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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Digital Library Collections
This is a PDF of a folder from our textual collections.
Collection: Roberts, John G.: Files
Folder Title: JGR/Press Conferences
(4 of 6)
Box: 43
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/
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 4, 1985
MEMORANDUM FOR TOM GIBSON
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
FROM:
JOHN G. ROBERTS, JR.
Dr.
ASSOCIATE COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Talking Points on October Economic
and Domestic Highlights
Counsel's office has reviewed the above-referenced talking points
and has no objection to them from a legal perspective.
CC: David L. Chew
ID #
CU
WHITE HOUSE
CORRESPONDENCE TRACKING WORKSHEET
o . OUTGOING
N - INTERNAL
1 - INCOMING
Date Correspridance
Received (YY/MM/DD)
1
/
Name of Correspondent: Dave Clew
MI Mall Report
User Codes: (A)
(B)
(C)
Subject: Julking Paints an actaber Economic
and Damestic Highlights
ROUTE TO:
ACTION
DISPOSITION
Tracking
Type
Completion
Action
Date
of
Date
I
gency
I
#
VY/MM/DD
Response
Date
YY/MM/DD
Custome
ORGINATOR
85,11,01
I /
Referral Note:
cut 18
R
15,11,01
s 15,11,04
Referral Note:
12N
1 /
/ 1
Referral Nate:
/ /
/ /
Reterral Note:
/ 1
/ I
Referral:Note:
ACTION CODES:
DISPOSITION CODES:
A Appropriate Action
I Info Copy/Oniy/No Action Metobeary
A -Answared
C -Completed
C Domment/Recommendation
R Direct Reply w/Copy
B . Non-Special Referral
S Suspended
D Draft Response
S For Signature
F Furnish Fact Sheet
x . Interim Raply
to be used as Enclosure
FOR OUTODING CORRESPONDENCE:
Type of Response # Initials of Signer
Code = "A"
Completion Date = Date of Outgoing
Comments:
Keep this worksheet attached to the original incoming letter.
Send all routing updates to Central Reference (Room 75, DEOB).
Always return completed correspondence record to Central Files.
Refer questions about the correspondence tracking system to Central Reference, ext. 2590.
5/81
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
11-01-85
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: Noon on 11-04-85
SUBJECT: TALKING POINTS ON OCTOBER ECONOMIC & DOMESTIC HIGHLIGHTS
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
LACY
REGAN
McFARLANE
MILLER
OGLESBY
BUCHANAN
RYAN
CHAVEZ
SPEAKES
CHEW
P
SS SPRINKEL
DANIELS
SVAHN
FIELDING
THOMAS
FRIEDERSDORF
TUTTLE
HENKEL
HICKEY
HICKS
KINGON
REMARKS:
Please submit any remarks/comments directly to Tom Gibson, with
informational copies to my office, by noon on Monday, November 4.
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
David L. Chew
Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
THE WHITE HOUSE
Resultations
WASHINGTON
November 1, 1985
MEMORANDUM FOR DAVID CHEW
FROM:
TOM GIBSON TG.
SUBJECT:
Talking Points on Economic and Domestic Highlights
for the Month of October
Attached, for staffing, are talking points covering good economic
and domestic news for the month of October. They are for
distribution to agency spokesmen.
I'd like to put these out as soon as possible.
Thanks very much.
OCTOBER HIGHLIGHTS
President's popularity at record highs. President Reagan heads
toward the Geneva summit with strong popular support for his
handling of foreign affairs. In a Washington Post-ABC News
poll, the President's overall approval rating was 63 percent;
and 64 percent approved of the President's handling of
US-USSR relations, the highest rating since the Post-ABC
News poll began asking the question in 1982.
Grenada prospers under freedom. Two years after the October 25
rescue of Grenada, U.S. technical and economic aid there has
led to an unprecedented boom. U.S assistance has totaled
$60 million to date.
Inflation whipped. For the twelve months ending September 1985,
the consumer price index rose just 3.2 percent, the slowest
rise since a 3 percent inflation rate in 1967. Wholesale
prices plunged 0.6 percent in September, the sharpest
decline since January 1983.
Job growth continues at steady pace: 415,000 persons were added
to U.S. payrolls in October 1985, the largest one-month gain
in employment since February 1985. Total employment
(including civilian and military) now stands at an all-time
high: 109.6 million. About 8.8 million new jobs have been
created since November 1982.
Continued labor-management cooperation yields increased
productivity and unwinds the wage-price spiral. Chrysler
and Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel workers returned to work in
October. Major collective bargaining agreements in the
first nine months of 1985 provided 2.3 percent first-year
wage hikes, the lowest first-year contract increase since
the Labor Department's survey began in 1962. The Labor
Department also reported in October that total nonfarm
business productivity rose at an annual rate of 3.0 percent
in the third quarter of 1985.
Trimming Government waste. On October 28, 1985, President Reagan
received the final report of the Grace Commission, the
President's Private Sector Survey on Cost Control. The
Reagan Administration has adopted, proposed, or is scheduled
to propose over 80 percent of the Commission's recom-
mendations to cut waste and improve efficiency in the
Federal Government.
Real opportunity for black Americans. A Census Bureau survey
released in October showed that the number of black-owned
businesses in the U.S. rose 47 percent between 1977 and
1982, from 231,203 to 339,239. According to a report in USA
Today, private economists estimate there could be 434,904
black businesses by year's end -- 88 percent more than in 1977.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 7, 1985
MEMORANDUM FOR TOM GIBSON
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
FROM:
JOHN G. ROBERTS, JR
ASSOCIATE COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Talking Points on Social Security
and Congressional Budget Crisis
Counsel's Office has reviewed the above-referenced draft talking
points, and finds no objection to them from a legal perspective.
CC: David L. Chew
ID #
CU
WHITE HOUSE
CORRESPONDENCE TRACKING WORKSHEET
OUTDOMS
IN . INTERNAL
I INCOMING
Date Correspondence
Received (YY/MM/DD)
/
/
Name of Correspondent: Dave Chew
MI Mall Report
User Codes: (A)
(B)
(C)
Subject: Taching points on social security
and congressional Budget crises
ROUTE TO:
ACTION
DISPOSITION
Tracking
Type
Completion
Action
Date
of
Date
Office/Agency
chreff Name)
Dote
YY/MM/DD
Response
Code
YY/MM/DD
CUHOLL
HORIGINATOR
85,11,07
/ 1
Returnal Note:
Cuat 18
R
85,11,07
585,11,07
- Note:
COB
1
1
/ /
Referral Note:
/
1
1 /
-
Referral Note:
/
/
/
-
/
Referrations: TS:
ACTION CODES:
DISPOSITION CODES:
A Appropriate Action
t Into Copy Only/No.Retion Necessary
A Answored
c -Completed
C Comment/Recommendation
R Direct Reply w/Dopy
B Non-Special Referral
s Buspended
D Draft Response
S For Signature
F Furnish Fact Sheet
X Interim Reply
to be used as Enolosero
FOR CORRESPONDENCE
Type at Remoview Initials of Bigner
Code = "A"
Completion Date Date of Outgoing
Comments:
Keep this worksheet attached to the original Incoming letter.
Send all routing updates to Contral Reference (Room 75, DEOB).
Always return completed correspondence record to Central Files.
Refer questions about the correspondence tracking system to Central Reference, ext. 2590.
561
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 11-07
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: C.O.B. Today
SUBJECT: TALKING POINTS ON SOCIAL SECURITY & CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET CRISIS
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
OGLESBY
REGAN
MILLER
RYAN
BUCHANAN
SPEAKES
CHAVEZ
SPRINKEL
CHEW
P
SS SVAHN
DANIELS
THOMAS
FIELDING
TUTTLE
HENKEL
Gibson
HICKS
KINGON
LACY
McFARLANE
REMARKS:
Please submit comments/remarks directly to Tom Gibson, with
and information copy to my office by the end of today.
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
David L. Chew
Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 7, 1985
MEMORANDUM FOR DAVID CHEW
FROM:
TOM GIBSON
it.
SUBJECT:
Talking Points/Issue Briefs on Recent Actions on
Social Security and Congressional Delay on
Government Fiscal Matters
Attached, for staffing, are talking points/issue briefs on recent
actions on Social Security and Congressional delay on government
fiscal matters. Treasury and OMB have reviewed a first draft and
have commented on the numbers and tone. Of course they should
comment on this draft as well.
I'd like to put these out as soon as possible.
Thanks very much.
SOCIAL SECURITY INTEGRITY PRESERVED
On November 1 and 4, in the midst of a financial crisis spawned by
continued Congressional bickering and inaction, the Administration
took unprecedented steps to keep November's Social Security checks
payable and on schedule.
As required by law, Treasury Secretary Jim Baker redeemed some of the
Social Security Trust Fund's assets -- U.S. Treasury certificates --
to raise money to pay benefits people need for rent, food, clothing
and other necessities. The assets in the Trust Fund are there
precisely for this purpose and will be restored.
Social Security assets are not being used to pay other obligations of
the Federal Government.
The only alternative was to pay November's Social Security benefits
out of general revenues which were inadequare -- and would accelerate
the crisis, created by Congressional inaction, and cause the
government to default.
Playing Politics With Social Security
As before, it appears that certain members of the Democratic Party --
who during the late 1970s ran the Social Security System into near
bankruptcy -- are preying upon the fears of older Americans for cheap
political advantage.
Democrats hope to terrorize Social Security recipients into thinking
their benefits are not secure. -This suits the short-term political
whims of certain unscrupulous Democratic politicians, especially in
the House leadership.
The Solution:
If Congress would stop its posturing, fulfill its obligations, and
pass a debt ceiling bill and appropriations bills called for by law,
all Americans would breathe easier and this Democrat-generated "scare
plan" on Social Security would evaporate overnight.
THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET CRISIS
The Constitution gives Congress the power to collect revenues "to pay
the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of
the United States."
In the past, when Congress has delayed action on individual
appropriation bills, the President has been required by law to shut
down affected agencies. This time, the crisis is government-wide.
Unless the Congress passes a debt ceiling extension bill, the Federal
Government will run out of money by November 14. Federal checks to
cover military salaries, pensions, student aid benefits, the bills of
vendors, principal and interest on our national debt, or any of a
multitude of government's obligations will bounce.
The problem: Congress has completely abrogated its responsibility to
set a Federal budget and pay the bills.
Congressional Mismanagement and Delay
This year, Congress failed to meet every deadline required by its own
1974 Budget Act to keep the Government running:
First Concurrent Budget Resolution. Deadline: May 15, 1985.
Action: August 1, 1985 -- two and one-half months late.
Second Concurrent Budget Resolution. Deadline: September 15,
1985. Action: no action taken.
Appropriation Bills. Deadline: September 30, 1985. Action: None
passed by statutory deadline and only two passed to date. A
temporary continuing resolution was substituted for all
appropriations bills. It expires on November 15, 1985.
Debt Ceiling Extension. Current Deadline: November 14, 1985.
Action: Pending -- emergency actions by the Administration have
covered Congressional inaction until November 14, 1985.
The Solution:
Congress should end its posturing and fulfill its Constitutional and
statutory obligations and pass appropriations bills and debt ceiling
legislation.
Until Congress acts responsibly and breaks the current budget impasse,
the President will take all available actions to sustain government
services and ensure that Social Security checks are honored.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 12, 1985
MEMORANDUM FOR TOM GIBSON
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS
FROM:
ASSOCIATE COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
JOHN G. ROBERTS 822
SUBJECT:
Talking Points Regarding Social
Security and Budget Crisis
Counsel's Office has reviewed the above-referenced talking
points, and finds no objection to them from a legal
perspective.
CC: David L. Chew
ID #
CU
WHITE HOUSE
CORRESPONDENCE TRACKING WORKSHEET
0 - OUTSOING
H INTERNAL
1 INCOMING
Date Correspondence
Received Y/MM/DD)
/
/
Name of Correspondent: Daw caew
MI Report
User Codes: (A)
(B)
(C)
Subject: Juching paints w sarial Security 1
Budget crises
ROUTE TO:
ACTION
DISPOSITION
Tracking
Type
Completion
Action
Date
el
Date
Office/Agency
(Staff Name)
Code
YY/MM/DD
Response
Code
YY/MM/DD
CUHOLL
ORIGINATOR 65,11.12
/ ,
Reterral Note:
CUAT 18
B
15,11,17
$85,11,12
10am
Referral Note:
I
I
,
-
Referral Note:
I
I
I /
Reternal Note
/ 1 I
I
à
Nove:
ACTION CODES:
DISPOSITION CODES:
A . Appropriate Action
1 Into Copy Only/No Action Necessary
A Answered
B
c Comment/Recommendation
R Direct Reply w/Copy
B * Non-Special Referral
a
discumpand
D Draft Response
S For Signature
F Furnish Fact Sheet
X Interim Reply
to be used as Enclosure
FOR OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE:
Type of Response initiate of Signer
Code
"A"
Completion Date = Date of Outgoing
Comments:
Keep this worksheet attached to the original incoming letter.
Send all routing updates to Central Reference (Room 75, OEOB).
Always return completed correspondence record to Central Files.
Refer questions about the correspondence tracking system to Central Reference, ext. 2590.
581
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
11/11/85
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
10:00 a.m. TOMORROW 11/12
SUBJECT:
TALKING POINTS RE SOCIAL SECURITY & BUDGET CRISIS
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
OGLESBY
REGAN
MILLER
RYAN
BUCHANAN
SPEAKES
CHAVEZ
SPRINKEL
CHEW
P
SVAHN
DANIELS
THOMAS
FIELDING
TUTTLE
HENKEL
GIBSON
HICKS
KINGON
LACY
McFARLANE
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/edits directly to Tom Gibson by 10:00 a.m.
tomorrow, with an information copy to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
David L. Chew
Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
(This will be sent to Admin.
spokesmen & editorial boards, etc.
SOCIAL SECURITY INTEGRITY PRESERVED
On November 1 and 4, in the midst of a financial crisis spawned by
Congressional bickering and inaction, the Administration took
unprecedented steps to keep November's Social Security checks
payable and on schedule.
As authorized by law, Treasury Secretary Jim Baker accelerated
redemption of some of the Social Security Trust Fund's assets --
U.S. Treasury securities -- to raise money to pay Social Security
benefits people need for rent, food, clothing and other necessities.
The assets in the Trust Fund are there precisely for this purpose
and are not being used to pay other obligations of the Federal
Government. Any loss to the fund because of Congressional
inaction can be cured by new legislation.
Playing Politics With Social Security
Some in the Democratic Party have tried to cast the actions by
the Secretary of the Treasury as a partisan issue, and in so
doing have terrorized Social Security recipients into thinking
their benefits are not secure.
The Solution:
Despite Congressional posturing, the President is committed to
keeping Social Security checks in the mail and payable. Congress
must fulfill its obligations, pass debt ceiling legislation and
work to restore -- not shake -- public confidence in the Social
Security system.
(This will go to Admin. surrogates
only)
THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET CRISIS
The Constitution commits to Congress the powers (1) to collect
revenues "to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and
general Welfare of the United States," and (2) to "borrow Money
on the Credit of the United States."
In the past, when Congress has delayed action on individual
appropriation bills, the President has been required by law to
shut down affected agencies. This time, because of the debt
limit, the impending crisis is government-wide.
Unless Congress passes a debt ceiling extension bill by midnight
November 14, the Federal Government will default November 15.
Federal checks to cover pensions, military salaries, principal
and interest on the national debt, student aid benefits and a
multitude of government's obligations will bounce beginning on
November 15.
The cause of this potential financial crisis: Congress has
refused to take the necessary action to enable us to pay our
bills.
Congressional Mismanagement and Delay
This year, Congress failed to meet every deadline required by the
1974 Budget Act to keep the Government running:
First Concurrent Budget Resolution. Deadline: May 15, 1985.
Action: August 1, 1985 -- two and one-half months late.
Appropriation Bills. Deadline: September 30, 1985. Action:
Not a single one passed by statutory deadline and only two
sent to the President to date -- Congress's own
appropriation and the appropriation for Energy and Water.
A temporary continuing resolution was substituted for the 11
other appropriation bills not yet passed. This, too,
expires on midnight November 14, 1985.
Debt Ceiling Extension. Current deadline: midnight November
14, 1985. Action: Pending -- emergency actions by the
Administration have covered Congressional paralysis -- but
only until midnight November 14, 1985.
The Solution:
Congress should cease dithering and fulfill its Constitutional
and statutory obligations, and prevent the United States of
America from going into default before the end of the week.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 13, 1985
MEMORANDUM FOR TOM GIBSON
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS
FROM:
ASSOCIATE COUNSEL Dr TO THE PRESIDENT
JOHN G. ROBERTS
SUBJECT:
Talking Points -- Education Vouchers
Counsel's Office has reviewed the proposed talking points on
the Equity and Choice Act of 1985. The Act raises serious
and close questions under the Supreme Court's interpretation
of the Establishment Clause. The Education Department
advises that its Office of General Counsel has reviewed the
Act and is confident of its constitutionality, but Adminis-
tration spokesmen should expect and be prepared to answer
questions on that score.
CC: David L. Chew
ID #
CU
WHITE HOUSE
CORRESPONDENCE TRACKING WORKSHEET
o - OUTGOING
H . INTERNAL
I - INCOMING
Date Correspondence
Received (YY/MM/DD)
/
/
Name of Correspondent:
Dave Chew
MI Mall Report
User Codes: (A)
(B)
(C)
Subject:
Talking Points- Education Vouchers
ROUTE TO:
ACTION
DISPOSITION
Tracking
Type
Completion
Action
Date
of
Date
Difice/Agency
(Staff Planne)
Code
YY/MM/DD
Response
Code
YY/MM/D
CUHOLL
ORIGINATOR
/
I
/ /
Referrat Note:
CUAT 18
B 851111/2
8 8511/42
Referral Note:
11AM
/ I
/
-
Referral Note:
/ I
I 7
Referral Note:
/
/
I ,
Referral Note:
ACTION CODES:
DISPOSITION CODES:
A - Appropriate Action
á s Copy Mecessary
A Answered
C Completed
C Comment/Recommendation
R Direct Reply w/Copy
B Non-Special Referral
B "Susparided
D
Draft Response
S For Signature
F
Furnish Fact Sheet
X -Interim Reply
to be used as Enclosure
FOR OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE:
Type of Response = Initials of Signer
Code "A"
Completion Date = Date of Dutgoing
Comments:
Keep this worksheet attached to the original incoming letter.
Send all routing updates to Central Reference (Room 75, DEOB).
Always return completed correspondence record to Central Files.
Refer questions about the correspondence tracking system to Central Reference, ext. 2590.
5/81
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 11-12-85
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 11:00 a.m. 11-13-85
SUBJECT: TALKING POINTS ON EDUCATION VOUCHERS
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
OGLESBY
REGAN
MILLER
RYAN
BUCHANAN
SPEAKES
CHAVEZ
SPRINKEL
CHEW
SS SVAHN
DANIELS
THOMAS
FIELDING
TUTTLE
HENKEL
GIBSON
HICKS
KINGON
LACY
McFARLANE
REMARKS:
Please submit any comments/remarks directly to Tom Gibson
by 11:00 a.m. tomorrow. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
David L. Chew
Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
12
November 12, 1985
MEMORANDUM FOR DAVID CHEW
FROM:
TOM GIBSON TG.
SUBJECT:
Talking Points on Education Vouchers
Attached, for staffing, are draft talking points on the
Administration's educational vouchers proposal, The Equity and
Choice (TEACH) Act of 1985. The Administration bill is being
unveiled by Secretary Bennett tomorrow.
ADMINISTRATION INITIATIVE FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY
The Equity and Choice Act of 1985
The Reagan Administration has unveiled The Equity and Choice
(TEACH) Act of 1985, to provide choice in education through a
voucher plan. This legislation, the most recent initiative in
the Administration's longstanding campaign to promote excellence
in education, will shortly be introduced in Congress.
The Administration's proposed voucher system for educationally
disadvantaged students (Chapter 1 participants) will enable
low-income parents to exercise the right to choose the public or
non-public school which best suits their children's needs.
TEACH, announced by Education Secretary William Bennett on
November 13, 1985, will provide funds directly to parents of
educationally disadvantaged children. Greater involvement of
parents will better serve both students and schools.
TEACH is a sound response to the U.S. Supreme Court's Felton
decision, which prohibits the provision of Chapter 1 services by
public school teachers to children on religious school premises.
Voucher funds go to parents, not teachers or schools, avoiding
potential Constitutional entanglements.
Benefits of TEACH
The Administration's proposed legislation is a bold stroke for
equal opportunity and educational excellence.
TEACH fulfills the promise of Chapter 1 by expanding the
range of choices available and addressing students'
individual needs.
TEACH gives poor families some of the educational choice
already available to affluent families who can select a
school through choice of neighborhood or choice of public
school.
The Administration's voucher proposal introduces some
healthy competition into the American education system --
improving the quality of education in all schools, both
public and non-public.
Public Opinion and Choice
According to a 1985 Gallup Poll, 59 percent of blacks and a
similar majority of persons living in cemtral cities support an
educational voucher system.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 13, 1985
MEMORANDUM FOR DAVID L. CHEW
STAFF SECRETARY
FROM:
JOHN G. ROBERTS JJR
ASSOCIATE COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Red Cross Press Release
Counsel's Office has reviewed the above-referenced press
release, and finds no objection to it from a legal
perspective.
ID #
CU
WHITE HOUSE
CORRESPONDENCE TRACKING WORKSHEET
. OUTGOING
H - INTERNAL
I - INCOMING
Date Correspondence
Received (YY/MM/DD)
/
/
Name of Correspondent:
Dave chew
MI Mail Report
User Codes: (A)
(B)
(C)
Subject:
Red Cross Press Release
ROUTE TO:
ACTION
DISPOSITION
Tracking
Type
Completion
Action
Date
of
Date
Office/Agency
Stall Name
Code
YY/MM/DD
Response
Code
YY/MM/DD
CUHOLL
ORIGINATOR 85/1/13
/ 1
Referral Note:
QUATI8
R
85111113
s 85,1113
Referral Note:
11:30am
I
I
/ 1
-
Referral Note:
1
/
I
I
Reterral Note:
If I
I /
Mete:
#*
ACTION CODES:
DISPOSITION CODES:
A Appropriate Action
info Copy Only/No Action Recessary
A Answered
D Completed
c Comment/Recommendation
# Direct Reply w/Copy
3 . Non-Special Referral
Б -Sumpended
D Draft Response
16 For Signature
F Furnish Fact Sheet
2 Interim Reply
to be used as Enclosure
FOR OUTSBING CORRESPONDENCE:
Type of Response = Initials of Signer
Code "A"
Completion Date = Date of Outgoing
Comments:
Keep this worksheet attached to the original incoming letter.
Send all routing updates to Central Reference (Room 75, OEOB).
Always return completed correspondence record to Central Files.
Refer questions about the correspondence tracking system to Central Reference, ext. 2590.
5/81
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 11-13-85
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 11:30 a.m. TODAY
SUBJECT: RED CROSS PRESS RELEASE
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
OGLESBY
REGAN
MILLER
RYAN
BUCHANAN
SPEAKES
CHAVEZ
SPRINKEL
CHEW
P
SS SVAHN
DANIELS
THOMAS
FIELDING
TUTTLE
HENKEL
HICKS
KINGON
LACY
McFARLANE
REMARKS:
Is the attached press release OK with your office to
go this afternoon?
RESPONSE:
David L. Chew
Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
NOV 13
November 13, 1985
MEMORANDUM FOR:
DAVID CHEW
FROM:
FREDERICK J. RYAN, JR.
77R
SUBJECT:
Red Cross Press Release
Today at 2:15 p.m., the President will meet with Red Cross Chairman George
Moody and Red Cross President, Richard Schubert to discuss their $20 million
disaster relief campaign.
The fund-raising drive was announced on November 7 to ensure that the Red
Cross can continue to meet disaster victims' needs. To date, the Red Cross
has committed almost $48 million on a series of natural disasters that have hit
the United States. This year is only the third time this century that five or
more hurricanes have hit the U.S. mainland.
President Reagan will also be doing a public service announcement and
promoting various private sector initiatives that are being developed to assist
them with their campaign.
Attached is a draft press release we would like to have made available
through the White House Press Office after the meeting today.
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
November 13, 1985
President Ronald Reagan today presented the American Red Cross with a
letter of support for its $20 million emergency disaster relief campaign
announced November 7. Red Cross Chairman, George M. Moody, and
President, Richard F. Schubert, accepted the letter urging Americans to give
generously towards the fund-raising campaign launched to meet current and
future disaster demands.
The fund-raising drive was begun to ensure that the Red Cross can continue
to meet disaster victims' needs. To date, the Red Cross has committed almost
$48 million on a series of natural calamaties that have struck U.S. mainland
and Puerto Rico since July 1, 1985. This year is only the third time this
century that five or more hurricanes have hit U.S. mainland. The five
hurricanes were "Bob," "Danny," "Elena," "Gloria," and "Juan." Other
disasters such as fires, floods, chemical spill evacuations and the Puerto
Rican mud slides have added to Red Cross expenditures.
Since July 1, 1985 the Red Cross has operated 2,026 shelters housing 900,000
people. More than 22,000 Red Cross volunteers and paid staff have fed more
than 4 million disaster victims. Approximately 31,400 families have received
Red Cross financial assistance.
The Red Cross expects to spend almost $10 million on the current relief
operation in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. More than
4,500 Red Cross volunteers and paid staff served 25,000 meals and
distributed 5,000 cleanup kits to families affected by the floods.
President Reagan will also be doing a public service announcement and
promoting other private sector initiatives to support the American Red Cross.
People wishing to help disaster victims can send donations to their locat Red
Cross chapters or to the American Red Cross, "Emergency Disaster Relief
Campaign," P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 3, 1986
MEMORANDUM FOR TOM GIBSON
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS
FROM:
JOHN G. ROBERTS DR
ASSOCIATE COUNSEL THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Draft Domestic Briefing Materials
Counsel's Office has reviewed the draft domestic briefing
materials. It is our understanding that the first item in
the third bullet on the page entitled "Homeless" will be
revised to delete any numerical description (the number of
beds has been the subject of litigation) and to delete the
description of the shelter as a "Navy" facility.
CC: David L. Chew
ID #.
CU
WHITE HOUSE
CORRESPONDENCE TRACKING WORKSHEET
0 - DUTOSING
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Date Commissione
Received (18 Y/MM/DD)
1
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(C)
Subject: materiaes Draft Domestic Briebing
ROUTE TO:
ACTION
DISPOSITION
Traching
Type
Completion
Action I 1
of
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YYA
Response
Code
YY/MM/DD
CUHOLL
ORIGINATOR 84,01,03
I /
Referral Note:
cuat 18
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86,01,03
586,01,03
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ACTION CODES:
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D Draft Response
8 -Por Signature
F Furnish Fact Sheet
x -datorim Raply
to be used as Explosure
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Code = "M"
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Comments:
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Refer questions about the correspondence tracking system to Central Reference, ext. 2590.
MB1
Document No.
EXTREME CLOSE HOLD
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 1/2/86
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: - NOON 1/3/86
SUBJECT: DRAFT DOMESTIC BRIEFING MATERIALS
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
POINDEXTER
REGAN
OGLESBY
MILLER
F
RYAN
BUCHANAN
SPEAKES
CHAVEZ
SPRINKEL
CHEW
P
SS
SVAHN
DANIELS
THOMAS
f
FIELDING
TUTTLE
HENKEL
GIBSON
HICKS
BRASHEAR
KINGON
LACY
REMARKS:
Please submit your commentson the attached directly to Tom Gibson in
Room 160 by noon tomorrow. Thank you. w/ info copy to our office.
RESPONSE:
EXTREME CLOSE HOLD
David L. Chew
Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
PRINCIPAL ACHIEVEMENTS OF 1985
Economy
America enters her fourth year of economic recovery and
expansion.
Tax Reform
Because of RR's personal involvement, the process has
been kept alive by House passage of most sweeping
reform legislation in more than 40 years. Markers have
been set out for Senate action in 1986.
Gramm-Rudman-Hollings
Most sweeping anti-deficit legislation in history. RR
committed to work with Congress to meet deficit
targets.
Farm Policy
Market-oriented approach reinstated, reversing failed
policies of past administrations.
Geneva Summit
Growing bipartisanship in foreign policy:
Congress voted $1.5 billion for 21 additional MX
missiles, bringing the total to 50.
In June, Congress voted to resume aid to freedom-
fighters in Nicaragua, reversing the House vote in May.
Clark Amendment was repealed, allowing the U.S. to aid
those on the side of freedom im Angola (Savimbi/UNITA)
Free and Fair Trade
RR stemmed tide of protectionism by tough enforcement
of existing trade laws and multilateral steps to
revalue currencies.
Achille Lauro
Demonstration of U.S. resolve to bring terrorists to
justice, wherever they hide.
ECONOMIC UPDATE
Entering the fourth year of economic recovery and expansion:
-- Stock market at record highs; December 16, Dow-Jones
hit 1553, an all-time high.
--
Inflation for the year at about 2.9 percent; you have
to go back to 1966-1968 to find three straight years of
lower inflation.
--
Job creation -- There are nearly 9 million more
Americans working today than there were in November
1982; a record number of Americans are now employed --
nearly 108 million.
--
Interest rates down -- prime dropped to lowest level in
7 years -- critics said they'd be up in 1985. Interest
on Treasury notes also hit seven-year lows this year.
--
Energy prices trending down -- About 45 percent decline
in real terms since RR ordered immediate decontrol in
January 1981. OPEC cartel no longer dictates prices.
Economic Outlook for 1986
C
RR looks to 1986 with justifiable optimism.
CEA projections:
(1) GNP growth: 4%
(2) Unemployment rate: to drop from 6.9% to 6.7%
(3) Inflation to remain low (under 48)
(4) Long-term interest rates to continue to fall
NOTE:
CEA also forecasts that short-term interest rates
may rise -- interest rate on 91-day Treasury bills
is forecasted to rise from 7% to 7.3%. In
addition, CEA projects inflation rate (GNP
deflator) to increase from estimated 2.9% in 1985
to 3.8% for 1986.
Commerce Department projects nearly 80 percent of the U.S.
manufacturing sector will enjoy increased shipments in 1986;
vast majority will post higher revenues.
Additional Encouraging Trends
C
Recent Federal Reserve actions reinforce downward trend in
interest rates. With OPEC cartel's troubles, no reason to
expect cost of energy to reignite inflation.
Lower interest rates in 1985 helped housing, cars, and other
big-ticket purchases.
Administration efforts led to 20 percent decline in value of
the dollar; imports should flow in more slowly in 1986 --
good news for U.S. manufacturers.
GRAMM-RUDMAN-HOLLINGS
RR is pleased that there is a strong working consensus in
the Congress to reduce the deficit and balance the budget.
C
It is important to distinguish between the purpose and
process of G-R-H. The purpose of G-R-H is to make the
federal budget process work. The automatic cuts of G-R-H
will take effect only if the federal budget process fails.
G-R-H is historic: For the first time, sets us on a firm
path of deficit reduction. The financial markets are
already reflecting this hopeful new prospect.
Constitutional Questions
The Justice Department has moved for a dismissal of the suit
brought by Rep. Mike Synar and others only because they
don't think Members of Congress have standing to sue.
Justice Department attorneys do favor an expedited review of
the constitutional questions posed by G-R-H and welcome a
suit by plaintiffs with standing. DOJ expects such a suit
to be filed in the near future.
The Justice Department is fulfilling its responsibility to
enforce the law and uphold the Constitution.
Justice Department action will not prevent the important
purposes of G-R-H from being accomplished in a timely fashion.
In G-R-H, constitutional questions were anticipated by the
Congress; some remedies already included in legislation.
NOTE: A provision of the Act grants standing to Members of
Congress who wish to file a constitutional challenge
to G-R-H. Article III of the Constitution requires
that a "case or controversy" exist before a matter
can be litigated in the Federal court.
Note on Sequestering Process
There is likely to be a "sequester" under Gramm-Rudman-
Hollings for FY 1986, to take effect March 1. It will be a
maximum of $11.7 billion, of which half would come from
defense.
RR's aim, and presumably that of the Congressional leaders,
will be to avoid a sequester next October for 1987. The
deficit target can be met and a sequester avoided while
preserving the planned 3 percent growth in defense and
without higher taxes. All it takes is a little courage to
cut back domestic spending of lower priority.
IMPACT OF GRAMM-RUDMAN-HOLLINGS ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS
I intend to submit budgets for the 1987 fiscal year and
for future years that will meet the deficit targets
established in G-R-H.
This will require some tightening of operations in all
parts of government, including the operations and
programs of the foreign affairs agencies.
I intend to develop my future budgets as I have in the
past, to meet, to the maximum extent possible, the
requirements for defense and foreign assistance.
The key to implementation of G-R-H will be close
cooperation between the Administration and the Congress
to reach a consensus on our national priorities which
provides adequate resources for the conduct of foreign
affairs.
It would be an abdication of our responsibilities for
the Administration and the Congress to fail to agree
on programs which reflect the national security and
foreign affairs priorities which the American people
have elected us to carry out. Such a failure to agree
would, under Gramm-Rudman, trigger arbitrary, automatic
spending cuts, and thus severely limit our ability to
carry out those initiatives which have brought this
country out of the doldrums and paralysis of the 1970s.
AIRLINE SAFETY
RR knows only too well that Americans are concerned about
airline safety. One accident, one lost life, is too many.
RR spent a cold December morning with the families who were
part of the tragedy in Gander, Newfoundland.
No common thread to the tragedies in U.S. or worldwide.
As part of an ongoing inspection effort, the FAA has ordered
an eight-week review, beginning next week, of airline
engine maintenance and service facilities.
While deregulation has reduced most ticket prices, there
have been no reductions in the FAA safety standards and
inspection procedures.
Secretary of Transportation has announced plans for an
additional 150 inspectors in 1986.
Not one accident in 1985 has been attributed to an error by
air traffic controllers.
NOTE: More people have died in 1985 aviation accidents
worldwide than in any previous year. The mysterious
Air India crash, and the Japan Air Lines crash (lost
tail section, Boeing 747) killed 850 people.
During the holidays, a crash of a private plane into
a California shopping center and the death of
musician Rick Nelson drew wide media attention.
TRADE
RR seeks to reduce trade deficit by opening global markets
to U.S. products, but insists on fair play. In a fair and
open world market, America can out-innovate, out-compete and
out-sell anybody in the world.
Trade Deficit
Yes, it's high, but largely because our economic performance
has been better than our trading partners.
Answer is to reduce U.S. budget deficit and for trading
partners to improve economic performance. Recent progress
has adjusted dollar's value, but it will take time to reduce
trade deficit permanently.
Also taking aggressive steps to fight unfair trade practices
in other countries.
Must keep the problem in perspective. Our free and fair
trade policies have helped create nearly 10 million new jobs
in the last three years. We are doing better than most
countries that have protectionist trade policies.
Trade Legislation
Happy to work with Congress as it seeks to restore a level
playing field for American business.
Interested in seeing legislation that would strengthen our
ability to enforce fair trade. Also want authority for a
new round of GATT negotiations.
C
But will not approve protectionist legislation.
Anti-Trust Laws
RR is considering amendments to our major antitrust laws --
the Sherman Act of 1890 and the Clayton Act of 1914 -- that
were recommended by the Economic Policy Council and the
Domestic Policy Council.
Since the days of those landmark statues, the world has
changed considerably.
We now have a global economy, demonstrated by the fact that
70 percent of American goods face import competition.
We must adjust to this global economy and that adjustment
should include refining our antitrust laws to reflect the
dynamics of world trade.
BUDGET POLICY
Before Gramm-Rudman-Hollings was enacted, RR instructed OMB
Director Jim Miller to aim for a 1987 deficit no higher than
$144 billion.
Miller is working to produce a budget within those limits,
and though nothing final has been decided on any specific
item, the budget will meet the goal.
RR has already announced that the Administration will be
asking for three percent growth in defense, and will not
touch Social Security or ask for higher taxes.
RR will deliver a budget that will promote even greater
economic growth and job creation.
Privatization
Without going into specifics, it is true that privatization
will be a theme of this year's budget.
Many government activities, at all levels, can be more
efficiently carried out by the private sector at the local
level.
NOTE:
There have been leaks in the press that the FY 87
budget will propose an unprecedented effort to
sell federal government assets; the FHA, for
example.
BUDGET RECONCILIATION
If the budget process is to ever work, it must work at every
step along the way. Once both Houses agree to a budget
resolution, they must then enact the specific budget savings
in the form of legislation.
In light of the recently enacted Gramm-Rudman-Hollings bill,
it is important now, more than ever, to achieve the maximum
level of savings.
Before going home for Christmas, the Congress failed to
enact a Reconciliation Bill. One reason was our threat to
veto a bill that -- as drafted by either House -- contained
numerous objectionable provisions: new taxes and phoney
savings.
RR will not accept new taxes in order to meet savings
targets set forth in the budget resolution. We must find
the discipline to cut deficits through spending cuts.
FARM POLICY
The 1985 Farm Bill
Food Security Act of 1985 -- the farm bill -- makes major
strides toward the market-orientation sought by RR, while
maintaining income support for Nation's farmers.
Over time, loan rates and crop price support levels will be
adjusted to market levels, thus helping make our commodities
more competitive in the international marketplace.
Many of the more costly 1981 program changes have been
modified or eliminated.
Although this bill is not perfect, it is an improvement over
current policy and it will allow us to keep our commitment
to America's farmers.
Farm Credit Legislation
Legislation maintains a viable Farm Credit System -- a
private, farmer-owned cooperative which provides more than
1/3 of all money loaned to U.S. farmers.
Gives stronger regulatory authority to Farm Credit
Administration to run the system like a business, use its
own resources efficiently.
Allows Treasury to provide assistance only if System uses
all its resources and can demonstrate need for extra help.
However, RR believes this will not be necessary.
FmHA Foreclosure Notices
RR is genuinely concerned about the plight of the farmers
and has taken steps to help; in 1985, RR directed existing
resources to be used to help farmers in a credit crunch --
so that the spring planting could proceed. Federal price
support assistance has topped $60 billion over the past five years.
Farmers Home Administration (FmHA) will begin notifying
farmers this week that if they are delinquent on federal
loans, they must immeditaly take steps to repay or
restructure those loans.
Under a November 1983 court ruling, FmHA will outline all
options available to these farmers, including foreclosure.
NOTE:
In November 1983, a federal judge ordered FHA to
halt these notifications pending completion of
regulations giving farmers various options for
handling their debts. These regulations were
published in the Federal Register in November 1985.
HOMELESS
The problem is tragically real -- particularly in our
cities.
It must be addressed by each community, with
compassion, joining where possible the resources of
governments with concerned private groups and organizations.
In Washington:
--
A new 400-bed Navy facility in Anacostia has been made
available to the city's homeless until a more permanent
solution can be implemented.
--
The Administration has pledged $3.7 million to the
Coalition for the Homeless, a non-profit group
representing several organizations that share our
concern for homeless persons in Washington.
--
RR wants to reiterate what we said just before New
Year's: We will not forcibly evict anyone from that
shelter so long as the cold weather remains dangerous
to those without shelter.
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
RR's view is now, and has always been, that quotas are wrong
no matter whom they apply to and they are a disservice to
all Americans.
There are various proposals to revise federal rules
concerning the use of quotas as they pertain to federal
contract compliance.
RR has not reviewed any proposals.
GOP Platform on Affirmative Action:
"The Republican Party is the party of equal rights. From
its founding in 1854, we have promoted equality of
opportunity
"Americans demand a civil rights policy premised on the
letter of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. That law requires
equal rights; and it is our policy to end discrimination on
account of sex, race, color, creed, or national origin
"Just as we must guarantee opportunity, we oppose attempts
to dictate results. We will resist efforts to replace equal
rights with discriminatory quota systems and preferential
treatment.
HEALTH ISSUES
AIDS
AIDS education and research continues to be a top priority
of the Administration. By the end of this year, the federal
government will have spent almost half a billion dollars to
fight AIDS.
While AIDS continues to be a major threat to the public
health, it appears that the rate of increase of reported
cases is slowing, and there is still no evidence that it can
be spread through casual contact.
We all have long-term hopes for drugs and vaccines against
AIDS, but none are immediately at hand.
Meanwhile, major efforts should focus on prevention, and
lowering the risks of spreading the disease.
Catastrophic Health Insurance
Catastrophic Health Insurance is the purest form of health
insurance -- it provides protection against the financial
consequences of very high cost, low probability, illness or
injury.
Nearly 30 million Americans are without health insurance of
any kind for at least a portion of the year.
This is not an new issue for RR or for this Administration.
RR proposed a catastrophic health insurance plan for
California.
And in 1983 the Administration proposed catastrophic
protection for Medicaid beneficiaries. HHS Secretary Bowen
has written about adding catastrophic coverage under
Medicare.
We are examining this important and broad issue, and will
shortly determine if there is an appropriate role here for
the federal government.
TAX REFORM
House bill is a good start, not a final product. More must
be done to broaden the tax base, reduce tax rates further,
and lower the cost of capital.
RR will work for these improvements and oppose any final
legislation which does not meet RR's standards of true tax
reform, especially increased economic growth.
RR has received assurances from Senate GOP leaders that they
will work with him this spring to improve the bill and give
RR something that can be signed.
In June 1985, one month after RR unveiled Administration
proposal, a New York Times columnist wrote that tax reform
bill was dead. After the bill passed the House, that
surprised columnist wrote: "How did it happen?"
Highlights
Under the House bill, most median-income families of four
would receive substantial tax relief; the largest percentage
reductions in taxes would be received by low income
taxpayers.
-- The top individual rate is reduced to its lowest level
since 1931.
:
93 percent of all taxpayers would be in the 15 or 25
percent bracket.
--
85 percent of all taxpayers, at every income level,
would receive a tax reduction or experience no change
in tax.
--
Corporate tax rates are reduced to their lowest level
since 1941.
The personal exemption and standard deductions are increased
substantially, and millions of working poor will be removed
from the tax rolls.
Tax shelters are curtailed, special preferences are
eliminated or restricted, and a stiff minimum tax is
imposed.
Politics of Tax Reform
Constitution requires tax bills to start. in the House of
Representatives, where the Democrats have the majority.
House Ways and Means Committee, which writes tax
legislation, is stacked two-to-one against the Republicans.
Naturally, House GOP would have preferred their tax reform
vehicle to pass the House and eventually be signed into law.
It was apparent from the beginning that it would take
bipartisan support to get tax reform through the House.
There were some understandable differences of opinion on the
tax reform bill as this bipartisan effort was being
assembled.
RR is confident that what will finally emerge from the
Senate will be a better bill -- one that even larger
majorities of Congress, from both sides of the aisle, can
support.