Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
312196828
label
Chron Files: Monday, July 21, 1997
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
312196828
contentType
document
title
Chron Files: Monday, July 21, 1997
citationUrl
collections
Records of the Office of Staff Secretary (Clinton Administration)
Todd Stern's Files
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
312196828
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
otherTitles
7422166-20190774S-Seg1-044-014-2023
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
223942e8a4a7f2fe
ocrText
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. letter
[Personally Identifiable Information] [partial] (1 page)
07/16/1997
b(6)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Staff Secretary
Todd Stern
OA/Box Number: 10304
FOLDER TITLE:
Chron Files: Monday, July 21, 1997
2190-0774-S
rs3362
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRAJ
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
Chron.
Starth Sec
Pel-Freez®
P.O. Box 68
(501) 636-4361
205 North Arkansas
Fax (501) 636-4282
Rogers. Arkansas 72757
L3/81/L
Send to Yes Doskind?
President Bill Clinton
The White House
no
1600 Pennsylvania Avenu
Washington, DC 20500-
(hoto in town on July 15, 1997)
Dear Mr. President:
The proposed changes to
consideration by the Con
Pel-Freez, a family owne
assistance in taking steps to modify this legislation.
My company, like many small businesses, must reorganize to remain competitive.
However, the proposed changes to Section 355 will make it impossible for our small firm
to reorganize and then sell or merge any portion of its holdings without unreasonable tax
burdens. These proposed changes are so poorly drafted as to render unanswerable my
requests for opinion from tax and legal counsel. Hence, as a reality, Pel-Freez cannot
proceed with much needed changes to its corporate structure to remain a viable business.
Under the Morris Trust proposals in the House Bill H.R. 2014 and the Senate Amendment
to H.R. 2014 (the "proposed legislation"), such reorganization and subsequent distribution
would no longer qualify for tax-free treatment under Section 355. For over thirty years,
these types of transactions have permitted taxpayers to retain ownership of the spun-off
corporation, attaining synergies through combining the distributing corporation with the
acquirer, all the while meeting the tax requirements of the numerous IRS regulations
covering such actions.
The proposed legislation denying tax-free treatment to non-abusive Morris Trust
transactions should be eliminated or applied only to transactions with value above $20
million thereby assisting small businesses, or alternatively narrowed to cover situations
where there is an appropriate taxable event, such as a disguised sale of either the
distributing corporation or the spun-off subsidiary to a third party.
In addition, if any type of distribution rule is enacted, appropriate transition rules should
accompany such a provision to ensure that small businesses like mine, have sufficient time
to readjust to these sorts of significant changes in the law. An effective date beginning
after the year 1999 would seem more appropriate for small business transactions under
$20 million.
Starth Sec
Pel-Freez®
P.O. Box 68
(501) 636-4361
205 North Arkansas
Fax (501) 636-4282
Rogers. Arkansas 72757
July 11, 1997
President Bill Clinton
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20500-2000
Dear Mr. President:
The proposed changes to Section 355 of the Internal Revenue Code currently under
consideration by the Conference Committee will, if passed, threaten the survival of
Pel-Freez, a family owned small business active in Arkansas since 1951. I ask your
assistance in taking steps to modify this legislation.
My company, like many small businesses, must reorganize to remain competitive.
However, the proposed changes to Section 355 will make it impossible for our small firm
to reorganize and then sell or merge any portion of its holdings without unreasonable tax
burdens. These proposed changes are so poorly drafted as to render unanswerable my
requests for opinion from tax and legal counsel. Hence, as a reality, Pel-Freez cannot
proceed with much needed changes to its corporate structure to remain a viable business.
Under the Morris Trust proposals in the House Bill H.R. 2014 and the Senate Amendment
to H.R. 2014 (the "proposed legislation"), such reorganization and subsequent distribution
would no longer qualify for tax-free treatment under Section 355. For over thirty years,
these types of transactions have permitted taxpayers to retain ownership of the spun-off
corporation, attaining synergies through combining the distributing corporation with the
acquirer, all the while meeting the tax requirements of the numerous IRS regulations
covering such actions.
The proposed legislation denying tax-free treatment to non-abusive Morris Trust
transactions should be eliminated or applied only to transactions with value above $20
million thereby assisting small businesses, or alternatively narrowed to cover situations
where there is an appropriate taxable event, such as a disguised sale of either the
distributing corporation or the spun-off subsidiary to a third party.
In addition, if any type of distribution rule is enacted, appropriate transition rules should
accompany such a provision to ensure that small businesses like mine, have sufficient time
to readjust to these sorts of significant changes in the law. An effective date beginning
after the year 1999 would seem more appropriate for small business transactions under
$20 million.
President Bill Clinton
July 11, 1997
Page 2
Mr. President, I hope you will route my letter to the appropriate members of your staff.
I will be in Washington on Tuesday, July 15 and would welcome the opportunity to meet
with anyone you might suggest. I can be reached anytime at my office, 501-636-4361,
ext. 303, fax 501-636-4282, or at my home 501-443-5103 (home fax: 501-582-5199).
With best regards,
David Dofbell
David W. Dubbell
Chief Executive Officer
PEL-FREEZ, INC.
DWD/rs
Enclosures
Staff Sec
CAIN FISH FARMS
'97 JUL 8AM9:29
McCRORY, AR 72101
PH. 501-731-5415
4/18/97
FAX 501-731-2123
Send Yes to Dorsland
The Honorable William J. Clinton
The White House
no
Washington, D. C. 20500
July 11, 1997
Dear Mr. President:
11, 1999 SA, 2, 1.4h by
I am a catfish farmer from McCrory, AR. I attended a meeting yesterday in Stuttgart, AR,
at which US Food and Drug Administration officials advised that all fresh catfish sales
from farms using feeds, originating from Riceland Foods, Inc and the Quincy Soybean
Company, cannot be sold without first being tested and approved by government identified
laboratories. This process is to be set in motion beginning Sunday night, 7-13-97, at
midnight. This decree affects hundreds of fish farmers and processors across Arkansas,
Louisiana, Mississippi and Missouri.
The required testing involved, proscribes that laboratory results must be obtained from
each and every farm to demonstrate that the fish do not contain more than 1 part per
trillion of dioxin. These testing results are projected to take approximately 3 weeks to
obtain, at a cost to the farmer of $1,500 per test.
The FDA stated in writing that they do not believe that the levels of dioxin found in the
feed or the fish present any immediate health hazard, but is taking this action only as a
"precautionary" measure. Yet they are proposing to set in motion a series of events that
will cause great loss and hardship to those catfish farmers involved, and will in all
probability bankrupt the entire Catfish Industry.
The FDA has additionally stated that the situation will naturally correct itself in
approximately 50 days. As the fish continue to grow and receive feed that is not tainted,
the dioxin levels will dissipate; yet they are imposing immediate and preemptory guidelines
on the catfish farmers and processors.
It seems clear that the FDA is taking an action that is unjustly harsh on the catfish industry
in its immediacy of action. My suggestion and request is that the FDA give the Catfish
industry 60 days to continue with their operations as usual, without the imposition of these
severe penalties and guidelines, in which time the "problem" will in all likelihood disappear
naturally.
Mr. President, time is of the essence in this matter, I request that you contact the
appropriate officials at the FDA as soon as possible to request the correction of this
proposed action.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this important matter.
Sincerely,
Dan bain
Bari Cain
United States
TO
CAMPAIGNBAN
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LANDMINES
For additional information contact:
Mary Wareham, Campaign Coordinator
Mary Wareham Tel: 202-483-9222
Vietnam Veterans of
America Foundation
Stephen Goose Tel: 202-371-6592
2001 S Street, NW, Suite 740
Washington, DC 20009
Tel. +202-483-9222
WITH DECISION PENDING WILL CLINTON HEED HUMANITARIAN
Fax. +202-483-9312
email: [email protected]
CALL TO BAN LANDMINES NOW?
http:www.waf.org/landmine/uscbl.htm
Demilitarization for Democracy
(Washington DC, July 16, 1997) Today, as senior U.S. officials from the State
2001 S Street, NW, Suite 630
Washington, DC 20009
Department, Pentagon, National Security Council, and Arms Control and
Tel. +202-319-7191
Fax. +202-319-7194
Disarmament Agency meet to discuss and possibly decide on a new direction for
email: [email protected]
U.S. policy on antipersonnel (AP) landmines, the US Campaign to Ban
Lutheran Office for
Landmines is sending a letter to President Bill Clinton demanding that he
Governmental Affairs, ELCA
122 C Street, NW, #125
abandon his current obstructionist position regarding a ban. The letter, signed by
Washington, DC 20001
Tel. +202-626-7932
more than 60 representatives of a unique coalition of non-governmental
Fax. +202-783-7502
email: [email protected]
organizations, calls for President Clinton to commit the United States to join the
http://www.elca.org
diplomatic initiative known as the Ottawa Process which will result in the
Human Rights Watch
conclusion of a legally-binding international treaty banning all AP mines this
Arms Project
1522 K Street, NW
December.
n, DC 20005
371-6592
7/18/97
-371-0124
The administrati
[email protected]
w.hrw.org
expected to be C
ugee Service USA
today. The basic
reet, NW, Suite 400
Send Yes to Dorskind
n, DC 20036
a ban through th
462-0400
-328-9212
made no signific
[email protected]
that are prepared
V. jesuit.org/refugee
Process include 1
Survivors Network
enth Street NW, Suite 950
the United King
n, DC 20005
no
661-3537
the most extensi
-661-3529
Mandminesurvivors.org
The US Campaig
your current poli
coord with
.landminesurvivors.org
$ for Human Rights
NSC
ton Street, Suite 702
j
A 02116
September in Os
695-0041
-695-0307
Campaign to Bai
[email protected]
reservations, no exceptions and no loopholes; yet current U.S. policy prohibits
http://www.phrusa.org
U.S. participation in a true ban treaty. Current U.S. policy requires an exception
Save the Children USA
1620 'Eye' Street, NW, Suite 202
for continued use of so-called 'dumb' AP mines in Korea and American use of
Washington, DC 20036
Tel. +202-293-4170
so-called 'smart' mines worldwide."
Fax. +202-293-4167
email: [email protected]
[email protected]
The US Campaign to Ban Landmines is a coalition of over 225 non-
Women's Commission for Refugee
governmental organizations and is one of over 50 country campaigns comprising
Women & Children
122 East 42nd Street, 12th Floor
the International Campaign to Ban Landmines. The letter to President Clinton is
New York, NY 10168
Tel. +212-551-3086
signed by the heads of more than 60 organizations, including veterans,
Fax. +212-551-3186
email: [email protected]
international development, humanitarian relief, peace, women's, human rights,
http://www.hypernet.com/wcrwc.html
medical, children's, policy and research, environmental and religious groups.
For a copy of the letter contact Mary Wareham, Tel: 202-483-9222
#
#
#
United States
CAMPAIGN
BAN
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LANDMINES
For additional information contact:
Mary Wareham Tel: 202-483-9222
Mary Wareham, Campaign Coordinator
Vietnam Veterans of
Stephen Goose Tel: 202-371-6592
America Foundation
2001 S Street, NW, Suite 740
Washington, DC 20009
Tel. +202-483-9222
WITH DECISION PENDING WILL CLINTON HEED HUMANITARIAN
Fax. +202-483-9312
CALL TO BAN LANDMINES NOW?
email: [email protected]
http:www.waf.org/landmine/uscbl.htm
Demilitarization for Democracy
(Washington DC, July 16, 1997) Today, as senior U.S. officials from the State
2001 S Street, NW, Suite 630
Washington, DC 20009
Department, Pentagon, National Security Council, and Arms Control and
Tel. +202-319-7191
Disarmament Agency meet to discuss and possibly decide on a new direction for
Fax. +202-319-7194
email: [email protected]
U.S. policy on antipersonnel (AP) landmines, the US Campaign to Ban
Lutheran Office for
Landmines is sending a letter to President Bill Clinton demanding that he
Governmental Affairs, ELCA
122 C Street, NW, #125
abandon his current obstructionist position regarding a ban. The letter, signed by
Washington, DC 20001
Tel. +202-626-7932
more than 60 representatives of a unique coalition of non-governmental
Fax. +202-783-7502
organizations, calls for President Clinton to commit the United States to join the
email: [email protected]
http://www.elca.org
diplomatic initiative known as the Ottawa Process which will result in the
Human Rights Watch
conclusion of a legally-binding international treaty banning all AP mines this
Arms Project
1522 K Street, NW
December.
Washington, DC 20005
Tel. +202-371-6592
Fax. +202-371-0124
The administration is engaged in a review of its landmine policy which is
email: [email protected]
http://www.hrw.org
expected to be completed in no more than two weeks, and possibly as early as
Jesuit Refugee Service USA
today. The basic choice is whether to stick with last January's decision to pursue
1616 P Street, NW, Suite 400
a ban through the Conference on Disarmament - which U.S. officials admit has
Washington, DC 20036
Tel. +202-462-0400
made no significant progress thus far or to join more than 100 other nations
Fax. +202-328-9212
email: [email protected]
that are prepared to sign a ban treaty this year. Those supporting the Ottawa
http://www. jesuit.org/refugee
Process include key NATO allies such as Canada, France, Germany, Italy and
Landmine Survivors Network
700 Thirteenth Street NW, Suite 950
the United Kingdom, as well as many of the nations where mines have been used
Washington, DC 20005
the most extensively, such as Angola and Bosnia.
Tel. +202-661-3537
Fax. +202-661-3529
email: [email protected]
http://www.landminesurvivors.org
The US Campaign's letter urges Clinton "to abandon the caveats which constrain
Physicians for Human Rights
your current policy in order to fully participate in ban treaty negotiations this
100 Boylston Street, Suite 702
Boston, MA 02116
September in Oslo and sign the ban treaty in Ottawa this December The US
Tel. +617-695-0041
Campaign to Ban Landmines wants a simple, comprehensive ban treaty with no
Fax. +617-695-0307
email: [email protected]
reservations, no exceptions and no loopholes; yet current U.S. policy prohibits
http://www.phrusa.org
U.S. participation in a true ban treaty. Current U.S. policy requires an exception
Save the Children USA
1620 'Eye' Street, NW, Suite 202
for continued use of so-called 'dumb' AP mines in Korea and American use of
Washington, DC 20036
so-called 'smart' mines worldwide."
Tel. +202-293-4170
Fax. +202-293-4167
email: [email protected]
[email protected]
The US Campaign to Ban Landmines is a coalition of over 225 non-
Women's Commission for Refugee
governmental organizations and is one of over 50 country campaigns comprising
Women & Children
122 East 42nd Street, 12th Floor
the International Campaign to Ban Landmines. The letter to President Clinton is
New York, NY 10168
signed by the heads of more than 60 organizations, including veterans,
Tel. +212-551-3086
Fax. +212-551-3186
international development, humanitarian relief, peace, women's, human rights,
email: [email protected]
http://www.hypernet.com/wcrwc.html
medical, children's, policy and research, environmental and religious groups.
For a copy of the letter contact Mary Wareham, Tel: 202-483-9222
#
#
#
United States
CAMPAIGNBAN
The Honorable William Jefferson Clinton
LANDMINES
President of the United States of America
The White House
Mary Wareham, Campaign Coordinator
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Vietnam Veterans of
Washington, D.C. 20500
America Foundation
2001 S Street, NW, Suite 740
Washington, DC 20009
Tel. +202-483-9222
July 16, 1997
Fax. +202-483-9312
email: [email protected]
http:www.waf.org/landmine/uscbl.htm
Dear Mr. President:
Demilitarization for Democracy
2001 S Street, NW, Suite 630
Washington, DC 20009
We represent a sampling of the veterans, international development,
Tel. +202-319-7191
Fax. +202-319-7194
humanitarian relief, peace, women's, human rights, medical, children's, policy
email: [email protected]
and research, environmental and religious groups who form the US Campaign
Lutheran Office for
to Ban Landmines, a coalition of over 225 non-governmental organizations
Governmental Affairs, ELCA
122 C Street, NW, #125
and one of over 50 country campaigns comprising the International Campaign
Washington, DC 20001
Tel. +202-626-7932
to Ban Landmines.
Fax. +202-783-7502
email: [email protected]
http://www.elca.org
Knowing that the administration is currently engaged in a review of its policy
Human Rights Watch
on antipersonnel (AP) landmines, we write to respectfully urge you to
Arms Project
1522 K Street, NW
abandon the caveats which constrain your current policy in order to fully
Washington, DC 20005
Tel. +202-371-6592
participate in ban treaty negotiations this September in Oslo and sign the ban
Fax. +202-371-0124
treaty in Ottawa this December. We urge you to join over 100 countries
email: [email protected]
http://www.hrw.org
supportive of this process including key NATO allies such as Canada, France,
Jesuit Refugee Service USA
Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom.
1616 P Street, NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20036
Tel. +202-462-0400
Fax. +202-328-9212
As Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and President of the United
email: [email protected]
States your decision must take into account the advice of the military, the
http://www. jesuit.org/refugee
advice of Congress, and the advice of the people. You have support from all
Landmine Survivors Network
700 Thirteenth Street NW, Suite 950
these constituencies for a comprehensive international ban on all
Washington, DC 20005
Tel. +202-661-3537
antipersonnel mines - including so-called "smart" and "dumb" mines. Retired
Fax. +202-661-3529
military generals including General Norman Schwarzkopf, General David
email: [email protected]
http://www.landminesurvivors.org
Jones, and General John R. Galvin have strongly urged you to take the lead in
Physicians for Human Rights
efforts to achieve a total and permanent international ban on the production,
100 Boylston Street, Suite 702
Boston, MA 02116
stockpiling, sale and use of AP mines. The majority of the Senate has
Tel. +617-695-0041
Fax. +617-695-0307
endorsed S.896, the Leahy-Hagel Landmine Elimination Act, that would ban
email: [email protected]
new deployments of AP mines by the U.S. after January 1, 2000, and put the
http://www.phrusa.org
U.S. in a position to sign the Ottawa ban treaty. 164 Members of the House of
Save the Children USA
1620 'Eye' Street, NW, Suite 202
Representatives have written to urge you to participate fully in the Ottawa
Washington, DC 20036
Tel. +202-293-4170
Process. Over 100,000 people nationwide have signed petitions calling on you
Fax. +202-293-4167
email: [email protected]
to permanently ban AP mines by signing the Ottawa treaty.
[email protected]
Women's Commission for Refugee
The US Campaign to Ban Landmines wants a simple, comprehensive ban
Women & Children
122 East 42nd Street, 12th Floor
treaty with no reservations, no exceptions and no loopholes yet current U.S.
New York, NY 10168
Tel. +212-551-3086
policy prohibits U.S. participation in a true ban treaty. Current U.S. policy
Fax. +212-551-3186
requires an exception for continued use of so-called "dumb" AP mines in
email: [email protected]
http://www.hypernet.com/wcrwc.html
Korea and American use of so-called "smart" mines worldwide. In May 1996,
1
you pledged to "seek a worldwide agreement as soon as possible to end the
use of all anti-personnel land mines." Yet current U.S. policy makes US
participation in the Ottawa ban treaty impossible and leaves the U.S. in the
company of nations, including China, Cuba, India, Iran, Pakistan and Russia
who do not want to see AP mines banned anytime soon.
We urge you to demonstrate US leadership against these indiscriminate,
abhorrent weapons by immediately banning the use and production of all AP
mines, by destroying our stockpile of 14 million AP mines and by joining the
majority of the world in negotiating and signing an AP mine ban treaty this
December. We urge you to act now to take these essential steps to make this
world a place where, as you have said, "children can walk without fear on the
earth beneath them."
Yours sincerely
Ambassador Alvin P. Adams
Gordon S. Clark
President & CEO
Executive Director
United Nations Association of the United
Peace Action
States of America
Mary Diaz
Vicky Armour-Hileman
Director
Center Coordinating Team
Women's Commission for Refugee Women
Maryknoll Mission Association of the
and Children
Faithful
Rev. Elenora Giddings Ivory
Peter D. Bell
Director, Washington Office
President
Presbyterian Church (USA)
CARE
David Hart
Mark B. Brown
Executive Director
Acting Director
Veterans for Peace
Lutheran Office for Governmental Affairs
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
John Harvey
Director, Washington Office
Betty Burkes
Church of the Brethren
President
Women's International League for Peace
Rev. Dan C. Hoffman
and Freedom
President
Washington Office on Africa
Robin Caiola
Executive Director
John Isaacs
20/20 Vision
President
Council for a Livable World
John Carr
Secretary, SDWP
Very Rev. David Kalert OMI
US Catholic Bishops Conference
President
Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate
2
May Khadem, M.D.
Dan O'Neill
Secretary, Board of Directors
President and Co-Founder
Health for Humanity
Mercy Corps International
John H. Kim
Raymond C. Offenheiser
General Secretary
President
National Association for Korean Americans
Oxfam America
(NAKA)
Rodney I. Page
Anthony Kozlowski
Executive Director
President & CEO
Church World Service
American Refugee Committee
Maurice Paprin
Renold Levy
Co-Chairman
President
Fund for New Priorities in America
International Rescue Committee
Dan T. Plesch
Charlie McCormick
Director
President
British American Security Information
Save the Children USA
Council
Prema Mathai-Davis
Rev. Thomas H. Quigley
National Executive Director
President Director
YWCA of the U.S.A.
The Church Council of Greater Seattle
Ronald J. R. Mathies
Martin Rendon
Executive Director
Vice President for Public Policy and
Mennonite Central Committee
Advocacy
U.S. Committee for UNICEF
Mary Miller
Executive Secretary
Harold Robles
Episcopal Peace Fellowship
President
Albert Schweitzer Institute
Terence Miller
Director
Kenneth Roth
Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers Justice and
Executive Director
Peace Office
Human Rights Watch
Robert O. Muller
Lionel A. Rosenblatt
President
President
Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation
Refugees International
Dr. Robert K. Musil, Ph.D
Caleb Rossiter
Executive Director
Director
Physicians for Social Responsibility
Demilitarization for Democracy
Kara Newell
Len Rubenstein
Executive Director
Executive Director
American Friends Service Committee
Physicians for Human Rights
3
Rev. Richard Ryscavage, S.J.
Steve Starr
Director
Supervisor, Social Services
Jesuit Refugee Service USA
American Red Cross, St Louis bi-state
chapter
Catherine Sarther, SSND
President
Jeremy J. Stone
School Sisters of Notre Dame, North
President
American Leadership Conference
Federation of American Scientists
Victoria M. Sheffield
John E. Sutphin, M.D., Capt MC USN (Ret)
Executive Director
Chairman, Disaster Preparedness
International Eye Foundation
Subcommittee
American Academy of Ophthalmology
Evely Laser Shlensky
Chairperson
Joelle Tanguy
Commission on Social Action of Reform
Executive Director
Judaism
Doctors Without Borders
Stephen Schlesinger
Kathy Thornton, RSM
Director
National Coordinator
World Policy Institute
NETWORK: A National Catholic Social
New School for Social Research
Justice Lobby
Larry Schwab
Kathleen Uhler OSF & Ignacio Harding
Chairman, Committee of International
OFM
Ophthalmology
Co-Directors
American Academy of Ophthalmology
Franciscans International
Robert A. Seiple
Edith Villastrigo
President
Director
World Vision USA
Women Strike for Peace
John J. Shanahan
Joe Volk
Vice Admiral, U.S. Navy (Ret.)
Executive Secretary
Director
Friends Committee on National Legislation
Center for Defense Information
(Quakers)
William Kennedy Smith, MD
Susan B. Walker
President
Director
Physicians Against Landmines
Handicap International
Nancy Small
Mary Wareham
National Coordinator
Coordinator
Pax Christi USA
US Campaign to Ban Landmines
Joyce D. Sohl
Stephen Whisnant
General Secretary, Women's Division
Executive Director
General Board of Global Ministries
World T.E.A.M. Sports
United Methodist Church
4
Jerry White and Ken Rutherford
Co-directors
Lynette Youndt Meck
Landmine Survivors Network
Executive Director
Mennonite Central Committee U.S.
Roger P. Winter
Director
Miriam A. Young
U.S. Committee for Refugees
Executive Director
Asia Pacific Center for Justice and Peace
Kathryn F. Wolford
President
Lutheran World Relief
CC:
Madeleine Albright, Secretary of State
Sandy Berger, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs
Robert Bell, National Security Council
William Cohen, Secretary of Defense
John Holum, Director, U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency
J. Brian Atwood, Director, U.S. Agency for International Development
General John Shalikashvili, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff
5
THE WHITE HOUSE
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
WASHINGTON
7-21-97
July 18, 1997
MEMORANDUM TO THE PRESIDENT RESIDE
copied
Street
COS
FROM:
STEPHANIE STREETT
SUBJECT: SCHEDULING DECISIONS
CC:
JOHN PODESTA & SYLVIA MATHEWS
ACCEPT
Date of Event:
Description of Event:
7/22/97
Outreach Meeting with Gay and Lesbian Leaders
Staff Contact: Maria Echaveste
7/23/97
Meeting with Bill Hybels
Staff Contact: Stephanie Streett
7/23/97
Immunization & Childcare Event with the First Lady
Staff Contact: Bruce Reed, Melanne Verveer
7/24/97
Congressional Fast Track Meeting
Staff Contact: John Hilley
7/25/97
Address the National Association of Elementary School Principals
(NAESP) Annual Meeting
Crystal Gateway Marriott, Virginia
Staff Contact: Thurgood Marshall Jr., Maria Echaveste
7/25/97
Tape Radio Address with Boys Nation 1997
Staff Contact: Maria Echaveste
7/28/97 - 8/1/97
Second Congressional Fast Track Meeting
Staff Contact: John Hilley
7/30/97
Meeting with South African Deputy Prime Minister Mbeki
Staff Contact: Samuel Berger
7/30/97
Departure Meeting with Commander John Richardson and
Lieutenant Colonel Charles Raderstorf
Staff Contact: Jodie Torkelson, Alan Sullivan
7/30/97
Drop-by White House Briefing for Senior Regional Appointees
Staff Contact: Thurgood Marshall Jr.
7/30/97
Boy Scout Jamboree
Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia
Staff Contact: Maria Echaveste
7/31/97
Remarks on Religious Freedom
Washington, DC, Location TBD
Staff Contact: Maria Echaveste, Charles Ruff
8/1/97
Official Working Visit with President Aliyev of Azerbaijan
Staff Contact: Samuel Berger
8/4/97
Interview with Black Entertainment Television
Staff Contact: Mike McCurry
8/4/97
Interview with Debra Mathis of Gannett News Service
Staff Contact: Mike McCurry
8/4/97
Interview with FOX Senior White House Correspondent Jim Angle
Staff Contact: Mike McCurry
8/4/97
Address the National Urban League's Annual Conference
Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC
Staff Contact: Maria Echaveste
8/11/97 or 8/14/97
Welfare-to-Work Event
St. Louis, MO
Staff Contact: Bruce Reed
8/11/97 or 8/14/97
Pediatric Labeling Event with the First Lady
Staff Contact: Melanne Verveer, Bruce Reed, Don Gips
8/15/97
Outreach Meeting with Asian Pacific American Community
Leaders
Staff Contact: Maria Echaveste
August TBD
Press Conference
Staff Contact: Mike McCurry
TBD
Meet and Greet with DC United, the Champions of Major League
Soccer's Inaugural Season
Staff Contact: Phil Caplan
This could be scheduled as a brief photo-op in the Rose Garden
as you are walking to or from the Oval Office. Is this
something you would be interested in doing?
TBD
Meeting with the President of the Salvation Army
Staff Contact: Thurgood Marshall Jr., Maria Echaveste
This proposal has been forwarded to the First Lady's office for
consideration also.
REGRET
Date of Event:
Description of Event:
7/14/97 - 7/22/97
Meeting with Members of the Creative Community Task Force on
Cancer
Staff Contact: Maria Echaveste, Bruce Reed
The NEC budget working group recommended that this
request be regretted, as the task force is lobbying for funding
outside of the budget agreement.
7/17/97 or 7/24/97
Photo-Op with the Crew of the Space Shuttle Atlantis
Staff Contact: John Gibbons
The Vice President will participate in this photo-op on July 24.
7/21/97
Attend Celebration Marking the Bicentennial of the Launching of
USS Constitution, "Old Ironsides"
Staff Contact: Samuel Berger
Sec. Dalton will be participating in this event.
7-21-97
OPTION
Date of Event:
Description of Event:
August TBD
Drop-by the Vice President's Photo-Op with the Louisiana State
University Men's Baseball Team and Women's Track Team
Staff Contact: Craig Smith, Ginny Terzano
The purpose of this photo-op is to congratulate the teams on
their numerous national championships.
PENDING
Date of Event:
Description of Event:
7/21/97 - 7/25/97
Brief Meeting with Commander Robert N. Boorda, USN, Son of
the Late Admiral Jeremy M. Boorda
Staff Contact: Samuel Berger
MACKLA
Commander Boorda has requested a brief meeting with you to
express his family's appreciation for your support after
Admiral Boorda's death. Would you like us to set up a brief
meeting or would you prefer to do this as a phone call?
TBD
Meeting with James Jones
Staff Contact: Samuel Berger, Mack McLarty
Mack has requested that you have a brief courtesy visit,
including a quick debrief of Mexican affairs, with former Amb.
Jones.
8/4/97 - 8/8/97
Meeting with Corporate CEOs Who Occupy a Constructive Middle
Ground on Climate Change
Staff Contact: Todd Stern
8/17/97
Speech at the 125th Anniversary Celebration of Yellowstone
National Park
Staff Contact: Katie McGinty
Please let us know your and the First Lady's decision on this
event at your convenience.
7-21-97
7/22/97 - 7/25/97
FDR Memorial Bill Signing Ceremony
Staff Contact: Maria Echaveste, John Hilley, Bruce Reed
You will sign this bill during phone & office time, and a White
House photo will be released along with a statement to
disability groups.
7/24/97
Reception to Honor Photographer Harry Benson at a Photo Exhibit
1 am ain can drop
Featuring First Families
Staff Contact: Mike McCurry
You are currently scheduled to attend the Picasso Exhibit
dinner on that evening.
7/24/97 - 7/25/97
Photo-Op with Winners of the Enrico Fermi Award
Staff Contact: John Gibbons, Thurgood Marshall
This award recognizes scientists, engineers, and policy makers
whose work in nuclear science and technology benefits
humanity. This proposal has been forwarded to the Vice
President's office for consideration.
7/25/97
Speech to Members of the Youth with Disabilities Conference
Staff Contact: Maria Echaveste
A scheduling proposal for a photo-op or a video message will
be submitted.
July TBD
Meeting with Leaders of a Broad Coalition of the Children's
Health Advocacy Community
Staff Contact: Maria Echaveste, Bruce Reed
This proposal has been regretted, however the group
requesting this meeting will be invited to participate in the
Immunization/Childcare event.
8/3/97 - 8/8/97
White House Event in Recognition of the 20th Anniversary of the
Surface Mining Act
Staff Contact: Thurgood Marshall Jr.
This proposal has been forwarded to the other principals and
the Cabinet for consideration.
THE
RESIDER
7-21-97
8/4/97
Keynote Address at Alpha Phi Alpha's 91st Convention
Staff Contact: Maria Echaveste
You are currently scheduled to address the National Urban
League on this day. This proposal has been forwarded to the
other principals and the Cabinet for consideration.
8/5/97
14th Annual "National Night Out" Crime Prevention Event
Staff Contact: Bruce Reed, Rahm Emanuel
The proposal for an evening event has been forwarded to the
other principals and the Cabinet for consideration. We are
still holding this as an option for a message event that day.
8/10/97 8/11/97
National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) 1997
Annual Convention
Los Angeles, CA
Staff Contact: Bruce Reed, Rahm Emanuel
This proposal has been forwarded to the other principals and
the Cabinet for consideration.
8/18/97
Keynote Speech at 34th National Convention of the American
Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO
Anaheim, CA
Staff Contact: Craig Smith
This is during your vacation. A request for you to tape a video
message for this convention has been submitted.
8/18/97
Keynote Address to the Veterans of Foreign Wars National
Convention
Salt Lake City, UT
Staff Contact: Maria Echaveste
This is during your vacation. This proposal has been
forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration.
8/24/97
Attend the Jackson Hole Jaycees C-130 Memorial Service
Staff Contact: Jodie Torkelson, Alan Sullivan
This is during your vacation. This proposal has been
forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration.
THE PRESIDENT SEEN
7-21-97
August TBD
Photo for Cover of the November Issue of Vanity Fair
Staff Contact: Rahm Emanuel
This photograph would be taken with Bill Gates and Michael
Jordan for a cover story on the most influential people in the
world. The recommendation from the Senior Staff was that
you not participate in this photo.
9/22/97
Attend the Committee for Education Funding's 12th Annual
Congressional Awards Dinner
Staff Contact: Maria Echaveste
You are scheduled to address the opening session of the United
Nations General Assembly on this day, and to attend the
opening of the Metropolitan Opera with the First Lady that
evening. This proposal has been forwarded to the other
principals and the Cabinet for consideration.
TAX BREAKS FOR SOCCER MOMS
THE AFFIRMATIVE ACTION MESS
National
Jouri
CTS/Dong
1
worth mading
-
g
BS
THE WEEKLY ON POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
7-21-97
9
Amer IOU G ПСП
Political Geography
copied
Smith
Sosmk
EXECUTIVE OFFICE
COS
OF THE PRESIDENT
LIBRARIES
JUL 11 1997
OLD EXECUTIVE
OFFICE BUILDING
N
T
E
R
Property of:
EOP Library
Room 308 OEOB
NON-CIRCULATING
COVERSTORY
Divide and Rule
In 1996, voters in
he America revealed in the 1996
from the VNS and Los Angeles Times
T
election results and exit polls is a
exit polls. The categories of Jews and
Democratic regions
nation deeply divided, more along
those people stating "no religion" voted
cultural than along economic lines,
about 3 to 1 for Clinton. White Protes-
became more
and increasingly along regional lines.
tants voted about 2.to 1 for Dole. A simi-
Democratic, while
mose who see economics as the primary
lar pattern was apparent in House races,
11
factor in political decisions will find little
except that there, Protestants voted about
voters in Republican
evidence to support their opinion in the
3 to 1 Republican.
1996 results. The Voter News Service
Another factor that stood out in the
regions became more
(VNS) exit poll showed that the lowest-
results was education. From the New
Republican. In part,
income group (with annual incomes
Deal through the Reagan years, the pat-
under $15,000) voted 59 per cent to 28
tern was the same: The least-educated
this was the result of
per cent for Democrat Bill Clinton; and
voters were the most Democratic, the
the highest (with incomes above
most-educated the most Republican. But
local responses to
$100,000), 54 per cent to 38 per cent for
in the 1990s, that has changed. In the
national issues, but it
Republican Bob Dole. But each of these
VNS poll, respondents who had not grad-
groups constituted only 10 per cent of the
uated from high school voted 65 per cent
was a reflection, in a
electorate. Among the other 80 per cent,
to 35 per cent for Democratic House can-
there was little difference between
didates. But this group represented only 6
country with enormous
income groups.
per cent of the electorate, including many
The main divisions were related to race
social and
elderly blacks. The three middle
and sex. Whites voted 46 per cent to 43
groups-high school graduates, those
geographical mobility,
per cent for Dole, blacks 84 per cent to 12
with some college, and college gradu-
per cent for Clinton. Hispanics, a dis-
ates-voted Republican 50 per cent to 49
of people seeking out
parate group that trended toward Reagan
per cent, with the first a few points more
their own kind.
Republicans in the
1980s, voted 72 per cent
to 21 per cent for Clin-
ton; Asians, portrayed
BY MICHAEL BARONE
by some activists as a
minority in need of spe-
cial help from govern-
ment, voted 48 per cent
to 43 per cent for Dole.
Men voted 44 per cent
to 43 per cent for Dole,
women 54 per cent to
38 per cent for Clinton.
An even bigger gap
existed between mar-
ried women (48 per
cent to 43 per cent for
Clinton) and unmarried
women (62 per cent to
28 per cent for Clinton).
Religion also created
wide splits between vot-
ers. Definitions here are
imprecise, and cate-
ILLUSTRATIONS BY
gories vary somewhat
among polls, but the
TAYLOR JONES
overall picture is clear
NEW ENGLAND/METROLINER CORRIDOR
when one interpolates
1408 NATIONAL JOURNAL 7/12/97
Democratic and the last a few points
would have for the next 30
more Republican. Voters with post-
years.
graduate degrees, however, were more
In 1996, House Republi-
Democratic-51 per cent to 49 per cent
cans did not do quite so
in House races and 52 per cent to 40 per
well. While they managed
cent in the presidential race, according to
to keep their majority, they
VNS, and 49 per cent to 43 per cent in
experienced a net loss of
the presidential race, according to the
eight seats. But they consol-
Los Angeles Times.
idated gains in the areas
One of the striking features of the 1996
where support for their
elections results is how voters in Demo-
policies was strong, and
cratic regions have become more Demo-
kept defeats to a minimum
cratic, while voters in Republican regions
in districts where support
have become more Republican. In part,
for their policies was weak.
this was the result of local responses to
To better understand the
national issues, but it was also a reflection,
contours of opinion across
in a country with enormous social and
the country, it's useful to
geographical mobility, of people seeking
divide the country into five
out their own kind. Republicans were
regions, four of which con-
becoming a sort of endangered species in
tain about one-sixth of the
the Northeast, with only four Republicans
voters each, and the other
among the 23 U.S. Representatives in
about one-third. The first is
New England, arguably the historic heart-
New England and the
land of the party. At the same time, only
Metroliner Corridor, com-
four Democrats remained among the 24
prising the six states of New
Members of Congress from the Rocky
England; the New York,
SOUTH ATLANTIC
Mountain States, arguably the heartland
Philadelphia, Baltimore
of William Jennings Bryan's Democratic
and Washington metropolitan areas; most
from Texas to Idaho, and Alaska: the
Party. The Great Plains States, running
of New York state, all of New Jersey and
Great American Desert, as it was called
north from Oklahoma to North Dakota,
Delaware, southeast Pennsylvania, most
during the years just before and after the
elected 13 Republicans and one Demo-
of Maryland and all of the District of
Civil War. Finally, there are the Pacific
crat to the House.
Columbia.
States-California, Oregon, Washington
The interesting point here is that
The second is the South Atlantic
and Hawaii-which were distant outposts
both New England and the Rocky
States, from Virginia south to Florida.
in the 19th century but now stand as
Mountains were becoming more
The third is the Mississippi Valley, a bit
America's redoubts on the rapidly grow-
monopartisan. Just four years before,
more than one-third of the nation's land
ing Pacific Rim.
after the 1992 election, both areas were
and voters, stretching from Upstate New
Each of these five regions has a great
much more evenly divided: The New
York to Louisiana, from Minnesota to
economic capital that generates com-
England delegation was 14 to 8 Demo-
Alabama; this section of America was set-
merce and looks to the world beyond-
cratic, and the Rocky Mountain delega-
tled from the 1770s to the 1840s and
New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los
tion 13 to 11 Republican.
became the industrial base of the nation.
Angeles-and each has a combination of
The realignment is reminiscent of
The fourth region is the Interior: the
economic interests and cultural attitudes
House election results in the 1930s. In
Great Plains and Rocky Mountain States,
that sends its own politics in different
1932, when the economy was in collapse
and Franklin Roosevelt was elected,
Democrats in House contests made uni-
form gains in all regions of the country,
winning dozens of seats that had never
THE MISSISSIPPI
gone Democratic before-and some that
VALLEY
would never go Democratic again. In the
1934 off-year elections, the Democrats
actually gained nine seats-the only time
the party has done so in an off year-but
they did not gain them uniformly. They
lost seats in the small towns and rural
areas of the East and Midwest, where the
centralization of power in the National
Recovery Administration and other New
Deal agencies was resented as an interfer-
ence with local arrangemènts. But they
won seats in the industrial districts that
had seen rapid rises in their populations
from 1900-30 and that were reeling from
huge layoffs and the almost total devalua-
tion of local real estate. In Pennsylvania
alone, Democrats gained nine House
seats in 1934-a harbinger of the industri-
al, unionized base the Democratic Party
NATIONAL JOURNAL 7/12/97 1409
insisting on right-to-work laws: This is the
least unionized part of America.
The South Atlantic is one of the two
most Republican regions (the other is the
Interior). It cast off its Democratic alle-
giance as early as 1952, when most states
here went for Dwight Eisenhower; it
began electing Republican Senators and
Representatives in the 1950s, governors
in the 1970s. In 1988, it voted 60 per cent
to 39 per cent for George Bush. Presi-
dential races have been closer since then,
but Republicans still usually do better
here than anywhere else: 43 per cent to
41 per cent for Bush in 1992 461 per
cent to 45.8 per cent for Clinton in 996.
Clinton owes this carry to his intensive
campaigning for Florida's 25 electoral
votes; he lost the four other states,
including Georgia, which he had won in
1992.
THE INTERIOR
The underlying Republican trend is
stronger. It shows up in House races: The
South Atlantic voted 55 per cent to 45
directions. Here are political snapshots of
accounting for 2 per cent. Democrats
per cent Democratic in 1990, a last ves-
the five regions:
have already won almost every House
tige of its old Democratic ties, then 49.0
seat they could hope to win here, and
per cent to 48.8 per cent Republican in
the region casts only so many electoral
1992, 58 per cent to 41 per cent Republi-
NEW ENGLAND/METROLINER CORRIDOR
votes-the figure was 99 in 1996 and will
can in 1994 and 55 per cent to 45 per cent
Throughout the 1996 election cycle.
probably drop to 96 after the 2000 cen-
Republican in 1996. Republicans control
reporters wrote that voters were repelled
sus. The Northeast Corridor's popula-
four of the area's 10 state legislative
by the Republican revolutionaries and
tion has grown only 2.1 per cent in the
chambers and are tied with the
the Religious Right, that they were ready
1990s, compared with 7.5 per cent for
Democrats in another.
to cast an overwhelming though not
the rest of the country. The region can-
entirely enthusiastic majority vote for Bill
not be ignored, but what it tells about
Clinton, that they were especially
America is far from the whole story.
MISSISSIPPI VALLEY
annoyed by opponents of abortion, and
In 1682. a French explorer sailed up
that-while not interested in seeing taxes
the St. Lawrence, through the Great
rise-they were queasy about the
SOUTH ATLANTIC
Lakes and down the Mississippi Valley:
prospect of dismantling government.
A half-century ago, this was America's
the first European to traverse the region
This turned out to be an accurate pic-
backwater. The South Atlantic States
we call the Mississippi Valley. This land
ture of this one-sixth of the nation. The
were economically far behind the rest of
between the Appalachians and the Great
Northeast Corridor voted for Bill Clin-
the nation, with low-wage Piedmont tex-
Plains is the heartland, a place of great
ton by a rousing 59 per cent to 31 per
tile mills their only major industry. Cul-
variety that is likely to be the central bat-
-cent producing more than half his pop-
turally, they were bound by legally
tleground in elections to come. It votes
ular vote margin-a more one-sided
enforced racial segregation. Politically,
almost exactly like the nation as a whole:
result than any of these regions has had
they were so heavily Democratic that few
in 1996, 49 per cent to 41 per cent for Bill
in the past three presidential elections.
people bothered to pay their poll taxes
Clinton and 49 per cent to 48 per cent for
And in House elections, the region
and vote: These states cast only 4 per cent
Republican House candidates; and in
voted 58 per cent to 41 per cent Demo-
of the nation's votes in 1944. But since
1992, 43 per cent to 38 per cent for Clin-
cratic, while the rest of the country
the dismantling of segregation, the pace
ton and 51 per cent to 46 per cent for
voted 51 per cent to 47 per cent Repub-
of growth in the South Atlantic has been
Democratic House candidates. In both
lican. The Northeast Corridor has long
accelerating. The region grew 10 per cent
years, Clinton carried every state here
been Democratic, but not by so wide a
between 1990 and 1996, and in '96, it cast
except Mississippi and Alabama.
margin: Clinton carried the area 49 per
15 per cent of the nation's votes.
Whenever the Mississippi Valley
cent to 33 per cent in 1992; and
Yet the politics of the South Atlantic is
diverges from national patterns, it is
Democrats carried the House vote here
an outgrowth of deep traditions, in some
worth examining the reasons. In 1994, it
by a steady 54 per cent to 42 per cent in
cases going back to colonial days. This is
voted 54 per cent to 45 per cent for
1990, 52 per cent to 43 per cent in 1992
one of the most deeply religious places in
Republican House candidates at the
and 52 per cent to 44 per cent in 1994.
any economically advanced country, with
same time that most of its states were
But the Northeast Corridor's anti-
churches in every neighborhood and coun-
voting lopsidedly for Republican gover-
Republican trend has been counterbal-
try crossroads; if the tone of daily life in
nors who boasted of cutting taxes and
anced by population shifts. In 1944, this
the Northeast Corridor is secular, in the
spurring economic growth. And while the
area had cast 24 per cent of the nation's
South Atlantic it is religious. The promi-
percentage voting for House Republicans
votes, with New York City by itself
nence of the Religious Right in the
dropped in 1996, it did not fall to the lev-
accounting for 7 per cent; in 1996, the
Republican Party is an asset here, not a
els of 1992 and before; Republicans lost
same area cast just 16 per cent of the
liability. Politicians here have worked hard
some seats here, but kept enough for a
national total, with New York City
to attract industry, keeping taxes down and
majority.
1410 NATIONAL JOURNAL 7/12/97
Historically, the Mississippi Valley was
Texas voted for the Confederacy, Col-
PACIFIC RIM
divided politically by the Old National
orado for the Union, Arizona for cop-
Road-later U.S. 40 and now Interstate
per, North Dakota for wheat. But by
If the Interior is wide open, the Pacific
70-running through southwest Pennsyl-
the 1980s, politics in all these states
Rim is densely packed: Most people here
vania. Columbus, Indianapolis, St. Louis
began revolving around the same
live in metropolitan areas filling up the
and Kansas City, Mo. North of the line.
theme: local interests versus federal
narrow interstices between ocean and
people voted mostly Republican; south.
control Texans and Oklahomans were
mountains. Houses are expensive, lots are
mostly Democratic. Then in the 1930s.
disgusted with federal oil and gas price
small, offices can be reached only on
with the CIO unions organizing auto, steel
controls; Nevada was furious at being
clogged freeways (one reason that so
and rubber factories, the big metropolitan
designated the nation's nuclear waste
many people work at home). This is the
areas of the Great Lakes became heavily
disposal site; Utah's Mormons disliked
homeland of America's computer creativi-
Democratic. In the 1960s, white voters in
the cultural liberalism emanating from
ty and its connection with the surging
the South shifted from Democrats toward
Washington; Idahoans and New Mexi-
economies of East Asia; it produced boun-
Republicans, as did some blue-collar
cans rebelled at the ukases of federal
teous growth for decades, then foundered
workers; blacks in both the South and the
land agencies. Even farm subsidies
as California and Japan went through a
big cities of the North became heavily
started to fall out of favor: In 1996,
deep recession in the early 1990s.
Democratic. All of these shifts have left
Kansas and Nebraska placidly accepted
California (but not Japan) has now
the Mississippi Valley pretty close to
the phasing out of wheat and corn sub-
recovered and is rapidly generating jobs
evenly divided between the parties.
sidies. In many parts of the Interior,
and creating goods and services; Wash-
The economy here is mostly industrial.
though not all, strong traditional Chris-
ington and Oregon in the Pacific North-
except in the southern reaches of the
tian beliefs set the cultural tone.
west are booming; only tourism-depen-
Mississippi River, and competition
The result is that the once mostly
dent Hawaii is lagging. This is the part of
between the parties is also a contest
Democratic Interior was in 1996 the
America most affected by the vast flows
between two visions of industrial gover-
most-Republican region in the country.
of immigration from Latin America and
nance. The Democrats have been allied
The Interior voted 48 per cent to 42 per
East Asia. The Pacific Rim cast 10 per
closely with the big industrial unions, and
cent for native son Bob Dole over Bill
cent of the nation's votes in 1944, 16 per
mostly see government as an instrument
Clinton, and 56 per cent to 41 per cent
cent in 1996.
of economic redistribution. The con-
for Republican House candidates; the lat-
Ronald Reagan, with his economic
stituency for that approach-blue-collar
ter vote was almost identical to its 57 per
conservatism, strong defense policy and
workers in Great Lakes metro areas-
cent to 40 per cent support of Republican
sunny disposition, showed Republicans
seemed to fade in 1994, but came faintly
House candidates in 1994. This was simi-
how to carry the Pacific Rim in the 1980s.
flickering back to life in 1996. The
lar to the Interior's 57 per cent to 42 per
George Bush won here in 1988 by only 50
Republicans, historically allied with com-
cent vote for George Bush in 1988. The
per cent to 48 per cent, but lost to Bill
pany management, have moved toward
changeover in congressional voting came
Clinton by a resounding 45 per cent to 33
market economics, trusting that lower
in 1994. Before that, the Interior had
per cent in 1992. Clinton carried the
taxes. less welfare and fewer regulations
voted Democratic for the House, 51 per
Pacific Rim, 51 per cent to 38 per cent in
will invigorate their economies. Manufac-
cent to 48 per cent in 1990, 49 per cent to
1996, while Democratic House candi-
turing. barely gasping in the early 1980s.
48 per cent in 1992. Now Democratic
dates prevailed 51 per cent to 45 per cent.
is now thriving, with hundreds of thou-
House Members are about as scarce here
Even in 1994, Democrats won 49 per cent
sands of jobs in small businesses quietly
as Republican House Members are in the
to 48 per cent. The Pacific Rim is quite
being created-many more than were
Northeast Corridor. In the House, the
aware that its growth has come mainly
noisily lost in sweeping plant closures and
Interior is represent-
layoffs. In 1996, Clinton got some credit
ed by 47 Repub-
for the upturn; in 1994. Republicans did.
licans and 22
Democrats, 17 of
whom come from
INTERIOR
Texas. Texans voted
As farmers moved west across the
54 per cent to 44 per
Great Plains, they came to land with less
cent Republican for
and less rainfall, until they reached the
House, but elected
100th parallel, which runs through North
only 13 Republicans,
Dakota and south to Texas and has long
thanks to the clever-
been considered the boundary between
est Democratic
farm fields and grazing land. The land of
redistricting plan of
most of this Interior region is brown and
the 1990s. But
empty today. and farm counties have lost
Democrats are not
population as fewer hands are needed to
likely to control
harvest the crops. Except for its eastern
redistricting again
edge. most of the Interior today consists
here-Gov. George
of large metropolitan areas rising from
W. Bush is highly
barren land, with small settlements-
popular going into
resorts. oil-drilling towns, county seats—
1998, and the state
in the vast spaces in between. Even
Senate is now Re-
Kansas. Nebraska and the Dakotas are
publican-and so
on their way to becoming city-states.
the Republicans
The original politics of these states
stand to make redis-
revolved around Civil War loyalties
tricting gains in
PACIFIC RIM
and mining and farming interests:
2002.
NATIONAL JOURNAL 7/12/97 1411
from the private sector, with the impor-
faction of Democrats since 1962. A possi-
region produced about the same margin
tant exception of the 1980s, when the
ble countertrend: Washington and Ore-
for each party for President and for the
defense industry was thriving. The
gon have elected Republican legislatures,
House; this is what we should expect if
defense cutbacks of the late 1980s and
perhaps to counterbalance liberal Demo-
people who voted for Ross Perot split
early 1990s helped trigger Southern Cali-
cratic governors, perhaps because the val-
their House votes evenly. In 1994, voters
fornia's economic collapse, with the
ues of their eastern regions are seeping
were plainly responding to national issues
upshot that its economy is now less
west.
in general and Bill Clinton in particular.
defense-dependent.
In 1996, the percentage for Clinton in
But cultural conservatism has never
each region is very similar to the percent-
been especially popular here. This is the
SORTING OUT THE TRENDS
age for Democrats in House races.
least religious part of the nation, the place
These regional differences help make
It bears repeating that Clinton's victory
where people are least moored to old
some sense of the political trends of the
was contingent, while the House Republi-
communities and folkways (in contrast
1990s. There is a seeming paradox here:
cans' was fundamental. Clinton's victory
with many in the slow-growth Northeast
Presidential voting became more Demo-
owed much to superior political skills and
Corridor). Voters here tend to see the
cratic, while congressional voting became
to favorable circumstances, not all of his
Religious Right as a rebuke of and even a
more Republican.
making. Other Democrats are not guar-
threat to their lifestyle. And in the apoliti-
But in fact, Americans in the 1990s
anteed those advantages in the future.
cal atmosphere here, so different from the
have been voting more straight tickets
The victory of House Republicans, on the
blaring tabloid culture of the Northeast
than at any other time since the 1940s. In
other hand, occurred in unfavorable cir-
Corridor, voters have been willing to let
the 1970s and 1980s, many voters stuck
cumstances and despite the grave unpop-
skillful Democratic machine politicians
with their ancestral Democratic prefer-
ularity of the most visible Republican
control their legislatures; the California
ence in House races, or voted for the
leaders. Not all of those disadvantages
Assembly, briefly Republican, is now back
smart young Democratic political
are guaranteed in the future.
in Democratic hands, as is the Senate.
entrepreneurs who were so numerous in
Much has been made of the unpopu-
Hawaii's Legislature is one of the most
those years, even while voting Republican
larity of House Republicans in the North-
Democratic in the land, and the governor-
for President. In the 1990s, such behavior
east Corridor and, to a lesser extent, in
ship has been handed down within one
has stopped. In 1992, voters in each
the Pacific Rim. Less has been made of
their strength in other regions. In 1990,
none of these five regions voted for
STRAIGHT-TICKET VOTING'S BACK
Republican House candidates. In 1992,
only one did, by a fraction of a percent-
age point. But in 1994, Republican House
candidates won 58 per cent in the South
PRESIDENT
HOUSE
Atlantic, 54 per cent in the Mississippi
REGION
REP.
DEM.
IND.
REPS.
DEMS.
Valley and 57 per cent in the Interior. In
United States 1996
41%
49%
8%
49%
49%
1996, they held most of that vote. It
Northeast Corridor
31
59
8
41
58
would be wrong to say that Republicans
South Atlantic
46
46
7
55
45
are bound to win future congressional
Mississippi Valley
41
49
9
49
48
elections. But it is equally wrong not to
Interior
48
42
8
56
41
acknowledge that their victory in 1996
Pacific Rim
38
51
8
45
51
shows that they represent a potential
United States 1994
52
45
majority coalition capable of asserting
Northeast Corridor
44
52
itself in presidential as well as congres-
South Atlantic
sional contests.
58
41
Mississippi Valley
54
45
Indeed, one could make the case that
Interior
57
40
the Clinton presidency has been disas-
Pacific Rim
48
49
trous for the Democratic Party. When
Clinton was elected in November 1992,
United States 1992
37
43
19
46
51
there were 58 Democratic Senators. Now
Northeast Corridor
33
49
17
43
52
there are 45. In November 1992, there
South Atlantic
43
41
16
49
49
were 259 Democratic Members of the
Mississippi Valley
38
43
18
46
51
House. Now there are 208. When Clinton
Interior
40
36
23
48
49
took office in January 1993. there were 28
Pacific Rim
33
45
21
41
55
Democratic governors. Now there are 17,
United States 1990
45
53
in states that together make up just 25
Northeast Corridor
42
54
per cent of the nation's population. There
South Atlantic
44
55
are 500-plus fewer Democratic state leg-
Mississippi Valley
islators than there were when Clinton
46
53
Interior
first won. Not all of these losses can be
48
51
Pacific Rim
44
52
blamed on Bill Clinton, but many can.
And there is also clear evidence that the
United States 1988
53
46
45
54
Republican gains in Congress reflect a
Northeast Corridor
49
51
42
54
genuine impulse in the electorate.
South Atlantic
60
39
48
52
Mississippi Valley
53
46
46
54
This article is adapted from the introduction
Interior
57
42
49
50
to The Almanac of American Politics 1998,
Pacific Rim
50
48
43
55
written by Michael Barone and Grant Uji-
fusa and published by National Journal Inc.
1412 NATIONAL JOURNAL 7/12/97
copied
THE PRESTDENT SIZEN
POTUS
7-21-97
COS
'97 JUL 17 AM8:40
THE SECRETARY OF STATE
WASHINGTON
July 14,1997
free
Dear lur. President,
I our heoding back from Progue - rienius,
St. Petersbing Ljubejaua and Bucharest oud Warsaw-
but I luust oduit that the Progue stop was the
most wonus for we.
letr. President you have created a new world for the
People of Central and Easteree Eurore. I know we have
been soying that for solue time in speeches and
witerviews, but it really was evident is the faces of
the people we sow. your steod fastuess ou this
issue has payed off-and you have undone injustice,
Kent a promise, and launched all undirided Eurore
in a new direction.
lur Resident, standing in Progue ou a stage is a
beilding where the Gechorlonok Remblic was announced
ii 1918, facis over a 1,000 Czede difuitories, and
hearing the "Stor Spougled Bouuer" old the Crech
llocianal Outhern. "Where Is llly Home?" I
worked hard to keep my composure. I thought obouT
my parents. old I thought about you. I are grateful
beyond measure to you for giveng we the privilege
of representing this the most remakeble country is
the world. Thank you for letting we share is righting
wrongs in Centrol and Easteru Europe. end esmeially
for the corruty 00 my 6i2th.
The Czechs soid to lue you have brought us
optimism. Thank you for letting we deliver that
luess age. I ended my opeen the way that you do. by
saying "God Bless you." that surprised and pleased
them. Sa as you say. lur. President "God Bless
america."
with freatest odviration, affection,
and glatitude.
beloarmine
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
(Prague, Czech Republic)
For Immediate Release
July 15, 1997
A MOMENT OF CELEBRATION AND OF DEDICATION
AN ADDRESS BY SECRETARY MADELEINE K. ALBRIGHT
TO THE PEOPLE OF PRAGUE
Obecni Dum
Prague, Czech Republic
July 14, 1997
President Havel, Prime Minister Klaus, Mayor Koukal, Senators and Parliamentarians,
Excellencies, distinguished guests, thank you so much for your warm and unforgettable welcome.
Let me begin by expressing my sadness at the devastation that has been caused by the flooding
over the last week. Our thoughts and prayers today are with those who have lost their loved
ones and their homes. I know that there are many mayors here from regions affected by the
flood. The solidarity and dedication that you and the Czech people have shown in this tragedy is
inspiring.
This week, as I traveled from Madrid to central Europe, I could not help but think about the three
journeys that have framed my life, and my life's work:
I have been thinking about the memories and the meaning of my own family's journey through
the war and the turbulence of post-war Europe to the freedom and security of the United States.
I have been thinking as well about Europe's journey from total war to absolute division to the
promise of enduring unity and peace.
And of course, I have been thinking about the journey of the Czech nation from the day in 1918
when its independence was proclaimed on this very spot, to the day in 1948 when its liberty was
extinguished, to this day, when you take your rightful place in the family of European
democracies fully, finally and forever.
T.S. Eliot wrote:
We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time.
Today, you know me in a new way, in my new role. And I see you in a new way as well -- not
only as the friend of the United States, but also as our next ally. Truth does conquer, after all.
President Havel, Truth and love conquer, after all.
I have been here many times since the Velvet Revolution. And I am filled with pride every time I
hear the playing of my country's national anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner," and yours,
"Where is My Home." But nothing compares to the feeling of coming to my original home,
Prague, as the Secretary of State of the United States, for the purpose of saying to you: Welcome
home.
For with the news from Madrid this week, you are coming home in fact to the community of
freedom that you never left in spirit.
From Munich to Madrid, from tragedy to triumph, it has been a long and painful journey. But
you have arrived at your destination.
You have arrived at a moment of injustice undone, of promises kept, of a unified Europe begun.
Now, a new journey begins; and at last, we can travel it together.
We stand at one of those great turning points in history. For the third time in this century, the
politics of Europe are changing fundamentally. And this time, we pray, for good.
Almost 80 years ago, our parents and grandparents were full of the hope that Woodrow Wilson's
dream of universal democracy inspired across the lands of central and eastern Europe. That
dream was shattered by the illusion that the people of Paris and London and New York could
simply go on with their lives while the people of Vilnius and Krakow and Prague were robbed of
their independence, sent away in box cars, and machine-gunned in forests.
After World War II, it was Stalin's armies that shattered our dream. And for the next 50 years,
one half of Europe was consigned to subjugation, the other half to fear. We were separated by
concrete and barbed wire, by radio jammers and minefields, by lies that might seem ridiculous
today had they not ruined so many lives.
The amazing thing is that all those years of propaganda, terror, and isolation utterly failed to
flatten Europe's moral landscape. The communist authorities kept from you the truth, and still
you spoke the truth. They fed you a vacuous culture and still you gave us works of art that fill
our lives with intelligence, humor and warmth. They tried to smother your allegiances, your faith
and your initiative, and still you taught the world the meaning of solidarity and civil society.
They banished your finest leaders, and still you gave us Vaclav Havel.
This is what we must remember as the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland join NATO. As
President Clinton has said, we are not just new allies. In the ways that truly matter, we are old
allies. We are and always have been part of the same community.
NATO membership will bring many benefits to the Czech Republic and to others who join today
and in the future as will our broader strategy of integration. Above all, it means you will
always be able to rely on us and we will always be able to rely on you. If there is a threat to the
peace and security of this country, we will be bound by a solemn commitment to defeat it
together. For this reason, we can be confident such a threat is far less likely to arise.
It means security in Europe will not stop at its Cold War dividing lines. It means Europe's new
democracies will not be consigned to a buffer zone of excluded states. It means you will be the
authors of your history, the masters of your destiny, the vassals and victims of no one.
But, my friends, this is more than a moment of celebration. For NATO's old and new allies
alike, it is also a moment of challenge.
Our most immediate challenge is to ensure together that the people and parliaments of NATO's
16 member nations embrace the enlargement of our alliance. In America, the debate will be
vigorous. Because we take our commitments seriously, we do not extend them lightly.
I believe that our Senate will approve this initiative, but the burden of proof will still rest with
those of us who believe that NATO enlargement serves American interests. The Senators will
ask us many appropriate questions about risks and costs. They will remind you, as do I, that with
a first class ticket to NATO comes the obligation to make a first class contribution.
Regrettably, you will also hear echoes of Munich in this debate. Already, people have trotted out
the tired myth that in times of crisis we will make no sacrifice to defend a distant city with an
unpronounceable name; that we will protect the freedom of Barcelona but not Brno, Stuttgart but
not Szczecin.
I challenge those critics: come meet your future allies. Speak with their people. Their names
may sound unfamiliar, but they speak the same language of freedom. Visit the veterans in this
region who fought for the allied cause in World War II. Talk to the veterans of the dissident
movements. They have spent a lifetime sacrificing for the ideals we have in common. Look
them in the eye. Ask them why we should be allied with Europe's old democracies forever, but
its new democracies never.
You might listen to President Havel, as well. "If we appeal to the West not to close itself off to
us," he has said, "this is not only because we are concerned about our own security and stability.
We are concerned about the destiny of the values and principles that communism denied, and in
whose name we resisted communism and ultimately brought it down."
Defending values, righting history's wrongs -- these are idealistic arguments. Oddly, some are
troubled by that. They want NATO to retain its military muscle, but they are suspicious of
enlargement because it also appeals to our hearts. Others, who champion freedom in central
Europe and Russia, are suspicious of enlargement precisely because NATO is an organization
with tanks and bombers. But there is no contradiction here between realism and idealism,
between pragmatism and principle, between security and justice.
Those of us who knew Prague before the Cold War know that freedom without security is a frail
reed. And those in America who most ardently prosecuted the Cold War should be the first to
admit that it was not merely a military enterprise, but an idealistic one as well.
You know that NATO enlargement fulfills a moral and strategic challenge. By turning a Europe
of shared values into a Europe of shared responsibilities, you know we can do both.
Because we are old friends, let me speak plainly. NATO is welcoming new members because we
know you are ready to make an even deeper commitment to the common endeavors of our
alliance of democracies from the pursuit of peace in troubled regions, to the fight against terror
and crime, to our support for those who still struggle for the freedom you enjoy.
For example, the SFOR mission in Bosnia will come to an end in one year. But the United States
has made a long-term commitment to support peace in that country and given what you have
already done in Bosnia, I trust you will, too. I trust you will also be leaders in the effort to keep
deadly weapons from dangerous rogue states, even if it means losing a sale from time to time.
And I trust you will pay the costs and do what is necessary to assure the full integration of the
Czech armed forces into NATO.
It is your willingness to assume great responsibilities that has brought you to this point. You are
about to join NATO. You are already a member of the OECD. No doubt, you will join the EU
as well. Our memory of the last 50 years makes it hard to believe, but as you enter these
institutions, you will stand among the most prosperous and powerful nations in the world.
You are no longer on the outside looking in; you are on the inside looking forward.
For 50 years, you looked to the free world for support, understanding, and recognition. Now you
are the free world; other nations will look to you for support.
Part of our new responsibility to others is to ensure that the door to NATO remains open to all
European democracies that are willing and able to meet the obligations of membership.
That is the policy NATO adopted in Madrid. We count on you to support that policy in word and
deed. It is also a personal commitment President Clinton has made to all the nations that lie
between the Baltic and Black Seas. And it is our message today to the people of Slovakia. For it
is our sincere hope that their nation will rejoin the path of true democratic reform and make itself
a strong candidate for the second round of NATO enlargement.
To all the nations that still aspire to join NATO, I say: consider why we have invited the Czech
Republic. It is not because the Czechs are somehow more "European" than the Orthodox and
Muslim peoples to the south and east; we have no patience for that kind of thinking. It is not
because Prague is west of Vienna. It is not just because of your pre-war democratic tradition.
Rather, the Czech Republic's invitation to NATO was inscribed by its deeds over the past seven
years. Others will soon be ready to follow your lead, and you must join us in helping them.
You know that the effort to join NATO is not a race to escape a bad neighborhood. It is an effort
to improve the neighborhood for the benefit of all.
This is why I appreciate the Czech Republic's support for the NATO-Russia Founding Act and
your recognition that a democratic Russia must be part of a Europe whole and free. As President
Havel has said, "in this era, we -- as nations -- cannot divide ourselves according to who were
the victors and who the vanquished in the past."
After my trip to Europe this week, I am more confident than ever that together, we can meet his
challenge and more. In Madrid, I saw NATO's strength as its leaders made a decision that was
difficult but right. With President Clinton in Warsaw, I saw that our new allies are not just ready
but eager to add their energy to ours. In Bucharest, I watched the President address 100,000
people at University Square and even though their country will not be among the first group of
new allies, they showed us that they support NATO's enlargement and that they will do what it
takes to be part of a new Europe. I heard the same message in Ljubljana and in Vilnius. And in
St. Petersburg, I saw a Russia that is moving ahead with reform and moving closer to the rest of
Europe.
Today, I can foresee a Europe where every nation is free and every free nation is our partner.
Not long ago, that was a future we might have imagined, but in the darkest moments perhaps
thought would never come. And that brings me back to the earlier part of my remarks -- and of
my life.
Fifty years ago, Jan Masaryk was told by Stalin in Moscow that Czechoslovakia must not
participate in the Marshall Plan despite its national interest in doing so. Upon his return to
Prague, Masaryk told my father, his chef de cabinet, that it was then he understood that he was
employed by a government no longer sovereign in its own land.
Soon after, the communists took over in Prague. That coup drove my parents and me from this
country for the second time. And more than any other single event, that coup awakened America
and western Europe to the need for an Atlantic Alliance. Thus, the event that cast my family out
of Prague, and you into darkness, also helped to create the Alliance that has brought me back
again, and put you in the center of a new Europe.
Today, there is no Stalin to give orders to you or to anyone. The opportunity to be part of the
international system is open to all. The goal of integration is not bound by strategic realities or
confined by cultural arrogance to western Europe, to central Europe or even to Europe.
Today, the west has no fixed eastern frontiers. Every democratic nation that seeks to participate
in the global system we are constructing and that is willing to do all it can to help itself will have
America's help in finding the right path. Now they will have your help and your example as
well.
People of Prague, people of the Czech Republic: Half a century ago, our journeys diverged. But
this week's events have brought our paths together again. Now thanks to the vision of my
President, Bill Clinton, and the courage of your people, we are reunited in a common cause.
Soon we will be joined in a common alliance. And we will never be parted again.
You were the passion of my parents. You are the land of my birth. And now you and I, my
nation and yours, will build and defend a new Europe together. God bless you.
###
Cos
Reed
copied
CHE PRESIDENT was SEEN
7-21-97
Breul Fyr PC quation
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEM
TREND
7-21-97
The Growth of Child-Only Welfare Cases
Single mothers with children represent the largest fraction of the welfare caseload.
But recent years have seen tremendous growth in the number of "child-only" cases.
Although a full explanation remains elusive, the surge in child-only cases has some
immediate implications for welfare reform.
The facts. Child-only cases accounted
Child-Only AFDC Cases
1,200
24
for 21.5 percent of all AFDC cases in
22
1996, up from 9.6 percent in 1988 (see
1,000
Number of cases
(left scale)
20
upper chart). The number of such cases
Number of cases (thousands)
800
Percent of cases
18
16
400
Percent of all AFDC cases
increased from 360,000 to 980,000,
(right scale)
600
resulting in nearly 1.7 million children in
14
child-only AFDC households in 1996.
12
Variation across states is also
10
200
considerable: In 1996, child-only cases
8
were 30 percent or more of the cases in
0
6
1967
1972
1977
1982
1987
1992
1997
eight states and 15 percent or less in nine
others (see lower chart).
Why has the child-only caseload
Child-Only Cases by State
50
grown? Child-only cases fall into four
main categories:
40
caretaker is a non-recipient relative
Proportion of cases (percent)
30
parent is an SSI recipient
parent is an ineligible non-citizen
20
parent has been sanctioned
10
Only scattered information is available
0
about the reasons for growth in child-
ME
AK
MT
VT
CT
HI
MI
MN
ND
AZ
LA
NV
SC
MS
AR
OR
AL
States at or under 15 percent
States at or over 30 percent
only cases, but it suggests that growth
has probably occurred in each category.
Implications for TANF. Further analysis should provide a better understanding of
the causes, but some immediate implications for welfare reform can be drawn from
the way child-only cases are treated under Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
(TANF):
No work requirement. Child-only cases are not subject to work requirements.
Hence, the changing composition of the caseload must be taken into account on
a state-by-state basis to estimate accurately the number of work-related
placements or the caseload reduction needed to meet work requirements.
Estimates that ignore the growth of child-only cases overstate the difficulty of
meeting work requirements, substantially for some states.
Weekly Economic Briefing
1
July 18, 1997
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEM
No lifetime limit. Child-only cases are not subject to the 5-year lifetime limit on
TANF benefits. The growth of child-only cases means a substantial portion of
TANF children will be protected from loss of benefits.
And, for TANF aficionados:
Caseload reduction and hardship exemption. Work requirements and the 5-year
lifetime limit do not apply to child-only cases. But, curiously, child-only cases
are included in computing the change in a state's caseload after 1995, which is
used to reduce the state's caseload work requirements. Child-only cases are also
included in determining the number of cases that fall under the "hardship
exemption" to the 5-year lifetime limit on eligibility: That is, states may exempt
for hardship a number of otherwise "non-exempt" cases equal to 20 percent of the
total caseload. As a result, given two states that are equally successful in
F
reducing the non-exempt caseload, it appears that the state with the higher
proportion of child-only cases will have a harder time meeting work requirements
and an easier time meeting the 5-year time limit.
6 ILLUS
Weekly Economic Briefing
2
July 18, 1997
THE WHITE HOUSE
7-21-97
WASHINGTON
July 19, 1997
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
PHIL CAPLAN Phil
SEAN MALONEY
SUBJECT:
Recent Information Items
We are forwarding the following recent information items:
(A)
Sperling/Jennings cover note on Shalala memo. Secretary Shalala sent you a memo
that detailed her serious concerns about administering a means-tested (income-related)
Medicare Part B premium through HHS, and her opposition to eliminating the premium
altogether. We asked Gene/Chris to write a cover note for the memo. Please see TAB A
for details.
(B)
July 19 Mir update from Jack Gibbons. There have been no significant changes
overnight on board the Mir. The crew is primarily on rest status but they will be working
The
head
of
Mission
to repair m
Control in
Copied
August 7.
sent
to the Mir
shortened
Tab A- Sperling, Jennings, COS
August. M
T-BE-COS
would be
sians
for safety
(C)
Echaveste Memo re: Central American Immigration. Maria reports that the overall
feeling from the advocates is that the Administration's recent actions are an important
first step while we seek corrective legislation. If such legislation is not attainable,
advocates recommend quickly exploring additional executive action. The VP recorded a
Miami radio spot, praising the AG's decision on the Board of Immigration Appeal review
and reaffirming the Administration's commitment to improving last year's law.
(D)
Berger Memo re: Education in North Africa. You asked Sandy whether our African
Initiative addresses problems in the scope and quality of education in North Africa.
Sandy writes that our initiative, and the Congressional proposal, deal exclusively with
Sub-Saharan Africa, and that the educational problems are different in the North and Sub-
Saharan regions. In North Africa, USAID supports programs that target widespread
female illiteracy and increasing community support for education. In Morocco, these
programs appear to have produced a greater interest in basic education. In Egypt, our
7-21-97
emphasis on female education is helping to keep girls in school longer, and we're
developing an Egyptian version of "Sesame Street" to better prepare children for school.
(E)
Letter from Rep. Michael Castle (R-DE). Forwarded by Erskine. Rep. Castle
encourages you to take a personal interest in the fate of the 50 States Circulating
Commemorative Coin Program, which was authorized by legislation Castle wrote and
you signed last year. Under the program Treasury would produce five different Statehood
reasoneen he
quarter designs each year for ten years, commemorating all 50 states. The law required
Treasury to conduct a study and decide by August 1, 1997, whether to proceed. The
study found that the program could be popular but may require an extensive marketing
campaign. The study also concluded that between $2.6 and $5.1 billion could be raised
your
from the program. Secretary Rubin has yet to make a determination about proceeding.
(F)
Thank you note from Helen Thomas. She expresses her "profound thanks for your
very kind message on the occasion of UPI's 90th anniversary."
We have also received the following items:
Press Coverage of European trip. Sandy has sent you a large packet of clips as well as
a synopses of the TV coverage. Both the print and broadcast coverage were very
favorable and Sandy notes, "you were able to manage the diplomacy of the '3x5' process
in way that achieved our objectives while simultaneously making clear that NATO's door
remains open to those prepared to meet the responsibilities of membership. We have the
packet in our office if you would like to see it.
Report on children. The federal government collects a wide variety of statistics on
children -- infant mortality, low birth weight, child poverty, etc. -- through many
mechanisms involving many agencies. You issued an EO in April in connection with the
Early Childhood Conference that, among other things, required the Interagency Forum on
Child and Family Statistics to prepare an annual comprehensive report on the most
important national indicators of the well-being of children. Frank Raines and Sally
Katzen have sent you the first report. We have the report in our office if you would like to
review it. We have sent a copy to the First Lady's office and to DPC.
sperling
Jennings
THE WHITE HOUSE
COS
WASHINGTON
July 18, 1997
MEMORANDUM TO THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
Gene Sperling and Chris Jennings
SUBJECT: Secretary Shalala's Memorandum and other information about Medicare Income-
Related Premiums
Attached are two documents on the income-related premium. The first is a one page side-by-side
table summarizing the major issues involved in administering a mean-tested (our base Democrats
prefers "income-related") premium by the Department of Health and Human Services versus the
Treasury Department. We created this document integrating much of the information contained
in the Secretary's memo, as well as new information from Treasury and the CBO.
The second attachment is Donna's memo itself. It details the many, serious concerns that are
raised by the prospect of administering this premium through HHS. It concludes that HHS/SSA
collection of a high income premium would be an administrative disaster, inaccurately collecting
premiums from millions of beneficiaries based on data that is two to three years old. It points out
that the inefficient administration would lose over 50 percent of the revenue due, would require
at least $30-$50 million in new administrative costs, and require at least 300 new employees.
Donna also raises her opposition to eliminating the Medicare Part B premium subsidy altogether,
arguing that it would create much greater incentives for healthy and wealthy beneficiaries to
leave the program than would setting the premium at 75 percent of program costs. (Despite our
argument to the contrary, the Mainstream Senators strongly oppose having extremely wealthy
beneficiaries having any subsidy.)
We have made major efforts to work with Members of Congress on this issue and have made it
clear, that if it can be done right, we want to get this done. On Thursday, we met with the
Mainstream Senators (Breaux, Chafee, Kerrey, Conrad, Frist, etc.). On the same day, the
Concord Coalition released a strong critique of the Senate proposal and an endorsement of your
position. The briefing was so well received that virtually every Member of the group concluded
that administration of the premium by the Treasury Department was the preferable way to go.
(Senator Chafee said it was the only way to go.) Notably, the Mainstream Senators also agreed
that the income thresholds should be indexed to inflation to assure that much larger and less well
off seniors be unintentionally added over time.
We are following up on the Mainstream Coalition's request to refine the Treasury option by
developing alternatives to the tax form to calculate and collect the high income premium. We
will keep you informed of developments.
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
7-21-97
COMPARISON OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF
THE HIGH-INCOME PREMIUM
PROVISION
SENATE BILL ADMINISTERED
SENATE BILL ADMINISTERED
BY HHS*
BY TREASURY*
Who Administers
Health & Human Services (HHS),
Treasury
Social Security Administration
(SSA), & Treasury
Savings
$3.9 billion (assumes loss of over
$8.9 billion (assumes traditional
50% of savings in the first 5 years)
compliance rates)
Administrative
$30 to 50 million per year
$5 to 10 million per year
Costs
How Eligible
HHS identifies beneficiaries by:
Beneficiaries report their income,
Beneficiaries Are
(1) Getting income from the latest
reference a schedule, and add
Identified
reviewed Treasury tax data, which
the extra premium to the bottom
is 2-3 years old (e.g., 1995 for
line of their tax return
1998)
(2) Sending notices to at least 3
million beneficiaries to ask if this
past income is what they will
receive in the next year and
require them to respond in writing
in 30 days Note: Sharing
income data across agencies
raises significant privacy
concerns
How Premiums
Assumes that extra premium is
See above
Are Collected
subtracted from monthly Social
Security check after HHS sends to
SSA their estimate of who gets
how much taken out of their
checks
Reconciling
To ensure that the right amount of
Since income is not projected but
Income
premium was assessed, Treasury
is the actual reported income, no
would send the actual income
reconciliation is required.
from reviewed tax data to HHS.
However, because this would be
done retrospectively this would
take 2-3 years (e.g., 2001
correction for 1998 mistake)
* This policy assumes the Senate policy which phases in 100% of the premium for beneficiaries with
incomes between $50,000 and $100,000 for singles, $75,000 and $125,000 for couples. The
Administration opposes the Senate's 100% phase out, administration through HHS/SSA, and lack of
indexing of the income thresholds.
JUL
HAWIN DEVICE
THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20201
USA
JUL I I I997
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
As you know, the Senate has proposed a number of changes that would affect Medicare
beneficiaries, including the introduction of an income-related Part B premium starting at $50,000
for single beneficiaries and $75,000 for couples. In our letter to the Conferees, the
Administration made clear that while we do not oppose income-relating the Medicare premium in
principle, we have a number of concerns about the proposal as currently structured. I wanted to
raise to your attention the two aspects of the proposal that I think raise the most significant
problems. (I have discussed my concerns with Secretary Rubin).
First, if the Administration agrees to an income-related premium, I believe we should strongly
oppose the Senate provision for HHS to administer the collections process. The Administration
has consistently taken the position that any such premium should be collected by the Treasury
Department, where it could be managed simply and efficiently as part of the filing of a
beneficiary's tax return. (As you may recall, this is how we proposed to collect the income-related
premium in the Health Security Act; we adhered to this position in the balanced budget
negotiations). Part I of this memorandum sets forth in more detail the reasons why administration
of an income-related premium by HHS would be impractical, expensive, and more burdensome to
beneficiaries. Administration by HHS runs serious risks of alienating several million senior
citizens.
Second, I am concerned that the Senate proposal has the potential to cause a substantial
percentage of the highest income beneficiaries to opt out of Medicare Part B altogether, because
it phases out the premium subsidy entirely at the top end of the income scale. Part II of the
memorandum explains why it is very important that we not agree to an income-related premium
that includes this feature.
I. Concerns about Administrability of Income-Related Premium by HHS
Administration of an income-related premium by HHS would be a formidable undertaking. HHS
does not now have access to information on beneficiary income. In addition to serious concerns
about the privacy of income information, requiring HHS to collect an income-related premium
would mean establishment of a large and expensive bureaucracy at HHS, a task for which the
Department has no expertise or comparative advantage. We estimate that such a bureaucracy,
which would duplicate functions performed by Treasury, would require more than 300 new
Federal employees and cost more than $30 million per year (not counting start-up costs), and run
counter to Administration and Congressional goals of downsizing the Federal government.
Furthermore, the inefficiencies inherent in the Senate proposal for HHS to collect the income-
related premium have led both CBO and HCFA actuaries to estimate that less than half of the
revenue theoretically obtainable would be achieved. We believe that CBO would estimate that the
income-related premium in the Senate bill would raise about $8-$9 billion over five years if the
collections were handled by Treasury, compared to only the $4 billion that CBO has estimated if
the premium were administered by HHS.
A. What HHS Would Have to Do to Administer Income-Related Premium
The Senate bill would require HHS to undertake a complicated series of steps.
(1)
The Senate bill requires Treasury to provide HHS with income information on Medicare
beneficiaries since HHS does not have such information. Collecting and reconciling
information about beneficiary incomes would be an entirely new function for HHS, one
that some beneficiaries may not find appropriate, given the sensitivity of such information.
(2)
The income information provided by Treasury would be three years old. Treasury would
send HHS 1995 tax return information, the latest available information, in order to give
HHS sufficient time to develop and send to beneficiaries an initial determination (i.e., a
preliminary estimate which would need to be reconciled after the actual tax filing for the
year) of their 1998 income and an initial determination of their 1998 income-related
premium liability, and give the beneficiary an opportunity refute the HHS estimate.
Use of income data three years old is problematic. It.would be inherently confusing. Past
income is not a good indicator of a Medicare beneficiary's future income. For example,
income for beneficiaries who were working in 1995 but later retired would result in an
overstatement of estimated 1998 income for the beneficiary. Similarly, if a beneficiary had
a capital gain in 1995, that gain would be included in the beneficiary's 1995 income used
to project 1998 income.
In contrast, if Treasury were administering the income-related premium, they would not
have to use three year-old data. Rather, because the income-related premium would
be collected as part of the filing of the beneficiary's tax return, it would be based on actual
income information for the relevant year.
HHS would have to respond to the many letters from beneficiaries or Congressional
Offices who might be concerned with the general notion of a governmental agency
estimating their income for a year and why they had to supply income data to two different
governmental agencies.
2
(3)
The Senate bill requires that HHS send the beneficiary an estimate of their income by
September 1 of the year before the year for which the income-related premium applied and
that the beneficiary be given thirty days to refute the estimate. If the beneficiary refutes
the HHS estimate, the Senate bill provides that the beneficiary's estimate would hold. If
the beneficiary does not challenge the HHS estimate, the Senate bill specifies that the HHS
estimate would hold.
(4)
While the Senate bill does not specify how the income-related premiums would actually be
collected, they could be collected either by HHS direct billing, or SSA deductions from
the Social Security check (for the bulk of beneficiaries).
In the case of exclusive HHS direct billing, HHS would have to send quarterly bills to
about 3 million beneficiaries in 1998. For those beneficiaries who did not make timely
payment, additional efforts at collection would need to be undertaken.
Alternatively, the beneficiary-specific income-related premium liability could be sent to
SSA before the beginning of a year and SSA could deduct the amount from the
beneficiary's Social Security check. This method could be used for 85 percent of
beneficiaries; the remainder would need to be direct-billed by HHS.
(5)
If high-income beneficiaries did not make premium payments, they would be terminated
from Medicare Part B coverage. Challenges to terminations could consume additional
HHS resources. Termination may also involve correspondence with beneficiaries and
Congressional offices.
(6)
Since the initial premium payments for a year would be based on the "initial
determination" of income and since "actual" income and the actual income-related
premium liability for the year may be different from the estimated amounts, the Senate bill
requires that there be a reconciliation after the year. The Senate bill requires Treasury to
send HHS income information after the beneficiary filed their tax returns for the year.
Using actual income, HHS would determine the actual premium liability for the year.
For income-related premium liabilities for 1998, the reconciliation would occur in 2001.
This could be confusing to beneficiaries since the reconciliation would involve resurrecting
their actual information from a tax return three years earlier and generate additional
correspondence.
(7)
After HHS reconciled estimated and actual income and income-related premium liabilities,
underpayments would have to be collected from beneficiaries and overpayments would
have to be refunded. If a beneficiary had died, collections would have to be made from,
and refunds made to, the surviving spouse or estate. Special efforts may be needed to
recoup underpayments from heirs where estates had already disbursed assets.
3
(8)
The paperwork burden for HHS administration of an income-related premium is
staggering. New forms would have to be developed to send income estimates to
beneficiaries, receive their responses and reconcile estimated and actual income. Twelve
million bills would need to be sent if HHS did exclusive billing for income-related
premiums. Additional correspondence would be involved for delinquent collections. Up
to 3 million letters might be sent to handle overpayments and underpayments for a year.
Special paperwork might be needed to recoup underpayments from surviving spouses or
estates.
B. Comparison with Administration by Treasury
In contrast, an income-related premium could be calculated through the income tax return, in a
manner similar to the way that the tax on Social Security benefits is currently determined. One
line would be added to the 1040 tax form representing the amount owed for income-related
premium. Determination of the income-related premium owed would be calculated on a
worksheet in the 1040 instructions in the same manner that individuals calculate the amount of
their Social Security benefit subject to income taxation. If the individual pays estimated taxes, the
income-related premium liability could be included as part of the individual's periodic filing.
There would be some increase in Treasury's administrative costs to run this program, but we
believe those costs are relatively small.
C. Potential Costs of Administration by HHS
In an era of ever more constrained funding for program administration, requiring HHS (and SSA)
to take on these administrative functions would be impossible without a more than $30 million
annual increase in administrative funding (and $20 million in start-up costs) and more than 300
new Federal employees. These estimates of administrative costs do not take into account the need
to deal with inquiries or complaints from Congressional offices, or the IRS itself (which will
continue to be identified as the source of final income data). In the absence of additional
resources, processing those inquiries would detract from the capacity of those organizations to
provide other services. Nor do those estimates reflect the additional costs to beneficiaries who
believe -- rightly or wrongly -- that there are errors in the information on which their filings are
based. Just as other taxpayers incur considerable expenses for accountants, lawyers, and so forth,
so for the first time would thousands of Medicare beneficiaries.
II. Concerns about the Maximum Beneficiary Contribution in Senate Proposal
The Administration's Health Security Act proposed that beneficiaries pay a maximum
contribution of 75 percent at or above the top income level. In other words, there would be a 25
percent subsidy for the highest income beneficiaries.
There is an important rationale for this policy. If the entire subsidy is removed, the younger and
4
healthier persons among highest income beneficiaries would have strong incentives to drop out of
Part B coverage. On average, Medicare spending for high-income beneficiaries is about 15
percent lower than for all beneficiaries. Since their average expenses would be considerably less
than their Part B premium contributions, they could probably purchase a Part B benefit package
privately, at less cost than a Medicare premium equal to 100 percent of the average cost for all
aged beneficiaries. If a significant number of high-income beneficiaries dropped out, it would
raise costs for those who remain. HCFA actuaries assume that about 30 percent of high-income
beneficiaries would drop out if the income-related premium were set equal to 100 percent of
average program costs. This would increase the Part B premium for every other beneficiary.
The Administration believes that the maximum beneficiary contribution at the highest incomes
should be 75 percent.
Conclusion
For all of these reasons, I strongly believe we should support an income-related premium only if it
is administered through Treasury. I also believe that if this provision remains in the bill, the
maximum beneficiary contribution should be 75 percent.
Disu Donna E. Shalala
cc:
Robert Rubin
Secretary, Department of Treasury
John Callahan
Acting Commissioner, Social Security Administration
5
Copied
Ibalia
COS
THE WHITE HOUSE
VP
WASHINGTON
Jennings
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEM
7-21-97
B. Nash -pg.3
July 18, 1997
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT AND THE VICE PRESIDENT
FROM:
Mickey Ibarra
SUBJECT: Office of Intergovernmental Affairs Weekly Report - -- July 14 - 18, 1997
I.
PRESIDENTIAL PRIORITIES
Education
We continue to work with governors to gain commitments to adopt your education
testing initiative. At our urging, Governor Roy Romer (D-CO) met with his State
Board and is ready to announce successful adoption in Colorado. He is also ready to
lobby other governors; we are arranging for him to speak with Governor John Engler
(R-MI) so they can jointly pursue the venture. Also at our urging, Governor Zell
Miller (D-GA) will meet with his resistant State Superintendent to facilitate a
commitment from Georgia.
We participated the quarterly meeting of the Interagency Working Group on American
Indians and Native Alaskans, a group chaired by Interior Secretary Babbitt. This
session included extensive discussion of the education issues in Indian Country. Given
your speech at NAACP and the work of the Race Initiative, we thought you would be
interested in the following statistics: American Indians and Alaskan Natives continue to
have the highest dropout rates and the lowest high school empletion rate in the
country Only 66 percent of the native population are high school graduates, compared
to 78 percent of the general population. There is discussion about development of a
comprehensive federal Indian education policy; we will continue to monitor this
developing initiative.
Welfare Reform
HHS Secretary Shalala received a report at the White House from the National
Association of Counties (NACo) on the progress of welfare reform, "Making Welfare
Reform Work: A Report of the NACo Hearings on Welfare Reform Implementation,"
1
in a brief meeting on Friday, July 11, 1997. NACo Immediate Past President Michael
Hightower (D- Fulton County, GA) and incoming President Randy Johnson (R-
Hennepin County, MN) and several other county officials were in attendance. Despite
their opposition to the welfare reform legislation, NACo commends the Administration
for proposals to create the three billion dollar welfare-to-work program and efforts to
restore eligibility to current immigrants for Supplemental Security Income.
On Tuesday July 15, 1997, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors passed a
policy initiated by Supervisor Gloria Molina (D) that opens employment opportunities
within county government to qualified welfare recipients. You sent a letter to
Supervisor Molina congratulating the Board for their contribution to the success of
welfare reform. A copy of this letter is attached.
Race Reconciliation
We distributed over 500 copies of your UCSD speech and talking points on race
reconciliation at the Annual Meeting of the National Association of Counties in
Baltimore this week. We addressed sessions of the Large Urban Counties Caucus, the
National Council of Elected County Executives, and Democratic County Officials to
underscore the need for county officials to partner with you in this critical effort.
II.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL CONSTITUENCIES
Governors
We are in the final stages of preparation for our participation in the annual National
Governors' Association Meeting to be held in Las Vegas, July 27 - 30, 1997. In
addition to your attendance and participation, Education Secretary Riley will attend,
and Transportation Secretary Slater remains a possible addition. Former Education
Secretary Lamar Alexander and Bill Gates will be among the speakers addressing the
meeting as well.
We facilitated a meeting between OMB Director Raines and Governors Lawton Chiles
(D-FL), Bob Miller (D-NV), Roy Romer (D-CO), and Tom Carper (D-DE) to discuss
children's health care and Medicaid policy. Governor Howard Dean (D-VT)
participated in the meeting via telephone. The governors expressed their strong
preference to design their own benefits package, to eliminate participation thresholds,
to minimize state matching requirements, and to modify the state maintenance of effort
so as not to discourage state participation in the program. They are also concerned that
disproportionate share hospital (DSH) cuts be as low as possible. The governors
thanked the Administration for its strong stand to repeal the Boren Amendment and
other state flexibility issues.
2
7-21-97
We invited Governors James Hunt (D-NC) and Paul Patton (D-KY) to join a meeting
held by Secretaries Shalala and Glickman with Bruce Reed and the leaders of the state
farm bureaus to discuss tobacco concerns. Governor Hunt participated and was grateful
for the opportunity.
While at the White House for this meeting, Governor Hunt pressed for help with the
Department of Defense on his opposition to the proposed fuel pipeline designed to
replace the current rail system to move aviation fuel from the port at Morehead City to
the Cherry Point, Seymour Johnson, and Pope Air Force Bases. We have arranged for
Secretary Cohen to review the matter and discuss it with the Governor.
Governor Tony Knowles (D-AK) called for assistance on two issues: the candidacy of
was
former Governor Steve Cowper for Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and
International Environmental and Scientific Affairs and the Medicaid match rate for
uin
Alaska. We have coordinated with White House Presidential Personnel to assist former
UU
Governor
Cowner On the Medicaid issue, the Alaskan Senators have added language
to change the match rate from 50/50 to 59.2/40.8. We relayed to the Governor that as
outlined in a letter transmitted to Congressional leaders by OMB Director Frank
Raines, the Administration does not favor individual state remedies of this kind. We
agreed, however, to publicly indicate (if asked) that we are aware that Alaska's cost-of-
living makes their case unique. We facilitated conversations between Governor
Knowles, Sylvia Mathews, and Jack Lew to explain our position on this issue.
Governor Ben Cayetano (D-HI) has also recently written us to present a similar request
attempting to change his match rate to near 60 percent based on the cost-of-living in
Hawaii.
Governor Tom Carper (D-DE) has followed up on the funding of the Amtrak Trust
Fund, stemming from a conversation you had with him at the Baltimore Orioles game.
We have briefed OMB Director Raines, and the Governor will be calling Director
Raines to pursue the matter.
We are working with Governors Pete Wilson (R-CA), and Bob Miller (D-NV), and
other elected officials on the upcoming Lake Tahoe Summit. There will be significant
state and local elected official participation at the summit. IGA staff will be on site to
support this event.
THE
Governor Paul Patton (D-KY) has asked for our help on a sensitive matter involving
the potential deportation of two Canadian doctors in western Kentucky. These doctors
are the only two in the western region of the state and the local communities are
alarmed at the prospect of losing them. The potential deportation may result from a
was
simple misunderstanding, but we are working with the Department of Justice to review
the situation.
3
Governor George Pataki (R-NY) wrote to ask for Administration participation at the
one-year anniversary service for the crash of TWA flight 800. We have submitted a
message from you and Transportation Secretary Slater will attend the event.
Counties
The Annual Conference of the National Association of Counties (NACo) was a clear
Administration success. Secretaries Babbitt, Cuomo, Herman and Slater spoke to the
session and were well-received. Our strong partnership with counties in support of
your policy priorities was clearly evident; NEXTEA, welfare reform, education
reform, and children's healthcare were prominent on their agenda.
The Administration Service Center we facilitated at the NACo meeting was a success.
Our "One-Stop Shop" Service Center, involved 43 representatives from 14 federal
departments and agencies. The agencies were eager to participate and HUD was
generous in sharing use of the space they had lined up for their "county office." We
held office hours on Monday, July 14, from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm and tables were
set up with colorful signs, department material, and agency staff members who met
with delegates from counties nationwide. There is no question that this venture was
worthwhile and future service centers should build on this initial experience. Also,
Labor Secretary Herman met each of the federal workers who were staffing the center.
Attached is a copy of the flyer for the Service Center which was distributed at the
meeting.
Mayors
We met with Mayor Miguel Pulido (D-Santa Ana, CA) to discuss the Administration's
urban tax proposals, the education testing standards, and race reconciliation. The
Mayor is working closely with the ten largest California cities on each of these issues.
The Mayor expressed his overwhelming support for the Administration and promised
to explore adopting the testing standards for his city.
Indian Country
We had a great success this week in Congress when an amendment offered by
Congressman Ernest Istook (R-OK) to tax gaming revenue was defeated on the floor by
eight votes. This amendment was also a threat to the historic trust function and again
attempted to tax revenue on reservations. We worked closely with Legislative Affairs
staff to defeat the amendment. This is, as you know, a substantial issue in Indian
Country.
We met with representatives of the Seneca Nation about a variety of issues. You may
4
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEM
7-21-97
recall that they had a very difficult time with Governor Pataki earlier this spring about
taxation of sales on the reservation. The Governor has introduced legislation to fix
their problem, although it has little chance of passing. For the time being, the state and
the Indians are working together to search for solutions.
We also met with the Chief of the Rosebud of the Sioux Nation.
Insular Affairs
Puerto Rico Investment Incentive: Senators Bob Graham (D-FL), Al D'Amato (R-
NY), John Breaux (D-LA), John Chafee (R-RI) proposed a compromise on the tax
credit on wages paid in Puerto Rico. This was made at the request of Governor Pedro
Rossello (NP/D) in consultation with the Administration and would provide the
incentive on a short-term basis.
We discussed this compromise with Finance and Ways and Means Committee Ranking
Democrats Daniel Moynihan and Charles Rangel of New York, but Senator Moynihan
and the Treasury Department report continued disinterest from Chairmen Bill Archer
(R-TX) and Bill Roth (R-DE).
Rossello and Resident Commissioner Carlos Romero-Barcelo (NP/D) asked that we
continue to press the issue, Senator Moynihan's staff member suggested that we
should, and we are continuing to work on it.
Virgin Islands Economic Aid: We arranged and helped Janet Murguia conduct a formal
meeting between Delegate Donna Christian-Green (D-VI) and officials of various
offices and agencies on her proposals for aid for the territory following preliminary
talks with her. As you will recall, she had asked for the White House to develop an aid
package and you wanted to respond positively.
Puerto Rico HIV Prevention: The Centers for Disease Control decided to fund the HIV
prevention programs of two community groups in Puerto Rico. After Gov. Rossello
and a Puerto Rico senator expressed concern that an initial CDC plan would not have
funded any projects in the islands --which have a very high AIDS rate --we had raised
the issue with HHS officials.
Northern Marianas Labor System: Prompted by your letter stating that Federal
immigration and minimum wages laws in the Northern Marianas Islands should now be
phased-in because of the problems there, Senate Energy Committee Chairman Frank
Murkowski (R-AK) asked for a draft bill to be prepared for consideration.
5
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 15, 1997
Ms. Gloria Molina
Board of Supervisors of the
County of Los Angeles
Room 856
Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration
500 West Temple Street
Los Angeles, California 90012
Dear Gloria:
In the year since I signed the historic welfare reform legislation,
I have challenged businesses, non-profit organizations, and religious
groups across the nation to help make this law's promise an opportu-
nity by offering jobs to welfare recipients. I have committed the
federal government to hire 10,000 welfare recipients over the next
four years.
Counties such as Los Angeles must continue to play a leading role
by developing model programs that move people from welfare to work
and provide the necessary tools for them to succeed. Therefore, I
was pleased to learn that today you offered, and the Los Angeles
Board of Supervisors passed, a policy that opens employment
opportunities within county government to qualified welfare
recipients.
I congratulate you and the Board of Supervisors for doing your part
to end the culture of dependency and to elevate our shared values of
work and responsibility by providing jobs and opportunity to those
on welfare. It's up to all of us to make the new system work.
Thank you for all you're doing to make welfare reform a success.
Sincerely,
Brin Clinton
FEDERAL RESOURCE CENTER
STOP BY!
THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION
One-Stop Shop Service Center
Get answers to questions or concerns from the participating
Departments and agencies.
Federal agencies represented include:
Department of Agriculture
Commerce Department
Department of Education
Environmental Protection Agency
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Health and Human Services
Housing and Urban Development
Department of Justice
Department of Labor
Corporation for National Service
Social Security Administration
State Department
Department of Transportation
Room 329
Baltimore Convention Center
Monday, July 14
10:00 a.m. - 4 p.m.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
STATES CHECK CP THE OFFICE SCIENCE PRESIDENT AND STATES PULICY STATE UNITED
OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20502
July 17, 1997
AM10:09
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
FROM:
JOHN H. GIBBONS
7/21/97
CC:
ERSKINE BOWLES
Copied
Gibbons
SUBJECT:
OSTP WEEKLY REPORT
COS
Judy
CLIMATE CHANGE EDUCATION/OUTREACH EXPANDS
On July 14 in Seattle, WA, I addressed the Pacific Northwest regional workshop on the
impacts of climate change (organized by OSTP and sponsored by NOAA, NASA, and the
University of Washington). We got good local news coverage. I also met with the
Editorial Board of the Seattle Times. These venues provided excellent opportunities to
educate important State and local constituencies about the scientific realities of climate
change and to engage them in a dialogue about appropriate policy responses. The region
is already feeling the impacts of climate disruption: for example, back-to-back stormy
winters in 1996 and 1997 cost State Farm Insurance more than $60 million; subsequently
the company announced it would limit the number of commercial and homeowner
policies it offers in Washington State.
OSTP testimony before the Senate Committee on Agriculture on July 16 highlighted the
potential for biomass to make substantial contributions to reducing U.S. CO2 emissions
and simultaneously boost rural, agricultural economies. Biomass will be an important
element of any technological strategy your Administration undertakes in response to
climate change. USDA and DOE are charged with developing this option, but USDA
needs encouragement to be more active.
INCENTIVES FOR FUEL ECONOMY REMAIN CONTROVERSIAL
In response to my last weekly report, you asked about the efficacy of incentives to
purchase new fuel efficient cars. Only 15 percent of gasoline is now consumed by cars
produced before 1985, and the fuel economy standard (CAFE) for cars has remained
unchanged since 1985 at 27.5 mpg. A number of trends now offset improved fuel
economy, which doubled between 1973 and 1985: 1) many purchasers prefer light trucks,
which average less than 21 mpg; 2) gasoline prices are now at historically low levels; 3)
the cost of driving a mile is less than half what it was in 1973; and 4) people are driving
twice as much. The Presidential Commission you established in 1994 to examine ways to
improve fuel economy worked hard, but the automobile industry's passionate opposition
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
7-21-97
to fuel economy standards and the adamant opposition of the petroleum industry and
others to fuel taxes resulted in deadlock. As part of our current climate change
discussions with industry, we are seeking ways to accelerate technologies for fuel
economy breakthroughs (e.g., PNGV). However, unless fuel price signals appear, or
CAFE standards are raised, or public concerns about the impacts of gas guzzling are
elevated, we will not likely achieve high penetration of fuel efficient cars.
NUNN-LUGAR FUNDING RESTORED
Thanks to the hard work of Senators Lugar and Bingaman, full funding for this program
was restored in the Senate last week. The program helps ensure continued progress
toward reducing the threat to the United States from former Soviet weapons of mass
destruction, materials, and expertise.
PATHFINDER EXPANDS HORIZONS
Even as Pathfinder continues to send back exciting new scientific findings, we have
started to accrue the indirect benefits of this investment. As you know, women (of all
ages) have played a major role in designing and running this mission. Your participation
in the Girls' Nation event scheduled for July 18 -- which will use the success of
Pathfinder to highlight the opportunities for girls and women in S&T education and
professions -- will undoubtedly have a positive effect on interest and participation in these
fields that are so critical to our Nation's future.
Today, the science and engineering workforce hardly reflects the face of America. The
number of women and minorities in science, relative even to professions such as
medicine and law, remains low. We need to draw upon the full talent pool. By 2010,
about half of America's school-age population will be from minority groups, emphasizing
the importance to the nation of broader participation in science and engineering careers.
In 1996, you established the Presidential Awards in Science, Mathematics, and
Engineering Mentoring to honor individuals and organization for their efforts in
encouraging significant numbers of minorities and women to succeed in science and
technology. The 1997 awards will be announced in early August with an award ceremony
scheduled for September.
RACE INITIATIVE UNDERWAY
I have identified two issues on which OSTP can make substantial contributions to your
race initiative. First, we can document minority participation rates in science and
technology education and professions, analyze previous actions taken to reduce barriers to
participation, and identify opportunities for improved implementation of full-participation
policies. Second, we are well-positioned to work with the Executive agencies to describe
the state-of-knowledge about the root causes of racism and identify significant gaps in our
ongoing efforts to enhance understanding. I was pleased to read of Judith Winston's
appointment and look forward to working with her on these issues.
THE SEATTLE TIMES
TUESDAY, JULY 15,1997
'Paralysis'
of global
warming
Scientists know it's coming
but few know what to do
DIEDTRA HENDERSON
Seattle Times staff. reporter,
Olympia Mayor Bob Jacobs believes scien-
ists when they say global warming could cause
massive climate disruptions here and scross
the world. But doing something about it is
another matter.
Sure, the state capital, home. to 38,000
residents, is doing its part by tinkering with its
comprehensive plan: More compact-housing
distribution means less time spent in cars, less
BEKJAMIN BENSCHNEIDER / SEATTLE TIMES
fuel burned, less harmful carbon dioxide to trap
John Gibbons, President Clinton's science adviser, told a group yesterday that the evi-
heat in the atmosphere. The city is emphasiz-
ng recycling, foot and bike traffic and even
dence of global warming can t be ignored.
Sought a couple of electric cars.
But there's another threat city officials
know global warming could bring: flooding. And
is here that the difficulties of dealing with
what's perceived to be a major, worldwide
problem became evident yesterday at the first
of a two-day conference on global warming in
Seattle.
Like Seattle, Tacoma, Aberdeen and parts
of Everett, Olympia is one of the low-lying
areas of the state that geologically slumps even
lower each year. Such subsiding regions are
destined to suffer as global warming delivers
the warmer, wetter winters it would bring to
this area. At the same time; sea level - already
gradually increasing each year in this state -
would rise more dramatically as greenhouse
gases trap heat and turn up the Earth's
hermostat, melting polar ice caps, scientists.
say.
Yet, despite these threats, the city isn't
planning preventative measures, such as build-
PLEASE see Environment ON B 2
Global warming 'paralysis'
ENVIRONMENT
'The problem is the public's being
CONTINUED FROM B 1
inundated with so many different
ing dikes. Dikes wouldn't be needed for
types of problems on different time
decades. Perhaps by then, there' would be
enough countries adopting renewable energy
scales what do they believe
sources to slow the progress of global warm-
anymore?'
ing.
Jacobs says every level of government is
PAUL KLARIN
afflicted with "this kind of paralysis," with
people "knowing something needs to be done
Coastal specialist
and not knowing what to do."
Oregon Coastal Management Program
North of Olympia at Seattle's waterfront
Bell Harbor International Conference Cen-
ter, scientists, policy makers, water manag-
ers and politicians struggled with that "pa-
Wallace, a University of Washington Depart-
ralysis" and other vexing issues as they
ment of Atmospheric Sciences professor.
examined the local impact of global warming.
said as he explained the 1995 report that
The conference, one of several across the
underpins many conclusions about global
country, is designed to study the phenom-
warming. "I think we need to avoid the
enon and make recommendations to the
appearance of knowing more than what we
Clinton administration later this year.
know, lest we Invite an unwelcome back-
During yesterday's sessions, scientists
lash."
slipped transparency after transparency on
Later in the day, President Clinton's
the overhead projector, explaining climate
science adviser John Gibbons. was "more
variations over the past century, the rates of
definitive. "The data are there," he said.
buildup of carbon dioxide - the main green-
"The overwhelming evidence is there."
house-gas culprit expected precipitation
A period of 10,000 years of extraordinary
and vegetation shifts, anticipated warming for
stability has been followed by signs of climate
this region and changes in the timing of peak
disruption that carries human fingerprints: In
runofi on rivers like the Columbia.
the past 100 years. the world's temperature
For the Northwest, scientists expect glo-
has risen 1 degree Fahrenheit, sea level is up
bal warming to spell warmer, wetter winters,
by four to 10 inches, glaciers are retreating
with less snow buildup in the mountains.
worldwide and 10 of the warmest years on
record have occurred in the past 15 years.
That means tougher going for fish, like
Concentrations of carbon dioxide in the
salmon, that have adapted to current water-
flow conditions. Meanwhile, warmer, drier
atmosphere have jumped since the Industrial
Revolution.
summers could mean less water for irriga-
tion, more wildfires in forested areas and
Gibbons showed a transparency with the
hostile conditions for tree seedlings trying to
world's atmospheric carbon-dioxide concen-
thrive.
trations depicted as a red fever line, steadily
But Paul Klarin, a coastai specialist with
marching toward the sky if no changes are
the Oregon Coastal Management Program,
made to dependence on fossil fuels. "If we
questioned how much the public understands
just keep merrily (going) along, as some
and wondered whether the public perceives
would have us do, for the rest of this century
risk differently from scientists. Told a site is
(the red line) would be up and onto the next
likely to be flooded or eroded in some distant
floor of this building," he said. "We will have
future, a property owner may build regard-
caused in one century a geological blink of an
less.
eye."
"The problem is the public's being inun-
While some expressed skepticism, saying
dated with so many different types of prob-
historically that policy makers generally only
lems on different time scales what do they
act when faced with impending catastrophe
believe anymore?" Klarin asked the group.
or respond after the crisis. Gibbons again was
"What can you tell them with any certainty?"
more optimistic.
It depends on whom you ask.
"Are we smart enough to have enough
interest in our descendants to take the kind of
"There is still a lot of uncertainty we're
action that will assure their future? I think we
going to have to deal with." J. Michael
are smart enough," he said.
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEM
July 18, 1997
7-21-97
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRES DENT AND THE VICE PRESIDENT
Smith
COS
FROM:
Craig Smith
SUBJECT:
Weekly Political Update
ALABAMA
A Mobile Register poll showed Governor Fob James (R) edging Lieutenant Governor
Don Siegelman (D) by one point in a hypothetical general election matchup, 36%-35% with 29%
undecided.
ALASKA
Representative Don Young (R) underwent coronary bypass surgery on July 17 at
Bethesda Naval Hospital. Doctors say the surgery was successful. He will spend up to a week in
the hospital and then recuperate at his Washington home for two to four weeks.
ARIZONA
Republicans at recent GOP functions have been saying it is unlikely that Governor Fife
Symington (R) will be found guilty in his criminal trial because three GOP precinct
committeemen are on the jury. However, only six of 16 jurors are registered Republicans, and
each or the SIX answered no when asked whether they considered themselves party activists, held
a party post, campaigned for a particular candidate, or contributed money or services to a
particular candidate. In the trial this week, Daniel O'Donnell, vice president for McMorgan and
Co., testified that he believed reports by his staff that Symington was prepared to use his power
to ruin a downtown Phoenix office and retail center unless McMorgan agreed to concessions on a
$10 million loan.
On Tuesday, the state Supreme Court ruled that the taxpayer funded Constitutional
Defense Council, the centerpiece of Symington's states' rights agenda, violates the Arizona
Constitution's separation of powers and has no authority to operate. This is a serious blow to
Symington and Republican lawmakers' campaign against federal meddling in Arizona.
CALIFORNIA
Governor Pete Wilson (R) and legislative leaders are struggling with to put the state's
budget in place. The budget is already fifteen days past the state constitutional deadline and
- there appears to be no end in site. The stalemate is caused by unresolved issues between the
Republican Governor and the Democratic-controlled chambers. Unresolved issues include the
welfare overhaul, more money for local governments, how to pay for a new $2 billion Bay
Bridge, splitting $32 billion for public schools, prison construction, raises for state workers, a
$1.4 billion pension bill, and a possible tax cut.
1
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEM
7-21-97
Governor Wilson's proposed $1 billion income tax cut would give the biggest benefit to
people who earn less than $100,000 according to Wilson. The tax cut would not take effect until
1999 and would be fully implemented by 2000. Democratic leaders attacked the plan, charging
that it would require deep cuts in education spending. Wilson's tax-cut proposal has fueled
speculation that he has taken his first major step toward a White House bid in 2000.
The Los Angeles Times reported conservative Republican Darrell Issa's Senate campaign
began running radio ads attacking Senator Barbara Boxer (D) in Fresno and Sacramento. Issa
aides said, "By mid-August they will be running statewide, at a cost of $2 million by year's end."
The San Diego Union Tribune reported House Majority Leader Dick Armey (R) has
"called on fellow Republicans to chip in toward former Representative Bob Dornan's efforts to
overturn his election defeat" by Representative Loretta Sanchez (D). In a letter sent to the homes
of Republican House members, Armey said, "Our friend, Bob Dornan, needs our help Bob has
a legitimate case that deserves to be thoroughly investigated but at a high price. That's why
I've sent Bob a contribution, and I hope you will also give generously." Meanwhile, Sanchez
has had to continue to raise money after her election to pay legal fees caused by Dornan's
incessant challenge to her election.
The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights confirmed Monday that it is
investigating allegations that the admissions policies at the University of California's three law
schools are racially discriminatory. The director of the Department's San Francisco office said
the Department is responding to a formal complaint filed in March that alleged the University of
California's ban on affirmative action in graduate student admissions unfairly favors whites and
men.
A University of California Board of Regents committee approved a plan Thursday to
double the University of California's annual spending on outreach programs to $120 million.
The outreach programs seek to increase minority enrollment without using affirmative action.
Specifically, the plan is designed to increase the number of black and Latino high school
graduates whose grades and standardized test scores make them eligible to enter the University
of California from the current 4,200 per year to 8,500 over the next five years.
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that a Phoenix ordinance keeping abortion
protesters eight feet from objectors in the vicinity of a clinic is unconstitutional, and the Court is
likely to invalidate similar ordinances in San Jose, Santa Barbara, and San Diego.
COLORADO
The Colorado School Finance Project members said Monday that 56 percent of voters
polled would strongly favor a ballot measure to direct the estimated $40 million surplus in state
revenue to school construction projects. Another 17 percent indicated they "somewhat favor"
such a ballot measure, 24 percent said they strongly or "somewhat oppose" such a ballot
question, and 3 percent did not express an opinion.
FLORIDA
On July 11, Lieutenant Governor Buddy MacKay's (D) campaign reported that they have
raised $1,040,000. MacKay's Democratic challenger, State Senator Rick Dantzler, has raised
$221,530 since his campaign began in June. One-fourth of Dantzler's money has come from
2
agricultural and sugar interests, who are opposed to MacKay's candidacy because of his support
for the Everglades clean-up.
State Representative Keith Arnold (D), from Fort Myers, has started raising money for a
1998 gubernatorial campaign, but will not announce his candidacy until September.
GEORGIA
The Atlanta Constitution reported that State Attorney General Thurbert Baker (D) has
asked Governor Zell Miller (D) to appoint a special counsel to persue ethics charges against his
predecessor, Michael Bowers (R), who is currently running for governor. The State Ethics
Commission will hear a complaint alleging that Bowers failed to disclose campaign
contributions.
The Georgia Democratic State Committee elected Michael Coles as chairman of the State
Party. Coles ran unsuccessfully against Speaker Newt Gingrich in the 1996 election.
HAWAII
According to a survey done by Mason-Dixon on June 6-10, privatization of government
services could impact the 1998 gubernatorial election. Recently, the state Supreme Court ruled
that counties cannot have private contractors perform work historically done by county workers.
However, residents disapprove of this decision by more than a two-to-one margin. In addition,
47% said the way Governor Ben Cayetano (D), Mayor Linda Crockett Lingle, and Honolulu
Mayor Jeremy Harris handle the privatization issue would be very important, while 33% said it
would be somewhat important. Cayetano, Lingle, and Harris have all been mentioned as
possible gubernatorial candidates.
IDAHO
Representative Helen Chenowith (R) is leading a group of critics of the American
Heritage Rivers Initiative. They believe the Administration is using the issue of enhanced
waterways as a pretext for cordoning off public or private riverfront land.
GOP businessman Tony Paquin has been endorsed by the Idaho Reform Party in his
primary challenge to Representative Chenoweth (R).
ILLINOIS
A recent poll, published in the Chicago Sun-Times on July 16, suggests that former state
Representative Al Salvi, who lost to Richard Durbin (D) in the 1996 race for Senate, is
positioned for a comeback.
1998 Senate trial heat:
1996 Senate election:
Former State Rep. Al Salvi
48%
Senator Dick Durbin
58%
- Senator Carol Moseley-Braun
33%
Former State Rep. Al Salvi
42%
1998 Republican Senate primary:
1996 Republican Senate primary:
Former State Rep. Al Salvi
40%
Former State Rep. Al Salvi 48%
State Comptroller Loleta Didrickson 13%
Former Lt. Gov. Bob Kustra 43%
3
State Senator Peter Fitzgerald
9%
Governor Jim Edgar (R) signed two bills, on July 15, designed to crack down on
domestic violence and its perpetrators in Illinois. One law will increase the penalty for
involuntary manslaughter involving family or household members, requiring that offenders
spend 3 to 14 years in prison. The second law makes it a crime to prevent a victim or witness of
domestic violence from calling the police, filing a police report or seeking medical attention.
Both become effective in January.
Governor Edgar also approved a bill banning a specific late-term abortion procedure on
July 17, after using his amendatory veto power to strike a provision giving a biological father the
right to sue a doctor who performed the operation. The amended measure must now be approved
by a simple majority of both chambers in the fall session. If the bill becomes law, the
Reproductive Rights Project of the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois said it would
challenge its constitutionality in federal court.
In yet another corruption scandal, Management Services of Illinois's (MSI) owner,
William Ladd, and former owner, Michael Martin, are accused of bribing state officials and
defrauding taxpayers out of $7.1 million. MSI is a collection firm hired by the Illinois
Department of Public Aid in 1990 and one of Governor Jim Edgar's biggest campaign
contributors ($270,000 in campaign donations since 1990). The state hired Ladd and Martin in
1990 to ferret out people who were getting Medicaid but also had private health insurance at the
same time. The Chicago Sun-Times reported Curtis Fleming, the star witness, testified that a
"top aid for Governor Jim Edgar engineered a contract overhaul that put millions of dollars into
the pockets of a major campaign contributor of Edgar's." However, Fleming said it was not MSI
that pushed for the financial terms that ballooned the firm's payments from $417,000 to $11.2
million; "ironically," it was "the Governor's office." It is becoming clear that as prosecutors
build their case, they are trying to link top aides in the Edgar administration to the MSI contract.
The Governor issued a statement to reporters saying he will reserve comments until the trial's
conclusion, as he may be called as a witness.
Former Alderman Lawrence Bloom pleaded not guilty Thursday in U.S. District Court to
charges that he accepted bribes and bilked taxpayers out of $333,000. He will be the fifth
Alderman and the thirteenth person charged in one of the most talked about corruption cases in
Chicago. Federal prosecutors, who for 18 months have been reinforcing local voter's worst
suspicions about corrupt public officials, finally offered a bombshell July 8, indicting Bloom,
who had built a reputation as a champion of clean government. The indictment, part of the
Operation Silver Shovel investigation, alleged that Bloom brazenly sold out his office by
pocketing $16,000 in cash bribes from a notorious illegal dumper. This is seen by insiders and
Chicagoans alike as a huge shock and by far the biggest surprise in this investigation.
Michael Flanagan (R), the former representative who shook the political world three
years ago when he defeated Representative Dan Rostenkowski (D), said "it's 100 percent"
certain "he will run for the Senate, unless Governor Edgar or Secretary of State George Ryan
enters the race." State Senator Peter Fitzgerald is the only Republican who has announced his
candidacy for Senate.
4
Time Magazine reported this week the FBI and U.S. Attorney's office are "deep in a
probe of possibly illegal activities at the law firm of Daley and George, LTD," which has gained
prominence for anyone seeking business with the city of Chicago. Partners in the firm are
Michael Daley, younger brother of Mayor Richard Daley, and John George, a close friend of the
Mayor and his family for decades.
A coalition of prominent legal figures and religious organizations asked the Illinois
Supreme Court this week to halt all executions in Illinois until an investigation is made of the
state's extraordinarily high rate of defendants wrongfully sentenced to die.
Former Democratic Representative Mel Reynolds, who is already serving time for having
sex with an underage campaign volunteer, yesterday was sentenced to 6 and a half years in prison
for bank fraud, campaign violations, and conspiracy.
INDIANA
The Indiana Democratic Party will host a conference and training session in French Lick,
Indiana August 22-24 during which a 2000 Democratic presidential straw poll will be taken.
This is the same weekend the Republicans convene in Indianapolis for the Midwest Leadership
Conference.
IOWA
A Des Moines Register poll tested the approval ratings of the President, the First Lady,
Senator Tom Harkin (D), Governor Terry Branstad (R), and Senator Charles Grassley (R). The
results follow.
Approve/Disapprove
The President
61%/34%
The First Lady
52%/40%
Senator Harkin
67%/24%
Senator Branstad
58%/36%
Senator Grassley
71%/15%
Secretary of State Paul Pate won a gubernatorial straw poll of Des Moines Republican
party activists which followed addresses by all four candidates: Lieutenant Governor Joy
Corning, former Rep. Jim Ross Lightfoot, businessman David Oman, and Pate. Pate met with
key financial backers to assemble $500,000 to pay for a summer advertising blitz to boost his
gubernatorial bid. Although the primary is nearly a year away, Pate said the candidates must
start early because voters will be closely watching the first open governor's race in 16 years.
With each of the four Republican candidates expected to spend about $1 million for the primary
campaign, Pate is earmarking a substantial amount of his resources for this early push.
Lightfoot, who officially announced his candidacy this week, is still the early favorite for the
- GOP nod and the general election.
LOUISIANA
It was revealed this week that a Baton Rouge police officer indirectly tipped off former
Governor Edwin Edwards that he was being investigated by the FBI. The tip came just weeks
5
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
7-21-97
before the FBI raided Edwards' home and office in April. The FBI found out about the tip-off
from a conversation they heard through a bug in Edwards' law office.
The showdown vote on July 16 over whether the Senate will continue to investigate
allegations of fraud in the 1996 Louisiana Senate race was postponed as leaders sought a way to
resolve the issue. Rules Committee Chairman John Warner (R) offered the Democrats on the
panel a definite cutoff date for the investigation in exchange for six new FBI agents to probe
charges of fraud. Minority Leader Thomas Daschle appeared to up the ante for the negotiations
by insisting the committee state that it found nothing that merits reconsideration of the election
of Senator Mary Landrieu (D). The Democrats have threatened a legislative slowdown unless
the probe is promptly concluded, while Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott wants the
investigation to move forward.
MASSACHUSETTS
A Wall Street Journal editorial on the Supreme Court's decision last week to throw out
the Massachusetts term-limits law, writes, "Term limit proponents are in shock. The courts
ruling was based on the state's peculiar circumstances, and term limit laws in other states
continue to be upheld. Still, the irony here is hard to miss. More than 200 years after patriots
threw tea in to Boston harbor, their governing betters are telling them that their votes just don't
pass muster." Auditor Joseph DeNucci (D) announced, on July 16, that he will seek a fourth
term to his current office. DeNucci is the first candidate to take advantage of the Courts
overruling of the term limits law.
MICHIGAN
Representative David Bonior (D) was arrested July 11 after refusing to leave the offices
of The Detroit News unless it agreed to return to work all of the people who went on strike two
years ago. Bonior and five others were charged with trespassing and were driven away in a
police van. The five were later released. The protest came two days before the two-year
anniversary of the start of the strike by 2,500 workers.
MINNESOTA
Barbara Carlson, radio talk show host and ex-wife of Governor Arne Carlson (R), paid
her $20 filing fee and formally announced her intention to run for mayor of Minneapolis. She
declared her party identification as Independent. Minnesota GOP chair Bill Cooper said that if as
expected, Carlson seeks the Republican endorsement, the party will give the official endorsement
to her. She enjoys a great deal of name recognition from her radio show and will be able to raise
substantial funds for her bid. Observers doubt, however, that she will be able to win enough
respect and credibility to close the gap against popular Mayor Sayles Belton (DFL) in such a
strongly Democratic city.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
New Hampshire Democrats are filing a formal complaint against Senator Bob Smith (R),
alleging he should pay another $54,000 in fines for exceeding the state's voluntary spending cap
during his 1996 campaign. At issue is a mailing on Smith's behalf by the NRSC that went out
6
prior to the September 10th primary. Smith, who has already paid $95,000 in fines, contends
that because the expenditure was made prior to the primary, he did not violate spending limits in
the general election.
NEW JERSEY
Democrats intensified their call on Friday for the State Legislature to cancel its vacation
and come back for a special session to deal with the problem of auto insurance rates. This push
by the Democrats comes two weeks after Whitman signed a new auto insurance law and then
ordered her insurance commissioner to hold off on allowing any rate increases for the remainder
of her first term. Democrats are trying to push the issue because Whitman's plan has been highly
criticized, and polling demonstrates that she is very weak on the issue.
NEW MEXICO
Rep. Steve Schiff (R) says he plans to return to Washington after Labor Day following
his fight with skin cancer. Despite losing 30 pounds and a loss of energy because of his radiation
treatments, Schiff "still expects" to seek reelection in 1998. Former state Rep. Ray Sanchez (D)
and state Sen. Phillp Maloof (R) have already announced for the seat.
E. Shirley Baca (D) announced she will challenge Rep. Joe Skeen (R). Baca, the '96
nominee, said her goal is to raise $100,000 by the end of the year, adding to the $20,000 reported
in the latest FEC report.
NEW YORK
Records released on July 15, show campaign finance authorities have forced Mayor
Rudolph Giuliani's (R) re-election committee to return $66,740 from his 1994 inaugural fund.
However, the reports show that Giuliani has $4.7 million on hand compared to the $1.3 million
Manhattan Borough President Ruth Messinger (D) has in the bank.
Governor George Pataki's (R) war chest now totals $8.7 million compared to just $1.7
million for Comptroller Carl McCall (D), who may seek the Democratic gubernatorial
nomination. Sources close to Pataki said they expect him to raise at least $15 million, slightly
more than $14.4 million he spent defeating Mario Cuomo (D).
Brooklyn District Attorney Charles "Joe" Hynes (D) has begun running television
advertisements for his reelection campaign in 1997 with a firm eye on the 1998 gubernatorial
race. The main theme of his ad is, "For Joe Hynes, the work has just begun."
OKLAHOMA
Governor Frank Keating (R), who early in his administration proclaimed support for
tough ethics rules, is now raising questions about the ethics rules Oklahoma politicians are asked
to follow. Keating was accused by the state Ethics Commission of 32 violations of the ethics
V
rule by using state cars and the state airplane on fundraising trips in 1995 and 1996. Keating said
he was not aware of the rule in 1996 when most of the violations allegedly occurred. On July 17
the Ethics Commission filed a lawsuit against Keating for "sanitizing" records and violating the
state Open Records Act by refusing to produce travel records.
While he still has not officially announced for reelection, Governor Keating has raised
7
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
7-21-97
THE PRESIDENT 7-21-97 HAS SEEN
$544,000 over the last three months.
OREGON
Rep. Darlene Hooley's (D) husband filed for divorce on July 15 after 32 years of
marriage. Despite the divorce, Hooley's spokesperson said the divorce will not influence her
plans to seek reelection next year.
SOUTH DAKOTA
State Senate Democratic Leader Bernie Hunhoff is expected to announce his candidancy
for governor on July 31.
TENNESSEE
Democratic office holders across the state are said to be getting nervous about the
apparent lack of a strong candidate to challenge incumbent Don Sundquist (R) in the 1998
governor's race. Democratic Party Chair Houston Gordon noted that without a strong governor's
race, "special-interest groups would divert their PAC money to other contested races." Potential
Democrats are former House Majority Leader Bill Purcell and state Representatives Roy Herron
and Steve Cohen.
Democrats are attacking Governor Sundquist whom they believe took unfair advantage of
campaign finance reforms by filling his campaign war chest before limits on individual and
political action committee contributions took effect in 1996. The Governor has already raised
$3.2 million for his 1998 reelection campaign. The new limits are expected to make it far more
difficult for any Democratic candidate to come close to matching Governor Sundquist in funds.
The Nashville Banner reported Tennessee Democrats demanded Governor Sundquist and
the state Republican Party return $121,000 in campaign money for the 1994 elections, claiming
the cash may have originated from a Hong Kong business. The Republican National Committee
"made the contributions to Governor Sundquist and the state Republican Party only days after
filling its 'soft money' account with $1.6 million from a loan backed by the business." While
Senator Fred Thompson (R) did not receive any of the money for his 1994 race, Democrats
contended he benefitted indirectly through the donations to the state Republican Party.
The Nashville News-Sentinel reported the National Republican Senatorial Committee
(NRSC), "quietly funneled $42,500 to Tennessee Republican legislative candidates in the waning
days of the 1996 election." NRSC spokesperson Mike Russell said on July 15 that "the money
was spent without the knowledge of U.S. Senators Fred Thompson and Bill Frist of Tennessee,
and even without the knowledge of the candidates who benefitted. State Democratic Chairman
Houston Gordon criticized the independent expenditures, which were also used to build a
Republican foundation in 15 select states.
TEXAS
Governor George Bush (R) reported that he has $7 million on hand for his reelection bid.
Bush's campaign treasury dwarfs that of Land Commissioner Garry Mauro (D) whose finance
reports indicate that he has less than $200,000 dollars on hand. The Houston Chronicle reported
that Mauro's gubernatorial campaign "says almost two thirds of the money Mauro raised in June
8
came from Texans who traveled to Washington for a reception featuring the First Lady."
Governor Bush's possible presidential aspirations remain in the news. Although he has
resisted most out-of-state invitations, especially to Iowa or New Hampshire, Bush has traveled to
California, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida. Bob Novak reported Bush has the coveted
Saturday night dinner speaking slot at the upcoming Midwestern GOP conference in
Indianapolis.
In the race to replace retiring Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock (D), Comptroller John
Sharp (D) trailed candidate Rick Perry (R) in the fundraising race in June. Sharp raised about
$530,000 during June, while Perry took in $731,000. However, Sharp will begin the campaign
with $2 million in the bank, while Perry lags behind at about $1 million.
The crowded race to fill the shoes of Houston Mayor Bob Lanier continues to heat up. A
Houston Chronicle/KHOU poll shows three frontrunners emerging.
General Election Match Up
Favorable/Unfavorable
Former Police Chief Lee Brown (D)
25%
Brown
67%/18%
Businessman Rob Mosbacher (R)
18.3%
Greanias
47%/21%
City Controller George Greanias (D)
15.4%
Mosbacher
41%/21%
City Councilwoman Gracie Saenz (D)
6.4%
Saenz
37%/9%
VIRGINIA
On July 14, Democratic treasurers and commissioners of revenue in three areas of the
state denounced Republican gubernatorial candidate James S. Gilmore's proposal to cut the
personal property tax as deceitful and dishonest. However, a Gilmore spokesman said the
proposal appears to be working, adding: "The Democrats are running scared. They are trotting
out their tax collectors to scare the public even more."
Lieutenant Governor Donald S. Beyer Jr. (D) outpaced Gilmore in the fundraising chase
last month. Advertising heavily on television, both candidates spent more than $1 million in the
last 31 days. Even so, they both have bountiful campaign chests available. Beyer had
$1,238,248 on hand on June 30, while Gilmore had $1,010,535. Gilmore and Beyer are
preparing for their first debate on July 19.
WASHINGTON
Representative Jennifer Dunn (R) won the election against Representative Jim Nussle (R)
for the GOP conference vice chair. The vote was seen as a sign of support for Speaker Gingrich.
Senator Patty Murray (D) is anticipating one of the country's toughest reelection races.
She raised more than $601,000 during the first half of the year and expects to spend as much as
$4 million. Representative Linda Smith (R), her challenger, has raised about $250,000, but
refuses to accept PAC money. NRSC Chair Mitch McConnell has refused to meet with Smith
because of her anti-PAC stand.
WISCONSIN
Rep. Mark Neumann's (R) campaign released a poll which they claim shows that the
failed recall effort over Senator Russ Feingold's (D) stance on partial birth abortions has taken its
9
toll on his favorable/unfavorable numbers. They also claim that in the Milwaukee media market,
Neumann edged out Feingold 37%-32%. Feingold immediately disputed the findings, saying
that this is not what his numbers show. As for fundraising, Feingold, despite his decision to
abide by the major parts of his campaign finance reform plan (60% from in state individuals, no
more than 20% PAC's), said his campaign has about $750,000 on hand. Neumann said his
campaign would report more than $200,000.
WHITE HOUSE 2000
Former Vice President Dan Quayle was in Iowa Sunday and Monday for his second trip
to the state this year. During his trip, Quayle blasted the Congressional Republican leaders for
being too quick to compromise with the President and being intimidated by his high poll
numbers. In a recent Des Moines Register poll, Quayle made a decent showing with 16%, ahead
of Lamar Alexander's 14%, and second only to Jack Kemp at 21%.
cc:
The First Lady
Mrs. Gore
Erskine Bowles
Sylvia Matthews
John Podesta
Doug Sosnik
Maria Echaveste
Don Baer
Rahm Emmanuel
Bruce Reed
Mike McCurry
John Hilley
Mickey Ibarra
10
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
7-21-97
July 18, 1997
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT
Copied
FROM:
MARIA ECHAVESTE
Echaveste
COS
SUBJECT: OPL WEEKLY REPORT - July 12 to July 18
ACTIONS SUPPORTING PRESIDENTIAL INITIATIVES
BUDGET
The National Association of Home Care Providers continues to voice concerns about the
Administration's intent to reject the Senate proposal to impose a $5 per visit home health
copayment.
OPL coordinated a meeting with AFL-CIO representatives and Chris Jennings to discuss the
health budget. Overall, they seemed fine with our positions. They continue to believe that
means-testing of Medicare is bad policy; they support the protection for public safety net
hospitals and workers; they applaud the consumer protections of Medicare; and agree with
our assessment that it is important to pay attention to the structural design of the Children's
Health plan, especially the benefits package.
OPL coordinated a conference call with the presidents of the California and New York
Hospital Associations and Chris Jennings on Thursday, July 17, to share concerns on issues
including the "carve out" of Medicaid and the Medicare DSH, and children's health. Twenty
state Hospital Associations signed a letter applauding your leadership on children's health
and shared concerns over the above issues.
OPL coordinated a meeting with six physicians of the California Medical Association with
Chris Jennings on Tuesday, July 15, to discuss children's health (they are with us), practice
expenses, Medicare and the DSH formula. Overall, they are pleased.
- HEALTH INSURANCE FOR CHILDREN
Gene Sperling, Frank Raines and Chris Jennings met with Marion Wright Edelman on
Thursday, July 17, to discuss children's health issues as it pertains to the $24 billion in the
budget.
1
The Children's Defense Fund, American Cancer Society, and the National Women's Law
Center held a press conference on Wednesday, July 16, with Senator Kennedy and
Congresswoman Nancy Johnson to praise a new advertising campaign that stressed the need
for attention to children's health insurance issues. On the same day, an ad ran in the
Washington Post highlighting this issue.
Today's action on the benefits package leaves the children's health advocates very concerned,
but pleased with the tone coming out of the White House. The groups continue to work the
Hill, hold press conferences, place editorials, send coalition and individual organization
letters to the Hill urging the conferees to adopt the kids' health provisions included in the
Senate reconciliation bill and to provide as strong a structure as possible.
The children's health advocates believe you should be visible in the children's health process
now so as to raise the issue and to get credit for leading the issue. We are working on this
issue for you with communications and NEC to draft the right language in connection with
a proposed children's immunization event next week.
RACE/UNITY INITIATIVE
Professor and author Ron Takaki, who participated in your meeting prior to the San Diego
speech, will be incorporating an assessment/overview of the race speech and vision into his
new book. He had begun writing the book several months ago, but after he met with you on
this issue, he decided to incorporate your efforts in the manuscript.
The first organizational meeting of the President's Initiative on Race on Monday, July 14,
was observed by several leading African American civil and human rights leaders including,
Dr. Dorothy Height of the National Council for Negro Women, Roger Wilkes, Professor of
University of Virginia, of the Eddie Williams, President, Joint Center for Political and
Economic Studies, Wade Henderson, Executive Director, the Leadership Conference on
Civil Rights, Sheila Coates of Black Women For Action, Keith Boykin, of the Black Gay
and Lesbian Leadership Forum. Others viewing the proceeding included representatives of
ASPIRA (Puerto Rican organization), MANA (Latina women's organization) and the
National Puerto Rican coalition.
We have received positive feedback from the receipt of the Race speech by ethnic groups.
They are very excited about this initiative and inspired by the President's willingness to look
at this issue from "outside the box." They really do feel that they can be a positive and
strong element of this dialogue and look forward to participating in the process. The Irish
Americans, Italian Americans, Portuguese Americans and Arab Americans have expressed
the most enthusiasm and a strong desire to be a part of this initiative.
2
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
7-21-97
EDUCATION
Following up on prior meetings, I met with the national leadership of the League of United
Latin American Citizens (LULAC), and specifically asked them for an endorsement for
voluntary national standards. After discussing many of their concerns, they agreed to work
with us during the next several weeks to achieve this goal. discuss national standards.
JUVENILE JUSTICE
Police Commissioner Paul Evans and District Attorney Ralph Martin from Boston will be
at the taping of this week's radio address. The Boston law enforcement groups are pleased
that the President consistently refers to their successful program when speaking about
juvenile crime. Their program is highlighted in this week's TIME magazine.
CONSTITUENT AND OTHER ISSUES
JEWISH OUTREACH
A broad coalition of Jewish groups, along with other religious denominational groups,
anxiously await action on the Workplace Religious Rights Bill, currently only sponsored by
Senator Kerry (D-MA). They are hopeful that Sen. Coats (R-IN) will agree to co-sponsor
soon. The groups are disappointed that House members have yet to sponsor their own
version and are looking to you for leadership on this issue. We are currently planning an
event at the end of July that will highlight your views and support for religious freedom.
GENETIC SCREENING EVENT
The overall reaction from the groups on this event was terrific. The groups continue to want
the Administration to also include ovarian, lung. prostate, and not just breast cancer in your
remarks. We coordinated the 20 letters of support from groups praising your leadership and
commitment to the issue.
GAY & LESBIAN
Keith Boykin, who served as Director of Specialty Press at the White House early in the first
term and who is now Executive Director of the Black Gay and Lesbian Leadership Forum
will be part of the United States Delegation traveling to Zimbabwe as part of the African/
African-American Summit. Anti-gay views expressed by Zimbabwe's President Mugabe
have drawn sharp criticism from human rights activists.
Gay anti-violence groups were working closely with law enforcement officials in light of the
murder of Gianni Versace in Miami on Tuesday. The national attention given the so-called
"gay killer" brings into focus media prejudice and other misunderstandings related to
3
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEM
7-21-97
perceptions of gays. Stories about the murder and the search for the suspect were loaded
with inappropriate and stereotypical imagery.
BUSINESS
We are working with Todd Stern and CEQ on organizing next week's event to discuss
the facts concerning global climate change with scientists. We will have representatives
from business, labor, agriculture, children's groups, health groups, environmental groups
and women's organizations in attendance. There will also be representation from state
elected officials, Congress and the Cabinet.
CHILDREN
The National PTA was very excited about both the V-chip and the Internet event. They
were glad to see the commitment of the Administration on both of these issues. They
noted the difference between the generations regarding two similar issues. While the
younger generation does not like the V-chip, they are strongly supportive of child
protections on the Internet. They were also proud to see the Administration take a
bipartisan/common ground approach to both issues.
Children/education groups have seen the tobacco/Joe Camel issue as a strong sign of the
power and respect that children are gaining in Washington.
AIDS
Republicans in the House Labor-HHS Appropriations Sub-Committee took credit for
leading the effort to provide a $132 million increase in funding for the AIDS Drug
Assistance Program. The fact is that HHS worked behind the scenes to better the
Republican proposal. The result, which obscured your commitment to increase ADAP
funding, was necessitated by the vagueness of the budget process.
AFRICAN AMERICAN
In cooperation with the NSC, Africa Division, our office worked to locate participants
for the fourth African/African American Summit U.S. Presidential Mission headed by
Secretary of Transportation Rodney Slater and Reverend Jesse Jackson.
Your appearance on Thursday, July 17 at the NAACP Convention in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania and the National Association of Broadcast Journalist (NABJ) Convention
in Chicago, Illinois where very positively received. The President's speaking
engagement was widely reported Thursday on national and local syndicated African
American radio and television stations. For example, the "Tom Joyner Morning Show,"
and "BET NewsTalk" reported your message on the Standards Initiative.
4
THE PRESIDENT SEEM
7-21-97
WOMEN'S OUTREACH
OPL met with Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), along with Janet Murguia and
11
Ellen Lovell to discuss the possibility of forming a Presidential Joint Task Force (or
other suitable vehicle--council, committee) on a National Museum of Women's History.
We are in the process of pulling together a larger meeting in the next few weeks with key
women's groups and Administration officials to continue these discussions.
OPL worked to identify a list individual working women and their families to incorporate
into the communications strategy and media outreach for the WH, Senator Daschle, and
the Democratic Policy Committee. We continued our work with NEC to identify people
who could tell their stories for new roll-out activities.
NATO ENLARGEMENT
We set up a conference call with the Central and Eastern European Coalition, Dan Fried
and Jeremy Rosner. Jeremy and Dan briefed the members of the coalition about the
President's trip to Madrid and the next steps in the NATO enlargement process. The
coalition is excited about this process and are very committed to helping the
Administration get the treaty ratified. OPL received lots of positive feedback from the
groups on the President's trip to Madrid, Poland and Romania. The Romanian
Americans were particularly enthused by the President's visit to their homeland.
OPL scheduled the first meeting with representatives from labor unions to begin the
process in gaining their support for NATO expansion. Jeremy Rosner and Sandy
Vershbow briefed members from AFL-CIO and various other unions about NATO.
They were receptive but still have a lot of questions before they will publicly support
this policy. We plan a series of meetings at different levels to gain Labor's support. We
believe that they want to be supportive of NATO enlargement but need more information
and need to feel comfortable that their concerns have been properly addressed.
cc:
First Lady
Mrs. Gore
Erskine Bowles
John Podesta
Sylvia Mathews
Doug Sosnik
Craig Smith
Rahm Emanuel
Kitty Higgins
John Hilley
Bruce Reed
Micky Ibarra
Gene Sperling
Mike McCurry
Susan Liss
Goody Marshall
5
THE WHITE HOUSE
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
WASHINGTON
7-21-97
July 18, 1997
Copied
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRI SIDENT
Hilley
FROM:
JOHN HILLEY Joultilla
COS
SUBJECT:
WEEKLY LEGISLATIVE REPORT
House of Representatives
1.
Interior Appropriations: On Tuesday, July 15, the House passed (238--192) H.R. 2107,
the Interior Appropriations Act for FY98. This $13 billion measure is the second of the thirteen
annual appropriations bills to pass the House and provides $132 million less than the
Administration's request. Your Senior Advisors have recommended that this legislation be
vetoed due to the lack of funding in the bill for the National Endowment for the Arts. While
considering the Interior bill, the House:
a. Rejected (96--228) Representative Chabot's (R-OH) amendment which would
have eliminated the $110 million in the bill for the National Endowment for the
Humanities.
2.
VA/HUD Appropriations: On Wednesday, July 16, the House passed (397--31) H.R.
2158, the Veterans Administration, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act for
FY98. While considering this $91.7 billion measure, the House:
a. Passed by voice vote an Administration-opposed amendment by
Representative Tiahrt (R-KS) which would cut $200 million of the $403 million
from the AmeriCorps program, setting aside $30 million of the amount cut for
additional medical research into veterans and Gulf War illnesses. The
Administration's policy statement says that Senior Advisers would recommend
that this bill be vetoed if it includes provisions eliminating the AmeriCorps
program. Democrats were worried about a possible weak vote on this issue given
the juxtaposition with veterans spending. Thus, they chose not to fight at this
time.
3.
Agriculture Appropriations: This week, the House began consideration of H.R. 2160,
the Agriculture Appropriations Act for FY98. Citing unfair treatment by Rules Committee
Republicans on the Rule issued for the Foreign Operations Appropriations bill, Democrats led by
Representative Nancy Pelosi (D-NY), ranking member of the Subcommittee for Foreign
Operations, demanded several votes on procedural matters in protest. The Rules Committee
issued a Rule which did not allow a Pelosi substitute amendment to Representative Smith's (R-
NJ) "Mexico City" amendment to prohibit funding for international population programs.
Further consideration of the Agriculture bill was abandoned. It is expected the House will again
take this legislation up next week.
THE PRESIDENT 7-21-97 HAS SEEN
4.
Vocational Education: On Thursday, July 17, the House began consideration of H.R.
1853, the Carl D. Perkins Vocational-Technical Education Act Amendments. This measure
would authorize $1.3 billion in FY98 for vocational education programs and change both the
formula used to distribute federal money to the states and the formula that guides how states
allocate their funds to schools. This legislation, which the Administration does not oppose
despite some reservations, is expected to be on the House floor next week.
5.
Juvenile Crime: On Tuesday, July 15, the House passed H.R. 1818, the Juvenile Crime
Control and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1997. This Administration-supported legislation
would incorporate funding from a variety of discretionary programs, such as boot camps and
gang-prevention programs, into block grants for states.
6.
Affirmative Action: On Wednesday, July 9, the House Judiciary Constitution
Subcommittee approved H.R. 1909, the Civil Rights Act of 1997, by voice vote. This
legislation, authored by Representative Canady (R-FL), would prohibit the Federal government
from using any race or gender conscious affirmative action programs in Federal contracting,
employment or any other federally conducted program or activity. The bill was strongly opposed
by all Democrats on the Subcommittee and unanimous Democratic opposition at the full
Committee level. Prior to the mark up, the Attorney General and the Secretary of Labor sent
letters stating the President's intention of vetoing this legislation.
The Week Ahead
For the majority of the week, the House will consider any Appropriations bills that become
available.
Senate
1.
DoD Appropriations: On Tuesday, July 15, the Senate passed (94--4) S. 1005, the FY98
DoD Appropriations Bill. While the measure does fund the National Missile Defense program at
the levels recommended in the Quadrennial Defense Review, the Administration has concerns
about certain provisions in the bill. The measure provides $247 billion in total discretionary
funding, exceeding the President's request by $3.7 billion, an amount greater than the increase
assumed in the Bipartisan Budget Agreement. Achieving this funding level required a
reallocation of funds from Department of Energy programs to DoD programs, an action the
Administration strongly opposes.
Moreover, the bill provides funds for unrequested programs not in the DoD Future Years
Defense Program, at the expense of higher priority programs requested by DoD. The Senate
added $3.8 billion to the Administration's request for procurement and $0.6 billion to the request
for research and development. Some of these increases are of questionable value to the
Department's overall plans to modernize military forces. These additions include: $177 million
for WC-130 weather reconnaissance aircraft; $40 million for the Armament Retooling and
Manufacturing Support program; and $73 million for an oceanographic survey ship. The bill
reduces, however, DoD's Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) program by $60 million from the
Administration's request. The CTR program is an important and highly effective means of
enhancing U.S. security through eliminating weapons of mass destruction and preventing
weapons proliferation.
2.
Energy and Water Appropriations: On Wednesday, July 16, the Senate passed (99--0)
S. 1004, the FY98 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill. While the Administration has not
issued a veto threat on the $21.2 billion spending measure, serious concerns remain, particularly
the decision to fund the restoration of California's Bay-Delta ecosystem at $50 million, a level
$93 million below the President's request.
3.
Foreign Operations Appropriations: On Thursday, July 17, the Senate passed (91--8)
S. 955, the FY98 Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill. The Administration-supported $16.8
billion spending measure includes aid for the Middle East and nations that emerged from the
former Soviet Union.
a. The Senate rejected (38--60) a Sen. McCain sponsored amendment to
discontinue the annual certification process that targets countries that do not
cooperate with the United States in the effort to reduce drug trafficking. The
amendment would have authorized instead a bipartisan commission to develop
multilateral strategies for countering the flow of narcotics into the United States.
4.
Nominations: On Thursday, July 17, the Senate confirmed (88-12) the nomination of
Joel Klein to be Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust at the Justice Department. The Senate
also confirmed (100--0) the nomination of Eric Holder to be Deputy Attorney General.
The Week Ahead
Senator Lott indicated that the Senate may turn to consideration of the FDA reform bill. Senator
Lott also stated that he hopes to turn to consideration of the Budget Reconciliation Conference
Report beginning Wednesday. Additionally, the Senate will continue to process Appropriations
measures as they become available.
cc:
The Vice-President
Erskine Bowles
John Podesta
Sylvia Mathews
Emannel
COS
THE WHITE HOUSE
washington
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEM
July 18, 1997
7-21-97
MEMORANDUM TO
THE CHIEF OF STAFF
FROM
RAHM EMANUEL
197 JUL 19 PH1:24
SUBJECT
WEEKLY REPORT
CRIME/DRUGS: Someone at Justice leaked to Newsweek the sentencing recommendations
from the Attorney General and General McCaffrey. The reporter had the memo and the 10 to 1
ratio. I confirmed that the 10 to 1 ratio is what the Administration would propose. The individual
that leaked this memo may have done more harm to getting any adjustment than anyone else. The
Republicans will now offer their adjustment of 20 to 1. The leak has cut-off any dialogue we
could have on this issue.
The annual Household survey by HHS will show a drop in teen drug use. This is the first
improvement since 1992. They are ready to release the data next week.
We organized regional interviews for Ray Kelly at ATF on the Youth Handgun initiative. He
talked to all the major papers in the cities mentioned in the report as well as the ten new cities.
I talked to General McCaffrey about a new prison reform effort relating to drug testing and
treatment. I suggested we withhold state prison grants until a state confirmed a strategy to
combat drug abuse in prisons. Confrontation of this nature may enable us to secure more funding
for the President's drug testing and treatment initiative.
CAMPAIGN FINANCE: Senator Feingold wants to announce the September target to pass
campaign finance reform. I told him that we would be willing to have the members and others at
the White House to announce such a drive. The sponsors are meeting to determine how to re-
draft the legislation with the clear intention that we will not propose just soft money reform.
TOBACCO: We continue to receive good and extensive coverage of the White House Review
process. This week we had the industry, tobacco farmers, and whistle blowers in to meet with the
Administration.
ISCELLANEOUS: I have attached an article on regional voting patterns by Barone. He wrote
the article in the most recent issue of National Journal. I question his conclusions, but it is worth
reading.
Rick Berke from the New York Times is writing a story this weekend on the relations between
the White House and Hill Democrats. Doug and I tried to show how much we do in the form of
travel and money, and how we have taken the Democratic Party out of the wilderness when it
comes to middle class voters.
I have suggested to McCurry that if we get a tax and budget bill the President should hold a prime
time press conference the night before the signing. The press conference would put the
Administration's spin on the legislative session and provide an opportunity to address entitlement
reform.
have also attached the results from a recent survey for Handgun Control in Ohio. This research
reveals the strong support for the Brady bill. This type of public support should be used in the
effort to extend Brady to juveniles and in the big fight over Brady.
BUDGET: We need to be careful how we craft the final days of the tax negotiations. The final
items will focus on Capitol Gains, IRAs, etc. We know these final items will define that tax bill
and not the entire package. The specific victories in the tax bill need to be coordinated with the
victories on the spending side. We know that our victories on children's health, the education
budget, and Medicaid were part of an entire negotiation which included the tax side.
When we announced the budget deal, the GOP celebrated their victory and we appeared defeated.
The final days of negotiations need to focus on all our victories, not just the elimination of
indexing.
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
7-21-97
Study #4945-page 1
PETER D. HART RESEARCH ASSOCIATES. INC.
Interviewer: 603 voters
1724 Connecticut Avenue. NW
Dates: July 10-12, 1997
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 234-5570
FINAL
47 Male
53 Female
Study #4945
[5]
Ohio Survey
July 1997
AREA
TYPE
SAMPLE POINT
FORM
DATE
July
1997
[6]
[7]
[8]
[9]
[10]
[11]
[12]
[13]
[14]
1.
Are you registered to vote at this address?
Registered
100
CONTINUE
[15]
Not registered
-
TERMINATE AND DO NOT
Not sure
-
COUNT TOWARD QUOTA
2a.
Thinking back over the past several years, do you think the problem of handgun violence here in Ohio has
been getting better. getting worse, or staying about the same?
Getting better
7
[16]
Getting worse
42
Staying about the same
43
Not sure
8
2b.
Would you say that the current gun control laws here in Ohio that deal with the sale and possession of
handguns (a) go too far and are more restrictive than they should be, (b) are about right, or (c) do not go far
enough and need to be strengthened?
Go too far/more restrictive than they should be
10
[17]
About right
27
Don't go far enough/need to be strengthened
52
)
Not sure
11
3.
As you may know, the U.S. Congress passed the Brady Law in 1993, which requires a five-day waiting
period before a person can buy a handgun. and required law enforcement officials to perform a criminal
background check during that period. What is your reaction to the Brady Law - very favorable, somewhat
favorable, somewhat unfavorable, or very unfavorable?
Very favorable
56
[18]
81
Somewhat favorable
25
Somewhat unfavorable
8
Very unfavorable
8
16
Not sure
3
4a.
The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled that the decision on whether to perform criminal background checks
on potential handgun buyers cannot be required by the federal government. but instead should be left up to
each state and locality. Before I just mentioned this, were you aware of this decision?
Yes. aware of Supreme Court decision
52
[19]
No, not aware of Supreme Court decision
47
Not sure
1
Peter D. Hart Research Associates, Inc.
JUL-17-1997 03:27
PETER
Study #4945-page 2
4b.
Do you think the state of Ohio should or should not continue to perform criminal background checks on
potential handgun buyers?
Ohio should continue to perform checks
90
[20]
Ohio should not continue to perform checks
8
Not sure
2
4c.
Last week, Ohio's attorney general announced that Ohio would no longer require background checks on all
handgun purchasers, and would conduct a background check only if the purchaser voluntarily agrees. Do
you strongly favor, somewhat favor, somewhat oppose. or strongly oppose this decision to no longer
require background checks on all handgun purchasers. and to only conduct background checks if the
purchaser voluntarily agrees?
Strongly favor
9
[21]
Somewhat favor
8
Somewhat oppose
12
Strongly oppose
68
Not sure
3
5a.
According to official state statistics, background checks in Ohio have stopped one thousand two hundred
and six felons and other prohibited persons from purchasing a handgun since the Brady Law took effect in
1993. Given this fact, do you think Ohio should or should not continue to require background checks on all
handgun purchasers?
Ohio should continue to perform checks
89
[22]
Ohio should not continue to perform checks
8
Not sure
3
5b.
If Ohio changed its policies to conduct background checks only if the handgun purchaser voluntarily agrees,
do you think this voluntary system would be much less effective, somewhat less effective. or no less
effective in preventing criminals from purchasing handguns than the current system of requiring background
checks for all handgun purchases?
Much less effective
66
[23]
Somewhat less effective
15
No less effective
14
More effective (VOL)
1
Not sure
4
6.
Under the Brady Law, state and local law enforcement officials currently can take up to five business days
to complete background checks on handgun buyers. Some people say that the period for background
checks should be reduced to two days. so legitimate gun purchasers are not inconvenienced by the waiting
period. Other people say that law enforcement officials should continue to have five days, so they have the
time they need to do a complete and thorough check.
Which way do you feel-that law enforcement officials should continue to be given up to five business days
for conducting background checks. or that the period for background checks should be reduced to two
days?
Continue with five days
81
[24]
Reduce to two days
12
Other/neither (VOL)
5
Not sure
2
Peter D. Hart Research Associates, Inc.
Study #4945-page 3
7a.
On a separate issue. would you favor or oppose changing the law in Ohio to make it easier for people to
obtain permits to carry concealed handguns in public?
Favor
19
[25]
Oppose
75
Not sure
6
7b.
If a candidate for major statewide office supported changing the law to make it easier for people to obtain
permits to carry concealed handguns in public, would this make you more likely or less likely to support that
candidate, or would it make little difference either way?
More likely to support
12
[26]
Less likely to support
55
Makes little difference
27
Not sure
6
8.
Leading public officials from surrounding states say that Ohio is becoming a center for gun purchases by
out-of-state residents who want to take advantage of Ohio's weaker gun control laws; as a result, these
officials have urged Onio to strengthen its gun control laws. Do you think this is an important reason or not
an important reason for strengthening Ohio's current gun control laws?
Important reason
76
[27]
Not important reason
19
Not sure
5
FACTUALS: These last few questions are for statistical purposes only.
F1.
in what age group are you-(READ LIST)?
18-24
6
[28]
25-29
9
30-34
7
35-39
11
40-44
11
45-49
12
50-54
8
55-59
8
60-64
6
65 and over
20
Refused
2
F2.
How would you describe your overall point of view in terms of the political parties? Would you say you are
mostly Democratic, leaning Democratic, completely independent. leaning Republican, or mostly
Republican?
Mostly Democratic
26
[29]
Leaning Democratic
9
Completely independent
25
Leaning Republican
9
Mostly Republican
26
Not sure
5
Peter D. Hart Research Associates, Inc.
Study #4945-page 4
F3.
Thinking about your general approach to issues. do you consider yourself to be liberal. moderate, or
conservative?
Liberal
16
[30]
Moderate
42
Conservative
36
Not sure
6
F4.
For statistical purposes only, could you please tell me whether your total household income for last year
was above $35,000 or below $35,000?
(IF "ABOVE $35,000," ASK:) Would you say your household income was above $50,000 or below
$50,000?
(IF "BELOW $35,000," ASK:) Would you say your household income was above $20,000 or below
$20,000?
Above $50,000
26
[31]
$35,000-$50,000
22
$20,000-$35,000
20
Below $20,000
13
Not sure/refused
19
F5a.
Do you, or does anyone in this household, own a handgun?
Yes, own a handgun
27
[32]
No, do not own a handgun
70
Not sure
3
F5b.
Are you. or is anyone in this household, a dues-paying member of the National Rifle Association?
Yes. NRA member
6
[33]
No, not an NRA member
92
Not sure
2
F6.
What is your race - are you white, black. Hispanic. or something else?
White
89
[34]
Black
9
Hispanic
1
Other
-
Not sure
1
Peter D. Hart Research Associates, Inc.
TOTAL P.05
Copied
Sparling
COS
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
7-21-97
July 18, 1997
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
GENE SPERLING
SUBJECT:
NEC Weekly Report
Climate Change. We held meetings early this week to prepare for Janet Yellen's testimony before
the House Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Power on Tuesday. The focus of our discussion
was the release of a staff-level inter-agency draft report on the economic impact of various
hypothetical emissions reduction policies. Once the relevant principals within the Administration
had looked over this staff work and the peer review comments on it, it was decided that shaping a
definitive answer using only economic models or a set of models would be futile. Since the report's
existence had already become public knowledge and Bliley and Dingell were demanding it, we
decided to release it in draft form in conjunction with Janet's testimony. She then emphasized
during her testimony that the Administration had not yet chosen a policy and that we will be using
a variety of tools -- including the professional judgement of the Administration's top economists --
to evaluate possible policies.
We also began holding working group meetings in specific areas this week. The six areas that the
working groups will be studying are: domestic emissions trading, developing country commitments,
international emissions trading and joint implementation, technology programs, regulations and
standards, and transition assistance. Under the leadership of NEC and CEQ staff, these working
groups will be writing background discussion papers for the NEC/CEQ Principals meetings that are
scheduled for the next several weeks.
Children's Health. Frank Raines, Josh Gotbaum, Chris Jennings, Jeanne Lambrew, and I met with
Marian Wright Edelman on Thursday night. As you know, she strongly supports the Senate proposal
to include $24 billion for children's health over the next 5 years. She praised you and the First Lady
for your leadership, but was concerned that members of Congress were not hearing clearly that we
were going to insist on the extra $8 billion from the tobacco tax. Frank and I responded that we
could not commit to getting exactly $24 billion, but that we felt that children's health was one of the
pearls of the budget and that we would fight hard for it. On Monday, I will be meeting with Jack
Lew, Chris Jennings, and a broad range of children's health groups to discuss this issue. And on
Wednesday, you will be discussing children's health at an event on immunization. On each of these
occasions, there will be the opportunity to reinforce our shared concerns.
Medicare. Erskine, Frank Raines, Secretary Rubin, John Hilley, Chris Jennings, and I met with the
Senate's Centrist Coalition to discuss raising the eligibility age and the income-related premium.
We emphasized our opposition to the Senate proposal to raise the eligibility age, noting once again
that in its current form it would result in loss of coverage for many elderly and that there was no
support for it on the House side. We made clear, however, that we were in favor of an income-
related premium provided that the Treasury, not HHS, administers the provisions and that we
address the adverse selection problem. Chris did a follow-up meeting the next morning, where
we made progress on having Treasury administer the system.
Boeing-McDonnell Douglas. The European Union appears poised to prohibit the proposed merger
of Boeing and McDonnell Douglas Corp. next week, despite the FTC's unconditional approval of
the deal on July 1. After making some progress, Boeing and EU officials have reached a serious
impasse in their negotiations to remedy European objections to the merger. Dan Tarullo is working
actively with others in the Administration to let European leaders know of the potentially adverse
consequences of prohibiting the merger. To reinforce that message, we would like you to call
several European heads of state. Tomorrow, we will give you a briefing memo and talking points
for these calls. Early next week, we will give you a decision memo on possible retaliatory actions
we might want to take toward the EU.
Fast Track. We continue to gear up for the Fast Track effort. NEC this week held several
meetings to reach consensus on key policy issues, including labor and environment protections and
the uses of Fast Track authority. We hope to send you a decision memo on this issue early next
week. Two Congressional meetings are being set up for later in July.
Education and Training Priorities. I met with Jack Lew to discuss strategy for ensuring that your
education and training priorities -- especially the items protected in the budget agreement are not
lost as the appropriations process moves forward in Congress. There are a few key areas in which
we will need to fight hard. The House Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Subcommittee failed
to live up to the agreement in key areas such as America Reads, Goals 2000, and our Out of School
Initiative (for training and employing youths from high-poverty areas). They funded America Reads
at the full $260 million level, but not until FY 1999 and only if authorized. On Goals 2000, the
Subcommittee cut $16 million -- instead of adding the $128 million that we requested. OMB agreed
that the SAP language should be very firm on this issues, even when the funds may have gone to
areas that you support. Where possible, we will point them to areas within the relevant bill that can
be reduced in order to meet the terms of the agreement and our other priorities. Nonetheless, we've
had remarkable turnarounds from previous years in many of our priorities. The Subcommittee
fulfilled your requests in areas such as Head Start, Job Corps, dislocated workers, school-to-work,
bilingual and immigrant education, education technology and Title I. On Pell grants, while they
failed to provide full funding for the expansion of Pell grants to an additional 218,000 low-income
students, they did raise the maximum to $3,000 and provide over $1.5 billion of the $1.7 billion
increase we requested.
2
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
7-21-97
Community Development Financial Institutions Fund. The VA-HUD bill reported by the Senate
Appropriations Committee this week provides no funding for the Community Development
Financial Institutions Fund, a clear violation of the budget agreement. Under the agreement, the
CDFI program, as a protected domestic discretionary priority, was to be funded at the level proposed
in the Administration's FY 1998 budget ($125 million). The Committee report, by way of
justification, expresses concern about accountability in the awarding of the initial round of CDFI
grants. The Wall Street Journal ran a very damaging story on the subject earlier this week. The
House-passed VA-HUD bill, however, provides the full $125 million for the CDFI Fund, thanks to
considerable support from the Appropriations Subcommittee chair and ranking member. We will
be advocating strongly for the full CDFI request when the VA-HUD bill reaches the Senate floor
next week (probably Monday).
Income-Contingent Repayment. Ever since the Direct Loan Program was established for student
loans, we have needed to fix a glitch: residual debts are forgiven at the end of the 25-year repayment
period, but borrowers must pay income taxes on the forgiven amount. A tax exemption was included
in your budget plan as part of a small community-service loan forgiveness provision, and that
provision was adopted as part of both the House and Senate tax bills. But direct loan opponents have
now sprung into action and caused tax conference staff to remove the direct loan provision from the
bill. Today, the Wall Street Journal ran a column by former CBO director Rudy Penner attacking
the provision (Penner has been on the payroll of the student loan industry). We are working with
Education, Treasury, and Senator Dodd to preserve the exemption and counter the arguments that
are being made.
Senator Torricelli's Tax Provision for Severance Pay. Senator Torricelli called me several times
about his proposal to exclude up to $2,000 on severance packages for laid-off workers. It will
not apply to anyone receiving a severance package worth more than $125,000. Some of the technical
staff at Treasury expressed some concerns because we tax unemployment benefits and it therefore
would seem incongruous not to tax severance payments. Senator Torricelli, however, strongly
believed that it is a way of sharing some of our balanced budget dividend with those affected by
major and visible layoffs. Since Torricelli's proposal is consistent with our overall theme of easing
worker transitions between jobs, we let him know that we decided to support it.
3
PRESIDENT
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
/
OFFICE
COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
QUALITY
UNITED
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503
INSURITIVE
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
STATES
7-21-97
July 18, 1997
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
KATHLEEN A. McGINTY
Anfiller
for KAM
Copied
CC:
ERSKINE BOWLES
MoGinty
RE:
CEQ WEEKLY REPORT
COS
PROTECTING COMMUNITIES FROM TOXICS
Appropriations for the Kalamazoo initiatives
CEQ is working with OMB to support a floor amendment to the VA-HUD Appropriations bill
that would fully fund the $650 million increase in funding for accelerated toxic waste cleanup.
You will recall that this funding was first announced as part of the toxics initiative you
announced in Kalamazoo, Michigan, last August, and was among the major environmental
provisions secured in the budget agreement. Despite the provisions of the budget agreement, the
-Senate Appropriations Committee omitted this funding entirely from the VA-HUD bill. The
House failed to provide the request. OMB is working to find appropriate offsets for the
amendment, a task made more difficult by the fact that the Senate bill incorporates a much lower
baseline than its House counterpart. The amendment would be offered when the VA-HUD bill
comes to the floor, which we expect on Tuesday.
RESOURCE STEWARDSHIP
Land and Water Conservation Fund
As expected, the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee provided $700 million for the
Land and Water Conservation Fund as called for in the Bipartisan Budget Agreement. However,
the subcommittee placed certain restrictions on this funding that undermine the budget agreement
as we understand it. First, the bill gives $100 million of the funds to state and local governments
-
instead of using all of it for Federal projects. Second, and more seriously, it conditioned use of
the money for Headwaters or Yellowstone upon passage of authorization legislation.
Since the chairman of the Senate authorizing committee, Senator Frank Murkowski (R-AK), has
stated he opposes the Headwaters and Yellowstone agreements and would give all of that money
to state and local projects, any conditioning of funding on an authorization bill is a clear attempt
to hold up the Administration's priorities. The Administration has already sent a legal analysis
Recycled Paper
7-21-97
to the Senate showing that no additional authorization is necessary, and Senators Max Baucus
(D-MT), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Dale Bumpers (D-AR) and Tom Daschle (D-SD) have sent a
letter to the Appropriations Committee calling for funding the Administration's proposal without
authorization requirements. It is important that we work closely with these senators as this bill
moves through the Senate to get our message out on this issue.
INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Climate change
Congressional attention to climate change continues to grow. In recent hearings, the Joint
Economic Committee took an extremely positive look at emissions trading on acid rain, with
numerous witnesses commending this approach as a market-friendly solution to climate change.
In the House Commerce Committee hearings, members of Congress criticized the
Administration for not advocating stronger participation from developing nations. (Our
proposals are the strongest on the international negotiating table). They raised competitiveness
concerns about American industry moving offshore to developing nations with no binding targets
and timetables. They also criticized the Administration for failing to complete detailed economic
analysis of climate mitigation.
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing was more positive with better
understanding of valuable lessons learned in our draft economic analysis regarding roles of
emissions tradings and technology deployment. Senator Robert Byrd's (D-WV) resolution
passed the Foreign Relations Committee on a voice vote, paving the way for possible floor action
next week. Senator John Kerry (D-MA) announced his intention to work to improve the
resolution on the floor. In its present form, it gives the "Sense of the Senate" that developing
countries should be bound by quantified emissions limits during the same compliance periods
that apply to developed countries. This approach would blow up the international negotiations.
The Rio Treaty contains a proposition that developed nations should lead the way in reducing
emissions pursuant to "common but differentiated responsibilities." Our position is that
developing countries must also assume binding obligations, but not until after developed
countries (who have caused this problem) have at least begun to make progress themselves.
International Dolphin Conservation Program Act (S.39)
The Administration supports passage of S. 39, the International Dolphin Conservation Program
Act. Senator Trent Lott (R-MS) filed a cloture petition on S. 39 earlier this week, scheduled to
mature today, Friday. In the interim, however, Senator Daschle announced that he would whip
the vote opposing cloture and, more important, would view this issue as a party-line loyalty vote.
Needless to say, this surprise changes the dynamics of the issue significantly.
Senator Daschle will host a meeting next week, that I will attend along with the Departments of
State and Commerce, with all of the interested Senators in a last ditch effort to affect a
compromise. As you may be aware, we have repeatedly attempted to forge a compromise on this
Recycled Paper
THE PRESIDENT
7-21-97
difficult issue without success. Nevertheless, we will participate in the meeting in a good faith
manner, and I will report back to you on the outcome of this effort.
SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES
Metropolitan Sprawl Review
In Detroit during a recent Empowerment Zone conference, the Vice President asked Federal
agencies to look at their programs in terms of how they affect the relationship of cities and
suburbs, and whether they promote sustainable regional growth. This week CEQ hosted an
interagency meeting to begin the analysis requested by the Vice President. CEQ and the
Community Empowerment Board will co-chair a policy review that will seek to identify existing
federal programs or policies that encourage or subsidize suburban sprawl and urban
disinvestment.
American Heritage Rivers Initiative
We continue to make progress in educating the public about the American Heritage Rivers
initiative. Generally supportive editorials from Idaho and Illinois are attached for your review.
On Saturday, July 12, I traveled to Spokane, Washington to address more than 200 members of
the Western States Coalition, an organization of local and state politicians, natural resource
industries and citizens concerned about Western lands. It was a difficult audience (strong
property rights advocates) extremely suspicious of any action taken by the federal government,
but I think we made some progress with the more moderate members of the audience. The
House Resources Committee held an oversight hearing on American Heritage Rivers on
Tuesday, July 15, where Secretary Babbitt, Secretary Glickman, and I presented testimony on
behalf of the Administration.
OTHER
CEO budget
The Senate Appropriations Committee reported out the VA-HUD Appropriations bill this week.
Like the House, the Senate essentially provided CEQ with our fiscal year 1997 budget with a
V
small inflation increase. Unfortunately, this is about $500,000 less than your budget request and
would seriously impair our project to reinvent the National Environmental Policy Act so that it
works better and costs less. We will continue to work with the appropriators to secure the full
budget request.
Recycled Paper
AO JOURNAL STAR, Peoria, Friday, July 18, 1937
JOURNAL STAR
A Copiey Newspaper
John Cannell
Püblisher
Barbars Month Drake
Jack Brimeyer
Shelley Epstein * Mike Bailey
Editorial Page Effiter
Matagings
ditor
Associtite Editor
Associate Editor
Conspiracies and the Illinois River
So, apparently lots of folks are
too (he had a "K" thing); that the
convinced that Bill Clinton's Ameri-
CIA introduced AIDS to homosexu-
can Rivers Heritage initiative is really
als to keep them out of the military;
a United Nations plot to "control all
that Madonna's child is really an
land use." They evoke images of sinis-
alien baby, implanted in her womb
ter black helicopters swooping down
while shooting on location in Roswell,
on unsuspecting farmers, of blue-hel-
N.M.; and that the American media
meted U.N. troops seizing control of
are in cahoots with the feds in a giant
hog confinements and chicken coops,
brainwashing experiment. Interest-
of wild-eyed, hairless, pigmentation-
ingly, most of these people live out
challenged world government types
West, where even county clerks: are
rousting innocent central Illinois fam-
under deep suspicion most of the
llies from their sleep and comman-
time, though we trust a few central II-
deering their homesteads.
linoisans are fringe-dwellers, too.
Now, let's think about this a min-
ute. First, what the U:N. would get if
We think this: if the westerners
it. took over the Illinois River is ton
are so keen on standing idly by while
after ton of muck, which. so far as we
their waterways are steadily robbed
know, doesn't have much practical
of life. it's their funeral Most of us
benefit. They can have it. Second, we
here in central Illinois will take all the
can think of many more effective
help in saving our river that we can
ways to conquer North America than
get. As for those black helicopters,
by barge.
they could land here at the Journal
Finally, we suspect that many of
Star, but we got rid of our heliport
the people who are buying this latest
years ago. Guess we'll just have to
theory also believe that LBJ not only
build another one. That and some-
had JFK killed but RFK and MLK,
piace to house the troops.
TOTAL P.02
IDAHO STATESMAN
Boise. ID
Editorial
Date:
7-15-97
More time needed to build
support for river initiative
The American Heritage Rivers Initiative is
representatives in Congress.
a good program for protecting and enhancing
The recent land grab in Utah is a fresh
ваше of the nation's important waterways. It
wound and a painful reminder of what's
deserves better treatment than it is getting
wrong with federal-state relations. Clinton's
from all sides in our nation's capital
ham-handed designation of the 1.7 million-
Like a fishing line snagged on a log. the imi-
arre Grand Staircase-Escalante National
tistive is tangled up in politics. Some mem-
Monument in southern Utah has not been for-
bars of the House, including Idaho's Rep.
gotten.
Helen Chenoweth are accusing the adminis-
But that's not all. Clinton has proposed. XO-
tration of infringing on Western water policy.
versed and flip-flopped on grasing. mining
President Clinton says be is merely interested
and timber policies BQ many times that many
in revitalizing riverside communities.
Westerners have grown understandably sus-
Setting aside politics, the initiative provides
pícious.
an afficient way for local people to take action
As a result. the rivers initiative program
on behalf of rivers that have environmental,
has spun out of control. To resture Sense and
oultural and economic value. It will stream-
order, the administration needs to extend the
line and focus the federal bureaucracy, mak-
three-month comment period another three
ing it easier for citizens to use the services
months. More time will allow fears - real
paid for with their hard-earned tax money.
and perceived - to be put to Test.
The trouble is that the program appears to
Chenoweth and others have raised ques-
have been rushed into existence. Congress
time about private property rights, federal in-
and the public need more time to study it, as-
trusian and constitutional issues. They de
sess costs and gain the confidence that this
serve answers.
makes good sense.
When the program is better understood, the
It's easy to sea why Clinton's detractors are
American Heritage Rivers Initiative will gain
able to kick up so much dust over a relatively
the Western support it deserves and enable
small issue. The Clinton administration has
communities to clean up and revitalize the
done a tarrible job of gaining the trust and re-
rivers they treasure for jobs, recreation and
spect of many Wasterners, including their
quality of life.
as
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
7-18-97
William Raspberry
A Question of Color
07/18/97 FRI 04:10
This conversation on race that President
Americans) to decide whether they will be
Clinton wants us to have may be a little
"There seems no doubt
"equal" or "special," minority or included?
tougher than some of us thought. I've been
Does he believe, as several readers sug-
having a sort of off-and-on conversation on
that Matteson will soon
gested, that the question of inclusion/exclu-
race in this column for three decades now,
and
sion turns principally on the behavior, prepa-
ration and attitude of blacks and that it is,
copied
Well, let me start at the beginning. I wrote
become virtually an
therefore, a question blacks must answer?
a Fourth of July column in which I talked about
the still existing barriers that keep some black
all-black-(albeit
The few minutes I've just spent trying to
verify that Douglass quote turned up a fistful
The Washington Post
Americans from feeling fully accepted by the
affluent) community and
of other Douglass quotes I could use to advan-
Judy Winston
white-dominated society. It wasn't just action-
able discrimination or overt racism I had in
tage-including his plaint that "in all the
mind but what the late Red Heffner once
relations of life and death, we are met-by the
FRIDAY. JULY 18. 1997
that the black families'
COS
described as sometimes "feeling like a bastard
color line." My purpose, though, is not to win a
at a family reunion."
quest for integration will
debate but to advance mutual understanding.
I thought that might have been a problem
Let me mention again that TV special Tom
for some readers. It apparently wasn't. What
be frustrated.
Brokaw recently did on the-Chicago suburb of
was a problem was my attempt to describe the
Matteson. The story, unusually well told, was
angst some of us feel at times of national
of black Chicagoans, seeking a better life for
celebrations. I likened America to a series of
and success, we shall no longer have any
themselves and their families, moving to for-
ethnise real and relix slands whose in-
trouble in the matter of civil and political
merly white suburbs. These were people with
babitaria. uves tune.
less islanders
rights." Another was rather less subtle.
education, social graces and money. They
and more citizens of the mainland. American-
"Give me a break.
You can be an
could, I am sure, have found nice homes in
ization, I suggested, is the process of depopu-
American and be an individual at the same
Chicago best majority-black neighborhoods.
lating those islands until, finally, they exist
time. It is sad that blacks can't decide what to
But they wanted to leave their ethnic island
only as retreats for such special occasions, as
be called (Negro, colored, black, brown, Afro
St. Patrick's Day or Oktoberfest.
and lay full claim to the America we all hope
Americans), whether to be 'equal' or 'special,'
one day to see.
Among the points I had hoped to make was
minority or included, to move in or live in
that depopulation requires mutuality. Ethnics
ethnic communities."
As it turned out, their new neighbors
may decide to venture from the limiting com-
seemed less interested in the enterprise, in-
Was Douglass right? It seems clear enough
fort of their islands, but they cannot mandate
dustry and success of the newcomers than in
to me that "enterprise, industry and success"
their own acceptance.
their colór. There seems no doubt that Matte-
can take us a long way and are plainly worth
I won't defend the island analogy, or spend
pursuing. But it seems equally obvious that
son will soon become virtually an all-black
much more time explaining it. The purpose of
there have always been enterprising and in-
(albeit affluent) community and that the black
an analogy is to communicate, and if mine
dustrious Americans-by no means all of
families' quest for integration will be frustrat-
doesn't communicate, T'm willing to drop it.
them black who have been constrained to
ed.
But I would like to try again to make the
remain on their ethnic islands.
My complaining readers would have under-
point that so many of my readers missed
I have some sympathy for the man who is
stood instantly if the rebuff had, been enforced
pecially those who took issue with my conclus
exasperated at the frequency with which we
by burning crosses or Klan marches rather
sion
that
real
integration
is
,
question
only
change what we wish to be called: But can be,
than by decent, family loving, likable white
white people can answer,"
truly believe that it is within the power of
people who, nonetheless, couldn't wait to
One gentleman quoted Frederick Douglass: black Americans (that it was, at an earlier
move to a yet more distant suburb.
"When we are noted for enterprise, industry time, within the power of Jewish or Japanese
Isn't this worth talking about?
THE WHITE HOUSE
washington
Date
7/21
To:
Gene Specling
From:
The Staff Secretary
Do you want to puta
Cover note on this before
I torward to PORS. Should
send to him by Wed 7/23.
Phil Caplan
STATEMENT OF EDUCATION
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
THE SECRETARY
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
July 18, 1997
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM: SECRETARY RICHARD W. RILEY
SUBJECT: HOPE AND "LIFELONG LEARNING" TAX CREDITS
I.
SUMMARY
As I briefly mentioned to you yesterday, I think the "real hole" in the House and Senate tax cut plans
is the omission of your 20% tax credit for lifelong learning. It is clear that the 20% tuition tax credit
to serve juniors, seniors, graduate students and lifelong learning was part of the agreement signed
off on by Speaker Gingrich and Majority Leader Lott (see attached letter). Given the urgency of the
situation, your direct involvement to raise national visibility and attention on this issue -- in my
estimation -- is paramount.
I lay out below why this lifelong learning tax credit is so important to the country's future and why
the time is right for you to engage.
II.
DISCUSSION
For years, experts in education, business, and the economy have talked about two impending "sea
changes" in America life: (1) the necessity to change jobs perhaps as many as seven times in a
lifetime to stay employed and support a family; and (2) the critical importance of learning for a
lifetime in order to navigate these changing times and changing skill demands.
The early negative impact of this "sea change" on American families was seen in the "anxiety"
shown in the late 1980s and early 1990s before the strong economic recovery began. Many working
and middle-income families had their confidence eroded in their ability to support themselves and
their families and handle these changes. This fundamental concern is still just below the surface.
That is why a tax credit to help Americans afford access to lifelong learning is absolutely vital as a
way to deal positively with this "sea change."
600 INDEPENDENCE AVE., S.W. WASHINGTON. D.C. 20202-0100
Our mission is to ensure equal access to education and to promote educational excellence throughout the Nation.
IMPORTANCE
The HOPE scholarship is one very important big idea because it will help provide an incentive for many
working and lower middle-income families to send their children to college in the first place. However,
the second "big idea" is the 20% lifelong learning tax credit to affect positively, over the long term, tens
of millions of Americans at critical transitions in their adult lives: (1) help adults go to college to get
additional education and training in order to get ahead or prepare for a change in jobs and skill
requirements; (2) assistance to finish a 4-year degree; and (3) provide an incentive for graduate school
in this education era. In the first year alone, 7,000,000 additional Americans will be helped by the lifelong
learning tax credit -- and in the future, all Americans who return to college would benefit.
The 20% lifelong learning tax credit will result in important advances educationally, economically,
and politically. Each year when taxpayers see their ability to write off 20% of the cost for tuition to
upgrade their education at a college, whether they use it or not, they will feel like someone is on their
side to navigate this changing economy. The American people clearly know that getting more
education and skills at a college or post-secondary institution is the way to get ahead -- that is why
recent surveys show that almost 95% of parents want their kids to go to college. Yet, 75% of
Americans do not have school-age children. So without the 20% tax credit, this group of adults
without school-age children will not realize an important benefit.
The 20% lifelong learning tax credit addresses a huge group of taxpayers, voters and employees who
often may not have an incentive or cannot quite afford to upgrade their education. It could be one of
the major defining issues for you and and your Administration.
TIMING
Because all of the early attention was given to the HOPE tax credit, and now that it is included in the
House and Senate versions, it is only natural that the American public and higher education community
are now just in the very early stages of tuning in to the 20% lifelong learning tax credit. However, the
head of the community colleges, David Pierce, rightfully observed recently that the 20% tax credit is
the "powerful sleeper" in the President's package.
While HOPE is grand for half-time and full-time students in the first two years of college, it doesn't
help those millions of adults who need and want to go back periodically to take an important course or
two at a community or technical college. The lifelong learning tax credit is the "backbone" for access
to "higher education for all Americans."
To lay the groundwork for heightening awareness on this issue, last Friday the U.S. Department of
Education mailed a letter (copy enclosed) to 10,000 leaders of post-secondary institutions, colleges and
universities explaining the importance of the lifelong learning tax credit and sent out to media outlets a
breakout showing how many more persons in their state would benefit from the lifelong learning tax
credit. This week the key leaders in higher education came together and agreed to make a concerted
effort to promote the Clinton lifelong learning credit.
Because of the urgency of raising visibility on the lifelong learning tax credit, we need our President to
get fully and openly involved in engaging the American public and informing them of the positive effect
of the 20% lifelong learning tax credit on the vast majority of adults in America. The groundwork has been
laid for you to mobilize action.
Congress of the United States
Washington, DC 20515
May 15, 1997
The Honorable William J. Clinton
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Mr. President:
We would like to take this opportunity to confirm important aspects of the Balanced Budget
Agreement. It was agreed that the net tax cut shall be $85 billion through 2002 and not more than $250
billion through 2007. We believe these levels provide enough room for important reforms, including
broad-based permanent capital gains tax reductions, significant death tax relief, $500 per child tax credit,
and expansion of IRAs.
In the course of drafting the legislation to implement the balanced budget plan, there are some
additional areas that we want to be sure the committees of jurisdiction consider. Specifically, it was agreed
that the package must include tax relief of roughly $35 billion over five years for post-secondary education,
including a deduction and a tax credit. We believe this package should be consistent with the objectives put
forward in the HOPE scholarship and tuition tax proposals contained in the Administration's FY 1998
budget to assist middle-class parents.
Additionally, the House and Senate Leadership will seek to include various proposals in the
Administration's FY 1998 budget (e.g., the welfare-to-work tax credit, capital gains tax relief for home
sales, the Administration's EZ/EC proposals, brownfields legislation, FSC software, and tax incentives
designed to spur economic growth in the District of Columbia), as well as various pending congressional
tax proposals.
In this context, it should be noted that the tax-writing committees will be required to balance the
interests and desires of many parties in crafting tax legislation within the context of the net tax reduction
goals which have been adopted, while at the same time protecting the interests of taxpayers generally.
We stand to work with you toward these ends. Thank you very much for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
NovtDign Newt Gingrich
Trent Lott
Speaker
Senate Majority Leader
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER 25
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
D I 3
THE SECRETARY
July 1997
Dear College President:
I am writing to inform you of President Clinton's tax cut proposal which he unveiled on Monday,
June 30. As the President's proposals were being considered over the past six months, you and
your colleagues made suggestions for improvement, and the President responded with changes
that have made his plan stronger and more progressive: the tax credit is no longer offset by Pell
Grants; the grade requirement was replaced with "satisfactory academic progress," making it
consistent with the Federal student aid programs; and now the deduction has been shifted to a
more progressive 20 percent tax credit. With your help, we have a solid plan that offers
opportunity in the rapidly changing economy by helping people improve their education and
upgrade their skills throughout their lives.
In the next few weeks, Congress will consider three versions of tax cuts. The President's
proposal provides two-thirds of the tax cuts to the middle sixty percent of families - more than
twice the share that the House and Senate plans provide for these families. If we act now, we can
secure these important tax cuts for working families.
For higher education, the difference is clear. The President's plan will provide help to seven
million more students in 1998 than the House and Senate passed plans. because the President's
plan is the only one on the table that offers tax relief for families paying tuition out-of-pocket for:
Juniors and seniors
Part-time students seeking to improve or acquire job skills
Graduate students
The President's proposal helps these students by providing a 20 percent tuition credit on expenses
up to $5,000 initially and $10,000 beginning in 2001. At a time when older workers need to
improve their education and upgrade their skills, it is critical that the education tax cuts promote
lifelong learning.
The President's proposal makes the 13th and 14th years of education the first two years of
college universally available by providing a modified two-year $1,500 HOPE Scholarship. First
and second-year students would receive a 100% credit for the first $1,000 of tuition and fees plus
50% of the next $1,000. A student going to a typical community college with tuition of $1,200
would receive a $1,100 credit under the President's proposal. After 2002, the tax credit would
increase to $2,000: 100% of the first $1,500 and 50% of the next $1,000.
President Clinton's tax plan incorporates other higher education provisions that have broad-based
bipartisan support, including: a permanent extension of the tax preference for employer-provided
600 INDEPENDENCE AVE.. S.W. WASHINGTON. D.C. 20202-0100
Our mission is to ensure equal access to education and to promote educational excellence throughout the Nation.
President Clinton's Higher Education Tax Cuts:
Greater Benefits for More Families
While providing the greatest help in the first two years, the Administration's plan has always gone much farther,
granting a substantial tax cut for virtually any investment in postsecondary education or training. Unlike the
Congressional plans, the President's tax credits cover more types and ages of postsecondary students, including:
part-time students (less than half-time) seeking to improve or acquire job skills;
students beyond their first two years of undergraduate study;
graduate students.
Although the Administration, House and Senate plans all provide modest assistance for students who borrow or
families who have special education savings accounts, for many situations that families find themselves in, the
House and Senate plans provide little or no help. Consider the following:
Tuition Tax Credits Under Various
President
House Plan
Senate Plan
Situations
Two kids in college: Married couple,
$60,000 income, with two kids in college:
$2,500
$1,100
$1,500
one at a community college with $2,000
($3,500 after
tuition and $200 books, the other a junior at
year 2000)
a private college with $10,000 tuition.
Divorced parent, same income: Single
parent with $50,000 income, one child
$1,100
$0
$0
going to an average community college full-
time ($1,200 tuition and fees)
Returning to school less than half-time:
Family with $30,000 income, one parent
$400
$0
$0
going to a public four-year college part-time
to change careers ($2,000 tuition and fees)
Child is beyond first two years: Family
$1,000
with $40,000 income, one child is junior at
($2,000 after
$0
$0
average private college ($12,000 tuition and
year 2000)
fees)
Returning to school full-time to become a
teacher: Homemaker, family income of
$70,000, attending graduate teacher training
$700
$0
$0
program at public university after being out
of college for 20 years ($3,500 tuition).
Graduate student: Single graduate student
with $15,000 income and tuition of
$1,000
$0
$0
$15,000.
PRESIDENT CLINTON'S
HIGHER EDUCATION
TAX CUTS
The President's Hope Scholarship and
Tuition Tax Credit Help 12.6 Million Students --
7 Million More Students than Congressional Versions
SUMMARY DOCUMENTS
July 8, 1997
A Comparison: Higher Education Tax Cuts
HOPE Scholarship and
Tuition Tax Credit
President
House
Senate
Students in their first two
100% tax credit on the first
50% tax credit on up to
75% tax credit on up to
years of college,
$1,000 of tuition and
$3,000 on tuition, required
$2,000 for community
attending at least half-
required fees, 50% on next
fees, books, and supplies.
colleges; 50% tax credit
time
$1,000. After 2002, a
on up to $3,000 for
100% credit on first $1,500
other institutions for
and 50% on the next
tuition, required fees,
$1,000.
books, and supplies.
Students beyond the first
20% tax credit on up to
None
None
two years, enrolled at
$5,000 in 1998 and up to
least half-time
$10,000 starting in 2001.
Graduate students
20% tax credit on up to
None
None
$5,000; up to $10,000
starting in 2001.
Part-time (less than half-
20% tax credit on up to
None
None
time) students seeking to
$5,000; up to $10,000
acquire or improve job
starting in 2001.
skills
5-year revenue cost:
$35 billion
$22 billion
$20 billion
Estimated number of
12.6 million
5.6 million
5.6 million
beneficiaries in 1999
Other provisions
Administration
House
Senate
Employer-provided
Permanent extension for
Six month extension, only
Permanent extension for
education assistance
graduate and
for undergraduates.
graduate and
(Section 127)
undergraduate courses.
undergraduate courses.
10% Small Business
Credit.
Student loan interest
Up to $2,500 may be
None
Up to $2,500 may be
deduction
deducted each year for five
deducted each year for
years of repayment.
five years of repayment.
Other provisions
Administration
House
Senate
Savings incentives
Penalty-free IRA
Penalty-free IRA
Penalty-free IRA
withdrawals for higher
withdrawals for higher
withdrawals for higher
education.
education.
education.
Optional Kidsave
Education investment
Requires contributions
education accounts.
accounts and new qualified
to Educational IRAs or
Maximum per-child
tuition programs. Maximum
qualified tuition plans
contribution of child credit
per-child contribution $5,000
for parents to obtain the
plus $500 each year.
each year, $50,00 total.
child credit for children
Earnings free from tax if
Earnings used for higher
13 and over.
used for various purposes
education not taxed (subject
including child's
to limits).
postsecondary tuition and
Education IRAs and
fees.
expanded qualified
tuition programs; tax-
free distributions for
educational expenses.
Maximum per-child
contribution $2,000 plus
child credit each year
(no limits on State-
sponsored plans).
President Clinton's Higher Education Tax Cut Proposal
A Fact Sheet
President Clinton's HOPE Scholarship and 20% Tuition Tax Credit help 12.6 million students and their
families - seven million more students than under Congressional versions. While all of the plans
encourage saving and help with student loan payments, only the Administration's proposal provides tax credits
to working families who use their earnings to pay for college beyond the first two years, for part-time study to
improve or acquire job skills, or graduate study. The higher education tax cut plans passed by the House and
Senate are limited in their scope, providing some of the largest benefits to higher-income families who can
afford to save large amounts.
HOPE Scholarship. A maximum $1,500 credit for the first two years of postsecondary education. Students
attending on at least a half-time basis would receive a 100% credit for the first $1,000 of tuition and required
fees and a 50% credit for up to the next $1,000. For example, a student attending a community college with
tuition costs of $1,400 would receive a $1,200 HOPE Scholarship. Scholarships would be phased out for
joint filers with income between $80,000 and $100,000, and for single filers with income between $50,000
and $70,000. After 2002, the HOPE Scholarship increases to a 100% credit for the first $1,500 and a 50%
credit for the next $1,000 of tuition and required fees.
20% Tuition Tax Credit. Undergraduates beyond their first two years, graduate students, plus working
people going to school part-time to improve or acquire job skills, would benefit from a 20% tax credit on the
first $5,000 of tuition and required fees through the year 2000 and after 2000 a 20% tax credit on the first
$10,000 of tuition and required fees. The credit would be phased out at the same income levels as HOPE.
Education and Retirement Savings Accounts. Allows penalty-free IRA withdrawals for undergraduate,
post-secondary vocational, and graduate education expenses. Additionally, taxpayers eligible for the child
tax credit are given the opportunity to deposit their child tax credit plus an additional $500, in a Kidsave
Account for the child's education, first-time home purchase or the taxpayer's retirement. Earnings would
accumulate tax-free in the Kidsave Account and no taxes would be due upon withdrawal for an approved
purpose.
Employer-Provided Education Benefits. Extends permanently Section 127 of the tax code, which allows
people to exclude $5,250 of employer-provided education benefits from their taxable income. Eligibility
for graduate education benefits would be reinstated retroactively back to June 30, 1996, with both
undergraduate and graduate education eligible in the future. Additionally, a 10% employer credit for small
business training is included. This credit would apply to payments made to third parties to cover expenses
of education for employees under employer-provided education assistance programs. The credit would be
available to employers with average annual gross receipts of $10 million or less for the prior three years.
Student Loan Interest Deduction. Allows a deduction for up to $2,500 per year of interest on education
loans for expenses of students enrolled at an institution of higher education. The deduction would be
allowed for the first 60 months interest is due on a loan. The deduction would phase out for taxpayers
making between $45,000 and $65,000 ($65,000 and $85,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly). This
deduction would be available even if the taxpayer does not itemize deductions.
Community Service Loan Forgiveness. In most circumstances, a loan that is forgiven is considered income
and is therefore taxable. To encourage programs that offer loan forgiveness to borrowers who take lower-
paying, community-service jobs, loan amounts forgiven through programs run by nonprofit tax-exempt
charitable or educational institutions, and loans forgiven under the Direct Loan Program's income-
contingent repayment program, would be excluded from income. Currently, the exclusion generally covers
only certain forgiveness arrangements between students and government entities.
Repeal Cap on Tax Exempt Bond Issuance by Colleges and Universities. Repeals the $150 million bond
cap that affects private higher education institutions and certain other charitable institutions. The repeal
would apply to tax-exempt bonds issued by these institutions to finance new capital expenditures.
Distribution of Higher Education Tuition Tax Credits by Student's State of Legal Residence 1/
(Beneficiary Calculations FY 1998/Dollar Amounts FY 1999)
Dollar Difference:
Number of Beneficiaries 2/
Dollar Amounts of Benefits
(in millions)
(in thousands)
(in millions)
President Compared to
President
House/Senate
Difference
President
House
Senate
House
Senate
Alabama
195
87
108
$111.6
$78.2
$72.3
$33.4
$39.3
Alaska
27
12
15
15.4
10.6
9.8
4.8
5.6
Arizona
244
108
136
139.4
97.0
89.6
42.4
49.8
Arkansas
79
36
43
45.3
32.0
29.5
13.4
15.8
California
1,654
733
922
944.9
655.9
605.8
289.0
339.1
Colorado
219
97
122
125.0
86.7
80.0
38.3
44.9
Connecticut
149
66
83
85.1
58.8
54.2
26.3
30.9
Delaware
42
18
23
23.8
16.4
15.2
7.4
8.7
District of Columbia
74
32
41
42.0
28.9
26.7
13.1
15.3
Florida
553
246
306
316.1
220.6
203.8
95.5
112.3
Georgia
266
119
147
152.0
106.3
98.2
45.7
53.8
Hawaii
61
27
34
35.0
24.1
22.2
10.9
12.8
Idaho
51
23
28
29.3
20.6
19.0
8.8
10.3
Illinois
669
296
374
382.2
264.6
244.4
117.6
137.8
Indiana
259
115
144
148.2
103.1
95.3
45.1
52.9
lowe
150
67
83
85.9
59.9
55.4
25.9
30.5
Kansas
151
67
84
86.5
60.2
55.6
26.3
30.9
Kentucky
154
69
85
88.3
61.9
57.2
26.3
31.0
Louisiana
166
75
91
94.9
67.0
62.0
27.9
33.0
Maine
50
22
28
28.7
20.0
18.5
8.7
10.3
Maryland
243
108
136
138.9
96.2
88.9
42.7
50.1
Massachusetts
383
169
214
218.4
151.2
139.6
67.3
78.9
Michigan
493
219
274
281.4
195.6
180.7
85.8
100.7
Minnesota
258
115
143
147.4
102.5
94.7
44.9
52.7
Mississippi
97
44
53
55.4
39.3
36.3
16.2
19.1
Missouri
259
115
144
148.3
103.3
95.4
45.0
52.9
Montana
32
15
18
18.6
13.1
12.1
5.4
6.4
Nebraska
104
46
58
59.2
41.1
38.0
18.0
21.2
Nevada
61
27
34
34.5
23.8
22.0
10.7
12.6
New Hampshire
57
25
32
32.8
22.7
21.0
10.1
11.8
New Jersey
304
134
169
173.5
120.3
111.1
53.2
62.4
New Mexico
87
39
48
49.9
35.0
32.3
15.0
17.6
New York
897
402
495
513.5
360.0
332.7
153.5
180.7
North Carolina
333
148
186
190.4
132.1
122.0
58.3
68.3
North Dakota
34
15
19
19.3
13.5
12.5
5.7
6.7
Ohio
482
214
267
275.2
191.9
177.3
83.3
97.9
Oklahoma
156
70
86
89.1
62.6
57.8
26.5
31.3
Oregon
147
65
82
84.2
58.5
54.0
25.7
30.2
Pennsylvania
545
242
303
311.3
216.5
200.0
94.8
111.4
Rhode Island
67
30
37
38.4
26.6
24.6
11.7
13.8
South Carolina
150
67
83
85.9
60.0
55.4
25.9
30.5
South Dakota
31
14
17
17.6
12.4
11.5
5.2
6.1
Tennessee
212
94
117
121.1
84.5
78.1
36.6
43.0
Texas
841
374
467
480.5
334.8
309.3
145.7
171.2
Utah
126
56
70
72.3
50.5
46.7
21.8
25.6
Vermont
31
14
17
18.0
12.5
11.6
5.5
6.4
Virginia
321
142
179
183.3
127.1
117.4
56.2
65.9
Washington
255
113
142
145.8
101.3
93.6
44.5
52.3
West Virginia
75
34
41
42.8
30.0
27.7
12.8
15.1
Wisconsin
277
122
155
158.2
109.6
101.2
48.6
57.0
Wyoming
27
12
15
15.4
10.7
9.9
4.7
5.5
US Totals
12,600
5,600
7,000
$7,200.0
$5,012.0
$4,630.0
$2,188.0
$2,570.0
1/ Includes HOPE Scholarship plans and the President's 20% tax credit for lifelong learning.
Calculations do not include interest deductions and tax benefits that could be received
in outyears from savings incentives in all three plans.
2/ The number of beneficiaries is the same under the House and Senate plans, though the amounts of benefits differ.
Source: Education Department estimates based on State-level enrollment and Pell Grant recipient data.
Methodology of State-by-State Analysis
Using a nationally-representative sample of postsecondary students and data on Pell Grant recipients, an
estimate was derived for the proportion of the total national number of recipients of the tax benefit in 1998.
Using that ratio, the number of recipients for each State was determined. Based on the Joint Tax Committee
and Treasury revenue estimates of the three plans for 1999, a dollar amount for each State was derived using the
same ratio as the State/national number of beneficiaries.
JUL-17-97 THU 11:39
STANDARD REGISTER
Send to Doislays?
V
Y s
no
Standard Register.
FAX TR
Agency.com
V
to
NAME Carolyn Huber
COMPANY The white House
FAX NO:
7
NUMBER OF PAGES TO FOLLOW
I
from
NAME Nancy-Jempleton
THE STANDARD REGISTER COMPANY
3655 SOUTH SCHOOL
FAYETTEVILLE AR 72701-8027
TELEPHONE NO: (501) 521-6900
FAX NO: (501) 582-6988
Carolyn, l got put on the spot by Iteddies
cousin! Could you please fax this to
the Military. Thanks!
Nancy
3655 South School
Fayerteville. AR 72701-8027
1
Withdrawal/Redaction Sheet
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. letter
[Personally Identifiable Information] [partial] (1 page)
07/16/1997
b(6)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Staff Secretary
Todd Stern
OA/Box Number: 10304
FOLDER TITLE:
Chron Files: Monday, July 21, 1997
2190-0774-S
rs3362
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
JUL-17-97 THU 11:40
STANDARD REGISTER
FAX NO. 5015826988
P.02/02
07/17/1997 12:54
77063871027706387101
PAKMAIL
PAGE 02
July 16, 1997
Mr. President & Mrs. Bill Clinton:
We are writing on behalf of our daughter. Airman 1st Class
Krista B. Jeter #
(b)(6)
Krista is presently stationed at Goodfellow Air Force Base in
San Angelo, TX, with the 316th TRS, after completing the Defense
Language Institute at the Presidio of Monterey, Calif. as a Korean
Linguist.
She is married with a 10 1/2 month old child, Thomas, but is
currently filing for divorce, which is in the best interest of her
and our grandson.
Krista was given her orders in May 1996, to report to Ft.
Meade, MD, after completion of her schooling, which will be
September 1997. On July 14th 1997, she was issued new orders to
report to Osan Air Base in Korea on October 10, 1997, for a one
year stint. These new orders were brought about by one of her
teachers at Goodfellow who pushed to have all students go to Korea.
To fulfill this one year tour of duty in Korea, she can not
take her son with her, which is understandable because of the
volatility of that country. But because of her personal life at
this point. it would mean giving custody of the baby to her
husband, who is incapable and unable to care for any child right
now. It could also stop the divorce process and hurt her rights of
sole custody of the baby.
Krista is willing to serve her tour of duty in Korea at a
later date, when she can feel her child is being cared for
properly. She would then be able to leave Thomas with my husband
and myself for the year.
We have, as parents, tried to teach, by example, good
parenting skills and we feel she is trying to parent BE best she
can, but the military system puts lots of roadblocks in the way of
female recruits, who also happen to be parents.
I was raised in the small town of Prairie Grove, Arkansas,
with traditional family values and love of friends and family,
which I've instilled in Krista. Her father and I are very proud of
her accomplishments in and out of the military. She is a very
ambitious and intelligent young lady and we feel an asset to our
country.
If you have any suggestions that would assist her in
fulfilling both military and parenting roles, please, please
contact us.
We thank you very much for taking the time to listen to us and
appreciate anything you may suggest.
Homas Sincerely, Kathbar Templeton
Thomas & Kathleen Templeton Wilson
3641 Elderberry Court
Snellville, GA 30078
(770) 985-4523
'97 JUL 15PM8:31
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEM
PRESIDENT WILLIAM J. CLINTON
FAMILY-FRIENDLY INTERNET EVENT
OLD EXECUTIVE OFFICE BUILDING
JULY 16, 1997
p2,6,7 P 6,
Cc: Laura Copps
Acknowledgments: VP Gore; Lois Jean White, Pres.,
[PT4 ]
National Parent-Teachers Assoc.; Steve Case, CEO,
SEN. LEAHY WYDEN
America Online.
MURRAY
SEC. DALEY
REP. GOODLATTE
GORDON
REP. BOUCHER
FTC comm. VARNET
WHITE
LOFGREN
ACTING DEP. ATTY. GEN WAXMAN
MARKEY
ESHOO
The Internet has sparked a revolution every bit as
profound as the one the printing press launched in the
15th century. Today, at the click of a mouse, children can
tap into the tremendous resources of the Library of
Congress, tour a great museum, or communicate with
classrooms around the world. The Internet even allows us
to journey beyond the Earth. Since July 4, NASA's Mars
Pathfinder web site has received more than 27 million
visits. The Internet has truly come of age.
- 1 -
But, as we all know, the Internet has some material
that is clearly inappropriate for children. Before parents
can feel truly comfortable with this new medium, we need
to know that when our children log onto the Internet to get
a look at the Red Planet they won't end up in a red-light
district. We need to know our children -- and our values -
- are safe in cyberspace.
)
After
Last month, the Supreme Court struck down major
cortners
JUNE
CIFOR
portions of the Communications Decency Act. -Dut this
a
PROTECT
CALLVREN
aw
INTERNET,
ENC
does an end to our efforts. To move for ward,
we
brought together industry leaders and groups
representing teachers, parents, and librarians. to Queen
This
unus
- 2 -
my
This morning, sketched out a new plan to pave the
way to a family-friendly Internet without paving over our
Constitutional guarantees of free speech and free
expression.
Our plan has three components: new technologies,
vigilant enforcement of existing laws, and the active
participation of parents.
First, technology. As you've heard already, the
computer industry is developing a whole toolbox full of
technologies that can do for the Internet what the v-chip
will do for television.
-3-
Some of these tools are already in wide use, giving
parents the power to lock digital doors to objectionable
then
content., Now we must make these tools available to
every parent and teacher in America.
Today, several industry leaders are helping us take
major steps in that direction.
I am pleased to announce, first, that Netscape
Communications has committed to add family-friendly
controls to the next release of its popular Internet browser.
Parents who use the Netscape browser to explore the
Internet will be able to tell the browser precisely what
types of materials they don't want their children to see.
- 4 -
Microsoft, which also offers a popular Internet
browser, has already incorporated this technology.
Therefore, with Netscape's pledge today, we now have
assurance that 90 percent of all software used to explore
the Internet will have family-friendly controls built right
in. It is also important to note that all of the major
companies that offer Internet service now provide some
form of family-friendly controls, and I commend them for
that
For family-friendly controls to work to their full
potential, we also need to encourage every Internet site --
whether or not it has material that is harmful for young
children -- to label its own content, as the Vice President
described a few minutes ago.
- 5 -
To help speed the labeling process along, several
Internet search engines -- they're like giant Yellow Pages
in cyberspace -- will begin to ask that all web sites label
content when applying for a spot in their directories.
Thank you to Yahoo, Excite, and Lycos [LIE-kose] for
this important commitment. You are helping greatly to
BECOME
assure that self-labeling will Be standard practice in no
When it Comes to protecting our children in
cyberspace, we cannot rely on technology alone. That IS
Bey techning
why the second part of our plan calls for the strict
enforcement of our existing anti-stalking, child
pornography, and obscenity laws in cyberspace.
- 6 -
In the past three months alone, the FBI has expanded
by 50% the staff committed to investigating computer-
related exploitation of minors
established a task force to target computer child
pornography and solicitation. In the past six months, the
Department of Justice has increased the number of
lawyers working in its Child Exploitation and Obscenity
Section by 50%. This Administration will not allow child
EXPLOIT THIS MEDIUM TO
pornographers and pedophiles to divert the Internet to
ABUSE OUR CHILDREN
their immoral ends.
Above all else, responsibility for our children's safety
belongs to parents.
- 7 -
Cutting-edge technology and criminal prosecutions
cannot substitute for caring mothers and fathers. Parents
simply must make the commitment to sit down with their
children and learn, together, about the benefits and
challenges the Internet offers. We are giving you new
tools to protect your children; now it's up to you to invest
the time to put them to good use.
Today, thanks to the creativity and commitments of
many of you assembled here today, we have taken
constructive steps toward assuring a family-friendly
Internet. But we still have much to do.
- 8 -
Parents groups and educators must work to hone our
labeling systems to help screen out the materials we don't
want our children to see. And, with equal energy, you
must help highlight the materials that serve our children
best.
The Internet community must work to make Internet
labels as common as food labels are today. You must
continue to expand access to family-friendly tools,
including software to protect children's privacy from
unscrupulous vendors. And, on behalf of those of us who
are less technologically adept, you must make your tools
Casy for us parents to use.
- 9 -
With a combination of technology, law enforcement,
and parental responsibility, we can -- and will -- ensure
that the Internet is both safe and rewarding for all
Grunch & Rug
children. Together, we can shape the Internet into one of
the greatest educational resources ever known.
- 10 -
THE WHITE HOUSE
washington
Date 7/21
To:
Don Kerrick
From:
The Staff Secretary
We received this letter Iron
President Carter this morning.
I think the President should
see it tomorrow lurry his
office time, but I think a cover
memo from NSC would be
appropriate --update on the Pession bill.
Phol Caplen
Staff
97JUL21
\
See
JIMMY CARTER
7/16/97
To President Bill Clinton
I was with a Paige Large group
of Christian Feaders Lefader Past Last night,
who are deeply Concerned about
Russias move to restrict Sechnely
The activities of evangelicals.
This Pegislation, spon soved by
The Russian Orthodox church,
IS now being Considered by
President Yeltsin
All of us hope That you
will intercede strongly on
behalf of religious freedom
in Russia-
Best Wishes,
timmy
THE WHITE HOUSE
Date 7/21
To:
Dan Tarrllo
From:
The Staff Secretary
It seems a little silly
to do a thank you for in 8-wek
old pro-forma letter/mport.
POTES and Browner have a lot I
water under the bridge since
Unless you bel strongly. I'd
just Irrget it. Pail
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
JUL 18 1997
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
DANIEL K. TARULLO DKI
SUBJECT:
Letter responding to US EPA Administrator's report
on meeting w/ Environmental Ministers of Nations
of the Eight & reports about Climate
Change/Environment
Purpose
Thank Administrator Browner for the summary of the May 1997 Miami
meeting of the Eight's Environmental Ministers and the text of
the Declaration on Children's Environmental Health. Your
response informs her of the progress made on environmental issues
at the Denver Summit of the Eight and encourages her continued
support on issues of climate change and development of export
credit agency guidelines.
RECOMMENDATION
That you sign the letter at Tab I.
Approve
Disapprove
Attachments
Tab I Letter to EPA Administrator Carol Browner
Tab II Incoming from Administrator Carol Browner
CC: Vice President
Chief of Staff
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Dear Carol,
Thank you for your note summarizing the Miami meeting with
your counterparts from the Eight. I was pleased that you were
able to forge a consensus among the Eight of the health threats
posed to children from environmental hazards.
As you probably know, environmental issues were prominent in
our discussions at Denver. We made progress on forging common
principles and strategies on many issues -- forests, oceans,
freshwater and reform of UN environmental institutions. Over the
next year, we have much work to do in two important areas:
addressing climate change and developing common guidelines for
export credit agencies. I thank you for your hard work on these
issues, and look forward to your continued efforts on this
important agenda in the coming months.
Sincerely,
Ms. Carol M. Browner
Administrator
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
JoH Sec.
SINCE 1876
President Bill Clinton
1997
The White House
1600
7/21/97
Send to Dosland?
Yes
oyed
and
shoe
on
no
our
Ageny Unison
e-
O
ins
ive
corning and
1 300 workers and make approxi-
mately 800 pairs per day of women's dress shoes.
Our strategy is to reposition our distribution away
from our traditional but rapidly disappearing base
of independent retailers to the department stores
and mass merchandisers and eventually to the top
quartile of shoe stores. Once this strategy is
fully implemented, we estimate the daily production
demand to be 4,000 to 4,500 pairs, which will
increase employment by 500 to 700 as well as a need
for an expansion of our production facilities.
Importantly, we must remain competitive with off-
shore resources.
To execute this repositioning we will require
assistance and funding to retrain our current work
force, to hire and train additional workers, and
improve professionalism throughout the organization.
I would very much appreciate your help in directing
me to the appropriate Federal agency (ies) that provide
such funding and assistance to the domestic footwear
resources such as Johansen Brothers Shoe Company.
JOHANSEN BROS. SHOE C O., INC.
1915 W. Main St.
Corning, Arkansas 72422-2499
1-800-624-9079
FAX (501) 857-5222
JoH Sec.
Johanssn
SINCE 1876
President Bill Clinton
July 16, 1997
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D. C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
As you may be aware, my company recently employed
Mr. Marvin Haber as Vice President Marketing and
Sales. Mr. Haber is a 40 year veteran of the shoe
industry, of which 20 years were spent with Don
Munro of Hot Springs, Arkansas, and brings to our
company the necessary expertise to begin the re-
positioning and growth we must have in order to
survive.
Our company was founded 121 years ago and remains
a family owned, Arkansas based business. We have
two (2) manufacturing facilities -- Corning and
Harrisburg. We employ 300 workers and make approxi-
mately 800 pairs per day of women's dress shoes.
Our strategy is to reposition our distribution away
from our traditional but rapidly disappearing base
of independent retailers to the department stores
and mass merchandisers and eventually to the top
quartile of shoe stores. Once this strategy is
fully implemented, we estimate the daily production
demand to be 4,000 to 4,500 pairs, which will
increase employment by 500 to 700 as well as a need
for an expansion of our production facilities.
Importantly, we must remain competitive with off-
shore resources.
To execute this repositioning we will require
assistance and funding to retrain our current work
force, to hire and train additional workers, and
improve professionalism throughout the organization.
I would very much appreciate your help in directing
me to the appropriate Federal agency (ies) that provide
such funding and assistance to the domestic footwear
resources such as Johansen Brothers Shoe Company.
JOHANSEN BROS. SHOE C O., INC.
1915 W. Main St.
Corning, Arkansas 72422-2499
1-800-624-9079
FAX (501) 857-5222
Johanssn
SINCE 1876
Further, we will seek similar advice at the state
level as well as to seek capital funds from private
institutions.
Thank you for your help in this matter. If I may be
of further assistance, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Paul E Johansen, Jr.
President
- 2 -
JOHANSEN BROS. SHOE C O., INC.
1915 W. Main St. . Corning, Arkansas 72422-2499 . 1-800-624-9079 . FAX (501) 857-5222
Mayor
Bob Kramer
CITY OF BURBANK
Council Members
Ted McConkey
Vice Mayor
Stacey Murphy
Dave Golonski
OFFICE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Bill Wiggins
'97 JUL 18PM3:02
July 9, 1997
Betty Currie
Secretary to the President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Ms. Currie:
On June 30, 1997, I extended an invitation to President Clinton to deliver the
Keynote Address at the dedication ceremony for the City of Burbank's Police-Fire
Headquarters building (see attached letter).
I realize that President Clinton receives hundreds of invitations weekly to attend
worthwhile national and international events, but I believe this dedication ceremony
is worthy of the President's consideration as it is consistent with his law enforcement
stance. The ceremony will also provide Burbank's 100,000 residents with an
opportunity to show their support for President Clinton's efforts.
I would respectfully request that you bring this letter to President Clinton's attention.
If I can provide you with any additional information on this event, please feel free to
call me at (818) 238-5751 or my Chief of Staff, Chris Foss at (818) 238-5820.
Sincerely,
7/18/97
Bob Problem Kramer
Mayor
Send to Scheduling? Yes
BK:CF:kt
no
Attachment
printed ON res recycled paper
275 E. Olive Avenue P.O. Box 6459 . Burbank, California 91510-6459 (818) 238-5751 FAX (818) 238-5757
0
Mayor
Bob Kramer
CITY OF BURBANK
Council Members
Ted McConkey
Vice Mayor
Stacey Murpor
Date Golonski
OFFICE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Bill Wiggins
June 30, 1997
The Honorable William J. Clinton
President of the United States of America
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President:
On behalf of the citizens of the City of Burbank, I would like to invite you to deliver
the keynote address for the dedication of our new Police/Fire Headquarters building.
The City of Burbank, as home to The Walt Disney Company, Warner Bros., and NBC,
has a well-deserved reputation as the COMMUNITY OF CHOICE in Southern
California. We have employment, housing, and recreational opportunities that are
unsurpassed, and our residents have come to expect the finest police and fire
services in the country. Our new 120,000 square foot Police/Fire Headquarters will
be the centerpiece of our new Civic Center and will provide the men and women of
our safety services with a state-of-the-art building to meet the community's needs
well into the 21st century.
I believe that your presence at our dedication facility will remind our residents, as well
as those around the country, of the commitment safety employees make to their
communities on a daily basis 365 days per year. It could also help focus attention
on those communities that are making a difference and providing a safe environment
for today and the future.
The dedication facility has been tentatively scheduled between October 30 and
November 7, 1997, depending on your availability. The details of the event (time and
length of the ceremony, etc) could be arranged to meet your scheduling requirements.
My staff will work closely with your scheduling office to make all of the necessary
arrangements for your visit.
0 printed mirkle puper I
275 E. Olive Avenue P.O. Box 6459 Burbank, California 91510-6459 (818) 238-5751 F.A.Y (818) 238-5-57
I hope that you will accept our invitation to participate in the dedication ceremonies.
Burbank is a special community, and I would like to share a little piece of it with you.
If you have any questions about this letter or the dedication ceremony, please feel
free to contact me at (818) 238-5751 or Robert R. "Bud" Ovrom, City Manager, at
(818) 238-5800.
Sincerely,
Bob Roblen Kramer
Mayor
BK:ch
kramer\clinton
'97 JUL 21 AM7:40
STANLEY GLANZ
JIM C. HELM
SHERIFF
CHIEF DEPUTY
WILLIAM R. THOMPSON
TULSA COUNTY SHERIFF
ROBERT L. MACKECHNEY
UNDERSHERIFF
500 S. DENVER
CHIEF DEPUTY
TULSA, OKLAHOMA 74103-3832
(918) 596-5601
July 15, 1997
The President of the United States
The White House Office
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
Let me introduce myself, I am Deputy Sheriff Roy Cannon, Tulsa County Sheriff's Office in Tulsa,
Oklahoma. Deputy Jared Upton and myself are Post Advisors of the Tulsa County Sheriff's Law
Enforcement Explorer Program. We will be visiting Washington, D.C. from July 20-25, 1998, for the
National Exploring Conference held at Maryland State University. We will be bringing eight Explorers
between the ages of 14 to 18 and six adults to attend the conference. We are very aware that your time is very
limited, however, we need just 10 minutes of your time to meet you and possibly take some photos with you
and the children.
Sir, we would be more than grateful to come a week early or stay a week longer if these dates are not
an opportune time for you. We realize your time is very valuable, however, we feel this would be the perfect
boost needed for our program to become a beacon to lead children who want to participate. Law
Enforcement today could use more programs to keep our youth focused on the "positive" instead of worrying
about peer pressure and gang violence. In addition, we intend to send a copy of the photos to our local press
once we return home. If you foresee a possibly problem with any of the ideas we have enlisted, please let us
know. We would appreciate your time and consideration. Please let us know if you are able to help us out in
any way.
Very Respectfully yours,
Roy Canner
Roy Cannon,
7/21/97
Deputy Sheriff
Phil -
cc:
Todd Stern, Assistant to the President
Deputy Assistant in Charge of Scheduling Appointments
Please note dates
Jim Inhofe, Senator
Stanley Glanz, Sheriff
Send tx Scheduling?
Yes
no
Form 878-A (Rev. 9-96)
J
THE WHITE house
WASHINGTON
Date 7/21
To:
Micky Ibana
From:
The Staff Secretary
You should work with
Jim Dorskind's affice on
coordination a reply to the
attached.
Phil Caplen
CC: Jim Dorskind
MARK R. NICHOLS
Through
July 15, 1997
PERSONAL
President William J. Clinton
The White House
'97 JUL 18PM9:21
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20500
Attention: Nancy Hernreich
Dear President Clinton:
On a couple of occasions I have mentioned the Cabazon tribe's and my own personal interest in
South Pacific affairs. We have been working for some time towards empowering the indigenous
people of the Mariana Islands.
Last year, Chairman James and I participated in a mission to the island and have had
delegations visit as our guests here in the United States. As part of our diplomatic efforts,
meetings have been held with Representative Underwood and members of the Tao Tao Guam
Association, the Chamorro Nation and the Indigenous Land Owners Association. We have had
brief discussions with Governor Guttierez and many others. As a result of our technical
assistance, a substantial number of the indigenous Chamorro peoples have adopted a
constitution and have come to identify themselves as the Chamorro Tribe of the Marinas. It is
my understanding that they have now enrolled approximately 5,000 members and the various
indigenous groups have begun to coalesce into one unified voice. Our continued monitoring of
events on Guam has shown that a shift within the political spectrum has occurred and the
tribal membership has grown exponentially with a desire and focus on the need for a Chamorro
referendum, indigenous rights and future of their land. My last discussion with Governor
Guttierez has indicated that he has serious inclinations towards independence, and others
report that the Bishop of the Catholic Church on Guam has shifted on his position.
The Cabazon Band has been invited and elected to undertake a second mission to the island.
We are planning to be there from approximately July 28th through August 4th, and will be
meeting with representatives from each of the indigenous peoples organizations, as well as
visiting with the Governors of Saipan, Rota, Guam, and various other elected leaders.
It is our hope you would dispatch a representative from your office to accompany us and to meet
with these indigenous people in order to start receiving an appropriate level of feedback from
this disenfranchised element on the island. One of the criticisms that has been referred to in
the past has centered on the fact that the Chamorros do not speak with a united voice. This
has changed and it is now possible to have fruitful meetings with (the Chamorro people).
If you could take just a moment from your schedule to impart a word of encouragement to the
Chamorro people, it would be greatly appreciated.
Respectfully,
Mark Nichols
84-245 Indio Springs Drive Indio, California 92203
619.342.2593
GUAM ITINERARY
DAY ONE
JULY 28, 1997 MONDAY
8:30 A.M.
Breakfast with Former Governor Joe Ada.
10:00
Governor Carl Gutierrez
11:15
Former Lt. Governor Frank Blas
12:30 P.M.
Lunch with CTM¹ members
2:30
RETURN TO HOTEL FOR REST.
6:30
Dinner at cultural show with Mike Torres (businessman,
political consultant), Ben Sanchez (community leader,
political pioneer)
1 Chamorro Tribe of the Marianas
DAY TWO
JULY 29, 1997 TUESDAY
8:00 A.M.
Breakfast
9:30
Speaker Antonio Unpingco of the 24th Guam Legislature
and other Senators.
11:00
Mayor McDonald and Mayors Council of Guam.
12:30 P.M.
Lunch at the Chamorro Village with Dr. E. Robert
Stathram U.O.G. Political Science.
1:30
Meeting with V.A. Director John Blas.
3:00
Guam Visitors Bureau Chairman Jimmy Dee Flores.
4:00
RETURN TO HOTEL FOR REST.
5:30 or 6:30
Dinner
7:00
Talk Show with Jesus Chamorro KUAM Radio, to include
Mark Nichols, John James, Patrick San Nicolas, Ben
Sanchez.
DAY THREE
JULY 30, 1997 WEDNESDAY
8:00 A.M.
Breakfast with Joe Murphy (Pacific Daily News columnist
and editor emeritus) at his office.
9:30
Senator Angel Santos (D) at his office.
10:45
Senator Mark Forbes (R) at his office.
12:00 P.M.
Lunch with Michael Schwab, Assistant U.S. District
Attorney, at Top O' the Mark.
1:30
Southern Village tour and meeting with mayors of the
villages in Umatac, AGAT.
4:30
Return to the hotel.
6:00
Dinner with two members of the United Land Owners
Association of Guam (President Patti Garrido and Vice
President David Munoz).
7:30-8:00
FREE TIME
DAY FOUR
JULY 31, 1997 FRIDAY
SAIPAN
9:00 A.M.
Depart for Saipan
10:00
Breakfast/Check in at hotel
11:00
Meeting with Ben Santos, Chamorro rights activist
12:00 P.M.
Arrival Saipan/Lunch
1:30
Courtest visit with Governor Froilan Tenorio.
3:00
Visit with Senate President and legislative members of
the CNMI²
4:00
Tour of government facilities
5:00
REST PERIOD
7:00
Dinner with Governor Tenorio.
2 Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
DAY FIVE
AUGUST 1, 1997 FRIDAY
ROTA
8:00 A.M.
Leave Saipan
9:00
Arrive on Rota Island
10:00
Meeting with Mayor Jose Inos
11:00
Lunch/Golf
4:00 P.M.
Tour Rota Island
6:00
Grand Finale Celebration
DAY SIX
AUGUST 2, 1997 SATURDAY
GUAM
9:45 A.M.
Hotel Check-In
10:30
Breakfast with Senator Mark Charfarous.
12:00 P.M.
Picnic meeting at one of Guam's beautiful beaches with
Chamorro Nation leaders and Organization for
Preservation of Indigenous Rights and members.
4:00
Return to hotel.
6:00
Dinner
7:00
Dancing/Singing
DAY SEVEN
AUGUST 3, 1997 SUNDAY
GUAM
8:30 A.M.
Breakfast
10:30
Professor Richard JH. Wyttenbach-Santos (Chamorro
rights activist)
12:00 NOON
Lunch with Frank Camacho (Finance Chairman of the
Guam Fishermen's Co-op).
1:30 P.M.
Meeting with Republic of Guahan President Norbert
Perez.
2:30
Underwater tours (Atlantis submarine)
4:00
Return to hotel.
DAY EIGHT
AUGUST 4, 1997 MONDAY
8:30 A.M.
Breakfast
10:00
Courtesy visit with Senator Edward Cruz, M.D.
11:00
Courtesy visit with Senator Elizabeth Barrett-Anderson
(former Attorney General of Guam).
NORTHERN ISLAND TOUR
12:00 NOON
Lunch with Barrigada village Mayor Raymond Laguana.
1:30 P.M.
Meeting with Dededo Mayor Rivera.
3:00
Meeting with village Mayor Robert Lizama
4:30
Last meeting with the members of CTM
6:30
Dinner/Free Time/Dancing/Singing
Copied
Marshall
COS
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
7-21-97
July 18, 1997
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
THURGOOD MARSHALL, JR.TM
SUBJECT:
Summary of Cabinet Weekly Reports
July 11 - 18, 1997
DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY
NAFTA/NADBank: On July 15, Representative Torres sent you a letter signed by 15
other Members of Congress regarding the Latino Coalition's criticism of NAFTA and the
NADBank. The letter conditions fast track support on response to its criticism.
Representatives Becerra, Torres, Sanchez and Serrano joined national Hispanic
organizations at a July 16 press conference to highlight the Latino Coalition study.
Secretary Rubin has been meeting with Representatives Torres, Reyes, Fan and others to
address their concerns. On July 18, the NADBank Finance Committee will meet again to
discuss the direct lending program.
Brady Law: On July 16, Secretary Rubin and Attorney General Reno met with state and
local law enforcement leaders at Treasury to discuss how to keep handguns away from
violent criminals, in light of the Supreme Court's recent decision striking down the Brady
Law background check requirement. The meeting focused on the need for cooperation
between federal, state and local law enforcement.
Bosnia: The 1997 Donors Conference for Bosnia, which seeks to raise $1.4 billion in
pledges for Bosnian reconstruction, is set for July 23-24. The conference has been
contingent on achieving an IMF stand-by agreement: an earlier date was postponed for
lack of progress. The IMF requirements have been resolved, save for one -- the design of
the new currency.
Loans to Croatia: Treasury and State have forged international consensus on denying
Croatia assistance based on their poor record of Dayton Accord implementation. During
the week of July 7, the following items for Croatia were delayed: a World Bank
Cabinet Weekly Report, July 11 - 18, page /
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
7-21-97
guarantee, an investment in a venture fund, and an IMF loan. Maintaining pressure on
Croatia to comply with its Dayton obligations will require further concerted action from
the international community.
Egypt: On July 15, Assistant Secretary Lipton and Under Secretary of State Eizenstat
co-chaired a meeting with senior Egyptian officials pursuant to the Gore-Mubarak
partnership. The meeting focused on Egypt's economic stabilization, but much remains
to be done on the structural side. Lipton emphasized the need for trade liberalization, an
area where reform has lagged, with tariffs averaging 25 percent. Eizenstat reassured the
Egyptian officials that the Administration is working to protect Egypt's earmark,
currently under attack in Congress. The Egyptians expressed appreciation, but
emphasized that their economic future depends on fostering trade and investment, rather
than on securing foreign aid.
Washington Aqueduct: On July 17, the Treasury will close on a $75 million loan to the
Army Corps of Engineers to finance the modernization of the Washington Aqueduct.
The Aqueduct provides drinking water for D.C., Arlington County, and the City of Falls
Church.
IRS Commission Hearing: On July 24, the House Ways and Means Oversight
Subcommittee has scheduled a hearing on the IRS Commission report. Three
Administration witnesses are contemplated, along with private sector representatives.
Representative Portman is expected to introduce his legislation on the IRS Commission's
recommendations prior to the hearing. Treasury is working on details of the
Administration's IRS legislation, which Representative Coyne is expected to introduce in
the coming weeks.
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Internet Child Pornography: On July 9, Benjamin Isgut was sentenced to 19 months
for transmission and possession of child pornography. This case was part of the
nationwide "Innocent Images" investigation into the use of America Online to transport
and receive child pornography.
Securities Fraud: The former CFO of the Bennett Funding Group, Inc., and three others
were indicted for their participation in a massive nationwide securities fraud scheme. The
fraud resulted in losses of more than $700 million to investors in 46 states.
NJB V. Reno: On July 10, Attorney General Reno directed the Board of Immigration
Appeals (BIA) to refer for her review a BIA decision interpreting the Illegal Immigration
Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRIRA) to apply the Act's new
stricter physical presence eligibility rules to aliens who had pending deportation
proceedings and applications for suspension of deportation at the time of the enactment.
Cabinet Weekly Report, July 11 - 18, page 2
This new "stop-time" rule essentially made these aliens ineligible for deportation relief.
The Administration is preparing a legislative package that would delay the effective date
of the Act's stricter suspension eligibility requirements so that deportation cases pending
before April 1, 1997, and aliens covered by the Salvadorian ABC class action settlement
agreement and the Nicaraguan Review Plan, would be governed by the old suspension
eligibility rules.
COPS Grant: On July 16, the COPS Office announced the awarding of over $49 million
to 233 jurisdictions nationwide to hire 596 additional officers.
Juvenile Justice Bill: On July 10-11, the Senate Judiciary Committee continued its
markup of Senator Hatch's juvenile justice bill. Two amendments were adopted: the
Ashcroft-Feinstein amendment to increase penalties for using minors to sell drugs, selling
drugs to minors and growing or manufacturing drugs on federal land, and the DeWine
amendment to make it easier to prosecute federal carjacking cases.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Census 2000: On July 22, in Cleveland, OH, and on July 24, in Detroit, MI, Census
Director Riche will lead two more in a series of Census 2000 Partnership Rollout
meetings. These are designed to inform state, local, tribal and community representatives
of Census 2000 plans and to discuss ways to improve methods of communication and
community involvement.
Boeing-McDonnell Douglas Merger: The European Commission expects to complete
its review of the Boeing-McDonnell Douglas merger by July 31. Staff is preparing the
final recommendation for submission to the European Commission on July 23. Sources
report that the Commission staff will recommend denial of the merger unless Douglas
Aircraft is sold to a third party and Boeing's exclusive purchase arrangements are broken.
WTO Dispute Settlement Cases: The Trade Compliance Center (TCC) reported that
action is expected on several dispute settlement cases in which the U.S. is a plaintiff or a
defendant: (1) an Appellate Body hearing will take place on the EU bananas case July 21-
22, the final panel report found the EU banana import regime to be in violation of
multiple WTO rules; (2) a panel report on the U.S. case against the EU hormone ban is
expected in late July; (3) the final case involving the first set of consultations in the EU
complaint against U.S. textiles rules of origin is scheduled for July 16; and, (4)
consultations regarding the EU complaint about the MA Burma sanctions will take place
the week of July 21.
Baldrige Award "Education Summit": On July 22, Acting Assistant Secretary for
Administration Raymond Kammer will moderate an Education Summit with leaders in
the education community to discus plans to expand the Malcolm Baldrige National
Cabinet Weekly Report, July 11 - 18, page 3
Quality Award to cover the proposed new education category. Among the leaders
attending this session with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
managers will be Wayne Clough, President of the Georgia Institute of Technology, and
Arnold Weber, Chancellor of Northwestern University, both new directors of the
Baldrige Award Foundation. You have urged establishment of this award and another for
health care, and your FY98 budget request includes these initiatives, which are in trouble
in Congress as the House and Senate consider NIST appropriations.
Drinking Water: NIST expects to announce a new performance evaluation program
that will provide high-accuracy water quality standards and accreditation for laboratories
supplying standards to environmental testing labs. NIST's new program will enable the
EPA to shift its evaluation of environmental testing labs to the private sector.
Red River Disaster Survey: The preliminary findings of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Red River of the North Disaster Survey Team will
soon be announced. The NOAA Deputy Assistant Administrator for Weather Service
Operations will brief Members of Congress on July 25. The Weather Service Survey
Team Leader will travel to Grand Forks, ND, to conduct similar briefings the same
morning for the mayors of Grand Forks and East Grand Forks, MN and ND state
officials, and the media.
Multiracial Classification: The House Government Reform and Oversight
Subcommittee on Government Management, Information and Technology has tentatively
scheduled a July 25 hearing on OMB's decision to create a multiracial category for
dissemination, including the decennial census. On July 8, OMB announced that it would
allow people to choose more than one racial category when self-identifying. That
decision is now subject to a 60-day public comment period.
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
United Airlines: On July 12, United Airlines and the Association of Flight Attendants
reached tentative agreement on a new contract following a final 25-hour bargaining
session. The union's Master Executive Council at the carrier has approved the agreement,
and recommends its ratification by the membership. The agreement which covers 22,000
flight attendants based in the U.S. and abroad, reportedly will run through 2006, but no
other information is available on its terms.
Kaiser Permanente Strike: On July 17, the California Nurses Association went on
strike at Kaiser Permanente's 47 hospitals and clinics in northern CA.
Teamsters/UPS: On July 31, with their master contract at United Parcel Service
expiring, Teamster members have concluded a strike vote, the results of which have yet
to be announced. Covered by the agreement are some 185,000 drivers, loaders, and
Cabinet Weekly Report, July 11 - 18, page 4
package sorters at UPS sites across the country. Meanwhile, shippers are exploring their
options in the event of a UPS walkout. While some delivery companies reportedly are
setting conditions for the acceptance of new customers, others have been non-committal.
Wheeling-Pittsburgh Strike: In the strike at the Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel
Corporation, the union is continuing its "streets and suites" campaign against major
institutional investors in the WHX Corporation.
Health Care Commission: On July 21-22, Secretary Herman will travel to Burlington,
VT, to co-chair, along with HHS Secretary Shalala, the third meeting of the Health Care
Commission.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
TWA 800 Anniversary: On July 17, Secretary Slater attended a memorial service and
read a message from you for the victims of TWA 800 on Long Island. The Secretary
also toured the hangar where the 747 aircraft is being reconstructed. NTSB Chairman
Hall also represented the Administration at TWA 800 commemorative events in NY.
National Airport Opening: On July 27, the Secretary will participate in a ribbon-
cutting ceremony for the new terminal building at Washington National Airport.
Park Overflights: On July 8-9, the National Park Overflight Working Group
(NPOWG) held its third meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for August 4-5, in
Denver, CO. Their final report is due this fall and is expected to contain a
recommended regulatory process for managing air tours within National Parks. The
report will be submitted to the FAA Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee and the
National Park Service Advisory Board.
Airline Merger: Western Pacific Airlines and Frontier Airlines have entered into an
agreement under which WestPac would acquire Frontier through a merger. The
carriers will operate under a code-sharing agreement beginning on August 1, and will
complete the merger by December 15. Western Pacific currently operates 19 B-737
aircraft and Frontier operates 7 B-737s.
Pennsylvania Station Redevelopment Corporation: On July 10, the Pennsylvania
Station Redevelopment Corporation (PSRC) Board voted to move forward with a new
$315 million AMTRAK rail station in the James Farley Building in New York City, a
project suggested by Senator Moynihan. Renovations and safety improvements to the
84 year-old building, transforming it into a grand passenger station, are set to begin
shortly.
Cabinet Weekly Report, July 11 - 18, page 5
Aviation Talks
France: The French canceled the aviation negotiations scheduled for July 16-
17 in Paris, and offered no immediate explanation. In canceling the talks, the
French did not offer alternative dates but expressed reservations about
September.
Romania: The Romanian Government canceled the consultations scheduled for
July 10-11, in Washington, and requested that the talks be rescheduled for
September, with the focus on negotiating a new air services agreement. The
United States has proposed meeting September 1 in Washington.
Japan: As a result of informal discussions in Portland July 8-10, it was agreed
that enough progress had been made to begin formal negotiations. The first
session of formal talks is scheduled to take place in Tokyo August 4-6. The
U.S. side is continuing to seek an agreement that would transition to a fully
liberal regime. The two sides set as a goal resolution of outstanding cargo and
other issues in a September time frame.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program: On July 9, the House Judiciary
Constitution Subcommittee reported out the Canady bill which repeals certain
affirmative action programs, including DOT's DBE program.
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Section 8(a) Program: On July 23rd, Administrator Alvarez will meet with members of
the Congressional Black Caucus and the members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus
to present SBA's proposed changes to the 8(a) program rules.
DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR
U.S. V. Alaska: The Supreme Court ruled that lands under the lagoons and inter-tidal
areas were reserved by the Federal government when it applied to Congress to establish
the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in 1957. The dispute over fixing the
offshore boundary between state and federal lands along Alaska's oil rich north slope had
been pending before the Court for more than 17 years. To develop an implementation
plan pursuant to the Court's recent decision, MMS has met with representatives of NOAA
and AK to discuss specification of the precise Federal/State boundaries.
NM Gaming Compacts: Last week, DOI received identical tribal-state gaming
compacts from ten NM tribes. The new compacts were dictated by the NM legislature,
without input from the Governor or the tribes. Given that the Indian Gaming Regulatory
Act (IGRA) requires that the terms of the tribal-state compacts be negotiated agreements
Cabinet Weekly Report, July 11 - 18, page 6
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
7-21-97
between tribes and states, DOI is concerned about the policy implications of the NM
State legislature's approach. DOI is also carefully considering other issues raised by the
tribes, including whether the revenue sharing provision (requiring the tribes to give the
state sixteen percent of tribal profits) and the regulatory fee structure (requiring the tribes
to pay the state unusually high sums to "cover" the costs of state regulation) are
appropriate under IGRA. The 45 day statutorily-mandated period ends on August 22.
Before that date the DOI may approve, disapprove or choose to take no action on the
compacts.
Big Bend Park: On September 1, a new TX law goes into effect authorizing a special
Big Bend National Park license plate. The legislation was introduced with the support of
the Friends of Big Bend National Park. Most of the fees for the plates will be transferred
to a designated non-profit organization whose primary purpose is to support improvement
or preservation of the park.
New World Mine: The BLM and Forest Service have completed the final
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Cooke City area mineral withdrawal. The
EIS recommends a 20-year administrative withdrawal of the area surrounding the New
World mining district. The withdrawal will prohibit the location of mining claims on
public lands within the New World Mine agreement. The Record of Decision and the
Public Land Order implementing the withdrawal are scheduled to be signed in August.
FDR Memorial: The bill directing the National Park Service to review and evaluate
adding to the FDR Memorial to further portray Roosevelt's disability has been passed by
Congress. NPS will appoint a study commission as soon as you sign the legislation.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Dioxin In Poultry: On July 9, USDA provided Food Safety and Inspection Service
district managers and plant owners and operators with guidance about poultry, livestock
and eggs that may be contaminated with residues of dioxin at levels that would render the
resulting food products adulterated. The levels of dioxin in feed and in foods produced
from animals that consumed the feed present no immediate public health risk for food
consumers or handlers. USDA, the Food and Drug Administration and the EPA are
acting to protect the public from dioxin contaminated feed and food. On July 8-9,
USDA, EPA and FDA officials briefed House and Senate Agriculture Committee staff
regarding procedures that will govern further use and distribution of poultry, livestock,
and eggs that may be contaminated with unsafe levels of dioxin. Members from affected
11
states such as AR and MI have concerns about the cost of testing required for affected
product to be sold to consumers, as well as the level of dioxin that the agencies have
indicated will trigger adulteration.
Cabinet Weekly Report, July 11 - 18, page 7
Food Stamps: On June 30, USDA announced FY96 error rates for the Food Stamp
Program declined for the third consecutive year to 9.22 percent, the lowest error rate ever
achieved, resulting in savings of $660 million.
New Technology: The USDA Forest Products Laboratory and Consolidated Papers of
Wisconsin Rapids will produce by early August the first commercial-scale run of paper
made with biopulping technology, a new technique that uses wood-decay fungi to soften
wood chips before they are pulped for making paper. This process could potentially save
the paper industry millions of dollars in energy costs while producing stronger paper.
Modoc National Forest: On July 8, the Modoc National Forest in CA announced its
decision to deny the Sierra Pacific Power Company's request for a right-of-way for a
project that would bring power 160 miles from northeastern CA to Reno, NV.
Bison Lawsuit Filed: On July 30, the Sierra Club Legal Defense Fund filed a lawsuit in
the U.S. District Court in Helena, MT, seeking additional analysis of the Yellowstone-
Montana Interim Bison Management Plan. The lawsuit states that although the existing
plan promised to decrease the killing of bison in the park, bison mortality actually
doubled since the plan was initiated.
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Climate Change: On July 11, DOE released a report entitled: Impacts of High Energy
Price Scenarios on Energy Intensive Sectors: Perspectives from Industry Workshops. The
report is based on a series of workshops conducted in June and July 1996 by Argonne
National Laboratory under DOE contract. The workshops explored the possible effects of
new climate change commitments of the basic chemicals, iron and steel, petroleum
refining, paper and allied products, aluminum and cement industries. It is predicted that
the industries under review would experience reductions in output and in baseline levels.
Gore-Chernomyrdin: On July 20-23, Secretary Peña will meet with Ministers Nemtsov
and Mikhailov in Russia. The Nemtso meeting will focus on the September
Gore-Chernomyrdin Commission meeting and on planning for The Eight Energy
Ministerial for 1998. The Mikhailov meeting will focus on a host of nuclear
nonproliferation issues. On July 17, the Secretary will discuss his trip to Russia at the
National Press Club's morning news maker's breakfast.
Cabinet Weekly Report, July 11 - 18, page 8
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Minority Admissions at UC Law Schools: DOEd's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) will
investigate charges of racially discriminatory admissions policies at UC's three law
schools, Boalt Hall School of Law (Berkeley), UCLA, and UC-Davis. The decision
results from a complaint filed in March alleging discrimination against minorities and
women. OCR did not find sufficient evidence to investigate the sex discrimination
charges.
Secretary's Schedule:
House Education Caucus: On July 23, Secretary Riley will speak to the newly
formed group, which includes Members of Congress who have been educators.
Congressional Hispanic Caucus: On July 24, the Secretary will meet with the
caucus.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Common Sense Initiative: On July 21-22, the Administrator will chair EPA's Common
Sense Initiative (CSI), an industry-by-industry effort to find innovative and cost-effective
solutions that protect public health and the environment. The Council will focus on
environmental information management and identify key themes that the six CSI industry
sectors can use to ensure an industry-wide approach toward regulatory reinvention and
sustainability. The Administrator will also announce an acceleration of EPA's efforts to
achieve electronic reporting and access to environmental data.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Vaccine Coverage: All national vaccination coverage goals that were set in 1993 for
1996 were exceeded in 1996. On July 23, you will announce final 1996 data at a
Childhood Immunization Initiative at a White House event.
NY Medicaid Waiver Approved: On July 15, Deputy Secretary Thurm joined
Governor Pataki in announcing approval of a Medicaid demonstration proposal allowing
NY state to enroll more than 2.4 million people in managed care plans. The
demonstration includes coverage for more than 370,000 people not currently enrolled in
Medicaid. This is the sixteenth Medicaid waiver approved by the Administration.
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
7-21-97
Cabinet Weekly Report, July 11 - 18, page 9
Child Care Regulations: Last year's welfare law provided new Federal child care
funds and repealed child care programs authorized under Title IV-A of the Social
Security Act. The unified program is now designated as the Child Care and Development
Fund. Next week, the first proposed rule implementing the Fund will be released at the
White House event announcing vaccination coverage levels.
Radioactive Materials: On July 14, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission announced
that it would probe possible violations of rules for the use of nuclear materials in medical
research at CDC. The announcement does not mean that a violation has occurred or that
enforcement action will be necessary. The apparent violations are on procedural matters,
so at no time were any employees or citizens at risk. On July 17, the CDC will participate
in a public predecisional enforcement hearing at NRC regional headquarters.
Health Fraud Scheme Results in $3.9 Million Fine: As a result of an Inspector
General investigation, TX psychiatrist Henry Bonham and his office manager Beverly
Bulger were sentenced for their part in a health care fraud scheme. Bonham and Bulger
billed Medicare, Medicaid, the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed
Services, and private insurance companies for psychiatric services as if Bonham had
performed them, when his nurses and therapists had actually done so without his being
present or supervising.
Child Welfare Waiver: On July 18, HHS will announce approval of a demonstration
project to improve child welfare services in IN. This will be the seventh waiver granted
by the Administration for states to undertake innovations in child welfare programs. The
IN project focuses on the enhancement of family preservation and family support services
and the expansion of eligibility for Title IV-E funds. The expansion will focus on
services to a subset of children currently placed in residential care facilities.
AIDS Drug Side Effects: According to an NIH study published on July 15 in the Annals
of Internal Medicine, HIV-infected adults who take indinavir, the most widely prescribed
protease inhibitor in the United States, may experience symptomatic urinary tract disease
and transient kidney dysfunction as a result of crystal formation in the urine. The
manufacturer of the drug recommends that patients drink at least one and a half liters of
liquid daily. Senior investigators caution that if kidney or urinary symptoms become
severe or recur, or if renal insufficiency develops, doctors may want to consider switching
to another protease inhibitor. Additional studies will be required to determine long-term
consequences.
Cabinet Weekly Report, July 11 - 18, page 10
Infectious Diseases: The July 18 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report will present
data on notifiable infectious disease morbidity in the United States. The National
Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) data reported by CDC indicates
higher rates of gonorrhea among young women than young men. Among adults, the
report documents higher incidence rates among men than women for all of the most
commonly reported infectious diseases. Data was collected in all 50 states between 1992
and 1994.
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Conference on Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities: On July 21-22,
the Vice President and Secretary Cuomo will visit Boston, MA, for the second regional
White House Conference on Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities. The
conference will bring members of the EZ boards, business leaders and 21 Mayors from
the northeast region together to discuss the Administration's progress with the
Empowerment Zone/Enterprise Community Program and the goals for the upcoming
year.
Section 8 Housing: Chicago Housing Authority begins accepting new applications for
Section 8 Housing for the first time in 17 years. Through HUD intervention, the
Chicago Housing Authority was able to implement a technical assistance plan that
allowed the Authority to increase the number of new families signing new leases to 200
per month. Based on this activity level, the Authority expects to exhaust the current
waiting list for Section 8 Housing by the end of August 1997.
MI Tornado: HUD established a task force to respond to Detroit Metropolitan area
damage by tornado and storms earlier this month. The task force has worked with
Detroit's Corporation Counsel and Head Planner to consolidate CDBG, HOME and other
program funds for use in disaster relief.
Welfare to Work: HUD, DOEd and HHS have joined together on an initiative to
promote self-sufficiency for public and assisted housing residents. The interagency
project, "Community Partnerships for Resident Uplift and Economic Development,"
provides funding for collaborations between community organizations, residents and
public housing authorities to promote business development and provide jobs.
Cabinet Weekly Report, July 11 - 18, page 11
VETERANS AFFAIRS
Tobacco Use In Military: On July 15, a "Summary of Precedent Opinions" of the VA
General Counsel on service connection for tobacco-related disability or death was
published in the Federal Register. VA is providing guidance to adjudicators to use as
they begin to process 4500 pending tobacco-related claims. Considerable media interest
is expected. On July 23, the issue of compensation for smoking-related illnesses also will
be on the agenda for the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee legislative hearing.
Equitable Allocation: The Veterans Equitable Resource Allocation system (VERA),
implemented on April 1, remains a concern for certain Northeast and Midwest Members
of Congress, where some medical facilities had their budgets reduced. Members are
battling over appropriations report language to either support or oppose the continuation
of VERA.
Critical Benefits Program: A July 10 Washington Post article reported on a National
Academy of Public Administration draft report that is critical of VA's benefits program,
saying the program has gotten worse and could face potentially disastrous consequences
in coming years. The million dollar study concluded that the Veterans Benefits
Administration is in crisis and that reforms must begin with the selection of an Under
Secretary for benefits. The report also criticizes VA's approach to resolving the year 2000
computer problem and the revamping of its field and claims office structure.
HIV/AIDS Prevention: On July 11, VA announced a national survey of VA HIV/AIDS
treatment and prevention programs, to provide current information on the status of
prevention and treatment services for its HIV patients.
OFFICE OF NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL POLICY
Southwest Border Visit: Director McCaffrey will travel through the Southwest region
in August to review Federal drug efforts to look at furthering U.S. cooperative efforts,
visit High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas, and build upon cooperative efforts with
Mexico.
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
Self-Support (PASS): PASS is a statutory provision which allows the exclusion of a
Supplemental Security Income recipients' income and resources that are set aside to
pursue an occupational goal. The purpose is to help disabled and blind individuals pursue
educational goals or purchase items to assist in their employment efforts. The General
Accounting Office and SSA's Inspector General criticized the program as vulnerable to
misuse. SSA is holding public forums throughout the country to solicit views from a
broad spectrum of PASS stakeholders.
Cabinet Weekly Report, July 11 - 18, page 12
GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
NY Computers to Schools: On July 15, GSA presented 13 computers and six modems
to Buffalo's Grover Cleveland High School. This school is an inner-city school of
approximately 1,000 students with an 83 percent minority enrollment, an 85 percent
economically disadvantaged enrollment and 67 percent of students who are limited in
English proficiency. The computers will be used for both the regular school session as
well as for summer and evening sessions that provide English as a second language and
GED instruction to students, parents and adult community members.
D.C. Schools: GSA provided design and construction management services to the D.C.
Public Schools for the replacement of five roofs. All construction was completed by June
1997, well ahead of schedule.
OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT
Government Shutdown Request: OPM coordinated the response to a suggestion by
Virginia's Secretary of Natural Resources that federal offices in Washington, D.C. shut
down because of poor air quality. OPM made available to the media the Metropolitan
Washington Council of Government's Ozone Action Days program, which provides
voluntary guidelines for action during days of bad air quality. OPM made clear that the
situation does not call for a federal shutdown.
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
7-21-97
Cabinet Weekly Report, July 11 - 18, page 13
cc:
The Vice President
Erskine Bowles
Franklin Raines
Mack McLarty
John Podesta
Sylvia Mathews
Ron Klain
Rahm Emanuel
Melanne Verveer
Michael McCurry
Doug Sosnik
Craig Smith
Mickey Ibarra
Don Baer
Maria Echaveste
John Hilley
Janis Kearney
Ann Lewis
Bruce Reed
Gene Sperling
John H. Gibbons
Kathleen McGinty
Cabinet Weekly Report, July 11 - 18, page 14
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bosnia: Tensions continued in the Republika Srpska (RS) in the wake of the SFOR
operation against indicted war criminals near Prijedor. At the Drljaca funeral over the
week, Bosnian Serb leaders hailed the slain Serb as a hero and criticized the SFOR
action in the strongest terms. A campaign of propaganda is now being directed against
SFOR and the international community from both official and unofficial sources. There
have been small explosions near international workers, but the security situation in the
RS remains stable. The power struggle in the government of the RS continues. State
delivered strong demarches to both Krajisnik and Milosevic to maintain calm in the RS
and to guarantee that Plavsic has access to the mass media. Steps are being considered to
ensure that independent voices in Srpska have access to the media during the current
crisis and beyond. The Bosnia Donor's Conference is scheduled for July 23-24, with
pledges of more than $1.4 billion expected. Given the noncooperation of the RS
leadership in implementing Dayton, very little of this aid will reach the RS.
Cambodia: The evacuation of American citizens and drawdown of embassy staff neared
completion. Approximately 650 Americans have left Cambodia; the Embassy estimates
another 325 are waiting to leave. In a meeting on July 11 with Acting Secretary
Pickering, ousted Prime Minister Ranariddh emphasized the need for the international
community to unify and condemn Hun Sen. The next week will be spent in building
international consensus, in advance of the upcoming ASEAN meetings in Kuala Lumpur
July 27-29, on a coordinated policy designed to pressure Hun Sen to return to the status
quo ante.
UNITED NATIONS
SYG Annan's Reform Package: On July 16, SYG Kofi Annan unveiled his long
awaited UN reform package. Ambassador Richardson welcomed the announcement,
stating that the U.S. would study the package, and underscored U.S. support for the
ongoing reform process. The Ambassador suggested that the General Assembly take
action to establish an Ad Hoc Committee to consider the SYG's reform proposals.
Reaction to the package has been mixed, with some members of Congress claiming that
the SYG's proposed measures do not go far enough.
Richardson Trip to Haiti: On July 14-15, Ambassador Richardson traveled to Haiti and
met with President Preval, former President Aristide and other UN and Haiti officials.
Preval agreed to send a letter to the Security Council requesting a follow-on force for the
UN Support Mission in Haiti (UNSMIH) which ends on July 31, 1997. In a separate
meeting, Aristide -- who has spoken critically of the "foreign presence" in Haiti --
promised to support Preval's decision on post-UNSMIH.
Addendum to the Cabinet Weekly Report, July 18, 1997
Ambassador's Schedule: On July 18, Ambassador Richardson will travel to the
Balkans to visit with UN and U.S. military officials. He will also stop in Rome and Bonn
to speak with Italian and German officials to discuss UN reform proposals and the U.S.
arrears package.
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
DCI Swearing-In: On July 23, the Vice President will preside at the public swearing-in
ceremony of George Tenet as the nineteenth Director of Central Intelligence at CIA
Headquarters.
Addendum to the Cabinet Weekly Report, July 18, 1997
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Date 7/21
To:
Bob Nash
From:
The Staff Secretary
How No you want to
handle this?
Phil Coplen
META
Left on pkg of
10
get after the
:7
mkg at Hesponee
July 15, 1997
Kenders 6/15
The Honorable William J. Clinton
The President of the United States
The White House
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President:
I have been pleased to support you and the Vice President in your campaigns and
Administration for the past several years, and was proud to have contributed to the electoral
victory in Florida and the significant increase in the Hispanic community's support and
enthusiasm for your Administration. I also am honored to have served as your representative
to the U.S. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy, and I believe that I have effectively
represented the United States in my overseas visits.
I looked forward to continuing to serve the Administration after the election, preferably in an
ambassadorial post, and had discussed this possibility with you at earlier meetings. You
gave me a positive and encouraging response. I believe that I am well prepared to contribute
to your foreign policy objectives, and would bring to the post a combination of professional
accomplishment, knowledge and personal empathy. I gave information to your staff which
discusses these qualities in greater detail.
However, I recently became aware that I had been rejected for at least two posts, on advice
of the White House General Counsel because of "unresolved issues with the Department of
Energy". I am hurt and deeply saddened by this revelation. Not only because of the lost
opportunities; I had reconciled myself to that possibility much earlier. But, I was not
prepared for the insensitivity and indifference of your staff for failing to even ask me for an
explanation of the incident.
I have been a loyal Democrat most of my adult life, and I have supported you and other
Party members, even in the face of personal and public attacks by the Cuban-American
community in Florida. If, for no other reason, I deserved to be treated more professionally
and more courteously.
As to the facts of the incident in question. First, there is no "unresolved issue" with the
Department of Energy. My company, META, has a pending appeal to a Departmental
Hearing Officer's decision that an employee was improperly terminated because he had made
"protected disclosures" about environmental issues being examined by META under its
contract with DOE. It was brought out during the hearing that he had made a similar charge
against a former employer who was under contract to the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA)
The potential financial loss to my company is significant, and an appeal is a legitimate,
reasonable, and responsible action to take. The employee was terminated after direction by
DOE that we reduce the contract staff. We contend that it was a proper action, and were
supported by the DOE oversight manager. The Hearing Officer disagreed. We are
appealing his decision, as is provided for in the DOE regulation.
Anyone with a business enterprise inevitably confronts such employee-management problems.
META officers, and I personally, have acted responsibly and professionally in terminating
the employee, and in the conduct of the entire quasi legal proceedings. We simply disagree
with the investigation and the Hearing Officer's decisions.
But, we have no issue with the Department, "unresolved" or otherwise. In fact, we believe
that we are representing the DOE's interests by pursuing an appeal, because the precedents
that will result if the decisions are not reversed will create great difficulties for the
Department in the future.
In any case, I fail to understand how such a relatively unremarkable and normal business
activity would jeopardize my confirmation. I am confident that most members of Congress
are familiar with such conflicts involving employees, and would not challenge my nomination
because of this situation.
I have learned, however, that we have no control over much that happens in our lives. This
is one of those times. I looked forward to serving the Administration in your second term. I
believe you have a unique opportunity to profoundly change the future. I had wanted to play
a meaningful role in that endeavor.
Sincerely,
Maria Elena Toraño
META