The fountain that Josh and Donna meet Cliff Calley by at the end of the episode is the same fountain used in the opening credits of Friends (1994). This can be seen by the same buildings in the background.
President Bartlet asks Vice President Hoynes to split a beer with him. It has previously been established that Hoynes is an alcoholic, which is presumably why he does not accept the offer. This indicates that Bartlet is unaware of Hoynes's addiction.
One of the subplots concerns Sam's obsession over the "Legal Tender Modernization Act", which aims at eliminating the penny. The act does exist and was actually introduced in May 2001 by Arizona Congressman Jim Kolbe. The act also aims at withdrawing the Susan B. Anthony dollar from circulation, and prohibiting any redesign of the $1 bill.
This episode addresses the very serious issues of gun violence and war crimes. This is somewhat contrasted by the guest appearances of two actors known for starring in two of the most outrageous comedies of the late 70s/ early 80s. Tim Matheson starred as Eric Stratten in National Lampoon's Animal House (1978) and Michael O'Keefe played Danny Noonan in Caddyshack (1980).