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JGR/Resolutions, 1983 (2 of 2)
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JGR/Resolutions, 1983 (2 of 2)
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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Digital Library Collections This is a PDF of a folder from our textual collections. Collection: Roberts, John G.: Files Folder Title: JGR/Resolutions, 1983 (2 of 2) Box: 47 To see more digitized collections visit: https://reaganlibrary.gov/archives/digital-library To see all Ronald Reagan Presidential Library inventories visit: https://reaganlibrary.gov/document-collection Contact a reference archivist at: [email protected] Citation Guidelines: https://reaganlibrary.gov/citing National Archives Catalogue: https://catalog.archives.gov/ MEMORANDUM THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON May 3, 1983 MEMORANDUM FOR FRED F. FIELDING FROM: JOHN G. ROBERTS SUBJECT: H.J. Res. 245 -- To Correct Public Law 98-8 Due to Errors in Enrollment of H.R. 1718 (The Jobs Bill) Richard Darman has asked for comments by 3:00 today on the above-referenced enrolled resolution which corrects two numerical errors in the Jobs Bill. David Stockman has prepared a memorandum for the President recommending that he sign the resolution. I have reviewed that memorandum and the resolution itself, and see no legal objections. Attachment THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON May 3, 1983 MEMORANDUM FOR RICHARD G. DARMAN ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT Orig. signed by FFF FROM: FRED F. FIELDING COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT SUBJECT: H.J. Res. 245 -- To Correct Public Law 98-8 Due to Errors in Enrollment of H.R. 1718 (The Jobs Bill) Counsel's Office has reviewed the above-referenced enrolled resolution and finds no objection to it from a legal perspective. FFF: JGR:aw 5/3/83 CC: FFFielding JGRoberts Subj. Chron ID n CU WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENCE TRACKING WORKSHEET o - OUTGOING 96 INTERNAL 2 INCOMING Date Correspondence Received (YY/MM/DD) / / Name of Correspondent: RICHARD G. DARMAN MI Mail Report User Codes: (A) (B) (c) Subject: H.J. Res 245 - To correct Public Law 98-8 Due to Errors in Enrollment B.H.R. 1718 (The Jobs Bill) ROUTE TO: ACTION DISPOSITION Tracking Type Completion Action Date of Office/Agency Date (Staff Name) Code YY/MM/DD Assponse Code TV/MM/DD CULION ORIGINATOR 83,05,02 / / I Referral Note: WATIB x 83,05,02 S 83,05,03. Referral Note: 3:00 pim, 1 / I / 1 Referral Note: / / - 1 / 1 Referral Note: 1 / - / / Helerral Note: ACTION CODES: DISPOSITION CODE: A Appropriate Action C . Comment/Recommendation I - Info Copy Only/No Action Necessary A- Answered R . Direct Reply w/Copy C Completed D - Draft Response B. Non-Special Referral 5 For Signature 8 Suspended F - Furnish Fact Sheet X Intern Reply. to be used = Enclosure FOR OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE: Type of Response a Initials of Signer Code - "A" Completion Date - Date of Outgoing Comments: Keep this worksheet attached to the original incoming letter. Send all routing updates to Central Reference (Room 75, OEOB). Always return completed correspondence record to Central Files. Refer questions about the correspondence tracking system to Central Reference, ext. 2590. Document No. 125075SS WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM DATE: 5/2/83 ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 5/3 - 3:00 P.M. SUBJECT: H.J. RES. 245 - TO CORRECT PUBLIC LAW 98-8 DUE TO ERRORS IN ENROLLMENT OF H.R. 1718 (THE JOBS BILL) ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT GERGEN MEESE > HARPER BAKER JENKINS DEAVER > . MURPHY STOCKMAN ROLLINS CLARK WHITTLESEY DARMAN P was WILLIAMSON DUBERSTEIN VON DAMM FELDSTEIN BRADY/SPEAKES FIELDING ROGERS FULLER Remarks: May we have your comments on the attached Bill by 3:00 p.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, May 3. Thank you. Richard G. Darman Assistant to the President (2022x) Response: EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OFFICE STATE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503 MAY 2 1983 MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT SUBJECT: Enrolled BiTT H.J. Res. 245 Spansor: Rep. Whitten (D), Mississippi Last Day for Action May 9, 1983 Purpose Corrects Public Law 98-8 due to errors in the enrollment of H.R. 1718 (The Jobs BiTT) - Agency Recommendation Office of Management and Budget Approval Discussion The enrolled version of P.L. 98-8 (The Jobs BITT) you signed into Taw on March 24 incorporated two errors made in the enrollment of the BiTT. This Joint Resolution is a formal correction of the errars. The corrections do not change in any way the analysis of the Jobs Bill provided to you by OMB at the time you signed P.L. 98-8. Recommendation I recommend that you sign the enrolled bill. David David A. Stockman Director J. Res. 245 Rinety-eighth Congress of the United States of America AT THE FIRST SESSION Begun and held at the City of Washington on Monday, the third day of January, one thousand nine hundred and eighty-three Joint Resolution To correct Public Law 98-8 due to errors in the enrollment of HR 1718. Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That in order to correct errors in the enrollment of H.R. 1718, the figure in the fifth line of the appropriating paragraph "Increasing employment and training opportunities" on page 12 of Public Law 98-8 (97 Stat. 24) is hereby amended as follows: Strike "185,000,000" and insert "$85,000,000" and the figure in the fourth line of the appropriating paragraph "Providing urgently needed school facilities" on page 14 of Public Law 98-8 (97 Stat. 26) is hereby amended as follows: Strike "$25,000,000" and insert "$60,000,000". Speaker of the House of Representatives. Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate. MEMORANDUM THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON May 17, 1983 MEMORANDUM FOR FRED F. FIELDING FROM: JOHN G. ROBERTS gre SUBJECT: H.J. Res. 219: Support for Soccer World Cup to Come to U.S. in 1986 Richard Darman has requested comments by close of business May 18 on enrolled resolution H.J. Res. 219, which declares the support of the U.S. Government for the efforts of the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) to bring the World Cup to the U.S. in 1986. The prolegomenon of the resolution states, inter alia, that "the United State is already capable of meeting all the requirements imposed on a host country." As you know, and as the State Department notes in its views letter, this is not quite true. The operative language of the resolution, however, simply expresses support for the efforts of the USSF. Section 2 of the bill designates the Secretary of Commerce as the official representative for dealing with the Federation Internationale de Football Association. OMB and Commerce recommend approval, State has no objection, and Justice defers. I do not think the above-mentioned inaccuracy in the resolution should deter the President from approving it, since it is somewhat vague and in any event does not commit the government to any specific action. Attachment THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON May 17, 1983 MEMORANDUM FOR RICHARD G. DARMAN ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FROM: FRED F. FIELDING Orig. signed by FPF COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT SUBJECT: H.J. Res. 219: Support for Soccer World Cup to Come to the U.S. in 1986 Counsel's Office has reviewed the above-referenced enrolled resolution and finds no objection to it from a legal perspective. FFF:JGR:aw 5/17/83 cc: FFFielding JGRoberts Subj. Chron ID # 1251.86 CU WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENCE TRACKING WORKSHEET 0 . OUTGOING H - INTERNAL 4 - INCOMING Date Correspondence Received (YY/MM/DD) / / Name of Correspondent: Richard G. Darman MI Mail Report User Codes: (A) (B) (C) Subject: H.J. Rus 219 Support for Soccer World Cup to come to U.S. in 1986 ROUTE TO: ACTION DISPOSITION Tracking Completion Action Date Date Office/Agency (Staff Name) Code YY/MM/DD Response Code YY/MM/DD W Halland ORIGINATOR 830516 Referral Note: WAT 18 D 830516 $ 83,0518 Referral Note: / 1 Referral Note: / / / / Referral Note: / / / / Referral Note: ACTION CODES: DISPOSITION CODES: A Appropriate Action I Info Copy Only/No Action Necessary A Answered C -Dompleted c Comment/Recomimendation R Direct Reply w/Copy B Non-Special Referral $ D Draft Response 6 For Signature F Furnish Fact Sheet K Interim Reply to be used an Enclosure FOR OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE: Type of Response = Initials of Signer Code = "A" Completion Date = Date of Dutgoing Comments: Keep this worksheet attached to the original incoming letter. Send all routing updates to Central Reference (Room 75, DEOB). Always return completed correspondence record to Central Files. Refer questions about the correspondence tracking system to Central Reference, ext. 2590. 5/81 Document No. 125186SS WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM DATE: May 16, 1983 ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUEBY: Wednesday, May 18, C.O. SUBJECT: H.J. Res. 219: Support for Soccer World Cup to come to U.S. in 1986 ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT GERGEN P MEESE HARPER BAKER JENKINS DEAVER MURPHY STOCKMAN ROLLINS CLARK WHITTLESEY DARMAN P SS WILLIAMSON DUBERSTEIN VON DAMM FELDSTEIN BRADY/SPEAKES FIELDING ROGERS FULLER Remarks: Please provide and comments by Wednesday, May 18, c.o.b. Thank you. Richard G. Darman Assistant to the President (x2702) Response: EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET WASHINGTON D.C. 20503 RECEIVED SS "83 MAY 18 1933 MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT Subject: Enrolled Resolution H.J. Res. 219 - World Cup Soccer Competition Sponsor - Rep. Florio (D) New Jersey Last Day for Action May 21, 1983 - Saturday Purpose Declares the support of the United States Government for efforts to bring the World Cup Soccer competition to the United States in 1986 and designates the Secretary of Commerce as the official representative of the Government to the Federation Internationale de Football Association. Agency Recommendation Office of Management and Budget Approval Department of Commerce Approval Department of State No objection Department of Justice Defers (Informal) Discussion H.J. Res. 219 declares the support of the United States Government for the efforts of the U. S. Soccer Federation to have the United States chosen by the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) as the host country for the 1986 World Cup soccer championship -- one of the world's most popular professional sporting events. According to the House floor colloquy on H.J. Res. 219, FIFA, the governing body of the World Cup, will not give consideration to having the United States host the championship games without a declaration of support by the United States Government such as is provided by H.J. Res. 219. The resolution also designates the Secretary of Commerce as the official representative of the Government in discussions with the FIFA. 2 According to the "Excerpts from the Terms of Reference for the Organizing Football Association/Submitted by the Federation Internationale de Football Association to the U.S. Soccer Organization," the country hosting a World Cup soccer competition must guarantee, among other things, that: - Entry and exit permits will be issued without reservation; - Personal and technical equipment of players, officials, and media representatives, as well as medical apparatus, pharmaceutical products, food, and all other technical accessories for the Organization of the World Cup (e.g., typewriters, telex, copying machines, etc.) will be permitted to be imported and exported free of customs duties; - Security, banking and foreign exchange operations, telecommunications, and transportation systems are adequate; - Prices of hotels will be frozen as of January 1, 1986; - Gate receipt taxes will not be more than 15%; and - Maximum commissions on sales of tickets will not exceed 10%. With respect to the above requirements, the Department of State emphasizes in its enrolled bill views letter that under existing law the United States cannot agree to all FIFA guarantees without additional legislation (e.g., certain visa requirements imposed under the Immigration and Nationality Act). Commerce also advises, informally, that guarantees such as those listed above are typical and negotiable. In any event, the resolution itself only expresses U.S. support for private efforts to host the World Cup event, and does not commit the Federal Government to fulfilling any of the aforementioned requirements. H.J. Res. 219 passed the House and Senate by voice vote. James Assistant Legislative m. Director Reference Trey for Enclosures H.J. Res. 219 Ainety-eighth Congress of the United States of America AT THE FIRST SESSION Begun and held at the City of Washington on Monday, the third day of January, one thousand nine hundred and eighty-three Joint Resolution Declaring the support of the United States Government for efforts of the United States Soccer Federation to bring the World Cup to the United States in 1986, designating the Secretary of Commerce as the official representative of the United States Government to the Federation Internationale de Football Association, and for other purposes. Whereas the direct involvement and support of the government of the host country is essential to the successful organization of the World Cup; Whereas bringing the World Cup to the United States would serve as a tremendous impetus to national and international tourism; Whereas the United States is already capable of meeting all the requirements imposed on a host country; Whereas hosting the World Cup would encourage the continued development of professional soccer and ensure the growth of soccer at all levels in the United States; Whereas soccer is the world's most popular sport; and Whereas the World Cup is the most popular professional sporting event in the world: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the United States Government declares its support for the efforts of the United States Soccer Federation to bring the World Cup to the United States in 1986, and encourages the Federation Internationale de Football Association to visit the United States and actively consider the United States application to host the World Cup. SEC. 2. The Secretary of Commerce is designated as the official representative of the United States Government in any discussions with the Federation Internationale de Football Association, with the authority to delegate that responsibility to the Under Secretary of Commerce for Travel and Tourism. Speaker of the House of Representatives. Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate. THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary (South Orange, New Jersey) For Immediate Release May 21, 1983 The President has signed H.J. Res 219, Joint Resolution declaring the support of the United States Government for efforts of the United States Soccer Federation to bring the World Cup to the United States in 1986, designating the Secretary of Commerce as the official representative of the United States Government to the Federation Internationale de Football Association, and for other purposes. # # # THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON August 12, 1983 MEMORANDUM FOR FRED F. FIELDING FROM: JOHN G. ROBERTS SUBJECT: Enrolled Resolution S.J. Res. 116 -- Youth of America Week Richard Darman has asked for comments on the above-referenced enrolled resolution by noon today. The resolution, sponsored by Senator Kasten and passed by voice vote, would designate September 4 through 10 as "Youth of America Week." It calls upon the President to issue an appropriate proclamation. OMB recommends approval. I have reviewed the memorandum for the President from James M. Frey, Assistant Director of OMB for Legislative Reference, and the resolution itself. I have no legal objection. Attachment THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON August 12, 1983 MEMORANDUM FOR RICHARD G. DARMAN ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FROM: FRED F. FIELDING Orig. signed by FFF COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT SUBJECT: Enrolled Resolution S.J. Res. 116 -- Youth of America Week Counsel's Office has reviewed the above-referenced enrolled resolution and finds no objection to it from a legal perspective. FFF:JGR:aw 8/12/83 CC: FFFielding JGRoberts Subj. Chron ID # CU WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENCE TRACKING WORKSHEET O OUTGOING H - INTERNAL : I . INCOMING Date Correspondence Received (YY/MM/DD) / / Name of Correspondent: Richard G DARMAN MI Mail Report User Codes: (A) (B) (C) Subject: Enrolled Resolution S.J. Res 116 -- youth of america week ROUTE TO: ACTION DISPOSITION Tracking Type Completion Action Date of Date Office/Agency (Staff Name) Code YY/MM/DD Response Code YY/MM/DD WHOLL ORIGINATOR 8308,12 / / Referral Note: CUATI8 D 83,08,12 S 83,08,12 Referral Note: NOON / / / / - Referral Note: / / / / - Referral Note: / / / / - Referral Note: ACTION CODES: DISPOSITION CODES: A - Appropriate Action I * Info Copy Only/No Action Necessary A - Answered C Completed C Comment/Recommendation R - Direct Reply w/Copy B - - Non-Special Referral S Suspended D - Draft Response S . For Signature F Furnish Fact Sheet X Interim Reply to be used as Enclosure FOR OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE: Type of Response = Initials of Signer Code = "A" Completion Date = Date of Outgoing Comments: Keep this worksheet attached to the original incoming letter. Send all routing updates to Central Reference (Room 75, OEOB). Always return completed correspondence record to Central Files. Refer questions about the correspondence tracking system to Central Reference, ext. 2590. 5/81 146902SS Document No. WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM DATE: August 11, 1983 ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: NOON TOMORROW SUBJECT: Enrolled Resolution S.J. Res. 116 - Youth of America Week ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT HARPER MEESE HERRINGTON BAKER JENKINS DEAVER McMANUS STOCKMAN MURPHY CLARK ROGERS DARMAN P ROLLINS DUBERSTEIN VERSTANDIG FELDSTEIN WHITTLESEY FIELDING BRADY/SPEAKES FULLER GERGEN REMARKS: Please provide comments/recommendations by NOON TOMORROW, Friday, August 12, 1983. Thank you. RESPONSE: Richard G. Darman Assistant to the President EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503 AUG 11 1983 MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT Subject: Enrolled Resolution S.J. Res. 116 - Youth of America Week Sponsor - Sen. Kasten (R) Wisconsin and 32 others Last Day for Action Purpose Designates the week of September 4 through September 10, 1983, as "Youth of America Week". Agency Recommendation Office of Management and Budget Approval Discussion S.J. Res. 116 designates September 4 through September 10, 1983, as "Youth of America Week", and requests the President to issue a proclamation calling upon the American people to observe the week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. The resolution passed both Houses by voice vote. The sponsor of the resolution, Senator Kasten, stated on the Senate floor that "it is my hope that this week of recognition will give youth an added sense of value, and adults a greater awareness of the importance children hold." He noted that the National Football League Alumni plan to be involved in and to involve others in activities with children during the designated week. The resolution states, in part, that the children of our Nation are the most valuable natural resource for the future of the country and that the sharing of knowledge, experiences, and wisdom by adults with children will help to nurture the development in our vouth of democratic principles and strong moral and spiritual values. A proposed proclamation will be forwarded to the White House for consideration and issuance in a timely manner. (Signed) James M. Frey Assistant Director for Legislative Reference Enclosures S.J. Res. 116 Ainety-eighth Congress of the United States of America AT THE FIRST SESSION Begun and held at the City of Washington on Monday, the third day of January, one thousand nine hundred and eighty-three Joint Resolution To designate the week of September 4, 1983, through September 10, 1983, as "Youth of America Week". Whereas the children of our Nation are the most valuable natural resource for the future of the country; Whereas the sharing of knowledge, experiences, and wisdom by adults with children will help to nurture the development in our youth of democratic principles and strong moral and spiritual values, so important to the survival and future betterment of our Nation; and Whereas all of the people of the United States can be involved in the development of such important principles and values in the youth of America: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the week of Septem- ber 4, 1983, through September 10, 1983, is designated as "Youth of America Week", and the President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe the week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. Speaker of the House of Representatives. Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate. THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON December 27, 1983 MEMORANDUM FOR FRED F. FIELDING FROM: JOHN G. ROBERTS pr SUBJECT: Proposed DOJ Report on S.J. Res. 200, a Joint Resolution to Establish a Twelve Year Limitation on Total Term of Office for Members of Congress OMB has asked for comments by January 5 on the above- referenced proposed report. S.J. Res. 200 would amend the Constitution to impose a limit of twelve years on any individual's service in Congress. It is similar to S.J. Res. 162, which would impose a two-term limit on Senators and a six-term limit on Representatives. Justice's proposed report on S.J. Res. 200 declines to express a view on the policy question, but does note that the issue of prospective application of the amendment needs clarification. This report is similar to the proposed report on S.J. Res. 162, which we cleared last week. I have no objection. Attachment THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON December 27, 1983 MEMORANDUM FOR BRANDEN BLUM LEGISLATIVE ANAYLST OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET FROM: FRED F. FIELDING Orig. signed by FFF COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT SUBJECT: Proposed DOJ Report on S.J. Res. 200, a Joint Resolution to Establish a Twelve Year Limitation on Total Term of Office for Members of Congress Counsel's Office has reviewed the above-referenced proposed report, and finds no objection to it from a legal perspective. FFF:JGR:aea 12/27/83 CC: FFFielding/JGRoberts/Subj/Chron ID # 192913 CU M FGD31 WHITE HOUSE D . OUTGOING H . INTERNAL CORRESPONDENCE TRACKING WORKSHEET Julin I - INCOMING Date Correspondence Received (YY/MM/DD) / / Name of Correspondent: Branden Blum MI Mail Report User Codes: (A) (B) (C) Subject: Proposed DUJ report on SJ Res 200 a joint resolution to establish a twelve year limitation M total term of office for Members f Congress ROUTE TO: ACTION DISPOSITION Tracking Type Completion Action Date of Date Office/Agency (Staff Name) Code YY/MM/DD Response Code YY/MM/DD OUHOU ORIGINATOR 3,83,12,23 1 / Referral Note: CUATI8 Referral Dig Note: DOB: X 83,12,23 $ 84,01,05 / / / 1 - Referral Note: / / 1 / Referral Note: / Referral Note: ACTION CODES: DISPOSITION CODES: A Appropriate Action -Info Copy Only/No Action Necessary Answered C Completed C Comment/Recommendation R Direct Reply w/Copy B Non Special Referral S Suspended D Draft Response $ For Signature Furnish Fact Sheet X Interim Reply to be used as Enclosure FOR OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE: Type of Response = Initials of Signer Code = "A" Completion Date - Date of Outgoing Comments: SeeD 192 492cm Keep this worksheet attached to the original incoming letter. Send all routing updates to Central Reference (Room 75, OEOB). Always return completed correspondence record to Central Files. Refer questions about the correspondence tracking system to Central Reference, ext. 2590. 5/81 EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET ROUTE SLIP Take necessary action TO F. Fielding Approval or signature M. Uhlmann Comment K. Wilson Prepare reply J. Cooney Discuss with me For your information See remarks below FROM Branden Blum THE DATE 12/22/83 REMARKS 192943 Proposed DOJ report on S.J. Res. 200, a joint resolution to establish a twelve year limitation on total terms of office for Members of Congress Please review the attached draft report and provide me with any comments by Thursday, January 5, 1984. This report is similar to a proposed DOJ report on S.J. Res. 162 which I circulated for review on 12/13/83. OMB FORM 4 Rev Aug 70 Authorize OF U.S. Department of Justice Office of Legislative Affairs Office of the Assistant Attorney General Washington, D.C. 20530 Honorable Strom Thurmond Chairman Committee on the Judiciary United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Mr. Chairman: This responds to your request for the views of the Department of Justice on S.J. Res. 200, 98th Cong. 1st Sess. proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to establish a twelve-year limitation on total terms for Members of Congress. The Department of Justice generally defers to the expertise and judgment of Congress on the subject matter of the proposed amendment. We recommend, however, clarification of the text as well as of the manner in which the proposed amendment is intended to operate. Section 1 of the proposed amendment would provide that no Member of Congress shall serve any number of combination of terms which would exceed a maximum of twelve years of service in Congress. Section 2 would provide that the Amendment would take effect on the date of its ratification, but that for the purpose of the calculation of the twelve year period "such calculation shall begin with election of the first Congress that occurs after such date of ratification." In commenting on this proposed amendment, the Department of Justice fully realizes that Article V of the Constitution assigns to Congress the responsibility for proposing constitutional amendments to the States and that the Executive branch has no direct role in this process, in particular that the proposal is not subject to the veto power of the President. Hollingsworth V. Virginia, 3 Dall. (3 U.S.) 378 (1798). This consideration is particularly true where a proposed amendment relates to the terms of Members of Congress. Hence, we defer to the experience and judgment of the Congress, as far as the policy considerations underlying this proposal are concerned. We do have, however, two comments of a technical nature which relate to the interpretation of the proposal. 1. It is not clear how the proposal would operate where a part of a term would exceed the twelve year limitation, e.g., where a Senator has served four years in the House of Representatives and one term in the Senate. Would such Senator be ineligible to be reelected to a second term, or would his second term expire after two years? 2. Section 2 lends itself to at least three interpretations. First, service prior to the ratification of the amendment is to be disregarded for the purpose of the amendment; second, service prior to the election of the first Congress following the ratification of the amendment is to be disregarded for the purpose of the amendment; third, a Member who has served more than twelve years at the time of ratification shall not lose his seat at that time, but his prior service is to be taken into account at the first election following the ratification of the amendment. The Department of Justice does not advocate any particular interpretation of §§ 1 and 2 of the proposal. We do believe, however, that these two sections should be clarified. Subject to these comments the Department of Justice would have no objection to the approval of this Joint Resolution. The Office of Management and Budget has advised that there is no objection to the submission of this report from the standpoint of the Administration's program. Sincerely, Robert A. McConnell Assistant Attorney General Office of Legislative Affairs - 2 -