Records on James A. Baker, III: Chief of Staff Files

The materials in FOIA 2000-0715-F are a selective, not necessarily all inclusive, body of documents responsive to the topic of the FOIA. Researchers should consult the archivist about related materials. FOIA 2000-0715-F contains letters, memos, printed materials, resumes, and invitations. A large portion of the material contained in these files is correspondence from the public, offering unsolicited advice and encouragement regarding the upcoming 1992 presidential election. There are also letters from members 2000-0715-F 1 of Congress expressing congratulations on Baker's appointment as Chief of Staff. The Baker papers also include correspondence from the public stating opinions both for and against various issues and proposed legislation, such as the Revenue Act of 1992, the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, the National Energy Strategy Bill, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) and Mortgage Lending, Israel/Palestine relations, the Shipbuilding Trade Reform Act of 1991, the Clean Air Act Amendment of 1990, healthcare reform, environmental issues, etc. Other letters include sentiments of thanks for Baker's years of public service as the end of the Bush administration approached. Letters of this nature were received from the public, Executive Branch staff, members of Congress, and government officials from around the world. Memos are generally innocuous and relate to invitations, resumes, or scheduling of events. Printed materials include newspaper and magazine articles and publications from various organizations outlining their activities and missions. Resumes are from applicants for volunteer and paid positions within the White House and are unsolicited and of a public nature. Invitations range from dinner parties to Christmas gatherings to special events. There are also a considerable number of appeals for James Baker to be a keynote speaker at events, such as the CEO Roundtable, 5th Annual South Asian Society Youth Conference, Fortune 500 Forum, etc. Of particular note are records relating to Congressman Frank Wolf's trip to the Balkans, the Tailhook scandal, possible full veteran recognition and benefits for WWII Merchant Marine Servicemen, the EPA's report "Respiratory Health Effects of Passive Smoking: Lung Cancer & Other Disorders," as well as James Baker's remarks at the christening of Port Royal in Pascagoula, Mississippi on December 5, 1992. The Staff and Office Files contain correspondence, memoranda, and publications maintained by Chief of Staff, James A. Baker, III, who served in that capacity and as Senior Counselor to the President during the Bush administration from August 1992 to January 20, 1993. As part of his duties, Baker supervised the President's re-election campaign against Governor Bill Clinton, which was unsuccessful. However, James Baker and George Bush's relationship did not begin, nor end at the White House. They have enjoyed a long and productive friendship beginning in 1970. Read less