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The Robert J. Lagomarsino Collection
Content Notes - Federal Papers

RECORD GROUP AND SERIES DESCRIPTIONS

RECORD GROUP 1:

LEGISLATIVE ISSUE FILES
1973-1992
(Congressional Terms: 93-102)
Document Cases: RJL 1/1-67

The document files under this record group consist of correspondence, congressional bills, memoranda, newsletters, press releases, news articles, research publications, special reports, and speeches reflecting two decades of national and international issues.

The issue files' arrangement follows the session dates of Congress. The files are divided per every two Congresses AND categorized in Alpha order by (1) the issues/topics described under CONTENT SCOPE of this Finding Guide and (2) by sub-topics. For example, under "Military", a sub-topic could be the Persian Gulf War or Vandenberg Air Force Base.

Subgroup I:

1973-1976

93-94 Congress

Subgroup II:

1977-1980

95-96 Congress

Subgroup III:

1981-1984

97-98 Congress

Subgroup IV:

1985-1988

99-100 Congress

Subgroup V:

1989-1992

101-102 Congress

 

RECORD GROUP 2:

CONSTITUENT FILES
1973-1992
(Congressional Terms: 93-102)
Document Cases: RJL 2/1-15

The constituent files are arranged according to the session dates of Congress; however, they are not separated into subgroups by Congressional terms. Instead, the documents filed under this record group, consist of and are categorized into the following series of records:

Series I:

Constituent Case Files*

Series II:

Constituent Departmental Files*

Series III:

Constituent Form Letter Responses

Series IV:

Constituent Issue Files*

Series V:

Constituent Congressional Bill Files*

Series VI:

Constituent "Thank You" Files

Series VII:

Constituent Academy Appointment Files*

Series VIII:

Constituent 1992 Election Support Letters

Those topics designated by an asterisk (*) are deemed confidential, containing sensitive material protected by law, and will not be produced unless express consent is given by the subject individual. [1]

The constituent case files* and constituent departmental files are similar to the constituent issue files* and constituent congressional bill files*, in that all pertain to individual constituent issues brought to the attention of Congressman Lagomarsino, requesting his assistance to resolve the matter.

The constituent case files ("CF") address issues which can be resolved by a governmental agency (i.e., Immigration and Naturalization Service, Social Security Administration, Department of Defense). The constituent departmental files* concern issues which directly affect or involve departmental agencies or organizations such as the Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic or Department of Health employees. Both are arranged by the general topics described under CONTENT SCOPE of this Finding Guide. These files may or may not be confidential.

The constituent form letter responses are form letters sent in response to correspondence received by Congressman Lagomarsino's office relating to specific topics, such as the economy, child pornography, Medicare, the Persian Gulf War, Social Security, and terrorism. They are divided into the general topics described under CONTENT SCOPE of this Finding Guide.

Constituent issue files* ("Issue") address matters pertaining to the interest of more than one constituent and are divided by the general topics described under CONTENT SCOPE of this Finding Guide. These files may or may not be confidential.

The constituent congressional bill files* ("Priv.") encompass congressional bills which Congressman Lagomarsino introduced on behalf of constituents, usually concerning immigration issues or Social Security. The files also contain correspondence referring to the particular bill in question. They are divided into the general topics described under CONTENT SCOPE of this Finding Guide. These files are always confidential.

The constituent academy appointment files* contain applications, grade reports, SAT transcripts, and correspondence relating to those high school students in Congressman Lagomarsino's district, who wished to be considered for an Academy appointment to either Westpoint, Annapolis, the U.S. Air Force Academy or the Merchant Marines Maritime Academy. These files are always confidential.

The constituent "thank you" files and constituent 1992 election support letters reflect a personal nature, thanking Congressman Lagomarsino for his assistance on a particular constituent's behalf or relaying assurances for his reelection to Congress. These files are not confidential; however, said information contained herein must be used for statistical research purposes only and names and addresses of constituents are not permitted for re-publication. [2]

 

RECORD GROUP 3:

VOTING RECORD FILES
1973-1992
(Congressional Terms: 93-102)
Document Cases: RJL 3/1-39

The voting record files parallel the session dates of Congress; however, they are not separated into subgroups by Congressional terms. Instead, the documents filed under this record group are categorized into the following series of records:

Series I:

Legislative Activity Guide - A month-to-month recordation of daily activities within the House. This includes a synopsis of resolutions on the floor, by whom, and the outcome (motions, "Yeas" and "Nays"). The Guide not only includes Congressman Lagomarsino's voting activity, but also a detailed explanation of all other voting activity, such as voice, division, and teller votes.

Series II:

Bill Synopsis - A synopsis of each bill introduced, indicating sponsorship, final vote, detailed description, and amendments (if applicable). Categorized by topics described under CONTENT SCOPE of this Finding Guide.

Series III:

Weekly Voting Record Consists of actual pages from the House Congressional Record re: synopsis of House Resolutions (H.R.) and result. Additional personal notations are included.

Series IV:

Individual Record and Subject Guide - Includes the following subseries:

Subseries I: Category Books which organize Resolutions (House or Senate) into the general topics described under CONTENT SCOPE of this Finding Guide. The bills are listed in chronological detail, with description, roll call, and outcome provided.

Subseries II: Individual Records which consist of Congressman Lagomarsino's voting and attendance records. The voting record includes the date, the page in the Congressional Records, a brief description, Lagomarsino's response, and the total vote or response.

Lagomarsino's personal cumulative voting record is also noted.

Subseries III: Roll Call Subject Guides provide a general categorization of House Resolutions by date, a brief description of the bill on the floor for that day, and the outcome.

Series V:

Vote Analysis and Justification - Includes the following subseries:

Subseries I: The House Record Vote Analysis is a computer print-out which provides an exceedingly detailed description re: the congressional bill, the action taken (whether the bill was passed), and the vote count ("Yeas" and "Nays"). The print-out also supplies the Public Law Number and Legislative Digest pages.

Subseries II: The Republican Study Committee's "Congressional Veto of Executive Actions", a memorandum discussing the tilt of legislative power towards the Executive Branch.

Subseries III: The Republican Study Committee's "Vote Justifications", a synopsis of particular bills in the House, the representatives and their amendments which relate to that bill, and the outcome. Also included is a brief outline of [the] "reasoning one may use in justifying a conservative voting position on these votes."

Series VI:

Questionnaires and Form Responses ("A"-"H") - Consists of:

Subseries I: Constituent group or organization questionnaires to Congressman Lagomarsino regarding his voting record or stance on various topical issues and

Subseries II: Congressman Lagomarsino's form responses to individual constituents

regarding his voting record or position on various topical issues. Note: This subseries is

complete, despite a lack of topics from "I" to "Z".

Additional notation: This subseries encompasses only the 99-100 Congress (1985-1988).

Series VII:

Form Responses (Topical) - These are similar to the Form Responses in Series VII, except that they are general responses, with no addressee on the letter. Note: This subseries is complete, despite a lack of topics from "A" to "Z".

Additional notation: This subseries encompasses only the 99-100 - 101-102 Congresses (1985-1992).

Series VIII:

Legislative Profile - Consists of:

Subseries I: Legislative Profiles prepared by the Committee on House Administration for Congressman Lagomarsino and encompasses the following: (1) List of Sponsored Measures; (2) List of Co-Sponsored Measures; (3) List of Sponsored Measures Organized by Committee Referral; and (4) List of Co-Sponsored Measures Organized by Committee Referral. Note: This subseries begins with January 1977.

Subseries II: "Members of the California Legislature and Other State Officials", which is a manuscript summation of prominent legislatures from 1981-1983.

Subseries III: "Legislative Digest", a House Republican Conference summary of amendments on a weekly basis.

Subseries IV: "How They Voted" from The Business Advocate re: the First Session of the 100th Congress (1987).

Subseries V: "How They Voted" from The Business Advocate re: the First Session of 101st Congress (1989).

Subseries VI: Liberty Ledger re: the First Session of the 101st Congress (1989).

Subseries VII: House Resolutions re: Foreign Affairs. Details the bill, the Public Law number; the sponsor and co-sponsor, the final vote, and the administrative position ("Signed by the President"). Note: These are only available for the 101-102 Congress (1989-1992).

Series IX:

Congressional Records - Contains original Congressional Record pages beginning with 1974.

 

RECORD GROUP 4:

CO-SPONSORED BILL FILES
1973-1992
(Congressional Terms: 93-102)
Document Cases: RJL 4/1-55

The co-sponsored bill files follow the session dates of Congress; however, they are not separated into subgroups by Congressional terms. They are categorized into the following series of records:

Series I:

Co-Sponsored Bills - This series is arranged similarly to those of Record Group 1, the Issues Files, by the general topics described under CONTENT SCOPE of this Finding Guide. It contains House Resolutions, Joint Resolutions, Concurrent Resolutions, and Simple Resolutions made by the House of Representatives (and the Senate, if applicable) on issues of the day. The files are not listed with designated subtopics.

Series II:

Legislative Information - This series categorizes the bills by date and consists of computer printouts of each bill description, its committee of referral, the status of the bill and the digest of the bill, that is, what action is/was authorized and which governmental agency will carry out the intention of the particular bill. It also indicates if the bill was enacted into law ("Public Law No.") and the passing votes.

Series III:

Co-Sponsored Bills-Related Matters. This series consists primarily of correspondence and special reports regarding some of the co-sponsored bills in Record Group 4, Series I. The files are arranged by the general topics described under CONTENT SCOPE of this Finding Guide, by date and by bill number.

Series IV:

Co-Sponsored Bills-Correspondence. This series includes the following Subseries:

Subseries I: Co-Signed Letters (by RJL) - Correspondence from Lagomarsino (and other congressmen) to other congressmen, requesting support on a particular bill.

Subseries II: Requests for Signature - Orgs./Corps. - Correspondence from private and public organizations and/or corporations requesting congressional support from Lagomarsino on a particular bill.

Subseries III: Requests for Signature - Federal - Correspondence from other congressmen or executive members requesting congressional support from Lagomarsino on a particular bill.

Subseries IV: "Thank Yous" - Government - Letters of appreciation to Lagomarsino for his co-sponsorship of a particular bill from governmental officials - sometimes from foreign governmental officials.

Subseries V: "Thank Yous" - Orgs./Corps. - Letters of appreciation to Lagomarsino for his co-sponsorship of a particular bill from private and public organizations and/or corporations.

 

RECORD GROUP 5:

COMMITTEE ON COMMITTEE FILES
1986-1988
(Congressional Terms: 99-100)
Document Cases: RJL 5/1-1

In 1987, Congressman Lagomarsino was asked by the House Leader to chair a task force to analyze and develop recommendations for the system of selection of standing committee assignments. The Lagomarsino Task Force or the "Task Force on Conference Rules and Procedures, Subcommittee on Committee Assignments" files consist in that regard, of correspondence, memoranda, special reports, and talking points referencing Republican conference membership, voting procedures, agenda of meetings, conference procedures, possible arrangements of regional representation, chairmanship vacancies, and elections.

These files are arranged in chronological order and Alpha order by sub-topic.

 

RECORD GROUP 6:

COMMITTEE ON INTERIOR AND
INSULAR AFFAIRS FILES
1975-1992
(Congressional Terms: 94-102)
Document Cases: RJL 6/1-3

These files follow the session dates of Congress. The files are divided per every two Congresses and arranged in chronological order and Alpha order by sub-topic.

During his service as a United States Congressman from 1974-1992, Robert Lagomarsino acted as Vice Chairman of the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs and Vice Chairman for the National Parks on the National Parks and Public Lands Subcommittee. The majority of the files contain congressional bills, correspondence, hearing testimonies, and special reports regarding the establishment of the Channel Island National Park, the Dick Smith Wilderness Area, and the Los Padres National Forest.

Of special interest may be the file regarding the Chumash Native American dispute re: historical ownership of Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz Islands. The complaint alleged that the Santa Barbara Islands were not included in the territory given by Mexico to the United States under the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

Another issue discussed in the files is estate taxation for landowners whose property is being acquired by the federal government for a conservation purpose, i.e., a national park, historic trial or wilderness area. The Gherini Ranch on Santa Cruz Island found itself in such a position during the Channel Islands transfer. Congressman Lagomarsino addressed the "land-rich" but "cash-poor" dilemma with fellow congressman and urged a bill providing tax relief in cases where estate taxes become due during a transfer of property.

 

RECORD GROUP 7:

THE WATERGATE HEARING FILES
1974
(Congressional Terms: 93)
Document Cases: RJL 7/1-2

On June 17, 1972, five men were arrested at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate Office Building in Washington, D.C., for breaking and entering. Two others, G. Gordon Liddy and E. Howard Hunt were later taken into custody. During February, 1973, the United States Senate voted to establish a Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities.

In late May, 1973, the televised Senate Watergate hearings began. On July 27-30, 1973, the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee voted (27-11) to recommend that President Richard Nixon be impeached. On August 5, 1974, the House impeachment subcommittee obtained an Oval Office tape regarding a June 23, 1972 meeting between President Nixon and his assistant, Robert Haldeman, during which President Nixon asked Haldeman to obstruct justice in the Watergate investigation. On August 9, 1974, President Nixon resigned, rather than face impeachment by the House of Representatives and conviction in the Senate.

As a member of the House of Representatives, Congressman Lagomarsino was a part of the House investigative hearing, a broad information-gathering technique, which is conducted when there is suspicion of wrongdoing on the part of public officials in governmental operations. The Watergate records in the Lagomarsino Collection consist of reports on the events leading up to and following the Watergate break-in, the White House staff and its re-election campaign, White House surveillance activities, and the Department of Justice's ITT litigation.

The papers also include a legal brief submitted on behalf of President Nixon and a recorded transcript of presidential conversations.

 

RECORD GROUP 8:

OFFICE FILES
1975-1992
(Congressional Terms: 94-102)
Document Cases: RJL 8/1-11

Congressman Lagomarsino's office files are arranged into five subgroups, as designated by the session dates of Congress, per every two Congresses. They are further divided into four sub-subgroups, based upon the content of the materials.

Within each sub-subgroup, the files are separated into chronological and Alpha order by sub-topic. Some files are deemed confidential, containing sensitive material protected by law or for display purposesand will not be produced unless express consent is given by the subject individual. These files are designated by an asterisk (*).

The files are arranged into the following subgroups:

Subgroup I:

1973-1976

93-94 Congress

Subgroup II:

1977-1980

95-96 Congress

Subgroup III:

1981-1984

97-98 Congress

Subgroup IV:

1985-1988

99-100 Congress

Subgroup V:

1989-1992

101-102 Congress

The files are further arranged into the following sub-subgroups:

Sub-subgroup I:

General - Includes various personal correspondence to and from government officials (including the Reagans); "talking points" on general constituent issues; samples of office stationary; non-election year newspaper articles regarding Jack O'Connell, Gary Hart, and Michael Huffington; the Lagomarsino "Ode" and "March"; commentary literature on the Reagan presidency; and President George Bush's State of the Union address.

Sub-subgroup II:

Re-Election - Not to be confused with Record Group 13, Election Files, these are general office files relating to Congressman Lagomarsino's re-elections and contain materials of a varied nature: official election certifications; "congratulations" on reelection and "thank-yous" for support from government officials, private individuals, and organizations; Lagomarsino campaign analysis data; voter handouts; fundraising correspondence and invitations; and campaign committee correspondence.

Sub-subgroup III:

Special Events - Includes materials regarding the commissioning of the USS Nimitz; the Republicans' annual "Federal Hall" conference in Philadelphia; the second flight of the space shuttle Columbia; the U.S. Navy launching of the Jarrett missile, and various POW/MIA medal ceremonies.

Sub-subgroup IV:

Travel - Congressman Lagomarsino's expense reports; identification cards; souvenirs; and regional literature from his trips to Europe, the Middle East, Far East, and Latin America are assembled in these files.

Note: This is only a sample of the materials contained within this record group - for a complete list, please contact the archivist.

 

RECORD GROUP 9:

PRESS RELEASE FILES
1973-1992
(Congressional Terms: 93-102)
Document Cases: RJL 9/1-8

The press release files are arranged into twoseries descriptions and subsequently, follow the session dates of Congress:

Series I:

General - 1974-1992. While these files encompass the general topics described under CONTENT SCOPE of this Finding Guide, they are arranged in chronological (not topical) order. Topics are not designated. The press releases are displayed in a correspondence-like format (not a computer print-out or newspaper article).

Series II:

Topical - 1990-1993. The files include the general topics described under CONTENT SCOPE of this Finding Guide and are arranged similar to the Legislative Issue Files of Record Group 1: by topic, then by sub-topic. The press releases are displayed in a correspondence-like format. Several of the files also contain parallel copies of newspaper clippings and newsletters from Congressman Lagomarsino. Many local (Ventura County, CA) events are documented within the files.

 

RECORD GROUP 10:

SPEECH FILES
1984-1992
(Congressional Terms: 98-102)
Document Cases: RJL 10/1-8

The speech files follow the session dates of Congress and are arranged in chronological order, beginning with 1984. Sub-topics are designated, but without general headings. They encompass every general topic described under CONTENT SCOPE of this Finding Guide. The speeches are displayed on either note cards or in a memo-like format. Several of the files contain background materials, such as correspondence, memoranda, press releases, and reports relating to the speech. Many local (Ventura County, CA) events are documented within the files.

 

RECORD GROUP 11:

NEWSLETTER FILES
1973-1992
(Congressional Terms: 93-102)
Document Cases: RJL 11/1-2

The newsletter files follow the session dates of Congress and are arranged in both chronological and general topic order, beginning with 1974. They encompass every general topic designated under CONTENT SCOPE of this Finding Guide, but are described in broad categories such as "Agriculture Report", "Consumer Report", "Education Report", and "Veterans Affairs Report".

Congressman Lagomarsino regularly dispatched interest newsletters to his constituents, which citied his successes with bill passages; revealed his participation in current events, both local and international; and gave basic commentary on governmental policy.

Several of the files contain background materials, such as correspondence, memoranda, press releases, and reports relating to particular speeches. Many local (Ventura County, CA) events are documented within the files.

 

RECORD GROUP 12:

NOTEPAD FILES
1986-1988
(Congressional Terms: 99-100)
Document Cases: RJL 12/1-1

These files, while relatively brief in time span, reveal Congressman Lagomarsino's thoughts and ideas, as well as those of others, during meetings with various (and unknown) executive/legislative leaders. The files follow the session dates of Congress and are arranged in chronological order.

 

RECORD GROUP 13:

NEWSPAPER ARTICLE FILES
1974-1992
(Congressional Terms: 94-102)
Document Cases: RJL 13/1-5

Congressman Lagomarsino’s newspaper files consist solely of articles and editorials from California newspapers. They are arranged into series by chronological year and then, by general topic.

This collection of newspaper articles tackles the same or similar issues as can be found in the Legislative Issue Record Group and should be considered valuable supplementary material to Record Group 1. To political science followers, the Election series is essential, as it follows the Congressional elections of 1974, 1986, 1988, 1990, and 1992 through the eyes of California constituents, as well as the Press. In particular, this series addresses election personalities such as Gary Hart, Gloria Ochoa, Anita Ferguson, and Michael Huffington and such controversial issues as the redistricting of constituent political areas and candidate worthiness.

 

RECORD GROUP 14:

POST-CONGRESSIONAL FILES
1972-CURRENT
Document Cases: RJL 14/1-11

The post-congressional files are a reflection of both the past and the current. The materials are arranged into three subgroups by chronological order.

Those topics designated by an asterisk (*) are deemed confidential, containing sensitive material protected by law or for display purposes only and will not be produced unless express consent is given by the subject individual. [3]

Subgroup I:

Pre-Channel Islands - These files contain papers documenting the origin of the Lagomarsino Archives: the initial donation to California State University, Northridge's Ventura branch campus and later, its current home at Channel Islands. Included are inventory lists of transferred items, fundraising letters, promotional flyers, and newspaper articles.

Subgroup II:

Lagomarsino Today - The second portion of the record group encompasses materials regarding Congressman Lagomarsino's public life today. Interviews given to television or newspaper/magazines reporters, editorials by the Congressman, and special functions attended by the Lagomarsinos are documented within these files.

>Subgroup III:

The Archives at Channel Islands - The continuing growth of the Lagomarsino Archives at Channel Islands encompasses the third tier of the post-congressional files. The files include media articles regarding the archives, archival-sponsored special events at the University, and general archives office-related material.

NON-MANUSCRIPT MATERIALS

Non-manuscript materials, with exception of the video and photo collections, are generally not open to researchers.

RECORD GROUP 15:

CERTIFICATES OF AWARD

1976-1992 (Congressional Terms: 94-102)

Document Cases: RJL 15/1-2

The certificate of award files are arranged in chronological order.

RECORD GROUP 16:

TROPHIES AND PLAQUES

1973-1992 (Congressional Terms: 93-102)

Document Cases: RJL 16/1-41

RECORD GROUP 17:

STAMPS

1973-1992 (Congressional Terms: 93-102)

Document Cases: RJL 17/1

RECORD GROUP 18:

MAPS

1973-1992 (Congressional Terms: 93-102)

Document Cases: RJL 18/1-3

RECORD GROUP 19:

MINIATURE FLAGS

1973-1992 (Congressional Terms: 93-102)

Document Cases: RJL 19/1-3

RECORD GROUP 20:

MEMORABILIA AND GIFTS

1973-1992 (Congressional Terms: 93-102)

Document Cases: RJL 20/1-26

RECORD GROUP 21:

BOOKS (GIFTS)

1973-1992 (Congressional Terms: 93-102)

Document Cases: RJL 21/1-26

RECORD GROUP 22:

OFFICE WALL DECORATIONS

1973-1992 (Congressional Terms: 93-102)

Document Cases: RJL 22/1-11

RECORD GROUP 23:

PHOTOGRAPHS

1961-CURRENT

Document Cases: RJL 23/1-41

RECORD GROUP 24:

VIDEO COLLECTION

1992-CURRENT

Document Cases: RJL 24/1-7

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

Series I:

CORRESPONDENCE

1973-2001

Document Cases: RJL 25/1-3

Series II:

PHOTOGRAPHS

1976-2001

Document Cases: RJL 25/4

DISPOSED RECORDS

Duplicates were removed and destroyed.

[1] See the 1974 FERPA legislation (also called "The Buckley Amendment") re: academic information and CA Civil Code Sections 1798.24-1798.24(b).

[2] See Civil Code Section 1798.24(h).

[3] See the 1974 FERPA legislation (also called "The Buckley Amendment") re: academic information and CA Civil Code Sections 1798.24-1798.24b.