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Conversation 003-014

TapeTape 3StartWednesday, May 12, 1971 at 3:33 PMEndWednesday, May 12, 1971 at 3:34 PMTape start time00:17:06Tape end time00:18:42ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Ford, Gerald R.;  [Unknown person(s)]Recording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon and House Minority Leader Gerald Ford discussed the precarious vote count regarding the Supersonic Transport (SST) funding bill in the House of Representatives. Following a narrow victory in a preliminary teller vote, the two reviewed legislative strategy and the potential need for presidential intervention to secure additional support. Nixon urged Ford to maintain his coalition and prepare to deploy extra votes if necessary, requesting an immediate update once the final results were tallied.

Supersonic TransportSSTHouse of RepresentativesLegislative StrategyGerald FordCongressional Voting
AudioNARA Description

On May 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, Gerald R. Ford, and unknown person(s) talked on the telephone from 3:33 pm to 3:34 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-014 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 003-014

Date: May 12, 1971
Time: 3:33 pm - 3:34 pm
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with Gerald R. Ford.

The President conferred with unknown people.

     President's schedule

[End of conferral]

     Supersonic transport [SST] vote
          -Vote in House
          -Upcoming vote in House
               -Strategy
                     -A possible letter from President

                 -Time
                 -Ford's forthcoming call to President
                 -Strategy
Transcript (AI-Generated)

This transcript was generated automatically by AI and has not been reviewed for accuracy. Do not cite this transcript as authoritative. Consult the Finding Aid above for verified information.

Mr. President, Congressman Gerald Ford.
Hello.
Hello.
Mr. President.
Jerry, I understand it's pretty close, huh?
We won in a recorded teller vote, 201 to 195.
Yeah.
And it's going to be just as close on the next vote.
You aren't going to lose any, though, out of your...
I think we're going to win.
You're not going to lose any of your 201.
The point is, I suppose, that the others are just frantic, huh?
Yes.
But don't you have, I hope, a couple that you've saved out, haven't you?
Yes.
Have you?
Yep.
Good.
Save them out, save them out.
If we do win, I've got about ten fellows that a letter from you would be a real... Well, let me say that as soon as the vote occurs, you call me.
Okay.
What time will it occur?
Oh, in another hour.
An hour?
We'll be through with it in another, because we have to finish the bill, and then we have a...
motion to recommit, and then we'll have a separate vote on the amendment recorded vote.
So it'll be an hour before we get the result.
That's what I meant to say.
As soon as you get the result, let me know, will you?
I sure will, Mr. President.
Fine, fine, good luck.
You got some guys that stood up, believe me.
Did you?
You're damn right.
Yeah, have you got any, are you sure you've got two or three in your pocket?
Yep.
That will shift?
At least they've told us that.
Well, by God, make them do it.
We will.
Tell them everything counts now they're this close, and let's win it.
All right.
Bye, Jerry.
Okay, thank you for coming.
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