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Senior Staff Meetings-1982 (December 1982)
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Senior Staff Meetings-1982 (December 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
(December 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 (12-1-82)
ITEMS
ACTION
1.
Leading Indicators: Air Force One was informed of yesterday's
error in the figures (0.2% increase instead of 0.6%) as soon as
word was received by CEA.
2.
Congress: House committee mark-up on the defense appropriations
Duberstein
bill will begin Thursday; Ways and Means mark-up on our gas tax
legislation will begin today.
A secret ballot election will be held tomorrow in the race be-
Atwater
tween Packwood and Lugar to head the Senate Campaign Committee.
This is expected to be very close.
It was also mentioned that the "Bailout Group" will reconvene
Harper
during the lame duck session.
3.
Local Content: There is a chance that local content legislation
Duberstein
will move during the lame duck session, especially in the House
(it is now in the House Rules Committee) ; we do not feel the
Senate will be receptive to it, though.
4.
Nuclear Freeze: A group will be set up to coordinate the activ-
Dole
ities of the outreach offices on this issue.
5.
Rollins: It was mentioned that Ed Rollins is expected to be back
at work on Monday.
6.
Ted Kennedy: If Kennedy announces his intention not to run in
Franklin
1984, word should be passed to the presidential party. Guidance
is that no WH comment is necessary.
7.
Georgia Special Elections: Report is that the Democrats won both
seats as expected.
8.
Appropriations Bills: It was reported that the bill which in-
Wright
cluded the WH appropriation was cut 2% across-the-board.
9.
EPA/Superfund: It is probable that Ann Gorsuch will testify be-
fore two House subcommittees on status of the Superfund. We have
declined to turn documents over to the House regarding the program
on advice of the Justice Department. It was also mentioned that
Congress has requested documents prepared by OLC at Justice for
the WH Counsel; this request is currently under discussion.
10. Lobbying: Fielding will again circulate a memo to WH staff re
Fielding
legal restrictions on lobbying.
11. Budget: The OMB passback to HHS was leaked to the Washington
Post shortly after it was sent. The rationale for the proposed
cuts will be explained in the future if the appeals process sus-
tains them. In the meantime, guidance is that comments should be
avoided.
Senior Staff Meeting Action Items (12-1-82)
Page 2 of 2
ITEMS
ACTION
12. Criminal Justice Program: Regarding proposed ceilings, decision
Wright
is to concentrate on getting the authorization through and then
Duberstein
go for a supplemental next year.
SENIOR STAFF MEETING ACTION ITEMS (12-2-82)
ACTION
ITEMS
Congressional Activity: Production and R&D money for the MX will
Duberstein
1.
be taken up this morning in the House Appropriations Committee.
The President, Vice President, and others have been making calls;
the vote is expected to be close.
The Senate Appropriations Committee will mark-up the foreign as-
Duberstein
sistance bill today. Increase in aid to Israel is a key issue.
McFarlane
House will finish work on nuclear waste disposal bill very soon.
Duberstein
This has already passed the Senate and is one of the President's
priorities.
Also, it was noted that the vote on who will head the Senate Cam-
Atwater
paign Committee will be held today at 9:00 a.m.
2.
Legal Services Corporation: Current report is that the Senate does
not plan to take up our nominees in the lame duck session.
Clean Air Act: Recommendations on strategy are being formulated
Duberstein
3.
for passage of revisions in the Act. When there is a consensus,
Fuller
the Legislative Strategy group will be convened.
4.
FTC: House voted yesterday to exempt professions from FTC cover-
Duberstein
age. Broyhill's version, which we supported, lost 208-195. The
issue now goes to the Senate.
Nominations: Hodel, Walters and Dotson are all moving forward and
Duberstein
5.
have encountered no unanticipated problems.
von Damm
Immigration: Will probably reach House floor next week; prospects
Duberstein
6.
for passage are greatly improved.
7.
Economic Figures: Unemployment figures will be out tomorrow and
Feldstein
are expected to be up slightly. Housing, however, shows marked
improvement in virtually every respect.
MX: NSC has briefed various conservative groups, including
Dole
8.
Weyrich's, and will work with Dole on scheduling others.
McFarlane
9.
Nuclear Freeze: Possibility of creating an outreach coordination
Fuller
group on this issue is still being discussed.
10. Budget: Meetings have been held with the U. S. Chamber of Commerce
Wright
to elicit their support in the coming fight to reduce the deficit.
Dole
It is important to make clear that the President is committed to
deficit reduction, and continues to work toward an eventual bal-
anced budget.
11. Strategic Petroleum Reserve: Presidential letter is being sent to
Wright
Senator McClure stating that it is not in the national interest to
fill the SPR at the high rate targeted by Congress. It is important
to note, however, that we are not backing off our position and that
we are continuing to fill the SPR at a steady rate that is much
higher than that of the previous Administration.
SENIOR STAFF MEETING ACTION ITEMS (12-3-82)
ITEMS
ACTION
1.
Unemployment: November figure is up to 10.8%; total employment
Franklin
fell by around 60,000. It was noted that the Democrats may an-
nounce their jobs program today in order to couple it with the
unemployment news. Guidance on this is to repeat that we favor
permanent jobs, not make-work deadend jobs such as the Democratic
bill would create.
2.
Senate Campaign Committee: Lugar was elected yesterday to chair
Franklin
the Committee. Guidance, if asked, is that we feel Lugar will do
an excellent job, and that this was a decision left solely to the
Republican senators.
3.
MX: Yesterday in Addabbo's committee a motion to delete produc-
Duberstein
tion funds was defeated 26-26. We expect a very tough floor fight
McFarlane
on this. We should attempt to concentrate our arguments on actual
Dole
production of the missile at this point, and not on the basing
mode since production itself seems more clearly favored. NSC and
OPL will conduct a briefing today for conservative and business
leaders at 10:00 in room 450.
4.
Nuclear Waste Disposal: Bill passed yesterday and now goes to
Duberstein
conference. Contrary to newspaper reports, we feel chances are
better than even that differences will be resolved before the lame
duck session ends.
5.
Gas Tax: Bill has been reported out of committee; it is expected
Duberstein
to reach the House floor on Monday and the Senate floor on Wed-
nesday.
6.
Foreign Assistance Bill: It is important to stress that the unre-
McFarlane
quested increase in aid to Israel is at the expense of other coun-
Duberstein
tries such as Pakistan.
7.
Nominations: Meese, Duberstein, McFarlane and von Damm will meet
Meese
briefly to discuss congressional efforts to link certain of our
nominations (ACDA, Burt, etc.) with other issues.
8.
CBI: Mark-up is likely next Tuesday, not today (despite some re-
Dole
ports). Both trade and tax segments of our CBI coalition should
McFarlane
be activated for an effort timed with committee action.
9.
Interior Department Appropriations: Bill is likely to reach the
Wright
House floor today. There are problems with certain restrictive
Duberstein
clauses that have been added.
10. Gorsuch Contempt Citation: Press reports on this have been very
Fielding
misleading. We have, for example, offered to turn over nearly all
Duberstein
documents except those which pertain to possible or pending legal
action. Same issue is expected to arise with Dingell's subcommittee
on December 14. DOJ should be asked to prepare an information sheet
giving a more accurate account of the facts involved here. Duberstein
and Fielding are in touch with Justice on the matter.
Senior Staff Meeting Action Items (12-3-82)
Page 2 of 2
ITEMS
ACTION
11. Budget: Re possible budget appeals by HHS and EPA, guidance is
Franklin
that we will not comment at all until the President has made a
final decision.
12. FEC Rule Changes: Changes re use of Air Force One recommended by
Fielding
Fielding have been accepted by the FEC. The RNC is handling com-
ments on the bulk of the other rule changes.
13. Latin American Trip: This is going very well by most accounts.
14. South Florida Task Force: One agent was killed and another wounded
Murphy
yesterday. Murphy will get names and other information to Meese
Meese
so that the President can make calls.
15. Immigration Bill: Duberstein will talk with DOJ for information
Duberstein
on the possibility that the House may delete the bill's amnesty
provision.
SENIOR STAFF MEETING ACTION ITEMS (12-6-82)
ITEMS
ACTION
1.
Schedule: There will be no photo opportunity today.
2.
Congressional Meetings: Three 30-minute meetings will be held
Duberstein
today to discuss the MX.
3.
Cabinet: Agenda includes a presentation on PSI and Leon Sullivan's
Fuller
"Hire One" program. The Latin American trip, the GATT Ministerial,
and the budget process will also be discussed.
4.
Joint Economic Committee: Feldstein will not be available to tes-
Feldstein
tify today, and it has been reported that Representative Reuss may
use an empty chair for media purposes.
5.
Gas Tax: Will probably be taken up on the House floor tonight.
Duberstein
Representative Jim Howard reportedly plans several amendments.
6.
MX: Defense appropriations bill will be taken up on the House
Duberstein
floor tomorrow, and there will be another attempt to delete pro-
Clark
duction money for the MX. Though we are behind at this point, we
are working hard: Clark, Weinberger, and Rowny will meet with
Republican members today, and a presidential letter will be sent
to all House members today (and will be released to the press).
Other key votes will be on money for the second aircraft carrier
and the B-1, and on a Gypsy Moth proposal to cut defense 2% across
the board.
Also on the MX, it was reported that the briefings for CEO's went
Dole
well, and that veterans groups are now on board.
7.
CBI: The House Ways and Means Committee has tentatively scheduled
Duberstein
a mark-up for Thursday. We have agreed to some changes in the
Clark
proposal, though organized labor remains opposed. It was stressed
that we consider it important to pass CBI in the lame duck session;
the VP will be briefed on this strategy.
8.
Middle East: Habib and Draper are returning to the U.S.; a deci-
Clark
sion will be made by 10:30 on whether they will meet with the
Allin
President. Regarding aid to Israel above the levels requested by
the President, it is important that we get out the word on why we
oppose this.
9.
Latin American Trip: It was mentioned that the President did not
Allin
promise to fill Guatemala's arms request, only that we would give
it serious consideration. Additional guidance on this point will
be formulated this morning.
10. Radio Marti: The Senate may consider this today.
Duberstein
11. Possible Arms Sale to Jordan: Word will be transmitted to private
Dole
groups that they should not get committed in advance to a position
regarding any possible arms sale to Jordan.
Senior Staff Meeting Action Items (12-6-82)
Page 2 of 2
ITEMS
ACTION
12. Proposal to Tax Health Benefits: Guidance re this NBC story is
Gergen
that the President has not yet considered such a proposal. It is
apparently being considered at a staff level, though. The rationale
behind it is to place some sort of cap on the amount of benefits a
company can provide before it is considered taxable income. There
will be further discussion on how to handle this and similar types
of news stories.
13. Commodities Futures Trading Commission Legislation: Senator
Duberstein
Durenberger has added an amendment to the bill regarding the sanc-
Fuller
tity of contracts that we find unacceptable; we are working with
Durenberger to try to modify it.
14. Gorsuch Contempt Citation: The issue will be dealt with further
Fielding
this week. There is still a need to get our version of this out
Duberstein
before the public.
SENIOR STAFF MEETING ACTION ITEMS (12-7-82)
ACTION
ITEMS
1.
Schedule: Arrival ceremony will be the photo opportunity for
Speakes
today. Also, the congressional meeting at 11:30 has been can-
Duberstein
celled; the time will now be used for phone calls.
Gas Tax: Passed the House early this morning with a majority
Duberstein
2.
(96) of Republicans supporting it. It will be marked-up in the
Senate Public Works Committee today, and in the Finance Committee
tomorrow. We are holding firm to our position.
3.
Defense Appropriations/MX: The House will begin work on this
Duberstein
today at 1:00 and will probably finish late tonight. We are ex-
Clark
pecting two amendments on the MX: one to delete everything and
the other to delete production. We are still behind and expect
the vote will be close. Attempts will also be made to cut the
B-1 and second carrier, and to cut defense 2% across-the-board.
Radio Marti: This is up in the Senate, and is being filibustered
Duberstein
4.
by Zorinsky. Clark will talk with Howard Baker to indicate that
Clark
State will meet with Zorinsky, Exon, and others.
5.
Other Legislation: Local content legislation is being set for
Duberstein
action in the House. Also, immigration is in the House Rules
Committee.
6.
Nominations: Senate will apparently try to clear pending nomina-
Duberstein
tions with the exception of Legal Services. Hearing on Dotson
von Damm
nomination will be held today.
7.
Tomorrow's Schedule: WH photo will be taken during meeting with
Speakes
Walters. PSI luncheon will be covered by the press.
Cabinet: CCEA will meet at 8:45 today, and CCFA will meet this
Fuller
8.
afternoon. Also, CCMA will meet tomorrow. The Thursday meeting
on natural gas has been cancelled.
9.
Contract Sanctity: This provision in the CFTC reauthorization
Duberstein
bill is opposed by the Administration. We are working with the
Clark
conferees to modify the Senate language.
10. Bankruptcy: Howard Baker is trying to schedule this legislation
Duberstein
for later this week. We support bankruptcy reform provisions
being pushed by several senators, but need an overall bill on
judges even if reform proves impossible during the lame duck.
We could indicate our support for bankruptcy reform next year if
it fails this time.
11. Social Security Disability Payments: It was reported that Gergen
Gergen
called CBS News regarding certain omissions in a story on this
subject in last night's newscast.- We have not yet received a
response.
SENIOR STAFF MEETING ACTION ITEMS (12-8-82)
ITEMS
ACTION
1.
Today's Schedule: PSI event will be covered by the press.
Speakes
2.
CBI: This will be discussed today with members of the Ways and
Duberstein
Means Committee. Mark-up is set for tomorrow, with final action
probable by next Tuesday.
3.
Radio Marti: The Senate filibuster is continuing, though Enders
Duberstein
is trying to work something out.
Clark
4.
Tomorrow's Schedule: Habib will probably be ready to come in
Clark
tomorrow to meet with the President, though a time must still be
Allin
worked out; if scheduled, it should be marked as tentative. Pos-
sibility of a photo op during such a meeting will be left open.
5.
MX: There is a possibility that certain senators will be brought
Duberstein
in tomorrow on this. We will discuss scheduling the MX for
Clark
Senate action with Howard Baker.
6.
Gas Tax: Mark-up is set in the Senate Finance Committee today.
Duberstein
Secretary Lewis feels he can work out any possible filibuster
Dole
problem. Also, it was noted that the Associated General Contrac-
tors are upset about the bill's Davis-Bacon provisions.
7.
Contract Sanctity (CFTC Reauthorization Bill) A draft letter
Darman
from the President to Secretary Block has been circulated; the
Duberstein
draft indicates that we will try to negotiate a new long-term
Clark
grain agreement with the Soviets next year. Also, a key argument
for removing the contract sanctity provision is that it gives the
Soviets no incentive to negotiate a long-term agreement.
8.
Unemployment Legislation: Senator Dole has reportedly proposed
Dole
legislation to give tax credits to firms that hire the unemployed.
Harper
Elizabeth Dole will contact him to ask that he coordinate his
proposal with our efforts to formulate an overall jobs package.
9.
War on Drugs: It was mentioned that news stories of a reduction
Wright
in our anti-drug efforts are inaccurate. Funding has been agreed
on and a budget amendment has already gone up.
10. Local Content: This legislation will reach the House floor next
Duberstein
week with a majority of members listed as co-sponsors. Draft
letter from Knauer will not be sent; strategy remains that
Ambassador Brock will take the lead on this issue.
11. Gorsuch Contempt Citation: A committee vote is expected at 10:00
Fielding
a.m. tomorrow on this.
Duberstein
12. Private Sector Survey: Congressional attitude is stiffening on
Fielding
Congressman Ford's request for documents on this (including legal
opinions OLC prepared for the WH).
Senior Staff Meeting Action Items (12-8-82)
Page 2 of 2
ITEMS
ACTION
13. Defense Appropriations Bill: House consideration of this con-
Duberstein
tinues, with key votes anticipated on R&D funds for the MX, the
Clark
B-1, the second nuclear carrier, and a 2% across-the-board cut.
14. VA Medical Centers: GAO report indicates that women are not re-
Dole
ceiving adequate care. A copy of the report will be studied.
Harper
Also, the President may ask Harry Walters to look into this when
they meet today.
15. News Stories on Proposed Budget Cuts: A meeting will be held
Gergen
later this week to discuss a policy for handling such stories.
16. Block's "Payment in Kind" Proposal: Secretary Block is scheduled
Fuller
to testify tomorrow on his PIK proposal and other issues. The
testimony should be postponed until some time after tomorrow's
discussion with the President.
17. Meharry Medical School: It was pointed out that money for Meharry
Duberstein
is in the HHS-DOL-Education appropriation bill, and an effort
Wright
should be made to preserve it.
SENIOR STAFF MEETING ACTION ITEMS (12-9-82)
ACTION
ITEMS
Today's Schedule: A means of accommodating both the VP's private
Clark
1.
meeting with the President and the Habib luncheon group will be
Speakes
worked out after senior staff. Also, HUD award event will be
covered by the press.
2. CCFA: Block will outline his PIK proposal to the President at
Fuller
10:15; he will testify afterward at 11:45 on the Hill.
3. Tomorrow's Schedule: At some point tomorrow, the President will
Clark
brief Latin American ambassadors on his recent trip; remarks have
Speakes
been prepared. Also, tomorrow's human rights event will be
covered by the press.
4. Nominations: Re Grey nomination to ACDA, Laxalt will meet with
Duberstein
Helms; Duberstein will then discuss results of that meeting with
Clark
Clark. It was also reported that Hodel and Feldstein were both
confirmed yesterday (Feldstein will testify today before the Joint
Economic Committee).
5. Gas Tax: Bill was reported out of the Senate Finance Committee,
Duberstein
15-4, and should reach the floor early today. Four GOP senators
plan to filibuster any move to proceed, though.
6.
MX: Strategy meeting will be held at 10:00 today on this. Guid-
Duberstein
ance re news stories on JCS vote is that they support the Presi-
Allin
dent's decision, and also that Weinberger was not surprised by
Clark
the initial recommendation. Any comments on this should be kept
at DOD, though with guidance from the WH. Regarding Tower's
suggestion of a compromise on the basing mode, we should say
nothing until further guidance is formulated.
7.
CBI: This will be marked-up today in Ways and Means. We expect
Duberstein
some momentum from a positive committee vote, followed by endorse-
Clark
ment from additional Democratic members.
Radio Marti: Enders is still trying to work something out to
Duberstein
8.
break the Senate filibuster.
Clark
Contract Sanctity: The House-Senate conference has been postponed
Duberstein
9.
until the WH gets back to the conferees.
10. Local Content: This will reach the House floor late today and is
Duberstein
expected to pass.
11. DISC: It is considered important that we reassure the business
Dole
community that we give a high priority to formulating a substitute
for DISC.
SENIOR STAFF MEETING ACTION ITEMS (12-10-82)
ITEMS
ACTION
1.
Schedule: Both human rights event and departure will be covered by
Clark
the press. Rowny will meet with the President at 2:00, and will
Speakes
then brief the press regarding the importance of the MX to the
Geneva negotiations.
2.
CBI: The possibility was discussed of connecting a successful vote
Duberstein
on CBI with the briefing of Latin American ambassadors. The bill
Clark
will reach the House Rules Committee on Tuesday and could reach
Dole
the House floor by Wednesday. There is a need to rebuild the pri-
vate coalition supporting CBI before a vote occurs.
3.
Monday's Schedule: Photo ops will probably be held during meeting
Speakes
with Danish PM and drunk driving event. WH photo will be taken of
Clark
Rumsfeld meeting on Law of the Sea; it was suggested that we ask
Rumsfeld's position on the MX basing mode in advance of the meeting.
4.
Economic Figures: PPI is still running at a rate of 4% year-over-
year. The figures for this month were up at around a 7% annual
rate, but this is distorted by home heating costs. Retail sales
figures out today will also be good, with auto sales up.
5.
Health Insurance Proposals: Ed Harper will talk with David Winston
Harper
(a WH consultant) regarding his public comments on this.
6.
Block's PIK Proposal: Fuller will obtain fact sheet from USDA;
Fuller
copies will be circulated to staff.
Darman
7.
Gas Tax: This is up in the Senate but 4 GOP senators are filibus-
Duberstein
tering. A cloture vote will be taken Monday.
8.
Defense Appropriations Bill: This will be taken up early this
Duberstein
afternoon in the Senate.
9.
Local Content: This legislation is up on the House floor today.
Duberstein
There are quite a few / amendments pending but is is expected to pass
the House.
10. Radio Marti: This is up in the Senate, though the filibuster con-
Duberstein
tinues. Enders is still trying to work something out.
11. Desegregation: Today DOJ will file a new desegregation plan for
Fielding
Baton Rouge that will specifically exclude busing as a remedy.
Fielding will obtain further details from Justice.
12. Radio Speech: The subject will be MX; a draft is now circulating.
Gergen
13. Democratic Jobs Package: Fact sheet will be circulated describing
Darman
the features of these public works bills.
14. Unemployment: Information on "proposal" by Senator Dole is that
he has simply asked his staff to work on the subject.
Senior Staff Meeting Action Items (12-10-82)
Page 2 of 2
ITEMS
ACTION
15. Congressman Ford's Subpoena: It appears that an accommodation has
Fielding
been reached on this, at least until the new Congress convenes.
16. Gorsuch Contempt Citation: Levitas' subcommittee is meeting today.
Fielding
We have submitted a counter proposal regarding the documents, and
Duberstein
yesterday consulted with the minority members of the committee.
17. Bankruptcy: We are still attempting to get this legislation up in
Duberstein
the Senate.
18. EEOC: Information is that the EEOC will probably vote to oppose
Fielding
our position in the Norris case.
SENIOR STAFF MEETING ACTION ITEMS
(12-13-82)
ITEMS
ACTION
1.
Schedule: Photo opportunities will be held during meeting with
Speakes
Danish PM and during drunk driving event. Congressional time
Duberstein
this morning will be used for phone calls; meetings on MX may be
held this afternoon. Also, it was mentioned that a Congressional
leadership meeting will be held tomorrow.
Cabinet Activity: CCHR will discuss health care tomorrow with the
Fuller
2.
President. CCCT will meet Wednesday and CCNRE will meet Thursday
Also, there will be a two hour meeting with the President Friday
on our overall trade policy.
3.
Gas Tax: A cloture vote will be held at 1:00 today in the Senate. Duberstein
If that fails another vote will be held Wednesday. Even if cloture
succeeds, a second filibuster is expected.
4.
Local Content: This is expected to pass the House today or tomorrow Duberstein
by a sizable margin.
5.
Budget Review Board: Tomorrow's Budget Review Board session on the Fuller
Export-Import Bank is premature and should be postponed until after
Friday's trade policy meeting.
6.
CBI: A whip check is underway. This will come up in the House RulesDuberstein
Committee on Wednesday.
7.
Radio Marti: Filibuster is still going on in the Senate; Enders is Duberstein
trying to work something out, but has made no real progress.
8.
Poland: An interagency statement will be issued today in response
Clark
to Jaruzelski's speech. We will, for the most part, stand on the
Allin
President's previous statement.
Nominations: Both Burt and Gray nominations are stuck, with no
Duberstein
9.
action expected in the lame duck session.
von Damm
10.
Contract Sanctity: This provision by Durenberger, which we opposed, Duberstein
is in the final conference report on the CFTC reauthorization bill.
We will face a difficult decision when it reaches the President's
desk.
11.
Social Security: In response to criticism of lack of White House
Gergen
involvement, it should be mentioned that we have had private con-
Speakes
tacts with the Commission. It should also be stressed that the
President has consistently said he wants specific recommendations
from the Commission. This issue should be kept in context with
the reasons for setting up the Commission.
12.
Hearst Newspaper Editors: This is the first in a series of inter-
Gergen
views the President will give over the next several weeks.
SENIOR STAFF MEETING ACTION ITEMS
12-13-82
Page 2 of 2
ITEMS
ACTION
13. Gorsuch Contempt Citation: The full Public Works Committee voted Fielding
a contempt citation last week; this could reach the floor on a
privileged motion anytime Wednesday on. Dingell's committee
is expected to take similar action.
14. MX: A vote will occur late this afternoon or tomorrow.
Duberstein
SENIOR STAFF MEETING ACTION ITEMS (12-14-82)
ITEMS
ACTION
1.
Today's Schedule: Schedule changes include adding a 9:10 meeting
Speakes
on MX with six senators. Also, the cabinet lunch has been can-
celled; an economic briefing will be held at 1:00. It was men-
tioned that the meeting with Kemp, et al, is to discuss foreign
assistance. There will be no photo opportunity today.
2.
Tomorrow's Schedule: Meeting with Balsemao will be a photo oppor-
Speakes
tunity.
3.
Gas Tax: Cloture was achieved yesterday, though a second filibus-
Duberstein
ter has begun. Cloture will again be attempted.
4.
MX: After meeting this morning, a decision will be made regarding
Gergen
a possible press room announcement by the President if an agree-
Duberstein
ment is reached. Senators Jackson and Nunn may be asked to accom-
pany the President. Gergen will begin work on possible remarks.
5.
PIK Proposal: We anticipate that this may be approved in the
Duberstein
Senate, though it faces problems in the House. We will try to
secure passage in the House without giving up our freeze of target
prices.
6.
CBI: This will be taken up in the Rules Committee tomorrow.
Duberstein
7.
Gorsuch Contempt Citation: Gorsuch will appear before Dingell's
Fielding
committee today. There is a strong possibility that this commit-
tee will also cite her for contempt.
8.
Clinch River Breeder Reactor: Attempts will be made in the House
Duberstein
to delete money for this project.
9.
Social Security: Guidance is that there have been private discus-
Gergen
sions between the WH and Greenspan; this remains a high priority;
Speakes.
and we still hope a bipartisan solution can be worked out. The
President, in an interview yesterday, did not rule out the possi-
bility of a meeting this week on the subject.
10. Continuing Resolution: This will be taken up on the House floor
Duberstein
today. The Senate Appropriations Committee is beginning mark-up
on the measure and it may reach the Senate floor by Thursday.
11. TRIS Legislation: The Senate passed this yesterday, and it may
Duberstein
soon move in the House. TRIS is a flame retardant which the fed-
Fuller
eral government briefly required clothing manufacturers to use;
it has now been found to be hazardous and manufacturers are seek-
ing indemnification from the government to cover lawsuits. CCCT
has previously opposed this idea.
SENIOR STAFF MEETING ACTION ITEMS (12-15-82)
ITEMS
ACTION
1.
Schedule: Balsemao visit will be a photo op. Also, a WH photo
Speakes
will be taken during morning meeting with Lebanese FM.
2.
Tomorrow's Schedule: Christmas tree lighting will be covered by
Speakes
the press.
3.
MX and Foreign Assistance: President will make a series of phone
Duberstein
calls this afternoon on the MX in particular, but also regarding
Clark
the Israeli aid provision. The latter issue should be dealt with
in a low-key manner, emphasizing the need to keep such aid at the
level requested by the President because of the current economic/
budget situation. Regarding MX, the Senate Appropriations Commit-
tee will begin mark-up on the CR at 2:00 today. Hollings will
try to attach an amendment that would "fence" MX money, but with-
out an expedited procedure on basing; the key vote on this will
take place on the floor.
4.
Leaks: In light of discussion of the problem, a new procedure for
Gergen
dealing with the press will be explored.
5.
Gas Tax: We won several key votes last night, and have a chance
Duberstein
at passage tonight.
6.
Democratic "Jobs" Bill: It was suggested that, since we contend
Gergen
the Democratic bill will not work, we come up with a different
Duberstein
term to describe it. We should also make clear that this bill is
a candidate for veto.
7.
Radio Marti: We feel there is still a possibility of working out
Duberstein
an agreement with Zorinsky on this.
8.
Legal Services: Fielding will discuss with Meese the controversy
Fielding
over size of consulting fees paid to board members. Press guidance
Gergen
is that we disagree with, and are concerned about, this policy.
9.
Social Security: Guidance remains that we have had private discus-
Speakes
sions with the Commission, but we should avoid characterizing them.
10. Nominations: Both Burt and Gray have little prospect of action on
their nominations in the lame duck.
11. Pay Raise: A decision will be made on whether we should convey a
Duberstein
position on the proposed pay raise for federal executives.
Wright
SENIOR STAFF MEETING ACTION ITEMS (12-16-82)
ACTION
ITEMS
1. Today's Schedule: Proclamation signing and tree lighting will be
Speakes
covered by teh press today.
2. Cabinet: Education initiatives and the Federal Financing Bank
Fuller
will be discussed.
3. Tomorrow's Schedule: Signing of minority business statement will
Dole
be tomorrow's photo op. Fact sheet and briefers should be avail-
able for the event.
4. Continuing Resolution: Guidance was provided regarding Jim
Speakes
Baker's visits with Howard Baker and Tip O'Neill. After the
Duberstein
visits (and in an action unconnected with JAB's conversations),
the Senate committee voted to support inclusion of a $1.2B jobs
program in the CR. Guidance on this is that the President has
previously said he is disinclined to sign a CR that has a "jobs"
bill in it; we have also said we will not undercut House Republi-
cans on the issue. The CR may be passed on Saturday.
5. MX: Will be voted on in the Senate tonight or tomorrow. Though
Duberstein
the Hollings amendment passed in committee, we are prepared to try
to substitute our compromise on the floor.
6. CBI: This will be considered in the House tomorrow. We will op-
Duberstein
pose amendments regarding rum and tobacco, but may accept an amend-
ment on tuna.
7. Gas Tax: A cloture vote will be held around 11 a.m. If this suc-
Duberstein
ceeds, the bill will probably move rapidly. Senator Nickles will'
offer an amendment to roll-back the bill's Davis-Bacon provisions
so they are closer to our original proposal. 1
8. PIK Proposal: It had been understood that a freeze on target
Wright
prices was part of our proposal. There are indications, though,
Fuller
that USDA has agreed to substitute a "no increase" provision. .OMB
will look into the budgetary aspects of this.
9. Radio Marti: Information is that Senator Hawkins will try to
Duberstein
attach this to the PIK legislation. We will not encourage this,
but will instead work to find a better vehicle.
10. Nominations: Dotson nomination to NLRB will not be taken up until
Duberstein
next session of Congress.
11. Legal Services: Guidance concerning latest story will be provided
Gergen
at some point this morning. Also, OMB should have some informa-
Wright
tion available soon on this.
12. Immigration: Bill is now on the House floor, though a large num-
Duberstein
ber of amendments have been filed by Hispanic opposition. Its
passage depends on how long the lame duck session lasts.
Senior Staff Meeting Action Items (12-16-82)
Page 2 of 2
ACTION
ITEMS
13. Arms Control: A statement will be issued today in hopes of clari-
Clark
fying our position in the Geneva negotiations. It will be released
Allin
simultaneously by WH, Defense and State.
14. Health Care Proposals: Guidance re leak is that we are working to
Gergen
assure adequate health care at the same time we are trying to de-
crease costs; various proposals have been formulated, but none
have yet reached the President.
15. Gorsuch Contempt Citation: Fielding is continuing to negotiate
Fielding
with Levitas, et al.
16. Clean Air: It has been made clear that any EPA statement on this
Fuller
must first be cleared by the WH. Various options are being con-
sidered for dealing with the deadlines question.
SENIOR STAFF MEETING ACTION ITEMS (12-20-82)
ITEMS
ACTION
1.
Today's Schedule: There will be no photo op today.
2.
Senior Staff Meetings: Meetings will be held through Thursday of
this week, and then will resume on Tuesday, January 4.
3.
Continuing Resolution: Guidance on this is that we will have to
Duberstein
take a close look at it before making a decision; it is important
Wright
that we not announce a position on the CR until we receive it.
Clark
OMB will handle press inquiries on this subject. Information on
the CR itself is that it lasts until September 30, 1983; defense
budget is funded at $232B. Information on MX funding, however,
is unclear at this point and will need to be checked further; one
specific point to be checked is whether the $2.5B in R&D money can
be used for missile production once a basing mode is approved.
Compromise on CR also included $100M for low income energy assis-
tance, and $25M for displaced workers.
OMB is still proceeding on basis that shutdown is possible if the
Wright
CR is not accepted by the President. Information notices were
sent to the various agencies on Friday, and shutdown preparations
will last for most of today. It is possible the CR will not reach
here until tomorrow morning.
4.
Gas Tax: The Senate will probably vote on this tonight.
Duberstein
5.
CBI: Plan is to concentrate our efforts today on passing this
Duberstein
through the Senate (it has already passed the House). Duberstein
will submit suggested phone calls, etc.
6.
Nuclear Waste Disposal: Despite press reports, it may still be
Duberstein
possible to secure passage out of conference committee.
7.
Immigration: This bill is apparently dead for this session of
Congress.
8.
Aid to Israel: Apparently the funding level in the House version
Duberstein
of the bill was adopted.
Clark
9.
Clean Air Act: Attempts are still being made to work out a six-
Duberstein
month extension of the Act.
10. PIK Proposal: This passed the House, but has problems in the
Duberstein
Senate and will probably not be passed.
11. Cabinet Activity: A cabinet lunch with the President will be
Fuller
held on Wednesday to discuss employment measures. CCMA will meet
with the President on Thursday to discuss various management
proposals.
Senior Staff Meeting Action Items (12-20-82)
Page 2 of 2
ITEMS
ACTION
12. Bankruptcy: This is apparently dead for the current session of
Duberstein
Congress.
13. Economic Figures: Consumer spending was up 1.2% in October. Per-
Feldstein
sonal income figures will be out today, and both CPI and GNP
"flash" figures will be out tomorrow.
14. Tomorrow's Schedule: Hussein visit and meeting with Habib and
Speakes
Shultz will be photo ops tomorrow.
15. Women's Issues: Attempt will be made to show the President being
Harper
briefed by women on debt collection and efforts to combat fraud
Dole
and waste.
16. Entitlements: Decision memo will be circulated on close hold.
Darman
Stockman redrafted the memo in light of last week's presentation
Fuller
to the President, though most substantive points are the same.
All comments will go to the President in the same notebook with
the memo, probably by tomorrow.
SENIOR STAFF MEETING ACTION ITEMS (12-21-82)
ACTION
ITEMS
1.
Today's Schedule: WH photo will be taken during Habib visit; full
Speakes
photo op will be held during Hussein meeting.
2.
Tomorrow's Schedule: Full press coverage will occur during Young
Speakes
American Medals presentation.
Continuing Resolution: This has been received and will be signed
Wright
3.
today. A signing statement will be drafted by OMB; Gergen will
Gergen
revise it after receiving comments from WH staff. Statement will
Darman
stress the lame duck session's accomplishments, along with any
reservations we have about specific actions. It is important to
note that the CR is a completion of the appropriations process
and was, in most respects, just what the President requested.
Regarding today's story by Lou Cannon, it was noted that there was
not a debate on whether to sign the CR, and that NSC did not advo-
cate a veto.
Gas Tax: The House and Senate will both convene at noon today.
Duberstein
4.
The House will vote first on the conference report, and the Senate
will begin discussion of it around 2:00. Problems involve the
need to maintain a quorum and the possibility of a filibuster.
5.
Nuclear Waste Disposal: This bill has now been passed.
6.
CBI: Key to success in Senate is neutralizing organized labor.
Duberstein
To this end, Shultz was to place calls to Kirkland and others.
7.
Clean Air Act: Attempt to obtain a 6-month extension has failed.
8.
Cherokee Claims Bill: Question is whether to waive the statute
Darman
of limitations on certain claims. Both OMB and DOJ oppose the
bill, while Interior supports it. This has been circulated for
staff views. Pocket veto is a possibility.
CFTC Bill: If a veto is considered on this (due to contract sanc-
Darman
9.
tity provision), it should be done via a pocket veto. It was
noted that funding provisions would continue regardless, and it
is unlikely that commodities trading would be adversely affected.
10. Economic Figures: CPI rose less than 0.1%; this is only a 4.5%
increase year-over-year. The 3d Quarter revision of the GNP
changed from 0.0% to a +0.7% annualized rate; however, the 4th
Quarter "flash" GNP figure was down at a -2.2% annualized rate.
SENIOR STAFF MEETING ACTION ITEMS (12-22-82)
ITEMS
ACTION
1.
Schedule: Medal presentation will be a photo opportunity. The
Speakes
bill signing ceremony has been cancelled because the nuclear waste
Duberstein
disposal legislation has not yet reached the WH. It was noted
that time will be requested for both the President and Vice Presi-
dent to make congressional phone calls today.
2.
Tomorrow's Schedule: King Hussein will probably meet with the
Clark
President tomorrow afternoon.
3.
Gas Tax: Senate will vote on cloture tomorrow morning at 9:30,
Duberstein
with 60 votes needed to shut off debate. An attempt will be made
to bring back some senators who have already left town. If clo-
ture succeeds, a final vote on the conference report will be held
at 11:30. Also, it was mentioned that we are obtaining a trans-
cript of a speech by Senator Helms last night in which he was very
critical of the President.
4.
Orphan Drugs Bill: There is apparently some disagreement on whether Fuller
to sign this legislation, with OMB, Treasury and Justice all opposed Darman
to it. Since we have previously opposed the bill, there will not
be a signing ceremony, but it appears that a veto is unlikely.
5.
Anti-crime Legislation: Need to look at language in bill regarding
Harper
appointment of a "drug czar," as well as other aspects of the legis-
Fuller
lation.
6.
Social Security: The commission staff has asked the President for
Darman
a 30-day extension in order to complete their report. We agreed to
a 15-day extension, and an executive order granting this will be
ready today.
7.
CBI: This is dead for the lame duck session due to strong opposi-
Gergen
tion from organized labor and certain senate Democrats. We will,
Clark
however, begin a new push on this in January. The possibility was
explored of bringing in the Latin American ambassadors to receive
a personal commitment from the President to push this through.
Guidance is that we are still confident of success on CBI: the
appropriations portion is already written into law, the proposal
has demonstrated overwhelming support in the House, and we feel pro-
cedural problems in the Senate can be overcome in the new session.
8.
Bankruptcy: Justice has requested letters from congressional lead-
Fielding
ers indicating a commitment to pass a bankruptcy bill in the new
Fuller
session. Such letters will be used in hopes of obtaining another
stay of the court's order.
9.
Controversial Legislation: Legislative Strategy meeting will be
Darman
held to discuss those bills which are controversial, or on which
there is some disagreement within the Administration.
10. Haig: It was noted that former Secretary Haig will be in the WH
Clark
today and may briefly stop by to see the President.
SENIOR STAFF MEETING ACTION ITEMS (12-23-82)
ITEMS
ACTION
1.
there Schedule: Hussein's departure will be a photo opportunity. Also,
will probably be a press availability today.
Speakes
2. CCMA: will meet with the President at 10:00. Prior to the meeting, Fuller
the President will be photographed with the inspectors general.
3. PSI: meeting with President is to brief him on this year's
Deaver
activities and plans for next year.
4. Women's Council: will meet with the President to provide an
Dole
overview of work done and future plans. This is not a decision
meeting.
5. Gas Tax: a cloture vote will be held at 9:30; if successful, the
Duberstein
vote on final passage will occur at 11:30. Senators Baker and
Byrd will then call the President around 12:15 to announce the
Senate's adjournment. The President and the Vice President both
plan to make more calls this morning on this.
6. Nuclear Waste Disposal: legislation has not yet arrived at the
Darman
White House.
7. Bankruptcy: DOJ has obtained the letter that had been sought
Fielding
from Congressional leaders, and have used it in requesting the
Supreme Court for an extension of the stay on its order.
8. Story re Aircraft Sale to Libya: DOC has the lead on this issue;
Clark
NSC will check on the status and provide guidance.
Allin
9. Senior Staff: next meeting will be on Monday, January 3.
10. Indian Claims Legislation: two bills which are controversial
Meese
require action by tomorrow. These will be discussed with the
President today at 9:00.
11. Orphan Drug Act: There are strong arguments on both sides of
Fuller
this issue; we will attempt to agree on a recommendation today.
Darman
12. Battleship New Jersey: John Lehman will be here today to conduct
Gergen
an embargoed background briefing in connection with the ship's
Allin
recommissioning. Also, if possible, we will try to finalize the
draft remarks today.
13. Staff Salaries: a memo will be circulated to all managers
Darman
explaining White House policy regarding salary increases
recently passed by Congress.