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Conversation 014-155

TapeTape 14StartWednesday, November 17, 1971 at 2:48 PMEndWednesday, November 17, 1971 at 2:50 PMTape start time04:54:28Tape end time04:55:27ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  White House operator;  Ehrlichman, John D.Recording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discuss the strategic implications of Senator Charles Percy’s proposed amendment to H.R. 1, the pending tax bill. Nixon argues that yielding to Percy on the amendment creates a legislative scenario where the bill might fail or require a presidential veto, whereas avoiding the amendment ensures the passage of a bill he is obligated to sign. After confirming that George Shultz concurs with this assessment, they reach a consensus to prioritize the bill's passage over legislative confrontation.

H.R. 1Tax legislationCharles PercyGeorge ShultzVeto powerLegislative strategy
AudioNARA Description

On November 17, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, and John D. Ehrlichman talked on the telephone from 2:48 pm to 2:50 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-155 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 14-155

Date: November 17, 1971
Time: 2:48 pm - 2:50 pm
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with the White House operator.

     John D. Ehrlichman

Ehrlichman talked with the President.

[See Conversation No. 293-7]

     Charles H. Percy's possible amendment to Tax Bill
          -House Resolution 1 [H.R. 1]
          -Ehrlichman's conversation with George P. Shultz
          -Veto
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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. Perry, Mr. John Ehrlichman?
Yeah.
Hello, John.
The way that you can best explain it to the budget boys is this, which I think they'll see it clearly.
The question is really giving in to Percy on H.R.
1, something that there's a chance that we can, that may not pass, and that we could, if necessary, veto.
or being stuck with a tax bill, something which I have to sign.
That's the difference as I see it.
And I think the choice is pretty clear under those circumstances.
Don't you agree?
Right.
I just talked to George about that.
He sees that.
I just got to sign the tax bill.
We can all talk that we're going to be brave and veto our own tax bill, but by God, not now.
Well, as soon as he heard that, he saw it.
Okay.
All right.
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