RECORD TYPE: PRESIDENTIAL  (TRP NOTES MAIL)

CREATOR: Ron Klain ( CN=Ron Klain/O=OVP [ OVP ] )

CREATION DATE/TIME: 7-MAR-1996 08:51:32.00

SUBJECT:  Updates

TO: Albert Gore ( CN=Albert Gore/O=OVP [ OVP ] )
READ:UNKNOWN

Heather M. Marabeti ( CN=Heather M. Marabeti/O=OVP [ OVP ] )
READ:UNKNOWN

TEXT:
A few items (beyond the separate notes I sent you about 8 million jobs and 

the impromptu economic meeting):



1.  CR/Debt Limit.  Republicans in both chambers are heading toward a 

clean extension of the debt limit to 3/29 -- they clearly want more time 

to consider their strategic options, and to allow Dole to reassess where 

he wants this conflict to go.  They continue to work on their combined 

"welfare-medicaid" package.



On a CR, both Chambers are moving funding bills unacceptable to us:  the 

Senate Bill contains some of our add-backs, and more add-backs still 

funded contingently on a future deficit package -- but many bad language 

provisions, including Tongass.  The House Bill does not even contain our 

add-backs.   To me, it looks as if we are headed to a veto, a short-term 

status quo CR to 3/29 -- and then a big conflict on debt and CR at month's 

end.

(Finally, keep in mind that if this all blows up on 3/15, you are 

currently scheduled to be with your family for that Fri-Sat-Sun.)



2.  Reg Ref:  The Bond bill (small business reg ref) is moving in the 

Senate; I have asked Katie to give you an analysis.  She is meeting again 

today with the Levin staff -- Levin has not decided if he will (or will 

not) move his bill as an amendment to Bond.  This could unfold as early as 

Monday or Tuesday.  



3.  Product Liability:  The President appears leaning toward a veto, even 

as the Conferees appear headed toward meeting all of our stated concerns.  

Rockefeller feels badly betrayed by the President.  Deja vu all over 

again.



4.  Mexico:  This is really heating up -- with Dole's posture on 

decertification not yet clear.  If it becomes a big Hill fight, you will 

doubtlessly get sucked in.



Finally, I have  a few updates for your lunch memo, which will be over in 

the WW office shortly.