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Diary Entry - 01/26/1982

Ronald Reagan's white house diaries for the day of 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."

View the President's Schedule
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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.

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