Diary Entry - 05/03/1983
Key Facts
President Reagan meets with Republican Members of Congress to discuss the MX missile program, the budget, and the situation in Central America.
President Reagan attends a Cabinet Council meeting to discuss the drug problem.
The U.S. reports on increased aid for the Mujahedeen rebels fighting the Soviet Union.
Opened day with Repub. Cong. leaders—subjects the budget & the MX vote plus the interference with Presidential authority in International affairs. Two House committees are putting together measures to limit our help to El Salvador & the freedom fighters in Nicaragua. My case on the budget was that the House Dem. budget was so far out of line there was no way I could accept any split or compromise with the Sen. Version. Howard Baker came up with the idea of passing the Sen. version—letting the Dems. in the House pass theirs & since the budget resolution is a non binding thing not a bill we’d have 2 and I would only sign appropriation bills conforming with the Sen. resolution. It would be quite a campaign plus—the Dem. & Repub. versions of govt. spending & the contrast. Cable traffic from Beirut has a ring of optimism. George S. apparently believes they are close to an agreement on pull out. Foreign Minister Lee Bum Suk–S. Korea came by for a short visit. He’s a personable & very intelligent man & completely sincere about S. Korea friendship with us. Had a good Cab. Council meeting on Drugs & our help to our historic Black Colleges & U’s. On drugs we really have a great program going to steer kids away from them. There is real progress & Nancy is a big part of that. Presented the American Eagle award to Marvin Stone—editor of U.S. News & World Report—their 50th anniversary. Tonite the annual reception for the Diplomatic Reception.
