
be examined further. Question as to what specifically
is being suggested.
Enterprise Zones: Questions and concerns expected
Anderson
6.
on sub-minimum wage portion of proposal. Guidance
Dole
is that we will not make decision on this until we
hear those views from private groups.
7.
Regulatory Reform: Bill will not come up this week;
Duberstein
talking points for President being prepared, but no
need to call Senator Schmitt yet.
Mubarak Visit: Press plan is for background brief-
Clark
8.
ing, then on-the-record briefing by the Secretary.
Gergen
Guidance is that policy on number of visits with
President has not changed, and where a second meet-
ing is called for it will be held. So far, only
Sadat and Begin have met twice with President during
visits.
9.
Budget: Guidance continues to be "no comment" on
Gergen
budget until it has been released.
10. Fee Cap Bill: Proposal is to limit fees paid to
Harper
public interest lawyers who sue the government. Limit Fuller
would place fees close to rate government pays to
private lawyers it retains. OMB to include proposal
in publication it is preparing, but matter should be
held for full discussion in new Cabinet Council on
Legal Policy.
11. Binary Weapons: Guidance re statement to be provided Clark
by noon.
Senior Staff Meeting Action Items (2-2-82)
Page 2 of 2
ITEMS
ACTION
12. Prime Rate: Stock market dropped in reaction to rise Weidenbaum
in prime rate; it is expected that other banks will
follow suit. As a result, the Fed may soon feel
pressure to raise its discount rate.
13. CCEA: New employment training program to be discussed
today at 8:45.
SENIOR STAFF MEETING ACTION ITEMS (2-3-82)
ACTION
ITEMS
Schedule: Mubarak arrival ceremony moved to East
Canzeri
1.
Room.
2.
Senior Staff: No meeting tomorrow due to Prayer
Breakfast; also, no meeting Friday.
Tax Exemption Bill: Legislative Affairs is still
Duberstein
3.
checking with Senator Dole's staff re suggestion
that resolution be introduced in lieu of bill.
4.
Right to Life: Paper now circulating on proposed
Anderson
constitutional amendment; Anderson to report Monday
Darman
on issue.
Superfund: Issue of state versus federal superfund
Harper
5.
raised by Fielding; Harper to check and report back.
Fielding
Appointments: SBA and EEOC appointments ready to
James
6.
move. Two nominations to be resubmitted, including
Van de Water. Re ICC vacancy, suggestion is to talk
with Teamsters and get someone they like for slot;
they might then be able to support Van de Water.
7.
Cuba: Concerning statement about MiGs in Cuba,
Clark
guidance is that this does not represent a declassi-
Speakes
fication of info--instead it is an acknowledgement
(or general statement) consistent with what the
President has already said. NSC to provide usual
guidance by 10 a.m.
8.
Budget Message: Comments are in, message complete.
Harper
Note that health program changes are reflected in
message.
NYC Loan Guarantees: Next installment being con-
Darman
9.
sidered (Treasury to make decision) ; could be close
Fuller
call. WH comments due by February 10.
Anderson
10. EOP Agencies: Will all meet 16% cut with exception
Harper
of Office of Administration (due to level of support
it is required to provide).
SENIOR STAFF MEETING ACTION ITEMS (2-8-82)
ITEMS
ACTION
1.
Schedule: 9:30--Bipartisan Congressional Leaders; 10:00--Dropby
GOP Congressional Leaders; 10:30--NSC briefing; 11:00--Budget
Signing Ceremony.
Photo opportunity during budget signing, with Stockman, Regan and
Speakes
Weidenbaum present.
Bakshian has statement prepared; Darman to set up short briefing
Gergen
prior to signing.
Darman
2.
Bob Jones: Nothing to be done on court case unless all senior
Fuller
staff are aware; Legislative Strategy Group to discuss question
Duberstein
of briefs for case, and resolution introduced; also to discuss
Grove City case.
Meeting set for 1:30 today with McNamar, Schmults, and Bell.
Darman
3.
Regulatory Reform: Must discuss with DOJ in Legislative Strategy
Darman
tomorrow since bill may come up Wednesday.
4.
Right to Life: Anderson will report this week on draft DOJ letter
Anderson
now circulating.
5.
Mine Safety: Hiring freeze lifted; commitment to restore funds;
Fuller
will work with the union in looking at the inspection requirements.
Harper
Notifications made on Friday and Saturday; release went out Saturday.
6.
Israel: Statement in German paper quotes President that Israel is
Gergen
only reliable US ally in Mideast; guidance is that story is not
Clark
accurate and consists of cut-and-paste of campaign statements. ICA
has some history on this statement.
7.
Tax Cut: Guidance is that we would only consider making the tax
Gergen
cut retroactive if it is not linked to the 3rd year cut, and if we
Duberstein
conclude it would speed up the recovery without adverse impact.
8.
Combined Federal Campaign:
OPM memo arguing for changes has been
Darman
circulating since October.
Consensus is that issue needs to be
brought
to
some
resolution.
Key points of memo should be summarized
for JAB and EM.
9.
Budget: Campaign to "sell" our budget should be accelerated in
Gergen
order to avoid being put on defensive. Important to get some
Duberstein
positive statements out of our Congressional people today.
Disagreement on economic forecast within CEA also raised, especially Weidenbaum
regarding the velocity assumptions.
10. Education Block Grant: Report is that regulations have been suc-
Harper
cessfully whittled down. The new regulations will probably generate
opposition from poverty groups and others due to absence of some
previous requirements.
Senior Staff Meeting Action Items (2-8-82)
Page 2 of 2
ITEMS
ACTION
11. HHS Family Planning Regulations: Schweiker has asked for authority Duberstein
to issue parental notification regulation. Matter would be kept at Fuller
distance from WH. Schweiker scheduled to testify tomorrow on
subject. Duberstein is to consult on Hill today; Fuller to obtain
HHS fact sheet on effect of regulation today. Guidance on Schweiker
testimony will follow.
Consensus is to move forward by having HHS issue regulation; remain-
ing question appears to be on timing.
12. Senior Staff: No senior staff meeting tomorrow.
13. Vietnam Veterans' Memorial: Opposing groups have agreed on com-
Fuller
promise concerning design; Watt is considering and will probably
approve.
SENIOR STAFF MEETING ACTION ITEMS (2-10-82)
ACTION
ITEMS
Meeting with Female Appointees: Briefing on budget and other
Dole
1.
issues to prepare them as spokesmen; future briefings set with
Gergen
Black and Hispanic appointees; briefing book on budget, Federalism
will be available soon.
2.
Economic Report: Decision is that no signing ceremony will be held.
Illinois Medicaid Waiver: JAB has signed off on memo; Fuller to
Fuller
3.
check on Meese sign-off.
4.
Indian Claims Settlement: Problem is that D'Amato/Thurmond/Lee
Fuller
were led to believe Administration supported bill, yet bill had not
been cleared by WH or DOJ; appears to have been back-channeled by
one individual; bill itself is potentially embarrassing. Fuller to
take up matter with Stockman and Harper.
Combined Federal Campaign: Need final paper on changes being pro-
Fuller
5.
posed; inclination is to leave order unchanged.
6. Watt Contempt Citation: Vote occurred in subcommittee; must still
Fielding
be approved by full committee and by House. Executive privilege
claimed, though large amount of documents has been voluntarily
provided. Could be a good test case.
7.
Tax Exemption: Administration position is that we are still push-
Duberstein
ing and supporting our bill, not trading.
8. NYC Loan Guarantee: Recommendation will be coming through the
Anderson
system soon.
9.
Miami Crime Task Force: Has met once; will meet again Friday. VP
Murphy
to speak in Miami next Tuesday on problem. There are initiatives
we can take. Press inquiries should be referred to Teeley; other
inquiries should go through Fuller.
10. Job Training: Quayle has scheduled hearings for Feb. 22 on his
Anderson
bill; he wants Administration testimony on his bill and our own
Fuller
proposal. Hearings could be postponed two weeks if Cabinet Council
has not completed its work.
11. Binary Weapons: Statement released Monday; initial reaction from
Gergen
Europe is mild.
12. Proposed Budget "Freeze": Guidance is that Howard Baker supports
Speakes
the President's budget; questions on his "freeze" comment should
be referred to him.
13. Federalism: Once decision has been made, no comments undercutting
Duberstein
the President should occur.
Senior Staff Meeting Action Items (2-10-82)
Page 2 of 2
ITEMS
ACTION
14. Budget: Need open congressional support for our budget: Duberstein
Duberstein
to work on this. Support from business and other groups also
Dole
needed: Dole to handle. Suggestion made that agreement by congres-
sional leaders on the basic principles represented by our budget
could be an acceptable middle ground.
15. ICC Vacancy: Meeting will be held today to discuss. Teamsters will Dole
be in on this issue shortly.
James
16. HHS Family Planning Regulation: Schweiker testified yesterday on
Fuller
general concept. Consensus is that we are already committed, and
that proposed regulation is sound. Decision is that HHS can go
ahead with proposal.
17. Science Advisory Council: Proposed by Keyworth. Group would advise James
Keyworth (not the President); membership is not broadly based. Con-
sensus is that proposal can go forward, but (a) group should not be
characterized as a "White House" council; and (b) no announcement
should be made from WH.
SENIOR STAFF MEETING ACTION ITEMS (2-11-82)
ACTION
ITEMS
1.
Schedule: Photo opportunity today during meeting
Speakes
with county officials.
2.
Budget: Congressional leaders to speak with press
Gergen
outside after meeting. Guidance is that meeting has
Speakes
been scheduled for 1½ weeks and is not related to
the Hollings proposal.
3.
MX Silo Hardening/Change in Israel Policy News
Clark
Stories: NSC will forward guidance to press office
this morning.
4.
NYC Loan Guarantee: Williamson to call Koch.
Williamson
Illinois Medicaid Waiver: WH agrees with HHS deci-
Fuller
5.
sion to grant waiver.
Volcker: Meeting with President tentatively set for
Deaver
6.
February 23 due to Regan's absence; should be recon-
sidered, though, since suggestion was for a one-on-one
meeting.
Guidance re Volcker's report to Congress is that
Gergen
there is a consistency with our Economic Report;
Speakes
Fed report sets forecast ranges and our figures are
within their ranges (albeit on the optimistic end).
7.
Furloughs: Proposed as alternative to deal with
Fuller
budget cuts; OMB and OPM to discuss guidelines on
Gergen
when, how to use. Fuller to provide more informa-
tion in advance of briefing.
Civil Rights Commission: Hart's public discussion
Duberstein
8.
of his views causing problems; nomination has not
James
yet gone up. Duberstein to check sentiment on Hill;
nomination on "hold" pending further checks and con-
firmation of Pendleton. Hart was not offered chair-
manship.
SENIOR STAFF MEETING ACTION ITEMS (2-12-82)
ACTION
ITEMS
1.
Schedule: Radio correspondents meeting is off. No
Gergen
press coverage of Administration spokesmen meeting.
Speakes
Photo opportunity is walk to helicopter. Suggestion
also made for budget-related letter to be sent this
weekend to all GOP Senators and Congressmen.
2.
Budget: Guidance is essentially the same as yester-
Gergen
day; when Congress looks at the budget in detail,
they will face the same difficult choices the
President faced.
3.
NYC Loan Guarantee: Williamson called Koch, who is
Williamson
sending new information by Tuesday; decision on
Fuller
guarantee to be made on Wednesday.
Hart Nomination: Duberstein and Rollins to work
Duberstein
4.
with James re political aspects of nomination (Sen.
Rollins
Heinz has asked that it be put on hold). In particu-
James
lar, check should be made on what previous clearances
were given on Hart. Decision could be made not to
send up nomination.
5.
EEOC Nominee: Work should be done on clearances for
James
Thomas (from DED).
6.
Indian Claims: Congressional front is quiet for now.
Duberstein
DOJ, DOI and OMB are studying bill for clearance
Fuller
purposes. Issue to be discussed again next week.
7.
Taiwan: If further questions arise, should refer
Gergen
back to January 5th Q&A.
El Salvador: Question has arisen re the carrying of
Clark
8.
weapons by advisors. Speakes will not view CNN film
Gergen
portraying this. Question seems to revolve around
whether weapons are for self-defense or are offensive
in nature; DOD will have statement ready later today.
9.
Producer Prices: Up 0.4%; lowest rate of increase
since April '77. Further evidence that the fight
against inflation is making progress.
10. Food Stamps: Questions arising about budget cuts;
Fuller
Don Moran will put together a fact sheet on issue.
SENIOR STAFF MEETING ACTION ITEMS (2-16-82)
ACTION
ITEMS
1.
Schedule: No photo opportunity today.
2.
Press Conference: Scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday.
Gergen
Need to keep President's schedule as clear as
Clark
possible for preparation time. Suggestion made for
strong opening statement on budget. Suggestion also
made to mention Bud Nance task force if it has been
firmed up.
3.
Agents Identities Bill: Will come up on Senate
Duberstein
floor next week. Chafee amendment is the one we are
Clark
supporting. Bill has already passed the House in
form we like.
4.
Hart Nomination: Moral Majority supporting this now. Duberstein
Duberstein to call Heinz and Specter; at this point,
need to quiet speculation that nomination will be
withdrawn.
Unitary Tax: Issue is potentially volatile; EM to
Meese
5.
see that it is considered in Cabinet Council.
6.
Refugees: HHS has postponed regulations to cut
Williamson
refugee reimbursement period from 36 months to 18
Meese
months. This requires a second look; Williamson to
get facts to EM.
7.
Thomas Nomination: This has been well received by
Duberstein
Congress; we are trying to keep this separate from
the Hart nomination.
8.
NYC Loan Guarantee: Additional material from Koch
Williamson
is due today.
CBI Speech: Draft now being circulated for comment
Darman
9.
on "hold close" basis. Timing on speech has not
Clark
yet been decided; may be posponed until next week.
10.
Israel: Suggestions will be made this morning re
Clark
response to latest Israeli statements; press guidance
will follow.
11.
Clean Air: Need report from Boyden Gray on status
Murphy
and next step.
12. Labor Relations: Unions upset concerning shutdown
of Pullman plant; questions should be referred to DOL.
SENIOR STAFF MEETING ACTION ITEMS (2-17-82)
ITEMS
ACTION
1. Schedule: Photo opportunity is with Belgian P.M.; Treasury is
Speakes
forwarding briefing paper on currency; question of press briefing
Clark
after meeting to be discussed.
2. CIA Documents on OPEC: President does not agree with request for
Clark
document release, and has sent letter to Rosenthal. Clark to dis-
Duberstein
cuss with Casey question of whether documents must remain classi-
fied due to "possible harm to national security."
3. CBI: Comments on speech draft to be distributed to Bakshian and
Darman
working group. Legislative Strategy group to discuss matter at
Duberstein
10 a.m. Duberstein to talk with Congressman Murtha re his post-
visit statement that El Salvador merits further assistance.
4. Press Conference: Set for EOB 450; Rosebush to check again on
Rosebush
whether use of East Room is possible, though.
5. NYC Loan Guarantee: Material from Koch has been received; William- Williamson
son to discuss matter with JAB.
6. Economic Figures: No change in housing starts, but permits up 6%.
Industrial production down 3% in January, but weather was a
factor.
7. Housing: Secretary Pierce met with President; decision is that
Fuller
something needs to be done for the industry. It was noted that
housing industry leads us into and out of recessions. Cabinet
Council working group formed to study options on expedited basis.
8. Stockman: Testifying today on economic forecast; will lay out
Harper
optimistic and pessimistic scenarios as well as Administration
forecast. Harper, JAB and EM to discuss further.
9. Budget Savings: GAO is looking at our report on program savings
Harper
with view to question our figures. OMB has discovered one in-
stance of double-counting, but no others.
10. Labor: Kirkland statement re "Jonestown economics" noted; VP
Gergen
responded strongly, and consensus is that we should continue to
Rollins
respond similarly. Rollins to handle matter of Labor Council
formation at RNC.
11. First Lady: Response to recent trip has been excellent.
12. Tax Exemption: Mississippi case (in Supreme Court) discussed; per
Fuller
"AG, case is not directly related to school tax exemption issue,
but Fuller to follow up.
Briefing paper on issue also needed prior to President's press
Fuller
conference.
SENIOR STAFF MEETING ACTION ITEMS (2-18-82)
ITEMS
ACTION
1.
Press Conference: Weidenbaum to update economic
Weidenbuam
talking points in President's briefing book; he will
also attend briefing lunch after testifying.
2.
CBI: NSC meeting tentatively set for 1:30 Friday to
Clark
finalize policy paper; Clark to coordinate. New
Gergen
speech draft to be produced reflecting comments;
important to retain flexibility. Gergen to coordinate
assembly of speech.
3.
Private Sector Survey: Meeting to be held in JAB
Baker
office after senior staff to discuss this matter.
Meese
4.
NYC Loan: Koch and Regan have announced loan guaran-
tee decision.
5.
Economic Testimony: Weidenbaum to give highlights of Gergen
Economic Report. Guidance is still that recovery
Weidenbaum
will start either late in 2nd quarter or early in
3rd. Gergen to circulate guidance on timing of re-
covery, making sure Treasury agrees and that language
retains some degree of flexibility.
6.
CIA Documents: NSC has drafted response to Rosenthal, Clark
will consult with Duberstein and then circulate for
Fuller
comment.
7.
Stockman Testimony: Some media reports wrongly in-
Gergen
terpreted testimony as calling for compromise on
budget; however, testimony in actual context simply
restated the President's position.
8.
Fraud, Waste and Abuse: News piece questioning
Harper
accuracy of figures in our report may run tonight.
SENIOR STAFF MEETING ACTION ITEMS (2-19-82)
ITEMS
ACTION
1.
Schedule: Mini press conference with editors set for noon; charts
Gergen
should not be used; advance briefing to be held at 10 or 10:30.
Clark
Also, corrections of Vietnam misstatements made yesterday should
be available to President.
2.
CBI: NSC meeting set for 1:30 to discuss policy points and speech
Clark
draft.
3.
Statement on Volcker: Guidance is that this is not a switch but,
Gergen
instead, is evidence of an evolving relationship.
4.
Private Sector Survey: Follow-up suggested re DOD portion of sur-
Fuller
vey; this can be stressed again when a chairman is named.
5. Loans from Japanese Businesses: News story noted re $10B loan pro-
posal. Report is that this has been previously discussed with
State Department, USTR and DOC.
6. Afghan Refugees: Report is that 29 Afghans flew into San Francisco
Fuller
without papers; probably preplanned with refugees being taken ad-
vantage of. Options being examined, but return to Afghanistan has
been ruled out.
7. Economic Recovery: Guidance is still that modest upturn will occur Gergen
in late 2nd quarter; we will start seeing "signs of recovery"
around then. Gergen to circulate precise guidance to all senior
staff.
8. DED: Legislation on reorganization is being prepared, but there is Meese
not yet a definite date for submission to Congress.
9.
DOE: Legislation will be submitted after meeting with McClure.
Meese
10. Gas Deregulation: WH meeting will be held Monday to discuss all
Meese
aspects of issue (including political). Also, EM will sit in on
President's meeting with Governor Clements next Tuesday in case
issue is raised.
11. Economic Figures: Personal income is up 0.2%; disposable income
is up 0.5%.
12. CCNRE: Meeting today on Clean Water Act.
Fuller
13. Foreign Policy News Stories: Haig story- reaction is "no com-
Gergen
"
ment.
Evans and Novak story--guidance is that there are some new direc-
Gergen
tives, but nothing new in the system.
M-16 regulations story--guidance from NSC by 10 a.m.
Clark
SENIOR STAFF MEETING ACTION ITEMS (2-22-82)
ITEMS
ACTION
1.
Schedule: Briefing set for 3:30 in advance of meet-
Williamson
ing with Governors.
2.
Federalism: Proposals have been receiving endorse-
Williamson
ments from several groups. The Governors intend to
Gergen
use Federalism as leverage on the budget; our strategy
is to deal with the 2 issues separately. Many points
on our proposals remain negotiable. Williamson to be
available for press briefing after NGA session tomor-
row.
3.
DOD Manpower Testing: Questions should be referred
Gergen
to DOD as much as possible; suggestion made to empha-
Speakes
size that this is a study requested in 1979; before
any WH statement is made, DOD guidance should be
checked.
4.
CBI Speech: Comments due by noon today with final
Gergen
revisions to President tonight. Working group will
Clark
meet this afternoon to go over final draft and fact
sheet.
Time and place for speech to be announced tomorrow.
5.
Testimony: Regan, Stockman and Weidenbaum testifying Harper
this week on economy and budget. Official guidance Fuller
on forecast being prepared.
Tax loophole proposals will also come up this week
and will be circulated in advance.
6.
Conservative Political Action Conference: Meeting
Fuller
Friday; Fuller to find out what Cabinet officers
intend to say.
7.
Standby Petroleum Allocation Act: Now in Congress
Duberstein
with vote this week on conference report; we have
opposed this and question of veto must be discussed.
Duberstein to take a reading in Congress. Meeting
with Baker and Michel also suggested.
8.
HHS Refugee Regulations: Changes proposed effective
Harper
March 1. Governors have concern; need to reexamine
Fuller
issue, with report to senior staff later this week.
9.
Smoking: New Surgeon General report due out with
further evidence of harmful effects.
10.
HHS Family Planning Regulation: Now being published
in Register.
Senior Staff Meeting Action Items (2-22-82)
Page 2 of 2
ITEMS
ACTION
11. Private Sector Survey: Effort will be made to get
Fuller
Grace here when he is named as Chairman. Object is
to bring favorable media attention to this issue as
soon as possible.
12. POWs/MIAs: Official mission now in Hanoi; guidance
Clark
to be provided shortly.
13. Habib: Effort will be made to have Ambassador see
Clark
the President prior to departure for Middle East.
14. Romania Credit: Application rejected; one-page fact
Clark
memo available for guidance. Need to emphasize this
Gergen
was President's decision made over the recommenda-
tions of State and Agriculture.
15. Foreign Travel: Directive to be presented to Presi-
Clark
dent for consideration today; contains some change
in policy, and should be circulated.
16. Soviet Nerve Gas/Chemical Weapons: Question arising
Clark
concerning release of evidence; guidance by 10:00
from NSC.
SENIOR STAFF MEETING ACTION ITEMS (2-23-82)
ACTION
ITEMS
Schedule: No photo opportunity with Congressional leaders.
Speakes
1.
Duberstein to join 10:15 briefing in advance of leadership meeting.
Duberstein
2.
Federalism: Governors' meeting with President was positive despite
Williamson
press reports to the contrary; they are still of a mind to work
with us toward an acceptable proposal. NGA will appoint a "consult-
ing team" for this purpose.
Suggestion made that Williamson be available at today's briefing.
3.
CBI Speech: President has draft and is working on it. Time and
Gergen
place of speech to be announced today. Gergen to assemble group
Darman
to coordinate various aspects of this event.
Standby Petroleum Allocation Act: Earliest this issue will arise
Duberstein
4.
is on Thursday in Senate; Duberstein is now canvassing the House
and will report back.
5.
Leadership Meeting: Agenda includes briefing on CBI by Haig and
Brock, then budget discussion.
6.
CCFA: Meeting today with President on agricultural export policy
Fuller
statement. Main question involves necessity of issuance.
7.
Foreign Travel Directive: Signed and issued. Subject to be placed Fuller
on Cabinet agenda so that President can reiterate.
8.
Defense Surtax: Guidance on this and other budget alternatives is
Gergen
that we do not comment piecemeal since new proposals are coming
Speakes
out daily.
9.
DOD Manpower Testing: Guidance is to leave comments to Defense
Gergen
except to point out the obvious contribution of Blacks to the
military.
10. Prime Rate: Still at 17%, but there are some indications the rate
may begin to drop.
11. Japanese Loans: As suggested, this could involve $10B and would
allow governors to package development projects. Idea has not yet
been fleshed out.
12. Economic Testimony: Harper is coordinating this to make certain
Harper
all are saying the same thing.
13. Highway Funding Testimony: Has been postponed.
Harper
14. Mine Safety: Testimony today concentrating on statistics.
Harper
15. Air Controllers: Lewis reversed decision of Helms on docking of
Gergen
pay; guidance is to refer question to DOT.
Senior Staff Meeting Action Items (2-23-82)
Page 2 of 2
ACTION
ITEMS
16. Indians Claims Legislation: DOJ still has serious reservations
Fuller
about proposed bill, though they have not yet issued an opinion.
Uhlmann to stay on top of issue.
17. START: Re news story of a "radical new proposal", guidance is that
Clark
this is not true. Further guidance will be provided by NSC.
Gergen
18. Social Security Task Force: Suggestion made that President drop-
by first meeting on February 27; however, consensus is against
doing this before we have a feel for how the group will shape up.
19. Tax Bill: Guidance re Charls Walker testimony is that it does not
Gergen
signal any change in Administration's position.
Speakes
SENIOR STAFF MEETING ACTION ITEMS (2-24-82)
ITEMS
ACTION
1.
Schedule: Meeting with Haig cancelled. No photo opportunity today. Speakes
2.
Federalism/Governors: Commitment made to move forward on proposal
Williamson
with overall reaction positive. Pro and con positions are being
taken on specific parts, however.
Bipartisan Leadership Meetings: Being held for purposes of brief-
Duberstein
3.
ing on CBI. Statements of strong support from bipartisan leaders
Gergen
are expected after speech. CBI fact sheet is being printed for
distribution at 9 a.m. Enders and Brock are to brief press. ABC
will carry the speech live.
4.
Domenici Budget Plan: Guidance available after the meeting with
Baker
President; Weidenbaum, Regan and Stockman should not comment since
plan has just been received.
5.
Conservative Political Action Conference: Draft of speech will be
Gergen
ready for circulation shortly. Fuller is to check on what Cabinet
Fuller
officers intend to say in their remarks.
6. VOA Visit: NSC has prepared remarks; Speakes suggests sending
Speakes
remarks to VOA in advance.
7. Economic Testimony: Weidenbaum to testify today, followed by
Stockman. Economic growth figures in budget may be challenged.
8. HHS Refugee Regulations: Williamson has information; he will
Williamson
examine it and report back.
Standby Petroleum Allocation Act: Certain House members are urging
Duberstein
9.
veto. Bill will not come up this week, but there is a need to
signal strong opposition to the conference report at this point.
10. Destroyers Off El Salvador: Guidance from NSC by 10 a.m.
Clark
11. Virgin Islands Airport: Lewis has agreed to $5M this year for
Williamson
Truman Airport ($45M overall); this may solve our problem with
the Virgin Islands re CBI.
12. Hart Nomination: Specter and Heinz meeting with Hart this morning.
Duberstein
13. Afghanistan Day: Scheduled for March 21; resolution is pending in
Dole
Congress. Bill Rogers is heading the private sector committee;
Gergen
request made that President meet with Rogers and his committee
next week.
Suggestion made to include line on Afghanistan in President's VOA
talking points today.
14. Private Sector Survey: Meeting with Grace requested; suggestion
Gergen
made to schedule on Monday, but preference is to hold it in Calif.
Fuller
James
Executive Committee names being finalized; should go through Per-
sonnel processing.
Letter to Congress should not be sent until after chairman and com-
mittee are named.
SENIOR STAFF MEETING ACTION ITEMS (2-26-82)
ITEMS
ACTION
1.
Schedule: No photo opportunity today.
2.
C-PAC: Speech has been finalized and will be circulated. Press
Gergen
office will release text prior to event. Speeches by Cabinet
Darman
officers have been reviewed.
3.
Natural Gas: President has not made a decision yet; he will do so
Meese
soon, though. Due to need for more consultations on the Hill and
Duberstein
with industry, it is recommended that President not make a decision
Dole
until late Monday.
4.
CBI: Suggestion made that we emphasize positive foreign media reac- Gergen
tion. Such information can be pulled from USICA summary. Enders
will meet with Gergen to discuss steps aimed at continuing positive
media comments.
5.
Bob Jones: DOJ briefed press yesterday afternoon on our position
Fielding
in the Supreme Court. Guidance is that this is not a "shift in
Fuller
position,' but instead is a result of an appeals court decision.
Gergen
Action should remain at DOJ, with copies of their statement circu-
lated to senior staff.
6.
HHS Refugee Regulations: Some states are objecting. Also, HHS has
Fuller
not done a good job of explaining the change; Murphy and Gergen to
Murphy
work on this, with Fuller talking to Schweiker. Details should be
Gergen
adequately covered, with regulations circulated in WH before publi-
cation.
7.
Watt Contempt Citation: Committee vote was 23-19. If we are con-
Duberstein
fident of votes, we could move to reconsider. This issue will not
come to the floor for awhile; time will be used to explore options.
8.
Stockman Testimony: Testimony has not been reviewed yet; will touch
Gergen
on entitlements and COLA freezes. Guidance is that "we are review-
Speakes
ing freeze proposals in general to see if they'd have unintended
adverse impact." Should continue to portray issue as a bipartisan
congressional initiative.
9.
CBO Figures: Controversy between budget figures hinges on different
Gergen
economic projections; CBO predicts higher interest rates and faster
Speakes
Defense spendout than our budget. OMB and Treasury have done
analysis on CBO data. Guidance is to respond to questions only, and
to use the OMB paper or refer to Stockman's testimony.
10. Libyan Oil Embargo Story: NSC will provide guidance by 10:00.
Clark
11. Congress: Both houses are out today.
12. Social Security Task Force: Draft letter is done, and will be put
out tomorrow. No need to circulate.
Senior Staff Meeting Action Items (2-26-82)
Page 2 of 2
ITEMS
ACTION
13. Voting Rights Act: DOJ is developing language to amend the House
Fuller
bill; it has been agreed that an alternative bill would not fly.
Brad Reynolds is due to testify Monday.
14. California Trip: Suggestion made that news story is needed during
Fuller
trip; Peter Grace may fly out to be announced as chairman of the
Gergen
Private Sector Survey.
SENIOR STAFF MEETING ACTION ITEMS (2-26-82)
ACTION
ITEMS
1.
Schedule: No photo opportunity today. Decision to be made with after
Gergen
Speakes
senior staff on whether President should drop by meeting
editorial writers and with columnists.
Michel/Baker Meeting: Guidance on purpose of meeting is that it is
Gergen
2.
to discuss a wide range of legislative topics; meeting is not on
Duberstein
budget.
3.
Ways and Means Meeting: Guidance is that this is part of consul-
Gergen
tation process, and that meeting was scheduled over a week ago.
4.
Cabinet Meeting: Agenda is PSI, Private Sector Survey on Cost Con-
Fuller
trol, and natural gas.
5.
CBI: President to send personal notes to key players on subject.
Clark
Need to get Congress behind security assistance portion of program.
Duberstein
Also need to disseminate information on positive foreign and Con-
Gergen
gressional reaction.
6.
Bob Jones: News story mentions "about face" in our position before
Gergen
the Supreme Court. Guidance is that our position is consistent;
Fielding
DOJ brief says IRS does not have authority, but also says First
Amendment does not protect racial discrimination. Most information
on this should come out of DOJ; WH was apprised, and President was
told this morning.
7.
Domenici Budget Plan: Need to avoid straying from guidance on this
subject.
Gergen
Speakes
8.
Hart Nomination: Press conference scheduled today by opposition.
Dole
Nomination should not be sent up yet; need to make certain there
Gergen
are no new surprises. Guidance is that we are not pulling back
from this nomination.
9.
Social Security Task Force: Neither President nor Vice President
will drop by meeting, but Presidential message will be sent.
Gergen
10. Indian Claims: Matter is out of OMB process; now at DOJ, Interior
Fuller
and OMB for comment; DOJ still has serious problems. If concerns
are not resolved, matter should be discussed in Cabinet Council.
11. Standby Petroleum Allocation Act: Earliest this issue will come up
Duberstein
in Senate is Tuesday or Wednesday; suggestion is to oppose confer-
ence report and see how we do in the House; then gauge next step
from that vote.
12. CPI: Up 0.3%; indicates sustained progress on inflation. Accom-
plishments on this issue need to be pushed harder.
Weidenbaum
Gergen
13. Watt Contempt Citation: Committee will probably vote contempt
today. We have a good case, however, and could win a legal fight.
Gergen
Meeting to be held next week to discuss subject. Gergen to get
Fielding
facts from Fielding for press purposes.
Duberstein
enior Staff Meeting Action Items (2-26-82)
Page 2 of 2
ACTION
ITEMS 14. National Year of Disabled Persons: Moving forward, but needs to be Dole
planned with sensitivity to issue.
15. Economy: Sprinkel and Jordan testifying today.
Darman
16. Voting Rights: Testimony set for Monday; Legislative Strategy
session needed soon.
17. Welfare-related News Stories: Negative stories on the subject in-
Anderson
clude accusations that incentives to work are removed; rebuttal
suggested.
18. Budget: CBO figures are due out, and are $10B over ours.
19. Secretary Bell: Quoted as being uncomfortable with budget cuts in Fuller
education; linked subject to Pentagon test scores. Suggestion
made that someone speak with him on this.
20. C-PAC: Political office is examining all Cabinet speeches to group Fuller
(Fuller will see that copies are forwarded); NSC will look at DOD
Rollins
and State's remarks.
Clark