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August 1, 1994 - Part 2
(13:00:46) Here is Mack McLarty. He knew it. Counsel Nuss. baum knew it. Harold Ickes knew it. Eggleston knew it. Beth Nolan knew it. Mr. Sloan knew it. Maggie Williams knew it, George Stephanopoulos knew it. Mr. Podesta knew it. Bruce Lindsey knew it. Frankly, I think the issue becomes very important because none of us know where and to whom this information was passed, as confidentiality was breached, and delivered to the White House. Mr. Ryan, if Roger Altman was put in a difficult position, do you have any idea why be did not recuse himself? Mr. RYAN. I only know what be has told me his reasons were. Senator DOMENICI, What did be tell you his reasons were? Mr. RYAN. He told me that he bad considered the matter very carefully 11 and had drawn a parallel between his responsibility at the RR with a CEO in the private sector. He said, if there was a matter of this magnitude with this kind of implication to a company, the CEO in a private sector would not recuse himself but' would perform his responsibilities. Senator DOMENICI. Does that lead you to think maybe be has some confusion, with reference to a private sector CEO and the acting bead of the RTC, with confidentiality and the other kinds of impediments to that office? Mr. RYAN. Sir, it leads me to conclude that, with all the advantages of hindsight and from political perspective, be would have been much better off had he recused himself. Senator DOMENICI. Do you believe now, with everything you have heard and based upon our long relationship in these kinds of activities, that he should Me recused himself? Is that what you just said? Mr. RYAN. All I can say is, from a legal perspective and from an ethical perspective, I don't have the expertise to make that kind of a judgment. I'm not a lawyer. I'm not an ethics expert. I can simply say, from an appearance perspective and from a political perspective, he probably should have. Senator DOMENICI, Mr. Roelle, there's going to be some discusSion-it's already started today-about the reasons for the delivery of all of this information some of which at least should not have been delivered. I think that's almost established prima facie here. There are going to be some allegations that it had to be done because of press information. You were asked in your deposition: Do you agree that one of the concerns underlying the confidentiality of criminal referrals is that premature disclosure could jeopardize the prosecution itself.? Your answer was, in my opinion, a very excellent answer and the reason I'm reading this. It says: If we turn out to be wrong, then it destroys the person if it becomes public information. If we are right, then it destroys the case or it potentially could destroy the case. So either way-either way, there is a reason that you should never discuss them. Many of our referrals arc rejected. I mean, not all of them are processed. 47 Does that summarize your concern about the value of keeping these things confidential? Mr. RYAN. Yes, sir. Senator DOMENIci. From what you have heard now, have things been divulged to the White House that should not have been divulged, that are confidential based upon the way you operate and what you think about the responsibility of someone in Mr. Altman's position? Mr. ROELLE. I'm glad you made it the way I operate. I cannot speak to what is proper in terms of the law' or in terms of these investigations. As far as I am concerned and in my opinion, these criminal referrals should not have been discussed.
August 1, 1994 - Part 2
(12:45:37) Senator BOXER. How about anyone in the Treasury, outside of Mr. Altman, who wore the two hats, and Ms. Hanson, did anyone else try to influence you on this case? Mr. RYAN No. Senator BOXER. Did you get asked by Senators or Members of Congress to brief them on this case? Mr. RYAN, Not that I recall, no, I did not, Senator BOXER. Did you ever go to any Senator's office or Congressperson on's office to discuss either this case or the statute of limitations surrounding this case? Mr. RYAN. I went to Senator D'Amato's office along with Peter Knight, our legislative liaison. Senator BOXER. What was the purpose of that meeting? Mr. RYAN. The purpose of that meeting was to discuss informational requests. We met with Senator D'Amato's staff and there was discussion about how we were going to respond to questions from Senator D'Amato regarding information. During the course of that meeting, there was a discussion about the statute of limita-tions with Counsel on the Senator's staff. We didn't get into the substance of the discussion because neither Peter Knight nor I are lawyers-it's my understanding that subsequent to meeting, Mr. Knight arranged a telephone call in which there was a discus-sion with lawyers at the RTC and Senator D'Amato's Counsel re-garding the statute of limitations. Senator BoxER. So information on the statute of limitations on, as I understand it, January 24, 1994, was the meeting which you attended with Senator D'Amato's staff? Mr. RYAN. I believe that's correct. senator BOXER. And follow-up conversations. That was prior to the information that was given to Mr. Nussbaum and others at the White House that Senators, or at least we know one Senator's staff, were briefed on the statute of limitations, and you were cooperative, as you should be, in giving all that information to him. Is that correct? . Mr. RYAN. The discussion dealt-my part of the discussion dealt primarily with the information that was going to be requested and how we were going to Senator BOXER. Can I ask you, was it typical for you to leave --Your office? What was your title at that time? Mr. RYAN. I was the Deputy CEO. Senator BOXER. Was that a usual and customary practice for you, Personally, to go to the Hill and go to a Senator's office? Mr. RYAN. No, it wasn't. I was specifically requested by Senator D'Amato's office to attend. Senator BOXER. But no one bad ever asked you at the White House to brief them on this matter? Mr. RYAN. No. 42 Senator BOXER. Mr. Katsanos, I'm looking at this Early Bird here. What was the purpose-was this your idea, this Early Bird? Mr. KATSANOS. Yes, Senator, it was. Senator BOXER. R. What was the point of it? Mr. KATSANOS, It was started very early on in the RTC's existence as a vehicle for communicating with our top managers about stories they should anticipate. Senator BOXER. How many top managers are there in the RTC? Mr. KATsANos. Are you asking what the distribution was? Senator BOXER. No, I'm asking you bow many top managers there are in the RTC? Mr. KATSANOS. I would say there's probably about six. Senator BOXER. Six. So you found it necessary to communicate with six people and put out what I consider to be, basically, press leaks. I mean, here's one. The RTC's use of the law firm Holland & Hart in a suit against Deloitte and Touche for its involvement with Otero Savings & Loan, Colorado Springs, is being explored by Westward, a Denver newspaper. According to Deloitte's Counsel, Holland & Hart may have represented Otero Savings on transactions that caused losses to the institution. That's signed by Felisa Neuringer. Who is Felisa Neuringer? Mr. KATSANOS. Felisa Neuringer is a member of my staff. Senator BOXER. So the purpose was to brief six people. Who got this Early Bird? Mr. KATSANOS. The Early Bird was sent to approximately six managers at the RTCs Washington office. It also was sent to our field office heads, which at one time included 19 officials. It was sent, during the period Roger Altman was CEO, to his office at the Treasury Department. It was sent to the Treasury press office and it was also sent to the General Counsel at Treasury-all at their request. Senator BOXER. And the purpose was to brief managers? Mr. KATSANOS. The purpose was to alert them to stories that we anticipated could appear based on what the reporters were telling us they were working on. It was not a vehicle for announcing press leaks. it was intended to show what reporters were coming to us to discuss. Senator BOXER. "The opposition of Jesse Jackson's Rainbow Coalition to Stanley Tate's nomination will be reported tomorrow in The Washington Post." What's the point of letting the managers know that? Mr. KATSANOS. Senator, I'm sure there are many times when you would wake up in the morning and you would see a story which you wish you would have known the night before was going to appear. Senator BOXER. I guess what Fm Mr. KATSANOS. It's nothing more.
6,000 Flee Hong Kong Avalanche: Quick Work Averts Hong Kong Disaster
Torrential rains in the wake of Typhoon Ida mounted what was nearly a major disaster in Hong Kong. Loosened by the storm, hundreds of tons of mud roared down from the hillside, burying houses and sending 6,000 people fleeing for their lives. Four persons are missing and presumed dead. Road swept away due to the amount of the torrential rain that fell. LD - Looking down at the city of Hong Kong with throngs lining the balconies of apartment buildings and city streets. LS - People legs as they trudge through 6 or more inches of mud. MCUS - The after math of the mud and debris that came down due from the collapsing hill. MS - Nuns on a balcony of an apartment building looking over the disaster that took place, CUS - Man shoveling away mud from his home. MS - Soup kitchens set up to feed the victims of the Hong Kong Disaster. CUS - Children receiving food rations. MS - A ling of men holding a make-shift metal tool pushing the mud away from a Hong Kong street. CUS - The faces of children watching the clean up. Children laughing. CUS - A mother holding her little boy looking horrified.
Queen Elizabeth Vacations
The quiet little town of Ballater in Scotland comes into the news each summer with the arrival of the Royal Family for a vacation at Balmoral Castle. Balmoral Castle, is amongst the most beautiful places in Scotland and they're all here. Princess Ann, Prince Charles and 4-year old Prince Andrew. New on the scene is Prince Edward, five months. And - let us not forget a brace of Welsh Corgis. Looking down on the Scotish town of Ballater. CUS - Ballater Station. Queen Elizabeth. The townspeople looking on quietly. Queen Elizabeth reviewing the troops. Little Prince Andrew - 4 years old - holding by a leash a Cardigan Welsh Corgi dog. Princess Ann and Prince Charles (who are teenagers) Prince Edward being held by his nanny is 5 months old. MLS - An overall shot of the Highlands of Scotland.
Miss International Beauty
A grave decision on the international front is resolved as "Miss Philippines" is chosen "Miss International Beauty". Gemma Cruz says she's using her $10,000 prize money to establish an orphanage in Manila. Inside the venue where many have gathered to cheer on the new chosen Beauty Queen. MCUS - Audience. MS - Screen and TV star, Hugh O'Brian (Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp) walks across the stage with all the Beauty Contestants lined up, He walks by her then he turns around and tells Miss Philippines she has been selected the winner and title holder of Miss International Beauty. MCUS - Audience applauding. CUS - Other ladies who are Beauty Contestants, are the runners up. CUS - Miss Philippines the reigning Miss International Beauty.
New Hollywood Tourist Attraction
Ground is broken at Universal City for a Tourist Village. Here movie buffs can get an inside look at how movies are made - all of the magic revealed before their eyes. Can't you just picture the thrill? Outside a large and high Universal sign. MCUS - Movie star (The Birds) Tipi Hedren helping Los Angeles mayor, Samuel W. Ordie. CUS - Jules Stein, MCA Board Chairman. MS - A scale model of Universal City Studio that will hold future tours in 1965.
World's Greatest Horse Show
Horse lovers consider the Dublin Horse Show the premier attraction in the world of horses and the Centenary exhibit proves why. In the Dublin Horse Jumping Stakes it's a duel between two Irish entrants before Tommy Brennan on Donegal is after coming out in front. It was a lovely affair, with all Ireland bursting with pride. Throngs of Horse Racing fans filing into the track. Youngsters on their steeds riding English saddle. Mother and daughter wearing the best of their fashion hats. Camera pans only to show more women wearing their lovely hats. One woman in a cowboy hat. Tommy Brennan and Donegal excepting the winning cup. He won by one second.
Tokyo Monorail: New Line To Speed Visitors to Olympics
With the Olympic Games drawing in Tokyo. This is the longest Monorail in the world and will whisk passengers from the airport to the center of the city, eight miles away. It's operation will be watched with interest by traffic engineers, some of whom feel it is the answer to big city transportation problems. Monorail trains are put back into operation and checked out. Inside the head car you see the engineer looking down at the control panels. Inside one of the cars people are seated and enjoying a quiet ride at 60 MPH. POV - Traveling down the rail sitting in the engineers seat. POV - Looking out the window the Monorail passes an airport and is headed down into a tunnel. Looking up at the Monorail passing Tokyo Bay.
August 1, 1994 - Part 2
(12:50:50) Senator BOXER, I'm trying to understand why we spend taxpayer money on things people are going to read in the paper that I think take time away from the le ultimate work of the RTC. You've got a lot of work to do, a lot of cases out there, a lot of money out there. I'd like to ask, if I have a little more time here, Mr. Ryan, ou say in your deposition the Madison Guaranty investigation had been closed before and that the decision had been made sometime 43 back in 1990-91 that there wasn't a cost-effective case at Madison That was when George Bush was President, was it not? Mr. RYAN. I believe it was. Senator BOXER, In your deposition you also refer to a closure memo on Madison Guaranty. Are you, aware of the existence of a closure memo relating to Madison guaranty? Mr. RYAN. I am, but I'm not certain-yes, I am. Senator BOXER. Isn't it true that from February 1989 to February 1992 the RTC had the ability to sue wrongdoers at Madison and isn't it also true the ability of the RTC to sue wrongdoers which was dead as of February 1992, was revived by the RTC Completion Act signed into law by President Clinton in 1993? Mr. RYAN. That's correct. Senator BOXER. After the passage of this legislation, did you begin a review of all cases on which the statute expired or just those which would be considered cost-effective? Mr. RYAN. Senator, we've tried to review as many cases that were reopened by the statute as our resources would allow us to review. Unfortunately Senator BOXER. That means cost-effective? Mr. RYAN. Yes. Senator BOXER. Mr. Chairman, I see my time has expired. I have a final sum-up question if I might. The CHAIRMAN. If it's brief Senator BOYER, It is in this line. There was a decision made at the RTC under George Bush that there wasn't a cost-effective case at Madison but then the case was again being reviewed as of December 1993 when President Clinton was in office. Are you aware of anyone at the RTC who was ever pressured by anyone at the White House, White House staff, or Treasury staff not to begin a review specifically of the Madison case? Mr. RYAN. No, Senator. Senator BOXER. Thank you. The CHAIRMAN. I just want to note for the record because it was developed in the testimony, and you made it-you indicated Vol] don't normally come up here and talk with Members of the Congress, House, or Senate. Had there been other occasions? How many times have you done that? Mr. RYAN. Since I've been with the RTC, none, The CHAIRMAN. Senator Domenici, Senator D'AMATO. Mr. Chairman, if I might Mr. RYAN. I'm sorry. I have made several courtesy calls when I was the Acting CEO, but I've never come up at the request of a Senator or his or her office, The CHAIRMAN. It wasn't clear to me from your answer whether you had or had not and I wanted to pin that down. Senator D'Amato, you wanted to- - Senator D'AMATO. Mr. Chairman, let me set a context and later, run on my time, I will spend a little more tit-no developing it. We were trying to &et information as it relates to when the statute of limitations would expire. We were attempting to find out if there be a procedure to guarantee if the statute of limitations Were imminently going to expire, there would be a tolling agreement. In addition, I might say as it related to the meeting which 44 I did not attend, but which staff attended and also which the:' Chairman helped arrange, because we were getting no cooperation as to getting information. We were not trying to get information relating to the substance of the case. We have never asked for the substance of the case. I might say that I have a memo here, that I'll put into the file, to Ben Nye from Peter Knight. He accompanied you to that meeting. Mr. RYAN. Yes. Senator DAMATo. He concluded by saying, "I would not characterize the meeting as a briefing on the status of the Madison civil investigation." That was written March 3, 1994. So it was not written at my request. It was an internal document. The fact of the matter is that, even at that meeting, we were not told when the statute would toll. Subsequently, I came to my colleagues, got eight or nine of them to sign a letter to ask for this information and what would take place, and we learned one thing via the phone call that was thereafter arranged. Again, it was only because Senator Riegle said, come on, respond to the Congress, that we learned the statute might run out February 28, 1994, and there was another interpretation, it might be, I think, March 2 or 3, 1994. That's the only information we got in relation to when the statute of limitations might run out. We were told all other information could not be made available. A far different thing than the briefing that the White House received. I've seen, now, in a number of statements, statements put out by Mr. Cutler, statements put out by others, that the Congress got this briefing, and the White House got the same. Absolutely nonsense.
The Convention - Keynote Speech Sets Dems Theme
Senator John O. Pastore of Rhode Island sets the theme of the Democratic National Convention as he delivers the keynote address before a capacity audience at the Atlantic City Convention Hall. The Vice-Presidential hopefuls are all on hand as the President continues to keep the choice of his running-mate a secret. Mr. Johnson will be nominated by acclamation and it is expected that the Vice-President will be named unanimously, also. Atlantic City, New Jersey Exterior of the convention building where the democratic National Convention is being held, A statue of a donkey holding a top hat in his hand and a LBJ Bandwagon. Campaign volunteers walking outside the building holding signs and balloons. A volunteer worker driving a golf with the donkey that looks like a kangaroo and following behind him is the LBJ Bandwagon. Being the Bandwagon is a donkey with a blanket draped over his back; 'Young Citizens for Johnson' CUS - LBJ Campaign Button. Women and children, some of the women have white with dark lenses pussycat sun glasses on. Senator Mike Mansfield of Montana disembarks from a plane. Hubert Humphrey of Minnesota. Senator Eugene McCarthy. Democratic Supporters holding up their signs. LBJ signs, banners and pictures. John O. Pastore, Rode Island, "America now moves on with majesty of these nine miracle months. Never in so short a time has so much been accomplished that is good and great for our country. These months confirm the wisdom of our fallen leader and the vision of President Kennedy lives on in the character, the capability and the courage of his team mate of his choice. With all the sincerity in my soul, I say that God did bless America on that day four years ago in Los Angeles, when John F. Kennedy said, 'I need you, Lyndon Johnson' and on November the 3rd the American people echoed that call, 'We need you, President Lyndon B. Johnson.'" Washington DC President Johnson going for a walk with his two Beagle dogs and Lady Bird at his side. As President Johnson and his entourage passing the White House in the back ground.
Speedboats
The first major speedboat race ever held in Holland is won by a British entry, D. Burton. Roaring around dangerous turns and down straightaways, the 3-hour event thrills spectators.
Texas Floods
Disastrous floods follow in the wake of Hurricane Beulah in Texas. Levees give way and the lower Rio Grande Valley is covered. Some 30,000 flee their homes and damage estimates run as high as a billion dollars. Several city scenes show heavy winds blowing street signs, the roofs off buildings and debris down city streets. The Brownsville Airport is shown underwater. Several aerial shots show neighborhoods underwater. Other aerial shots show-flattened communities destroyed by wind.
Queen Mary
The Queen Mary sails from New York for the last time, before retirement. The "Mary", a troop ship during W.W. II has had 31 years of elegant Atlantic crossings. She'll become a hotel-museum in Long Beach, California. Onlookers watch as the Queen Mary pulls out of harbor. They cheer and wave. A fire hose boat shoots streams of water into the air. Shot of the Statue of Liberty. Various shots of the ship moving as tugs surround it.
Wedding
Secretary of State Rusk's daughter, Margaret Elizabeth, weds Negro Air Force Reservist Guy Gibson Smith. Rusk reportedly was prepared to resign if the interracial marriage embarrassed the administration. President Johnson ignored the formal gesture of traditional ceremony. The couple stands on the steps of a church smiling and kissing.
O.A.S.
While anti-Castro Cubans march outside, 21 Latin-American foreign ministers condemn Castro's regime for subversion in the Western Hemisphere and they vote for tighter border and coast patrols, and increased trade sanctions as a retaliation. Marchers carry flags and banners. Most demonstrators are women. There is a wreath laying ceremony.
August 1, 1994 - Part 2
(12:55:54) Senator BOXER. Point of information Senator DAMATO. Absolutely nonsense and I want that to go into the record. I think it's important. I'll ask, Mr. Chairman, that this letter be put in as part of the record. The CHAIRMAN, Without objection. Senator Boxer, you're seeking recognition. Senator BOXER. My point of information is, I was just going to say, that I had a line of questioning, and I asked it for a specific reason, I have no problem with Senator D'Amato putting his statement, but then to go on to say it's different than what occurred at the White House when there's some confusion on that, I think, is going beyond responding to my line of questioning. Senator D'AMATo. There's no confusion by way of the depositions given by the people who gave the briefings and we'll get into that. Senator BOXER. But we've had people here Senator DAMATO. They did not, give the briefings to the White House. Mr. Altman gave the briefings to the White House. Ms. Hanson testifies as to what took place. Ms. Kulka refused, she said no. When asked to speak to private counsel, she said no. The CHAIRMAN. We can develop this further as we go along. Senator Domenici. OPENING COMMENTS OF SENATOR PETE V. DOMENICI Senator DOMENICI, Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I'm more than delighted to let that feud go on, if you'd like. 45 Mr. Chairman, first of all, I want to say to the witnesses, I appreciate the difficult position you all are in also. You expressed your concern, some of you, about the difficult position Roger Altman was put in but I'd like to explore that a little bit. I think, essential] , the fact that he was put in a difficult position did not that be could not have extricated himself from that difficult mean position at any number of times during his tenure in wearing two hats. Let me start: Who was it that said Roger Altman wanted this case treated like all other cases? Mr. RYAN. That was me. Senator Domenici. Would you agree now that it was not? Mr. RYAN, I would agree that it was not in certain respects; that's correct, Senator DOMENICI. Is there any doubt in your mind that Roger Altman, in these various discussions and given what you know about the message he carried to the White House, was treating the case differently than other cases that you had talked with him about? . Mr. RYAN. I think that's correct. Senator DOMENICI. What's going to happen is I don't believe we're going to be able to find out why, in this first round of hearin S. But I believe there are many inferences that will come from this. This is the very narrow part of the investigation, and I have in the back of my mind-and I'm sure many people watching are wondering-why did all of this take place? What was the White House trying to do or not do in gathering up this unique information, much of which was totally confidential? Now, having said that, let me ask, Mr. Ryan, as an experienced person in this field, would it be appropriate to tell the subject of an investigation that the investigation would not he completed before the statute of limitations expired? Mr. RYAN. No, I don't believe so, sir. Senator DOMENICI. What could the impact of that be? Mr. RYAN. Obviously, the impact could have various effects on the investigation. Senator DOMENICI, But, if there's a reason for not doing it, then there might very well be important ramifications that are prejudicial to one party or the other or people if that occurs. Is that right? Mr. RYAN, I think that's correct, Senator DOMENICI, Evidence could be, in certain instances, done away with. People could make it more difficult to gather the facts. People could be told about the situation and they could act accordingly. Isn't that correct? Mr. RYAN. Yes, sir. For all those reasons we keep these matters confidential es, Senator DOMENICI. When I think about this case and say, "What happened to this information," I know, -more or less, which people were at all those meetings. But, just so everyone will understand what worries me, I wonder where this information ended up after it was delivered, principally by Roger Altman, to the big meeting on February 27 1994, and the two meetings before that, one in September anyone on October 14, 1993. 1 just want to read a list of 46 people in the White House that know what Roger Altman knows and know much about this confidential information. This is just an abbreviated list of who would know. I give it to you because it seems to me, if you're concerned about, keeping information from getting out, it should be important to us to 11 know who bad this information because the more who know, the more it goes.
Vietnam
U.S. and South Vietnamese troops combine in a concerted "pacification" program of teaching, building, and helping in the village areas. It's a battle against the Vietcong for support among the peasants. A rural country road is lined with shacks and trees. American soldiers walk through a market. A soldier picks up a crying boy. Another washes a young boy's neck in a medical tent. A mother holds a screaming child. American soldiers jump from a bridge into water. Vietnamese woman scrub clothing on rocks. A group of young boys swim near the shore.
New Fokker F-28 Jet Airliner
"A new turbo-jet passenger-transport, manufactured together by Germany, Holland, and England, goes on display in Bremen. Special brakes and tires allow short takeoffs and landings." TLS/MSs twin engine Fokker F-28 Fellowship passenger jet parked on tarmac. MSs cockpit nose. MS Rolls Royce engine. MS small group of spectators. Sideview TLS F28 taxiing.
Popeye
33. Popeye, the Sailor, beloved balloon and star of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade for the past ten years, is retired from service due to wear and tear. A retirement party is held in Central Park. The Popeye balloon stands tilted over as workers hold its' ropes. Children push against a police blockade to get a look at the character. Workers are dressed in checkered clown outfits. They tug on its' ropes and smile. Close-up of the balloon's face.
Sacred Cows
India's annual "Festival of the Sacred Cows" includes the feeding, decorating, washing and worshipping of cows. It's also a public festival and the faithful celebrate at the fairgrounds. A group of women gather around a cow so as to decorate it with flowers and homemade jewelry. Water is splashed on the cow's legs to wash them. Three cows eat from a troth. Worshipers light butter-oil candles. A large crowd gathers in a public square. Two boys hold the ropes of two large cows as worshipers walk around them.
August 1, 1994 - Part 2
(13:05:12) Senator DOMENICI. Might I ask one last question, Counselor Kulka? I'm just going to read as succinctly as I can what Harold Ickes said while being, deposed under oath. He was asked by Mr. Bennett, one of the counsels, to recall the subject and what was discussed and he said, "Go ahead." Mr. Bennett said "Guess, do your best." And in the second paragraph of the answer he says this: 'The purpose of this meeting. . ."-the February 2, 1994, meeting which you helped brief him on, to get him ready for that meeting, as I understand it, did you not? Ms. KULKA. I didn't brief Mr. Ickes on anything, sir. Senator DOMENIci. No, you helped brief Altman. Ms. KuLKA. I may have had a meeting with Mr. Altman before that date. Senator DOMENICi. But look, be says this: "The purpose of this meeting and the focus of this discussion was the amount of time in which he felt this investigation might be wrapped up," and said, at least in so many words that it "was his understanding that the investigation probably would not be concluded, that a determination could not be Me by the RTC's General Counsel as to whether there was a basis for a civil claim until the expiration of the statute of limitations, as applied to that particular investigation." From what I gather here, Harold Ickes is saying that Mr. Altman said that, I believe Jean Hanson says that. Are you telling us that you did not tell him, Mr. Altman, that you did not have a case ready to go by statute of limitations time? Ms. KULKA. No, I never said we would not have a case read to go, and I said, and I think anybody who brings a case on behalf of a plaintiff, whether it's a criminal case or a civil case, knows that the more time you have, the better the job often is that you can do. Furthermore, the bringing of a complaint, the filing of a civiliam-a civil complaint does not terminate the discovery period. In other circumstances, it merely commences it. Everybody knows that you don't have to have all of your information in place when You bring the complaint. You can continue your discovery and we would have continued our discovery if it was deemed to be necessary. That much I told Mr. Altman. Also, I clearly told Mr. Altman that we would put our selves in a position, to the best we could, where we would be able to file complaints as long as we were not violating Rule 11 and fil- ing bad faith complaints which were not based on fact or that were frivolous. If we couldn't do that we wouldn't be able to make a rec- But, if we could do that, we thought we could make 48 a, recommendation which might mean those complaints might get amended as further information came down, or it would just be put in through the process of the civil litigation Senator DOMENICI. Obviously, Mr. Altman will have the last chance to explain it. I thank the chair and thank the witnesses. The CHAIRMAN. Senator Murray. OPENING COMMENTS OF SENATOR PATTY MURRAY Senator MURRAY. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to follow UP on what Senator Boxer brought up be. cause I an confused Mr, Ryan, you answered her question saying that you spoke to a Senator or Senate staff about the issue of the statute of limitations. Mr. RYAN. I was present -at a meeting -in which the questions about when the statute of limitations expired were raised. Senator MURRAY. Was that, prior to the February 2, 1994, White House meeting? Mr. RYAN. I believe so. Let me see -- January 24, 1994. Senator MURRAY. Janua-ry 24, 1994. So, that was prior to Roger Altman's meeting with the IL staff February 2, 1994? Mr. RYAN That's correct. Senator MURRAY. Are you aware that RTC lawyers spoke by telephone with lawyers of Senator D'Amato's staff later that week? Mr. RYAN. That's my understanding. Senator MURRAY. Can you tell us what was discussed -in that phone conversation? Mr. RYAN. I can't. I'm merely aware that conversation took place. Senator MURRAY. But, from what you were saying to me, member of the Senator's staff knew the information about the statute of limitations and, indeed, as we all know here, confidentiality doesn't last very 'ion-. It could have been that the White House found out that information from the Senate before Roger Altman ever talked to them. Is that correct? A possibility? Mr. RYAN. I don't have any idea. Senator MURRAY. It is a possibility since that information was out there. The other discussion item that really had me concerned was leaks. I am one of those people who believes that the public should have all information. That is part of our responsibility. However, leaks cause consternation. You said the RTC is ail information sieve, I believe that's what you said. Mr, RYAN. I did. Senator MURRAY. Do you think, that leaks to the press might ac- tually work to hinder investigations?
Moon Buggies
Scientists use mock-up lunar landing site to test whether future moon men can pinpoint their location. Moon buggies are tested, too, over craters, which duplicate the moon's surface. An open field has been craters to represent a region of the moon. Large holes dot the landscape. A technician sits in a moon buggy and then maneuvers it through various craters. Close-up shot of the technician griping the buggy's joystick.
Alabama VS. Florida State
At Birmingham, the collegiate opener for Alabama and Florida State is a ding-dong scoring battle all the way. Final score: 37-37 and FSU stops Alabama's two-year, 17 game winning streak. A black screen reads, "FOOTBALL - Alabama 37 - Florida State 37." Crowd shot, punt return, 51-yard score, interception. The crowd rushes the field. Alright footage, high energy.
Flood
The Rio Grande overflows its banks and both Texas and Mexico sustains massive damage. Some 200,000 are homeless, more than 40 dead and total damage tops one billion dollars. It'll take many months before life returns to normal. Several aerial shots of communities underwater. Close-up of house submerged. People and children wade through or swim in flooded streets. First aid station, food line. Great shot of a young child sleeping on a cot with a diaper on and holding a baby bottle. Another shot of an old man lying on a cot asleep with his shirt off.