President Nixon: Well, if they want.

White House Operator: Mr. President, Senator [John O.] Pastore [D-Rhode Island] returning your call. Do you want to take it now?

President Nixon: Yeah.

White House Operator: Fine. There you are.

President Nixon: Hello?

John O. Pastore: Hello?

President Nixon: I just wanted you to know, John, that I just sent to the Congress today the energy message, and I told my press secretary, Ron Ziegler^∇, to point out that this is a bipartisan effort, that you and [Representative]Chet Holifield [D-California] joined with [Representative Craig] Hosmer [R-California] and others, and that without your help, we wouldn't have come this far.

Pastore: Well, you're so kind, and I'm going to go on the floor at 12:00 after your news release deadline and make a statement to that effect--”

President Nixon: Well, I appreciate--”

Pastore: --”I think it's a wonderful--”

President Nixon: Well, when you go on, if you could . . . I would appre[ciate]--”if you like, mention the fact that you and I have talked, and that I emphasized that I consider this a bipartisan effort, and that we--”this is one that we should--”that goes far beyond any other considerations, and that you fellows played a major part in getting it through.

Pastore: I shall do exactly that--”

President Nixon: Fine.

Pastore: I'm privileged to do it.

President Nixon: Good.

Pastore: Thank you very very much for calling.

President Nixon: Good, thank you.