S 8488 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE June 15, 1995 required to carry out the event under this Whereas, when it appears that evidence ruary 22, 1992. I wanted to make it a resolution. under the control or in the possession of the matter of daily record precisely the SEC. 6. LIMITATION ON REPRESENTATIONS. Senate is needed for the promotion of jus- size of the Federal debt which as of The Boeing Company and the United Tech- tice, the Senate will take such action as will yesterday, Wednesday, June 14, stood promote the ends of justice consistent with nology Corporation shall not represent, ei- at $4,905,557,258,890.90 (or $18,621.58 for ther directly or indirectly, that this resolu- the privileges of the Senate; tion or any activity carried out under this Whereas, pursuant to section 703(a) and every man, woman, and child in Amer- resolution in any way constitutes approval 704(a)(2) of the Ethics in Government Act of ica). 1978, 2 U.S.C. §§ 288B(A) and 288C(A)(2), the or endorsement by the Federal Government f of the Boeing Company or the United Tech- Senate may direct its counsel to represent employees of the Senate with respect to re- nology Corporation or any product or service ‘‘TAKE THE MONEY AND TALK’’ offered by the Boeing Company or the United quests for testimony made to them in their Technology Corporation. official capacities: Now, therefore, be it Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, without a Resolved, That Ross Keys is authorized to f produce records and provide testimony in the doubt, the relationship between the cases of Schneider v. Schaaf and Schneider v. media and politicians is a unique and AUTHORIZING REPRESENTATION interesting one. All would agree that BY SENATE LEGAL COUNSEL Messer, except concerning matters for which a privilege should be asserted. press attention on politicians is a natu- AND TESTIMONY BY FORMER SEC. 2. The Senate Legal Counsel is author- ral function of journalistic coverage of SENATE EMPLOYEE ized to represent Ross Keys in connection the legislative process. It is a nec- Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, I ask with the testimony authorized by section 1 essary and useful role for the members unanimous consent that the Senate of this resolution. of the press. f proceed to the immediate consider- Over the years, there has been a lot ation of Senate Resolution 135, submit- CLOTURE MOTION of media coverage focused on the ef- ted earlier today by Senators DOLE and Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, I send a fects of special interests on the legisla- DASCHLE. tive process. Reams have been written The PRESIDING OFFICER. The cloture motion to the desk that is signed by 16 Senators. on how the wishes of the American peo- clerk will report. ple are compromised by the practice of The legislative clerk read as follows: The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report. legislators accepting gratuities from A resolution (S. Res. 135) to authorize pro- the pockets of highly paid lobbyists. duction of documents and testimony by a The legislative clerk read as follows: former Senate employee, and representation CLOTURE MOTION Miles of video tape have been aired on by Senate legal counsel. We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- programs critical of Members of Con- gress who cavort with special interest The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there ance with the provisions of rule XXII of groups which have influence over mat- objection to the immediate consider- Standing Rules of the Senate, hereby move to bring to a close debate on the motion to ters under consideration by Congress. ation of the resolution? proceed to Calendar Number 114, S. 440, the Often, by focusing their investigative There being no objection, the Senate National Highway System bill, signed by 16 proceeded to consider the resolution. light on elected officials, the media Senators. have brought instances of unethical be- Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, the plain- Bob Dole, Lauch Faircloth, Larry Pres- tiffs in two civil actions pending in sler, Rod Grams, Don Nickles, Robert havior to the public’s attention. North Dakota State court have re- F. Bennett, Craig Thomas, James M. Partly as a result of this attention, quested documents and testimony from Inhofe, Pete V. Domenici, John W. Members of Congress got the message. a former member of Senator CONRAD’s Warner, Hank Brown, John Chafee, In an effort, which I led here some staff relating to constituent casework Christopher Bond, Kay Bailey years ago, to eliminate possible con- Hutchison, Bob Smith, and Dirk flicts of interest and perceptions of the staff member performed for the Kempthorne. plaintiffs. The following resolution such conflicts, Members chose to pro- would authorize the former staff mem- f hibit the acceptance of honoraria and ber to testify at a deposition with rep- MORNING BUSINESS to require public disclosure of gifts from outside groups. Now, because of resentation by the Senate Legal Coun- (During today’s session of the Sen- reporting requirements, the American sel, and would authorize the production ate, the following morning business people are able to judge the effects that of documents. was transacted.) Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, I ask any undue influence lobbyists may unanimous consent that the resolution f have on their elected representatives. be considered and agreed to, that the WAS CONGRESS IRRESPONSIBLE? What is distressing to me is the lack preamble be agreed to, that the motion THE VOTERS HAVE SAID YES of parity that exists in this area as far to reconsider be laid upon the table, Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, on that as the media are concerned. In the and that any statements relating to memorable evening in 1972 when I June 1995 edition of the American the resolution appear at the appro- learned that I had been elected to the Journalism Review, Alicia C. Shepard, priate place in the RECORD. Senate in 1972, one of the commitments in an article entitled, ‘‘Take the Money The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without I made to myself was that I would and Talk,’’ makes a compelling argu- objection, it is so ordered. ment for members of the press to turn So the resolution (S. Res. 135) was never fail to see a young person, or a group of young people, who wanted to the light of honoraria disclosure on agreed to. themselves. As the article points out, The preamble was agreed to. see me. It certainly proved beneficial to me journalists who receive honoraria from The resolution, with its preamble, is the very groups they cover have be- as follows: because I’ve been inspired by the esti- mated 60,000 young people with whom come a matter of considerable concern. S. RES. 135 I’ve visited during the nearly 23 years It seems that even many reporters feel Whereas, the plaintiffs in Schneider v. uncomfortable with the large sums Schaaf, Civ. No. 95–C–1056 and Schneider v. I’ve been in the Senate. Most of them have been concerned that their peers receive from speaking Messer, Civ. No. 93–C–124, civil actions pend- engagements. ing in state court in North Dakota have about the magnitude of the Federal sought the deposition testimony of Ross debt that Congress has run up for the In this age of instant communica- Keys, a former Senate employee who worked coming generations to pay. The young tion, no one can doubt the tremendous for Senator Kent Conrad and documents people and I always discuss the fact impact of the media. Their stories—ei- from Senator Conrad’s office; that under the U.S. Constitution, no ther in print, through newspapers and Whereas, by the privileges of the Senate of President can spend a dime of Federal magazines, or on the air waves, the United States and Rule XI of the Stand- through network news and talk radio— ing Rules of the Senate, no evidence under money that has not first been author- the control or in the possession of the Senate ized and appropriated by both the control the very way the public re- can, by administrative or judicial process, be House and Senate of the United States. ceives the news each day and perceives taken from such control or possession but by That’s why I began making these the issues and the players in the cov- permission of the Senate; daily reports to the Senate on Feb- erage. Reporters have the ability to June 15, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S 8489 frame a story through virtually any fil- which I have referred be printed in the Roberts’ ABC colleague Jeff Greenfield, ter they choose. Theirs is a powerful RECORD. who also speaks for money, doesn’t think it’s tool that cannot be taken lightly. There being no objection, the article a good idea to duck the issue. ‘‘I think we was ordered to be printed in the ought not not talk about it,’’ he says. ‘‘I At a time when public cynicism with mean that’s Cokie’s right, obviously,’’ he both politicians and the media seems RECORD, as follows: adds, but ‘‘if we want people to answer our to have reached new proportions, the [From the American Journalism Review, questions, then up to a reasonable point, we journalism profession ought to put the June 1995] should answer their questions.’’ brakes on and reflect on how it is TAKE THE MONEY AND TALK The phenomenon of journalists giving speeches for staggering sums of money con- tainted by the policy of accepting (By Alicia C. Shepard) tinues to dog the profession. Chicago Trib- speaking fees. How is one to know if a It’s speech time at the Broward County une Washington Bureau Chief James Warren given journalist has a private agenda Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale. has created a cottage industry criticizing or an ax to grind? Right now, the pub- ABC News correspondent and NPR com- colleagues who speak for fat fees. Washing- lic is not assured of balanced reporting mentator Cokie Roberts takes her brown ton Post columnist James K. Glassman be- and can only hope that members of the handbag and notebook off of the ‘‘reserved’’ lieves the practice is the ‘‘next great Amer- press are above ethical compromise. table where she has been sitting, waiting to ican scandal.’’ Iowa Republican Sen. Charles speak. She steps up to the podium where she Although some media outlets are be- Grassley has denounced it on the Senate is gushingly introduced and greeted with re- floor. ginning to put restrictions into place, sounding applause. A number of news organizations have no rules of disclosure with respect to Framed by palm fronds, Roberts begins her drafted new policies to regulate the practice outside income are required by the speech to 1,600 South Florida businesswomen since debate over the issue flared a year ago journalism profession. There is no attending a Junior League-sponsored semi- (see ‘‘Talk is Expensive,’’ May 1994). Time place to go to find out if a reporter has nar. Having just flown in from Washington, magazine is one of the latest to do so, issu- been compromised. D.C., Roberts breaks the news of the hours- ing a flat-out ban on honoraria in April. The old arrest of a suspect in the Oklahoma City Society for Professional Journalists, in the Somewhat arrogantly or perhaps na- bombing. She talks of suffragette Susan B. process of revising its ethics code, is wres- ively, many reporters have adopted the Anthony, of how she misses the late House tling with the divisive issue. ‘‘trust me’’ theory of reporting, insist- Speaker Tip O’Neill, of the Republican take- The eye-popping sums star journalists re- ing that their ethical standards are not over on Capitol Hill. Then she gives her lis- ceive for their speeches, and the possibility to be questioned. For some unclear rea- teners the inside scoop on the new members that they may be influenced by them, have son, they assume that they are dif- of Congress. drawn heightened attention to the practice, ferent from the individuals about ‘‘They are very young,’’ says Roberts, 52, which is largely the province of a relatively ‘‘I’m constantly getting it wrong, assuming small roster of well-paid members of the whom they write. Simply by virtue of they are pages. They’re darling. They’re media elite. Most work for the television their name and employer, we are to be- wildly adept with a blow dryer and I resent networks or the national news weeklies; lieve that they are above reproach. them because they call me ma’am.’’ The au- newspaper reporters, with less public visi- The hypocrisy of this line of thinking dience laughs. bility, aren’t asked as often. is not only absurd, but it is also truly After talking for an hour on ‘‘Women and While the crescendo of criticism has re- Politics,’’ Roberts answers questions for 20 sulted in an official crackdown at several disturbing. To have a virtual field day news organizations—as well as talk of new in castigating politicians for allowing minutes. One woman asks the veteran cor- respondent, who has covered Washington hardline policies at others—it’s not clear special interest groups access and in- since 1978, when there will be a female presi- how effective the new policies are, since no fluence, and then to turn around and dent. public disclosure system is in place. ignore the same criticism in regard to ‘‘I think we’ll have a woman president Some well-known journalists, columnist themselves, in my mind, portrays a when a woman is elected vice president and and ‘‘Crossfire’’ host Michael Kinsley and press corps that is unaccountable and, we do in the guy,’’ Roberts quips. U.S. News & World Report’s Steven V. Rob- erts among them, scoff at the criticism. as a result, compromised or at least This crowd loves her. When Roberts fin- ishes, they stand clapping for several min- They assert that it’s their right as private highly suspect. In an age of instant citizens to offer their services for whatever communications, the media hold an un- utes. Roberts poses for a few pictures and is whisked out and driven to the Miami airport the market will bear, that new policies won’t equaled sway over the distribution of for her first-class flight back to Washington. improve credibility and that the outcry has information to the public. Their access For her trouble and her time, the Junior been blown out of proportion. But the spectacle of journalists taking big to, and influence on, the American peo- League of Greater Fort Lauderdale gave bucks for speeches has emerged as one of the Roberts a check for $35,000. ‘‘She’s high, very ple are unparalleled. The communica- high-profile ethical issues in journalism high,’’ says the League’s Linda Carter, who tions industry thus has an important today. obligation to guarantee the highest lined up the keynote speakers. The two other ‘‘Clearly some nerve has been touched,’’ ethical standards among its members. keynote speakers received around $10,000 Warren says. ‘‘A nerve of pure, utter defen- each. As the press are fond of pointing out, siveness on the part of a journalist trying to The organization sponsored the seminar to rationalize taking [honoraria] for the sake of in the public arena there are no free raise money for its community projects, rides. It is past time for journalists to their bank account because the money is so using Roberts as a draw. But shelling out alluring.’’ accept the same responsibility in this $35,000 wouldn’t have left much money for, A common route to boarding the lecture regard and acknowledge the dangers, say, the League’s foster care or women’s sub- gravy train is the political talk show. Na- within their own ranks, of receiving stance abuse programs or its efforts to in- tional television exposure raises a journal- money from special interest groups. crease organ donors for transplants. ist’s profile dramatically, enhancing the Instead, Robert’s tab was covered by a cor- One of the liberties our Constitution likelihood of receiving lucrative speaking of- porate sponsor, JM Family Enterprises. The fers. speaks of is freedom of the press. Cer- $4.2 billion firm is an umbrella company for The problem is that modulated, objective tainly, no one wants to see controls put the largest independent American distribu- analysis is not likely to make you a favorite on the media that would jeopardize the tor of Toyotas. The second-largest privately on ‘‘The Capital Gang’’ or ‘‘The McLaughlin ability to report objectively. But, we held company in Florida, it provides Toyotas Group.’’ Instead, reporters who strive for ob- are all better served when possible per- to 164 dealerships in five southeastern states jectivity in their day jobs are often far more ceptions of misconduct are removed. and runs 20 other auto-related companies. opinionated in the TV slugfests. Unfortunately, by refusing to address But Roberts doesn’t want to talk about the Time Managing Editor James R. Gaines, company that paid her fee. She doesn’t like who issued his magazine’s recent ban on ac- what is perceived at the very least as a to answer the kind of questions she asks cepting honoraria, sees this as another prob- double standard, the journalism profes- politicians. She won’t discuss what she’s lem for journalists’ credibility, one he plans sion runs the risk of losing further paid, whom she speaks to, why she does it or to address in a future policy shift. ‘‘These credibility with its audience. It is time how it might affect journalism’s credibility journalists say things we wouldn’t let them for all thinking members of the media when she receives more money in an hour- say in the magazine . . .,’’ says Gaines, to face up to the same standards they and-a-half from a large corporation than whose columnist Margaret Carlson appears so stridently require of others, and let many journalists earn in a year. frequently on ‘‘The Capital Gang.’’ ‘‘It’s the light of day reflect the objectivity ‘‘She feels strongly that it’s not something great promotion for the magazine and the that in any way, shape or form should be dis- magazine’s journalists. But I wonder about it of their work. cussed in public,’’ ABC spokeswoman Eileen when the journalists get into that adversar- Mr. President, in this regard, I ask Murphy said in response to AJR’s request for ial atmosphere where provocation is the unanimous consent that the article to an interview with Roberts. main currency.’’ S 8490 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE June 15, 1995 Journalists have been ‘‘buckraking’’ for ‘‘I believe since all of us signed our con- the committee that issues congressional years, speaking to trade associations, cor- tracts with the expectation that the former press passes to daily print journalists. porations, charities, academic institutions ABC policy would prevail and took that into His platform included a promise to have and social groups. But what’s changed is the account when we agreed to sign our con- daily correspondents list outside sources of amount they’re paid. In the mid-1970s, the tracts for X amount,’’ Donaldson says, ‘‘it income—not amounts—on their applications fees peaked at $10,000 to $15,000, say agents was not fair to change the policy mid- for press credentials. Harwood’s goal was for speakers bureaus. Today, ABC’s Sam stream.’’ Donaldson says he has had to turn fuller disclosure of outside income, including Donaldson can get $30,000, ABC’s David down two speech offers. speaking fees. Brinkley pulls in $18,000 and the New York Greenfield believes the restrictions are un- ‘‘I’m not trying to argue in all cases it’s Times’ William Safire can command up to necessary. wrong,’’ says Harwood. ‘‘But we make a big $20,000. ‘‘When I go to speak to a group, the idea to-do about campaign money and benefits When a $4.2 billion Toyota distributor pays that it’s like renting a politician to get his lawmakers get from special interests and I’m $35,000 for someone like Cokie Roberts, or a ear is not correct,’’ he says. ‘‘We are being struck by how many people in our profession trade association pays a high-profile journal- asked to provide a mix of entertainment and also get money from players in the political ist $10,000 or $20,000 for an hour’s work, it in- information and keep audiences in their process.’’ evitably raises questions and forces news ex- seats at whatever convention so they don’t Harwood believes it’s hypocritical that ecutives to re-examine their policies. go home and say, ‘Jesus, what a boring two- journalists used to go after members of Con- That’s what happened last June at ABC. day whatever that was.’ ’’ gress for taking speech fees when journalists Richard Wald, senior vice president of news, Most agree it’s the size of the honoraria do the same thing. (Members of Congress are decided to ban paid speeches to trade asso- that is fueling debate over the issue. ‘‘If you no longer permitted to accept honoraria.) ciations and for-profit corporationsmuch to took a decimal point or two away, nobody ‘‘By disclosing the people who pay us,’’ the dismay of some of ABC’s best-paid cor- would care,’’ Greenfield says. ‘‘A lot of us are says Harwood, ‘‘we let other people who may respondents. As at most news organizations, now offered what seems to many people a lot have a beef with us draw their own conclu- speaking to colleges and nonprofits is al- of money. They are entertainment-size sums sions. I don’t see why reporters should be lowed. rather than journalistic sizes.’’ afraid of that.’’ When Wald’s policy was circulated to 109 And Wald has decided ‘‘entertainment-size But apparently they are. Harwood lost the employees at ABC, some correspondents sums’’ look bad for the network, which has election. howled (see Free Press, September 1994). Pro- at least a dozen correspondents listed with ‘‘I’m quite certain that’s why John lost,’’ tests last August from Roberts, Donaldson, speakers bureaus. It’s not the speeches them- says Alan J. Murray, the Journal’s Washing- Brinkley, Greenfield, Brit Hume and others selves that trouble Wald. ‘‘You can speak to ton bureau chief, who made many phone succeeded only in delaying implementation the American Society of Travel Agents or calls on his reporter’s behalf. ‘‘There’s clear- of the new guidelines. Wald agreed to the Electrical Council,’’ he says, ‘‘as long as ly a lot of resistance,’’ adds Murray, whose ‘‘grandfather in’’ speeches already scheduled you don’t take money from them.’’ newspaper forbids speaking to for-profit through mid-January. After that, if a cor- But are ABC officials enforcing the new companies, political action committees and respondent speaks to a forbidden group, the policy? ‘‘My suspicion is they’re not, that anyone who lobbies Congress. ‘‘Everybody money must go to charity. they are chickenshit and Cokie Roberts will likes John. But I couldn’t believe how many ‘‘Why did we amend it? Fees for speeches do whatever the hell she wants to do and people said—even people who I suspect have are getting to be very large,’’ Wald says. they don’t have the balls to do anything,’’ very little if any speaking incomes—that it’s ‘‘When we report on matters of national in- says the Chicago Tribune’s Warren, whose just nobody’s business. I just don’t buy terest, we do not want it to appear that folks newspaper allows its staff to make paid that.’’ who have received a fee are in any way be- speeches only to educational institutions. His sentiment is shared in the Periodical holden to anybody other than our viewers. There’s obviously some elasticity in ABC’s Press Gallery on Capitol Hill, where maga- Even though I do not believe anybody was policy. In April, Greenfield, who covers zine reporters applying for press credentials ever swayed by a speech fee, I do believe that media and politics, pocketed $12,000 from the must list sources of outside income. But in it gives the wrong impression. We deal in im- National Association and interviewing media the Radio-Television Correspondents Gal- pressions.’’ The new policy has hurt, says ABC White giants Rupert Murdoch and Barry Diller for lery, where the bigname network reporters House correspondent Ann Compton. Almost the group. Wald says that was acceptable. go for press credentials, the issue of disclos- a year in advance, Compton agreed to speak He also says it was fine for Roberts to ing outside income has never come up, says to the American Cotton Council. But this speak to the Junior League-sponsored busi- Kenan Block, a ‘‘MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour’’ spring, when she spoke to the trade group, ness conference in Fort Lauderdale, even producer. she had to turn an honorarium of ‘‘several though the for-profit JM Family Enterprises ‘‘I’ve never heard anyone mention it here thousand dollars’’ over to charity. Since the paid her fee. and I’ve been here going on 11 years,’’ says policy went into effect, Compton has turned ‘‘As long as the speech was arranged by a Block, who is also chairman of the Radio- down six engagements that she previously reasonable group and it carried with it no Television Correspondents Executive Com- would have accepted. tinct from anybody, it’s okay,’’ says Wald. ‘‘I mittee. ‘‘I basically feel it’s not our place to ‘‘The restrictions now have become so don’t care where they [the Junior League] police the credentialed reporters. If you’re tight, it’s closed off some groups and indus- get their money.’’ speaking on the college circuit or to groups tries that I don’t feel I have a conflict with,’’ Even with its loopholes, ABC has the not terribly political in nature, I think, if says Compton, who’s been covering the strictest restrictions among the networks. anything, people are impressed and a bit en- White House off and on since 1974. ‘‘It’s NBC, CBS and CNN allow correspondents to vious. It’s like, ‘More power to them.’ ’’ closed off, frankly, the category of organiza- speak for dollars on a case-by-case basis and But the issue of journalists’ honoraria has tions that pay the kind of fees I get.’’ She de- require them to check with a supervisor been mentioned at Block’s program. clines to say what those fees are. first. Last fall, Andrew Lack, president of Al Vecchione, president of McNeil/Lehrer And it has affected her bank account. ‘‘I’ve NBC News, said he planned to come up with Productions, says he was ‘‘embarrassed’’ by got four kids * * *,’’ Compton says. ‘‘It’s cut a new policy. NBC spokesperson Lynn Gard- AJR’s story last year and immediately wrote off a significant portion of income for me.’’ ner says Lack has drafted the guidelines and a new policy. The story reported that Robert Some speakers bureaus say ABC’s new pol- will issue them this summer. ‘‘The bottom MacNeil accepted honoraria, although he icy and criticism of the practice have had an line is that Andrew Lack is generally not in often spoke for free; partner Jim Lehrer said impact. favor of getting high speaking fee,’’ she says. he had taken fees in the past but had stopped ‘‘It has affected us, definitely,’’ says Lori New Yorker Executive Editor Hendrik after his children got out of college. Fish of Keppler Associates in Arlington, Vir- Hertzberg also said last fall that his maga- ‘‘We changed [our policy] because in read- ginia, which represents about two dozen zine would review its policy, under which ing the various stories and examining our journalists. ‘‘More journalists are conscious writers are supposed to consult with their navel, we decided it was not proper,’’ of the fact that they have to be very particu- editors in ‘‘questionable cases.’’ The review Vecchione says. ‘‘While others may do it, we lar about which groups they accept hono- is still in progress. Hertzberg says it’s likely don’t think it’s proper. Whether in reality raria from. On our roster there’s been a de- the magazine will have a new policy by the it’s a violation or not, the perception is crease of some journalists accepting engage- end of the year. there and the perception of it is bad ments of that sort. It’s mainly because of There’s something aesthetically offensive enough.’’ media criticism.’’ to my idea of journalism for American jour- MacNeil/Lehrer’s new policy is not as re- Other bureaus, such as the National Speak- nalists to be paid $5,000, $10,000 or $20,000 for strictive as ABC’s, however. It says cor- ers Forum and the William Morris Agency, some canned remarks simply because of his respondents ‘‘should avoid accepting money say they haven’t noticed a difference. ‘‘I or her celebrity value,’’ Hertzberg says. from individuals, companies, trade associa- can’t say that the criticism has affected us,’’ Rewriting a policy merely to make public tions or organizations that lobby the govern- says Lynn Choquette, a partner at the speak- the outside income of media personalities ment or otherwise try to influence issues the ers forum. guarantees resistance, if not outright hos- NewsHour or other special * * * programs Compton, Donaldson and Greenfield still tility. Just ask John Harwood of the Wall may cover.’’ disagree with Wald’s policy but, as they say, Street Journal’s Washington bureau. This As is the case with many of the new, strict- he’s the boss. year, Harwood was a candidate for a slot on er policies, each request to speak is reviewed June 15, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S 8491 on a case-by-case basis. That’s the policy at ers cheer him on and fax him tips for ‘‘Cokie ‘‘It’s both the amount and doing it,’’ he many newspapers and at U.S. News. Watch.’’ Others are highly critical and ask says. ‘‘I say the pay’s too much and we want Newsweek tightened its policy last June. who crowned Warren chief of the Washington to make sure the fee is disclosed. The aver- Instead of simply checking with an editor, ethics police. age worker in my state gets about $21,000 a staffers now have to fill out a form if they Even Warren admits his relentless assault year. Imagine what he or she thinks when a want to speak or write freelance articles and has turned him into a caricature. journalist gets that much for just one submit it to Ann McDaniel, the magazine’s ‘‘I’m now in the Rolodex as iconoclast, speech?’’ chief of correspondents. badass Tribune bureau chief who writes Public disclosure, says Grassley, would ‘‘The only reason we formalized the proc- about Cokie Roberts all the time,’’ says War- curtail the practice. ess is because we thought this was becoming ren, who in fact doesn’t. ‘‘But I do get lots of Disclosure is often touted as the answer. more popular than it was 10 years ago,’’ feedback from rank-and-file journalists say- Many journalists, such as Kinsley and Wall McDaniel says. ‘‘We want to make sure [our ing. ‘Way to go. You’re dead right,’ It obvi- Street Journal columnist Al Hunt—a tele- staff members] are not involved in accepting ously touches a nerve among readers.’’ vision pundit and Murray’s predecessor as compensation from people they are very So Warren writes about Cokie and Steve bureau chief—have said they will disclose close to. Not because we suspect they can be Roberts getting $45,000 from a Chicago bank their engagements and fees only if their col- bought or that there will be an improper be- for a speech and the traveling team of tele- leagues do so as well. havior but because we want to protect our vision’s ‘‘The Capital Gang’’ sharing $25,000 Other high-priced speakers have equally credibility.’’ for a show at Walt Disney World. He throws little enthusiasm for making the informa- Time, on the other hand, looked at all the in parenthetically that Capital Gang mem- tion public. ‘‘I don’t like the idea,’’ says media criticism and decided to simply end ber Michael Kinsley ‘‘should know better.’’ ABC’s Greenfield. ‘‘I don’t like telling people the practice. In an April 14 memo, Managing Kinsley says he would have agreed a few how much I get paid.’’ Editor Gaines told his staff, ‘‘The policy is years ago, but he’s changed his tune. He now But one ABC correspondent says he has no that you may not do it.’’ believes there are no intrinsic ethical prob- problem with public scrutiny. John Stossel, Gaines says the new policy was prompted lems with taking money for speaking. He a reporter on ‘‘20/20,’’ voluntarily agreed to by ‘‘a bunch of things that happened all at does it, he wrote in The New Republic in disclose some of the ‘‘absurd’’ fees he’s once.’’ He adds that ‘‘a lot of people were May, for the money, because it’s fun and it earned. Last year and through March of this doing cruise ships and appearances and have boosts his ego. year Stossel raked in $160,430 for speeches— some portion of their income from that, so ‘‘Being paid more than you’re worth is the $135,280 of which was donated to hospital, their ox is gored.’’ American dream,’’ he wrote. ‘‘I see a day scholarship and conservation programs. The ban is not overwhelmingly popular when we’ll all be paid more than we’re ‘‘I just think secrecy in general is a bad with Time staffers. Several, speaking on a worth. Meanwhile, though, there’s no re- thing,’’ says Stossel, who did not object to not-for-attribution basis, argue that it’s too quirement for journalists, alone among hu- ABC’s new policy. ‘‘We [in the media] do tough and say they hope to change Gaines’ manity, to deny themselves the occasional have some power. We do have some influ- mind. He says that won’t happen, although fortuious tastes of this bliss.’’ ence. That’s why I’ve come to conclude I he will amend the policy to allow paid To Kinsley, new rules restricting a report- should disclose, so people can judge whether speeches before civic groups, universities and er’s right to lecture for largesse don’t accom- I can be bought.’’ groups that are ‘‘clearly not commercial.’’ plish much. (Stossel didn’t always embrace this notion ‘‘Academic seminars are fine,’’ he says. ‘‘If ‘‘Such rules merely replace the appearance so enthusiastically. Last year he told AJR some college wants to pay expenses and a of corruption with the appearance of propri- he had received between $2,000 and $10,000 for $150 honorarium, I really don’t have a prob- ety,’’ he wrote. ‘‘What keeps journalists on a luncheon speech, but wouldn’t be more pre- lem with that.’’ the straight and narrow most of the time is cise.) Steve Roberts, a senior writer with U.S. not a lot of rules about potential conflicts of Brian Lamb, founder and chairman of C- News & World Report and Cokie Roberts’ interest, but the basic reality of our business SPAN, has a simpler solution, one that also husband, is annoyed that some media organi- that a journalist’s product is out there for has been adopted by ABC’s Peter Jennings, zations are being swayed by negative public- all to see and evaluate.’’ NBC’s Tom Brokaw and CBS’ Dan Rather ity. He says there’s been far too much criti- The problem, critics say, is that without and Connie Chung. They speak, but not for cism of what he believes is basically an in- knowing who besides the employer is paying money. nocuous practice. Roberts says journalists a journalist, the situation isn’t quite that ‘‘I never have done it,’’ Lamb says. ‘‘It have a right to earn as much as they can by clear-cut. sends out one of those messages that’s been speaking, as long as they are careful about Jonathan Salant, president of the Wash- sent out of this town for the last 20 years: appearances and live by high ethical stand- ington chapter of the Society of Professional Everybody does everything for money. When ards. Journalists, cites approvingly a remark by I go out to speak to somebody I want to have ‘‘This whole issue has been terribly over- former Washington Post Executive Editor the freedom to say exactly what I think. I blown by a few cranks,’’ Roberts says. ‘‘As Ben Bradlee in AJR’s March issue: ‘‘If the In- don’t want to have people suspect that I’m long as journalists behave honorably and use surance Institute of America, if there is such there because I’m being paid for it.’’ good sense and don’t take money from people a thing, pays you $10,000 to make a speech, On February 20, according to the printed they cover, I think it’s totally legitimate. In don’t tell me you haven’t been corrupted. program, Philip Morris executives from fact, my own news organization encourages You can say you haven’t and you can say around the world would have a chance to lis- it.’’ you will attack insurance issues in the same ten to Cokie and Steve Roberts at 7 a.m. U.S. News not only encourages it, but its way, but you won’t. You can’t.’’ while enjoying a continental breakfast. public relations staff helps its writers get Salant thinks SPJ should adopt an abso- ‘‘Change in Washington: A Media Perspective speaking engagements. lute ban on speaking fees as it revises its with Cokie and Steve Roberts,’’ was the Roberts says U.S. News has not been in- ethics code. Most critics want some kind of scheduled event at the PGA resort in Palm timidated by the ‘‘cranks,’’ who he believes public disclosure at the very least. Beach during Philip Morris’ three-day invi- are in part motivated by jealousy. ‘‘I think a Says the Wall Street Journal’s Murray, tational golf tournament. few people have appointed themselves the ‘‘You tell me what is the difference between A reporter who sent the program to AJR critics and watchdogs of our profession. I, for somebody who works full time for the Na- thought it odd that Cokie Roberts would one, resent it.’’ tional Association of Realtors and somebody speak for Philip Morris in light of the net- His chief nemesis is Jim Warren, who came who takes $40,000 a year in speaking fees work’s new policy. Even more surprising, he to Washington a year-and-a-half ago to take from Realtor groups. It’s not clear to me thought, was that she would speak to a com- charge of the Chicago Tribune’s bureau. War- there’s a big distinction. I’m not saying that pany that’s suing ABC for libel over a ‘‘Day ren, once the Tribune’s media writer, writes because you take $40,000 a year from Real- One’’ segment that alleged Philip Morris a Sunday column that’s often peppered with tors that you ought to be thrown out of the adds nicotine to cigarettes to keep smokers news flashes about which journalist is speak- profession. But at the very least, you ought addicted. The case is scheduled to go to trial ing where and for how much. The column in- to disclose that.’’ in September. cludes a ‘‘Cokie Watch,’’ named for Steve And so Murray is implementing a disclo- At the last minute, Cokie Roberts was a Roberts’ wife of 28 years, a women Warren sure policy. By the end of the year, the 40 no-show, says one of the organizers. ‘‘Cokie has written reams about but has never met. journalists working in his bureau will be re- was sick or something,’’ says Nancy Schaub ‘‘Jim Warren is a reprehensible individual quired to list outside income in a report that of Event Links, which put on the golf tour- who has attacked me and my wife and other will be available to the pubic. nament for Philip Morris. ‘‘Only Steve Rob- people to advance his own visibility and his ‘‘People are not just cynical about politi- erts came.’’ own reputation,’’ Roberts asserts. ‘‘He’s on a cians,’’ says Murray. ‘‘They are cynical Cokie Roberts won’t talk to AJR about crusade to make his own reputation by tear- about us. Anything we can do to ease that why she changed her plans. Perhaps she got ing down others.’’ cynicism is worth doing.’’ Dick Wald’s message. While Warren may work hard to boost his Sen. Grassley applauds the move. Twice he ‘‘Of course, it’s tempting and it’s nice,’’ bureau’s reputation for Washington cov- has taken to the floor of the Senate to urge Wald says of hefty honoraria. ‘‘Of course, erage, he is best known for his outspoken journalists to disclose what they earn on the they [ABC correspondents] have rights as criticism of fellow journalists. Some report- lecture circuit. private citizens. It’s not an easy road to go S 8492 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE June 15, 1995 down. But there are some things you just accompanying papers, reports, and doc- EC–1000. A communication from the Chair- shouldn’t do and that’s one of them.’’ uments, which were referred as indi- man of the National Endowment for the f cated: Arts, transmitting, pursuant to law, the re- port under the Inspector General Act for the EC–987. A communication from the Admin- period October 1, 1994 through March 31, 1995; TRIBUTE TO GEN. JOHN MICHAEL istrator of the Environmental Protection to the Committee on Governmental Affairs. LOH, USAF, ON HIS RETIREMENT Agency, transmitting, pursuant to law, the EC–1001. A communication from the Acting report under the Inspector General Act for Mr. NUNN. Mr. President, today I Director of the Peace Corps, transmitting, the period October 1, 1994 through March 31, want to recognize Gen. John Michael pursuant to law, the report under the Inspec- 1995; to the Committee on Governmental Af- Loh for his 39 years of distinguished tor General Act for the period October 1, 1994 service to our Nation. General Loh has fairs. EC–988. A communication from the Sec- through March 31, 1995; to the Committee on displayed exceptional leadership in a retary of Veterans’ Affairs, transmitting, Governmental Affairs. EC–1002. A communication from the Fed- wide-ranging Air Force career that cul- pursuant to law, the report under the Inspec- eral Trade Commission, transmitting, pursu- minated as commander of the Air Com- tor General Act for the period October 1, 1994 ant to law, the report under the Inspector bat Command. As a Georgian, I am through March 31, 1995; to the Committee on General Act for the period October 1, 1994 Governmental Affairs. proud to note that General Loh is a na- through March 31, 1995; to the Committee on tive of Macon, GA. EC–989. A communication from the Sec- retary of Labor, transmitting, pursuant to Governmental Affairs. General Loh graduated from the U.S. EC–1003. A communication from the Sec- Air Force Academy as a distinguished law, the report under the Inspector General Act for the period October 1, 1994 through retary of the Smithsonian Institution, trans- graduate in 1960. Ultimately, he rose to March 31, 1995; to the Committee on Govern- mitting, pursuant to law, the report under command the 250,000 men and women of mental Affairs. the Inspector General Act for the period Oc- Air Combat Command EC–990. A communication from the Chair- tober 1, 1994 through March 31, 1995; to the General Loh is a highly decorated man of the National Endowment for the Hu- Committee on Governmental Affairs. veteran of the Vietnam war. He flew manities, transmitting, pursuant to law, the EC–1004. A communication from the Ad- over 200 combat missions in the F–4 at report under the Inspector General Act for ministrator of the Small Business Adminis- the period October 1, 1994 through March 31, tration, transmitting, pursuant to law, the Da Nang Air Force Base, South Viet- report under the Inspector General Act for nam. Later, General Loh also served as 1995; to the Committee on Governmental Af- fairs. the period October 1, 1994 through March 31, a test pilot, helping usher in the tech- EC–991. A communication from the Admin- 1995; to the Committee on Governmental Af- nological improvements we see in to- istrator of the U.S. Agency for International fairs. day’s advanced fighters. As the direc- Development, transmitting, pursuant to law, EC–1005. A communication from the Dep- tor of the F–16 System Program Office, the report under the Inspector General Act uty and Acting Chief Executive Officer of the he led the acquisition efforts that for the period October 1, 1994 through March Resolution Trust Corporation and the Chair- brought our country the world’s best 31, 1995; to the Committee on Governmental man of the Thrift Depositor Protection Over- sight Board, transmitting, pursuant to law, multirole fighter. Affairs. EC–992. A communication from the Chair- the report under the Inspector General Act His numerous military awards and for the period October 1, 1994 through March decorations include the Distinguished man and General Counsel of the National Labor Relations Board, transmitting, pursu- 31, 1995; to the Committee on Governmental Service Medal, Legion of Merit with ant to law, the report under the Inspector Affairs. Oak Leaf Cluster, the Distinguished General Act for the period October 1, 1994 EC–1006. A communication from the Chair- Flying Cross, Meritorious Service through March 31, 1995; to the Committee on man of the U.S. International Trade Com- Medal, and the Air Medal with seven Governmental Affairs. mission, transmitting jointly, pursuant to Oak Leaf Clusters. EC–993. A communication from the Admin- law, the report under the Inspector General General Loh has flown over 5,000 istrator of the National Aeronautics and Act for the period October 1, 1994 through hours as a command pilot in the F–16, Space Administration, transmitting, pursu- March 31, 1995; to the Committee on Govern- ant to law, the report under the Inspector mental Affairs. A–7, F–4, and F–104 to mention just a EC–1007. A communication from the Chair- few. He recently capped his career by General Act for the period October 1, 1994 through March 31, 1995; to the Committee on man of the National Science Board, trans- flying our Nation’s most sophisticated Governmental Affairs. mitting, pursuant to law, the report under aircraft—the B–2 bomber. Perhaps his EC–994. A communication from the Public the Inspector General Act for the period Oc- greatest feat, however, was in leading Printer of the Government Printing Office, tober 1, 1994 through March 31, 1995; to the the successful merger of Strategic and transmitting, pursuant to law, the report Committee on Governmental Affairs. Tactical Air Commands into Air Com- under the Inspector General Act for the pe- EC–1008. A communication from the Sec- bat Command. In fact, the Air Force riod October 1, 1994 through March 31, 1995; retary of Commerce, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report under the Inspector Gen- Association awarded him its highest to the Committee on Governmental Affairs. EC–995. A communication from the Sec- eral Act for the period October 1, 1994 military honor, the Hap Arnold Award, retary of the Interior, transmitting, pursu- through March 31, 1995; to the Committee on for his leadership of Air Combat Com- ant to law, the report under the Inspector Governmental Affairs. mand and his national reputation for General Act for the period October 1, 1994 EC–1009. A communication from the Sec- quality improvement. Vice President through March 31, 1995; to the Committee on retary of Health and Human Services, trans- GORE singled out Air Combat Command Governmental Affairs. mitting, pursuant to law, the report under as a shining example of reinventing EC–996. A communication from the Chair- the Inspector General Act for the period Oc- government. man of the Consumer Product Safety Com- tober 1, 1994 through March 31, 1995; to the mission, transmitting, pursuant to law, the Committee on Governmental Affairs. Despite the significant changes in EC–1010. A communication from the Sec- the Air Force and our military struc- report under the Inspector General Act for the period October 1, 1994 through March 31, retary of Education, transmitting, pursuant ture as a whole, General Loh leaves a 1995; to the Committee on Governmental Af- to law, the report under the Inspector Gen- command that performed brilliantly fairs. eral Act for the period October 1, 1994 during and after the gulf war, and more EC–997. A communication from the Chair- through March 31, 1995; to the Committee on recently, has responded quickly and ef- man of the Equal Employment Opportunity Governmental Affairs. fectively to contingency operations Commission, transmitting, pursuant to law, EC–1011. A communication from the Chief around the world. the report under the Inspector General Act Executive Officer of the Corporation for Na- The United States is indebted to Gen- for the period October 1, 1994 through March tional Service, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report under the Inspector General eral Loh for his selfless and distin- 31, 1995; to the Committee on Governmental Affairs. Act for the period October 1, 1994 through guished service. I offer my sincere EC–998. A communication from the Direc- March 31, 1995; to the Committee on Govern- thanks and appreciation for a job well tor of the U.S. Information Agency, trans- mental Affairs. done and wish General Loh and his mitting, pursuant to law, the report under EC–1012. A communication from the Chair- wife, Barbara, continued success in the the Inspector General Act for the period Oc- man of the National Endowment for the Hu- future. tober 1, 1994 through March 31, 1995; to the manities, transmitting, pursuant to law, the Committee on Governmental Affairs. report under the Inspector General Act for f EC–999. A communication from the Chair- the period October 1, 1994 through March 31, EXECUTIVE AND OTHER man of the Interstate Commerce Commis- 1995; to the Committee on Governmental Af- COMMUNICATIONS sion, transmitting, pursuant to law, the re- fairs. port under the Inspector General Act for the EC–1013. A communication from the Attor- The following communications were period October 1, 1994 through March 31, 1995; ney General, transmitting, pursuant to law, laid before the Senate, together with to the Committee on Governmental Affairs. the report under the Inspector General Act