Policy Luncheon, April 20, 1993
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- Title (Dublin Core)
- Policy Luncheon, April 20, 1993
- Date (Dublin Core)
- 1993-04-20
- Date Created (Dublin Core)
- 1993-04-20
- Congress (Dublin Core)
- 103rd (1993-1995)
- Policy Area (Curation)
- Government Operations and Politics
- Record Type (Dublin Core)
- brief texts
- reports
- Rights (Dublin Core)
- http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/CNE/1.0/
- Language (Dublin Core)
- eng
- Collection Finding Aid (Dublin Core)
- https://dolearchivecollections.ku.edu/index.php?p=collections/findingaid&id=26&q=
- Physical Location (Dublin Core)
- Collection 007, Box 407, Folder 18
- Institution (Dublin Core)
- Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
- Archival Collection (Dublin Core)
- Robert J. Dole Republican Leadership Collection, 1985-1996
- Full Text (Extract Text)
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{page 1}
April 20, 1993
HATFIELD/DOLE ALTERNATIVE
Amendment. Retains Unemployment Extension and provides for the following programs.
In Millions
Highways $1.000
Summer Jobs . 450
Immunization .300
Natural Resources .150
SBA .100
$2.000
* Package paid for with reductions in agency administrative costs.
{page 2}
U.S. Senate Republican Policy Committee
Don Nickles, Chairman
Kelly D. Johnston, Staff Director
Legislative Notice
Editor, Judy Gorman Prinkey
No. 7 April 20, 1993
S. 171 - The Department of the Environment Act of 1993
Calendar No. 57
Reported: Sequential Referral, First from the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs on April 15, 1993, with the Chairman's substitute amendment adopted by voice vote, with one amendment, and reported by voice vote. Minority and additional views filed. S. Rept. 103-38. A hearing was held on the bill on February 18, 1993. Also reported by the Committee on Environment and Public Works on April 15, 1993, without amendment, with supplemental views filed. S. Rept. 103-39. A hearing was held by EPW on April 1, 1993.
NOTEWORTHY
· S. 171 may be considered later this week.
· President Clinton last month stated his "very strong support" for Chairman Glenn's substitute, applauding the substitute's attempts to streamline S. 171, and "substantially reduce its cost."
· S. 171 does more than simply elevate the Environmental Protection Agency to cabinet status. The bill creates a number of new programs and duties for the Department of the Environment ("U.S.D.E."), including establishment of a Bureau of Environmental Statistics and a Commission on Improving Environmental Protection.
· In addition, S. 171, as reported, includes the Administration's request for statutory authority to abolish the Council on Environmental Quality and reassign its National Environmental Policy Act functions to the U.S.D.E.
HIGHLIGHTS
Elevates the Environmental Protection Agency to the Department of the Environment. The bill authorizes as many as 12 Assistant Secretary positions.
Establishes a Bureau of Environmental Statistics. Section 108 establishes within the U.S.D.E. a Bureau of Environmental Statistics, headed by the Director appointed for a four-year term by the President and subject to confirmation by the Senate.
· The Bureau may not require other Federal agencies to collect data. Provisions are included regarding confidentiality of data.
{page 3}
· The Bureau shall prepare and submit an annual report to the President. The report's focus will be on statistics indicating changes in environmental quality of the Nation and the effects of those changes on human health and nonhuman species and ecosystems. The report must also contain economic information on the current and projected costs and benefits of environmental protection.
· The Secretary is to make grants "and enter into contracts" with States, local governments, Indian tribes, universities, and other organizations to assist them in meeting the cost of collecting data and other "short-term" activities related to the Bureau's missions.
Terminates the CEQ and Transfers Most Functions. As requested by the Clinton Administration, section 112 abolishes the Council on Environmental Quality and transfers "most" of its functions to the U.S.D.E. As requested by the Administration, section 112 shifts to the Secretary the CEQ's required annual Report on Environmental Quality. In addition, all of the statutory functions given to the CEQ by the National Environmental Policy Act ("NEPA"), including review of Federal Environmental Impact Statements, will be shifted to the U.S.D.E. Under the bill, U.S.D.E. would have the authority to oversee the adequacy of all federally-prepared EIS's, an authority that currently resides with CEQ. As is now the case, the proposal would allow a dispute between federal agencies to be appealed ultimately to the President if a resolution cannot be reached. However, U.S.D.E. would try to reach agreement with other departments of the federal government, rather than CEQ.
Restricts Use of Contractors. Section 114 restricts performance of "inherently governmental functions," such as policy decisionmaking and managerial responsibilities, to officers and employees of the United States. This provision is intended to codify for the Department the language already applicable to EPA under the OMB Circulars A-76 and A-120, which control the use of contractors and consultants by the Executive Branch. The committee indicates in its report that there is ample evidence that EPA has "not always" followed these administrative restrictions.
Establishes a Commission on Improving Environmental Protection. Title II establishes a 13-member Commission charged with making recommendations to the Congress and the President on improving the Department's program management, organizational structure, internal coordination and efficiency, and on improving small business and small government assistance programs.
CEQ Provisions Sequentially Referred to EPW Committee. Section 112 of S. 171, which abolishes CEQ, was sequentially referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. EPW ordered the bill reported by voice vote on April 2.
2
{page 4}
BACKGROUND
This is Chairman Glenn's third departmental elevation bill to be reported in as many congresses. The Senate Government Affairs Committee reported EPA cabinet bills on February 28, 1990, and again on May 23, 1991. Neither of these bills became law, although the principle of cabinet status for EPA had been generally supported by President Bush.
During the 101st Congress, the Committee on Governmental Affairs reported out S. 2006 on February 28, 1990, following two committee hearings. However, the bill was never cleared for consideration by the Senate despite vigorous attempts by Senator Glenn to bring it up as a separate bill. The House overwhelmingly passed its version, H.R. 3847, on March 28, 1990 by a vote of 371-55.
Chairman Glenn's bill for the 102d Congress, S. 533, still created a Bureau of Environmental Statistics, but used the Bureau of Labor Statistics as a model. S. 553 passed the Senate on October 1, 1991 by voice vote. However, the House never acted on a cabinet elevation bill during the 102d Congress.
This year, Chairman Glenn introduced S. 171, which was identical to last year's Senate-passed bill, S. 533, except that Senator Glenn did not include the private property rights provision that had been successfully added on the Floor by Senator Steve Symms.
This year, the House has begun consideration of legislation. A House version, H.R. 824 (a "clean" elevation bill, sponsored by the Ranking Republican, Congressman Klinger), is in the Committee on Government Operations, where one hearing has already been held this year and additional hearings are planned. Chairman Conyers and Subcommittee Chairman Synar are preparing their own version, which is expected to include provisions dealing with "environmental equity," contracting, and a bureau of statistics. Congressman Boehlert has introduced H.R. 109, a bill identical to last year's Senate-passed bill, S. 533.
ADMINISTRATION POSITION
President Clinton "strongly supports" S. 171 as reported, noting in a letter to Chairman Glenn of March 23, 1993, that the Glenn substitute streamlines the bill and substantially reduces its cost. The cost savings President Clinton refers to are in large part due to lower authorization levels provided for the Commission on Improving Environmental Protection. This year's bill provides $2 million for each of Fiscal Year 1993 and 1994, while last year's version provided $3 million in Fiscal Year 1992 and $5 million in Fiscal Year 1993. In addition, last year's provisions requiring international conferences and world meteorological organization support were deleted, also saving several million dollars per year.
3
{page 5}
OTHER VIEWS
Governmental Affairs Committee
In the Governmental Affairs Committee, Senator Roth, joined by Senator Cochran and Senator Cohen, strongly support elevation of the EPA to a cabinet-level department. However, they note that issues such as adding a statistics bureau and an environmental improvement commission have delayed this legislation since the 101st Congress, and urge the Senate to take a "clean" elevation bill approach. Senator Cohen also filed additional views stressing his concerns that the additional offices and functions in S. 171 add layers of bureaucracy and increase the cost of the federal government.
Environmental and Public Works Committee
Supplemental views filed by Ranking Republican Senator Chafee and Senator Durenburger expressed deep reservations about abolishing CEQ, a statutorily-created body with three Senate-confirmed appointments, and replacing it with an Office of Environmental Policy in the White House. They are concerned that this new office, which has no statutory basis, could be eliminated by the stroke of a presidential pen. In response, the Vice President has offered the committee assurances that the Office of Environmental Policy will be formally created by Executive Order.
Senators Chafee and Durenburger also questioned EPA's ability to adequately carry · out CEQ's requirement under NEPA to review Federal agencies' Environmental Impact Statements.
COST
CBO indicated to the committee that S. 171 will not affect direct spending or receipts, because the newly-authorized programs are subject to appropriation. CBO calculated the new authorization levels to be $39 million during the period 1993 through 1998. The cost of increasing the salary of the two senior positions to Cabinet level grades would be $30,000 per year. The cost of filling the five additional senior-level positions for the new department authorized in S. 171 would be $0.7 million to $0.8 million per year.
· Bureau of Environmental Statistics: about $5.5 million (adjusted for inflation) for FY94 and beyond.
· Commission on Improving Environmental Protection: $2 million in FY93, and $2 million in FY94.
· Council on Environmental Quality: $2.6 million annually, but CBO concluded that adding CEQ functions to the U.S.D.E. would not have a budgetary impact because the bill simultaneously abolishes the CEQ.
4
{page 6}
POSSIBLE AMENDMENTS
The Administration is continuing to negotiate to resolve its concerns, and so other amendments are possible.
Senator Roth: To substitute his bill, S. 380, which is a "clean" elevation bill. This bill was offered during committee markup, but failed by an 8-to-5 party-line vote.
Please refer to RPC-TV, cable channel 2 or RPC's phone hotline at 224-6888 for updates.
Staff Contact: Mark Whitenton, 224-2946
5
{page 7}
The Polling Spotlight {description: blue illustration of a theater stage spotlight.}
From the Office of the GOP Conference Secretary, Trent Lott, Secretary
Dave Hoppe, Staff Director 202.224-3496
released: 4/20/93
1) CLINTON'S ECONOMIC PLAN & JOB APPROVAL
(Wirthlin Poll: 1,022 adults surveyed 4/6-8/93; margin of error +/- 3%; rel. 4/13)
Clinton's Economic Plan NOW 3/93
FAVOR 49% 54%
Strongly 19 16
Somewhat 31 39
Oppose 41% 33%
Strongly 24 16
Somewhat 17 17
Clinton Job Approval NOW 3/93
Approve 54% 64%
Strongly 21 29
Somewhat 33 35
Disapprove 38% 29%
Strongly 21 16
Somewhat 18 13
2) Clinton's Stimulus Package (Wirthlin Group Poll: 1,019 adults surveyed 3/22-26; margin of error +/- 3.07%; rel. 3/30)
"Which best describes your opinion of Clinton econ. plan ?"
Should include fewer taxes 71%
Should include more tax increases 17
Should include fewer spending cuts 27
Should include more spending cuts 66
A) "Heard/Read Clinton plan to raise taxes on gasoline and other energy forms such as Natural Gas, Home heating oil?"
YES 83% NO 16%
"Does that make you more/less likely to support his plan?"
MORE 33% LESS 61%
{page 8}
B) "Heard/Read Clinton plan includes $250 billion in new government spending increases over the next five years?"
YES 45% NO 53%
"Does that make you more/less likely to support his plan?"
MORE 23% LESS 68%
C) "Heard/Read Clinton plan raise taxes on middle class families?"
YES 81% NO 19%
"Does that make you more/less likely to support his plan?"
MORE 21% LESS 72%
D) "Heard/Read Clinton plan to reduce deficit by adding $4 in taxes/$1 in cuts?
YES 36% NO 63%
"Does that make you more/less likely to support his plan?"
MORE 30% LESS 61%
"After discussing all this information about Clinton's economic plan, would you say you now favor or oppose his plan?"
FAVOR 46% OPPOSE 49%
3) HEALTH CARE REFORM
(Newsweek Poll: 755 adults surveyed 3/25-26; margin of error +/- 4%; rel. 4/5 issue)
Biggest Health Care Concern
Cost 50%
Quality 37
Availability 11
Care Should be Mostly Funded By
Federal Government 44%
Employers/private citizens 49
Pay Add'l Taxes to Reform & Expand Coverage NOW 2/93
FAVOR 50% 65%
OPPOSE 47 32
{page 1}
April 20, 1993
HATFIELD/DOLE ALTERNATIVE
Amendment. Retains Unemployment Extension and provides for the following programs.
In Millions
Highways
$1.000
Summer Jobs
. 450
Immunization
.300
Natural Resources
.150
SBA
.100
$2.000
* Package paid for with reductions in agency administrative costs.
{page 2}
U.S. Senate Republican Policy Committee
Don Nickles, Chairman
Kelly D. Johnston, Staff Director
Legislative Notice
Editor, Judy Gorman Prinkey
No. 7 April 20, 1993
S. 171 - The Department of the Environment Act of 1993
Calendar No. 57
Reported: Sequential Referral, First from the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs on April 15, 1993, with the Chairman's substitute amendment adopted by voice vote, with one amendment, and reported by voice vote. Minority and additional views filed. S. Rept. 103-38. A hearing was held on the bill on February 18, 1993. Also reported by the Committee on Environment and Public Works on April 15, 1993, without amendment, with supplemental views filed. S. Rept. 103-39. A hearing was held by EPW on April 1, 1993.
NOTEWORTHY
· S. 171 may be considered later this week.
· President Clinton last month stated his "very strong support" for Chairman Glenn's substitute, applauding the substitute's attempts to streamline S. 171, and "substantially reduce its cost."
· S. 171 does more than simply elevate the Environmental Protection Agency to cabinet status. The bill creates a number of new programs and duties for the Department of the Environment ("U.S.D.E."), including establishment of a Bureau of Environmental Statistics and a Commission on Improving Environmental Protection.
· In addition, S. 171, as reported, includes the Administration's request for statutory authority to abolish the Council on Environmental Quality and reassign its National Environmental Policy Act functions to the U.S.D.E.
HIGHLIGHTS
Elevates the Environmental Protection Agency to the Department of the Environment. The bill authorizes as many as 12 Assistant Secretary positions.
Establishes a Bureau of Environmental Statistics. Section 108 establishes within the U.S.D.E. a Bureau of Environmental Statistics, headed by the Director appointed for a four-year term by the President and subject to confirmation by the Senate.
· The Bureau may not require other Federal agencies to collect data. Provisions are included regarding confidentiality of data.
{page 3}
· The Bureau shall prepare and submit an annual report to the President. The report's focus will be on statistics indicating changes in environmental quality of the Nation and the effects of those changes on human health and nonhuman species and ecosystems. The report must also contain economic information on the current and projected costs and benefits of environmental protection.
· The Secretary is to make grants "and enter into contracts" with States, local governments, Indian tribes, universities, and other organizations to assist them in meeting the cost of collecting data and other "short-term" activities related to the Bureau's missions.
Terminates the CEQ and Transfers Most Functions. As requested by the Clinton Administration, section 112 abolishes the Council on Environmental Quality and transfers "most" of its functions to the U.S.D.E. As requested by the Administration, section 112 shifts to the Secretary the CEQ's required annual Report on Environmental Quality. In addition, all of the statutory functions given to the CEQ by the National Environmental Policy Act ("NEPA"), including review of Federal Environmental Impact Statements, will be shifted to the U.S.D.E. Under the bill, U.S.D.E. would have the authority to oversee the adequacy of all federally-prepared EIS's, an authority that currently resides with CEQ. As is now the case, the proposal would allow a dispute between federal agencies to be appealed ultimately to the President if a resolution cannot be reached. However, U.S.D.E. would try to reach agreement with other departments of the federal government, rather than CEQ.
Restricts Use of Contractors. Section 114 restricts performance of "inherently governmental functions," such as policy decisionmaking and managerial responsibilities, to officers and employees of the United States. This provision is intended to codify for the Department the language already applicable to EPA under the OMB Circulars A-76 and A-120, which control the use of contractors and consultants by the Executive Branch. The committee indicates in its report that there is ample evidence that EPA has "not always" followed these administrative restrictions.
Establishes a Commission on Improving Environmental Protection. Title II establishes a 13-member Commission charged with making recommendations to the Congress and the President on improving the Department's program management, organizational structure, internal coordination and efficiency, and on improving small business and small government assistance programs.
CEQ Provisions Sequentially Referred to EPW Committee. Section 112 of S. 171, which abolishes CEQ, was sequentially referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. EPW ordered the bill reported by voice vote on April 2.
2
{page 4}
BACKGROUND
This is Chairman Glenn's third departmental elevation bill to be reported in as many congresses. The Senate Government Affairs Committee reported EPA cabinet bills on February 28, 1990, and again on May 23, 1991. Neither of these bills became law, although the principle of cabinet status for EPA had been generally supported by President Bush.
During the 101st Congress, the Committee on Governmental Affairs reported out S. 2006 on February 28, 1990, following two committee hearings. However, the bill was never cleared for consideration by the Senate despite vigorous attempts by Senator Glenn to bring it up as a separate bill. The House overwhelmingly passed its version, H.R. 3847, on March 28, 1990 by a vote of 371-55.
Chairman Glenn's bill for the 102d Congress, S. 533, still created a Bureau of Environmental Statistics, but used the Bureau of Labor Statistics as a model. S. 553 passed the Senate on October 1, 1991 by voice vote. However, the House never acted on a cabinet elevation bill during the 102d Congress.
This year, Chairman Glenn introduced S. 171, which was identical to last year's Senate-passed bill, S. 533, except that Senator Glenn did not include the private property rights provision that had been successfully added on the Floor by Senator Steve Symms.
This year, the House has begun consideration of legislation. A House version, H.R. 824 (a "clean" elevation bill, sponsored by the Ranking Republican, Congressman Klinger), is in the Committee on Government Operations, where one hearing has already been held this year and additional hearings are planned. Chairman Conyers and Subcommittee Chairman Synar are preparing their own version, which is expected to include provisions dealing with "environmental equity," contracting, and a bureau of statistics. Congressman Boehlert has introduced H.R. 109, a bill identical to last year's Senate-passed bill, S. 533.
ADMINISTRATION POSITION
President Clinton "strongly supports" S. 171 as reported, noting in a letter to Chairman Glenn of March 23, 1993, that the Glenn substitute streamlines the bill and substantially reduces its cost. The cost savings President Clinton refers to are in large part due to lower authorization levels provided for the Commission on Improving Environmental Protection. This year's bill provides $2 million for each of Fiscal Year 1993 and 1994, while last year's version provided $3 million in Fiscal Year 1992 and $5 million in Fiscal Year 1993. In addition, last year's provisions requiring international conferences and world meteorological organization support were deleted, also saving several million dollars per year.
3
{page 5}
OTHER VIEWS
Governmental Affairs Committee
In the Governmental Affairs Committee, Senator Roth, joined by Senator Cochran and Senator Cohen, strongly support elevation of the EPA to a cabinet-level department. However, they note that issues such as adding a statistics bureau and an environmental improvement commission have delayed this legislation since the 101st Congress, and urge the Senate to take a "clean" elevation bill approach. Senator Cohen also filed additional views stressing his concerns that the additional offices and functions in S. 171 add layers of bureaucracy and increase the cost of the federal government.
Environmental and Public Works Committee
Supplemental views filed by Ranking Republican Senator Chafee and Senator Durenburger expressed deep reservations about abolishing CEQ, a statutorily-created body with three Senate-confirmed appointments, and replacing it with an Office of Environmental Policy in the White House. They are concerned that this new office, which has no statutory basis, could be eliminated by the stroke of a presidential pen. In response, the Vice President has offered the committee assurances that the Office of Environmental Policy will be formally created by Executive Order.
Senators Chafee and Durenburger also questioned EPA's ability to adequately carry · out CEQ's requirement under NEPA to review Federal agencies' Environmental Impact Statements.
COST
CBO indicated to the committee that S. 171 will not affect direct spending or receipts, because the newly-authorized programs are subject to appropriation. CBO calculated the new authorization levels to be $39 million during the period 1993 through 1998. The cost of increasing the salary of the two senior positions to Cabinet level grades would be $30,000 per year. The cost of filling the five additional senior-level positions for the new department authorized in S. 171 would be $0.7 million to $0.8 million per year.
· Bureau of Environmental Statistics: about $5.5 million (adjusted for inflation) for FY94 and beyond.
· Commission on Improving Environmental Protection: $2 million in FY93, and $2 million in FY94.
· Council on Environmental Quality: $2.6 million annually, but CBO concluded that adding CEQ functions to the U.S.D.E. would not have a budgetary impact because the bill simultaneously abolishes the CEQ.
4
{page 6}
POSSIBLE AMENDMENTS
The Administration is continuing to negotiate to resolve its concerns, and so other amendments are possible.
Senator Roth: To substitute his bill, S. 380, which is a "clean" elevation bill. This bill was offered during committee markup, but failed by an 8-to-5 party-line vote.
Please refer to RPC-TV, cable channel 2 or RPC's phone hotline at 224-6888 for updates.
Staff Contact: Mark Whitenton, 224-2946
5
{page 7}
The Polling Spotlight {description: blue illustration of a theater stage spotlight.}
From the Office of the GOP Conference Secretary, Trent Lott, Secretary
Dave Hoppe, Staff Director 202.224-3496
released: 4/20/93
1) CLINTON'S ECONOMIC PLAN & JOB APPROVAL
(Wirthlin Poll: 1,022 adults surveyed 4/6-8/93; margin of error +/- 3%; rel. 4/13)
Clinton's Economic Plan
NOW
3/93
FAVOR
49%
54%
Strongly
19
16
Somewhat
31
39
Oppose
41%
33%
Strongly
24
16
Somewhat
17
17
Clinton Job Approval
NOW
3/93
Approve
54%
64%
Strongly
21
29
Somewhat
33
35
Disapprove
38%
29%
Strongly
21
16
Somewhat
18
13
2) Clinton's Stimulus Package (Wirthlin Group Poll: 1,019 adults surveyed 3/22-26; margin of error +/- 3.07%; rel. 3/30)
"Which best describes your opinion of Clinton econ. plan ?"
Should include fewer taxes
71%
Should include more tax increases
17
Should include fewer spending cuts
27
Should include more spending cuts
66
A) "Heard/Read Clinton plan to raise taxes on gasoline and other energy forms such as Natural Gas, Home heating oil?"
YES 83% NO 16%
"Does that make you more/less likely to support his plan?"
MORE 33% LESS 61%
{page 8}
B) "Heard/Read Clinton plan includes $250 billion in new government spending increases over the next five years?"
YES 45% NO 53%
"Does that make you more/less likely to support his plan?"
MORE 23% LESS 68%
C) "Heard/Read Clinton plan raise taxes on middle class families?"
YES 81% NO 19%
"Does that make you more/less likely to support his plan?"
MORE 21% LESS 72%
D) "Heard/Read Clinton plan to reduce deficit by adding $4 in taxes/$1 in cuts?
YES 36% NO 63%
"Does that make you more/less likely to support his plan?"
MORE 30% LESS 61%
"After discussing all this information about Clinton's economic plan, would you say you now favor or oppose his plan?"
FAVOR 46% OPPOSE 49%
3) HEALTH CARE REFORM
(Newsweek Poll: 755 adults surveyed 3/25-26; margin of error +/- 4%; rel. 4/5 issue)
Biggest Health Care Concern
Cost
50%
Quality
37
Availability
11
Care Should be Mostly Funded By
Federal Government
44%
Employers/private citizens
49
Pay Add'l Taxes to Reform & Expand Coverage
NOW
2/93
FAVOR
50%
65%
OPPOSE
47
32
Position: 4604 (1 views)