Diary Entry - 01/26/1982
Key Facts
President Reagan meets with Republican Senate and House Leadership to discuss a phased 10 year transfer of federal programs to state and local governments.
In his first State of the Union message to the US Congress, President Reagan calls his bold concept "new federalism."
Have been getting calls from Al Haig in Geneva. Gromyko declares he wont talk about Poland. Al says that’s what he’s going to talk about. Last call came after 71⁄2 hour meeting. Al says Gromyko is more nervous than he’s ever seen him. He talked arms limitation. Al talked Poland & Cuba. Gromyko tried to play down the big arms buildup they are doing in Cuba. I met with Repub. Sen. House leadership. We explained our proposal for a phased (10 yr.) transfer of some 40 Fed. programs to State & local govts. They were truly enthusiastic and think it will fly. At noon a working lunch with the Cabinet. They now know what’s in the St. of the U. address (I’m writing this before leaving for the Capital). I wonder if I’ll ever get used to addressing the joint sessions of Cong.? I’ve made a mil. speeches in every kind of place to every kind of audience. Somehow there’s a thing about entering that chamber—goose bumps & a quiver. But it turned out fine—I was well received & I think the speech was a 4 base hit. We’ll know more tomorrow.
