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Ford Press Releases, January - December 1968
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Ford Press Releases, January - December 1968
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Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers
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Johnson, Lyndon B. (Lyndon Baines), 1908-1973
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The original documents are located in Box D4, folder "Ford Press Releases, January -
December 1968" of the Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. The Council donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
--FOR RELEASE ON RECEIPT-
M Office 1968 Copy
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford, R-Mich.
The President currently is working on the fiscal 1969 budget, which as I
understand it will be submitted to the Congress about Jan. 29 in an entirely new
format.
The new budget ostensibly will be a consolidation of the three budgets
formerly presented to Congress by the President--the Administrative Budget with
which most of us are familiar, the National Income Accounts Budget and the Cash
Budget.
I would sound a note of caution concerning the new budget for fiscal 1969.
It should be remembered that the Johnson Administration has a habit of changing
the rules of the game whenever the score starts to go against it. Too often in
the past we have found the Johnson Administration tending to fuzz up what it
does not conceal and making estimates fantastically far from the mark.
The budgetary record of the Johnson Administration has been abysmally poor--
and the proposed budget for fiscal 1969 must be viewed in the light of that record.
Let us not forget that President Johnson forecast a fiscal 1968 deficit of
$8.1 billion in January, 1967, only to raise that deficit estimate in August to
$23.6 billion with a tax increase and $29 billion without it. Currently, as you
know, the outlook is for a $19 to $20 billion fiscal 1968 deficit without a tax
increase--pared down as a result of congressional pressure for spending reductions.
Let us not forget, either, that President Johnson predicted a fiscal 1967
deficit of only $1.8 billion in January of 1966 but wound up that fiscal year with
an actual deficit of $9.9 billions.
This scorecard indicates you have to take a Johnson deficit estimate and
multiply by at least three.
This is President Johnson's budgetary record as he persists in pursuing his
mistaken guns-and-butter policy. Whether looked upon as promises or projections,
the most recent annual forecasts made by the President in his budget documents
appear hardly to be worth the paper they are written on. If a housewife managed
the family budget that way, her husband would say she was suffering from a
Credibility Gap.
This is tragic in a time when the federal budget--a financial report to the
American people--should be looked upon as the most important financial document
in the world.
President Johnson's budget should be a model of integrity. It affects the
lives and pocketbooks of all Americans and the financial underpinnings of the
western world. Its standards should be the highest.
The Johnson Administration's budgetary record can only fill us with misgivings.
# # #
Digitized from Box D4 of The Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
M Office Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
FOR RELEASE UPON
ADJOURNMENT OF THE CONGRESS
END-OF-SESSION STATEMENT BY REP. GERALD R FORD, R-MICH.
Apession
The 90th Congress compiled a good record during its first year of existence
file
It was constructive and productive--and, very importantly, it was responsible.
First of all, the Congress deserves a vote of taxpayer thanks for cutting
federal spending this fiscal year by $4.1 billion in an attack on inflation and high
interest rates. The Johnson-Humphrey Administration still will incur a huge
deficit, now estimated at $19.8 billion, but without a Republican-led campaign to
force spending cuts it would have been far worse.
Congress refused to go along with President Johnson's plans to increase
income tax bills by 10 per cent. That was a wise decision. Not only are the
American people already heavily burdened with taxes, but there is good reason to
believe a federal income tax increase at this time might damage the economy.
The 90th Congress passed some good legislation. Republicans and Democrats
together launched a massive, regional attack on air pollution, laid the groundwork
through House action for a nationwide War on Crime, revamped and extended the
Teacher Corps, greatly improved federal and state meat inspection, acted in the
House to give more responsibility and control to the states in using federal school
aid, passed a Comprehensive Health Act allowing states and local communities to use
federal funds in line with their own priorities to fight rats, communicable diseases
and drug addiction, increased Social Security benefits, sought to improve the
operation of Medicare, tightened up on Medicaid, and revised the welfare laws to
put able-bodied welfare recipients to work.
Where legislation was clearly in the national interest, Republicans joined
hands with Democrats to pass it. House Republicans succeeded in giving some pro-
grams New Direction. We fought what we thought was bad for the country.
Republicans represented a unified force in the House. In the 24 instances
where House Republican Policy stands were put to the test on a rollcall vote,
96 per cent of the Republican members present and voting supported the party
policy position. On these 24 rollcalls, the GOP position prevailed 18 times.
The Democratic majority was so divided in the House this year that I am not
surprised the President again is calling for a rubber-stamp-sized majority for
his party in the Congress.
There were, of course, areas where Congress fell short. The President should
have proposed and Congress should have approved a measure to improve our handling
of national emergency strikes. Strong anti crime legislation beefed up by
House Republicans, should have been written into law this year. Election reform and
congressional reform bills pushed by Republicans should have been passed but were
sidetracked by House Democratic leaders. This should have been a Reform Congress.
But, on the whole, the 90th Congress did a good job.
GERALD
LIBRARY
# # #
Distribution Fifth District Papers
Radio E TU
1/12/67
Office
Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
FOR RELEASE
Wednesday, Jan. 17, 1968, and thereafter
Rep. Gerald R. Ford of Grand Rapids today said he has fresh hope the
Congress will approve his bill to require railroad freight cars to be equipped
with reflectors as a safeguard against nighttime auto-train collisions.
Ford cited a recent statement indicating support for his bill by the U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT). He quoted Ernest G. Cox, assistant director
of DOT's Motor Carrier Safety Office, as saying the use of reflective materials
on the sides of freight trains should be considered.
Cox made the statement at a recent train grade crossing safety symposium
sponsored by DOT, the Texas Transportation Institute and Texas A. & M. University.
Ford's bill and a companion measure introduced in the Senate by Sen. George
McGovern, D-S.D., are pending in the commerce committees of the Congress.
Ford has introduced his freight car safety bill for years without success.
He now senses the chance for action if full Department of Transportation endorse-
ment can be obtained.
The Ford bill has the backing of the Interstate Commerce Commission but has
been opposed by the Department of Commerce and the Bureau of the Budget.
Ford has repeatedly pointed out that ICC studies show a large percentage of
highway-railroad crossing accidents occurring when motor vehicles run into the
sides of trains.
"Reflecting or luminous material would make railroad cars easier for drivers
to see at night and would reduce the number of accidents where autos run into
trains after dark," Ford said. "Now that there are indications of Department of
Transportation support for my bill, I have new hope that it will be passed."
Ford first introduced the bill after a fatal car-train accident at an
unguarded crossing in the Fifth Congressional District.
Under Ford's bill, a railroad would be fined $100 for each violation of the
reflector requirement. The regulation would be laid down by the ICC within one
year after passage of the bill.
###
distribution Fifth Dist Pupers,
Radio, and TV
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
FOR RELEASE
Wednesday, Jan. 17, 1968, and thereafter
Rep. Gerald R. Ford of Grand Rapids today said he has fresh hope the
Congress will approve his bill to require railroad freight cars to be equipped
with reflectors as a safeguard against nighttime auto-train collisions.
Ford cited a recent statement indicating support for his bill by the U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT). He quoted Ernest G. Cox, assistant director
of DOT's Motor Carrier Safety Office, as saying the use of reflective materials
on the sides of freight trains should be considered.
Cox made the statement at a recent train grade crossing safety symposium
sponsored by DOT, the Texas Transportation Institute and Texas A. & M. University.
Ford's bill and a companion measure introduced in the Senate by Sen. George
McGovern, D-S.D., are pending in the commerce committees of the Congress.
Ford has introduced his freight car safety bill for years without success.
He now senses the chance for action if full Department of Transportation endorse-
ment can be obtained.
The Ford bill has the backing of the Interstate Commerce Commission but has
been opposed by the Department of Commerce and the Bureau of the Budget.
Ford has repeatedly pointed out that ICC studies show a large percentage of
highway-railroad crossing accidents occurring when motor vehicles run into the
sides of trains.
"Reflecting or luminous material would make railroad cars easier for drivers
to see at night and would reduce the number of accidents where autos run into
trains after dark," Ford said. "Now that there are indications of Department of
Transportation support for my bill, I have new hope that it will be passed."
Ford first introduced the bill after a fatal car-train accident at an
unguarded crossing in the Fifth Congressional District.
Under Ford's bill, a railroad would be fined $100 for each violation of the
reflector requirement. The regulation would be laid down by the ICC within one
year after passage of the bill.
# # #
Distribution Full. 1/17/68
Moffice Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
January 17, 1968
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford, R-Mich.
The American people have the will and the strength to meet their every
crisis at home and abroad. Where Republicans differ with the President is on the
means and the method.
President Johnson obviously still believes that the solution to all of
America's problems lies with the federal bureaucracy.
The goals the President outlined are admirable. But the American people
will not follow the route he has mapped for achieving those objectives--the road
of irresponsibly large federal outlays in a time when the dollar is under attack
both at home and overseas.
The President's approach is to spend more and tax more.
This Congress will insist that federal spending be held to reasonable
levels--because this is the best way to fight inflation, halt the rise in interest
rates and let Americans make real wage gains.
The President cited the urgency of a nationwide attack on crime. The
Administration should have moved with utmost speed to launch a war on crime last
year.
The President never once spoke of building a Great Society. I am not
surprised. In recent months we have been plagued by riots, near-anarchy, and
rampant crime in the streets.
The President said nothing about fulfilling his 1966 State of the Union
pledge to send Congress a proposal for improved handling of national emergency
strikes.
It is strange, too, that the President did not urge a Clean Elections Law.
The President's statement outlining a cautious approach to Vietnam peace
talks was the most realistic comment in his entire message. We must remember that
more than 20,000 Americans were killed in battle in Korea while talks went on at
Panmunjom. This should be a sobering thought for us all.
# # #
distribution: Full, 12:30p.m., 1/23/68 Moffice Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
January 23, 1968
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford, R-Mich.
The United States Government should demand that North Korea release the
U.S. Navy intelligence ship, the Pueblo, forthwith. If the vessel was cruising
in international waters, as was apparently the case, there is no justification
whatever for the action taken by the North Koreans.
###
Distribution Full, 11:10 a.m., 1/24/68 Moffice Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
January 24, 1968
In announcing his retirement, Rep. Charles A. Halleck can look back with
great satisfaction upon a long career of distinguished service to his party and
the Nation.
I personally will be ever grateful to Charlie Halleck for the valuable
counsel and assistance he has given me since I became Republican leader of the
House in January, 1965. Charlie Halleck, as one would expect, conducted himself
like the fine gentleman and staunch fighter for Republican principles that he is.
When he leaves the House at the end of this term, his 17th, Charlie Halleck
will be remembered as a highly capable Majority Leader in 1947-48 and 1953-54
when the GOP controlled the House and as a vigorous Minority Leader from 1959
to 1965.
All Republicans will be sorry to see Charlie Halleck depart the political
arena. But we know he will maintain his keen interest in the Nation's affairs
in retirement, and we certainly intend to continue making use of his many talents.
# # #
Distribution: Full 11:30 a.m., 1/24/68
Maffice
Copy
00
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
January 24, 1968
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford, R-Mich.
If all sensible attempts at diplomacy fail, the United States must take
whatever military action is necessary to recover the U.S. Navy intelligence
ship, Pueblo. We must be concerned first and foremost with the lives and
safety of the ship's crew, and therefore we must exhaust all diplomatic means
at our command before taking military measures. This approach having been
fruitless, we will be forced to take whatever military actions are most appropri-
ate in response to this act of piracy by North Korea. The North Koreans had
better believe that the United States is not to be trifled with. I am fully
in accord with the decision to send the carrier Enterprise and other U.S. ships
to the scene as a show of force. Above all, the credibility and prestige of
the United States must be maintained. The silence at the White House has not
been helpful in this regard.
# # #
Distribution:
Full,
12:45p.m.)
1/25/68
MOttice
Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
January 25, 1968
Remarks by Rep. Gerald R. Ford, R-Mich., Prepared for Delivery on the Floor of
the House, Thursday, Jan. 25, 1968.
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks. Mr.
Speaker, a page one story in the New York Times this morning reveals that
organized crime has moved into Wall Street through the device of loan-sharking.
I ask unanimous consent that the New York Times story be printed in the
Congressional Record immediately following my remarks.
Mr. Speaker, the testimony now being given before a committee of the New
York Legislature on loan-sharking and organized crime points up the need for
swift action by the Congress to swing federal investigators into action against
loan-sharking--one of the principal sources of revenue for the crime syndicates.
We have a vehicle for that purpose in a bill due to come to the House floor
shortly--the Truth-In-Lending Bill which yesterday was granted a three-hour
open rule by the House Rules Committee.
The Truth-In-Lending Bill is urgently needed, and there will be Republican
support for it in the House as in the Senate. As reported out of committee,
however, the legislation would not touch upon the tremendous problem of loan-
sharking.
I wish to announce that Republicans will offer an amendment to the Truth-In-
Lending Bill to give additional protection to the man who has to borrow money.
Our amendment will zero in on the lending of money at illegally high rates of
interest. It will unleash federal agents in a drive to rid the country of the
scourge of loan-sharking and to weaken the financial underpinnings of organized
crime.
It seems safe to predict that the House will overwhelmingly approve this
amendment. There now is no federal loan-sharking statute on the books.
Mr. Speaker, the Republican loan-sharking amendment has been carefully
prepared by Rep. William B. Widnall, senior Republican on the Banking and
Currency Committee, and Rep. Richard H. Poff, member of the Judiciary Committee
and chairman of the House Republican Task Force on Crime.
(more)
-2-
The loan-sharking proposal first was offered in a bill introduced last
December by all members of the Task Force, the senior Republican on the
Judiciary Committee, Rep. William M. McCulloch, and me.
Mr. Speaker, the Republican amendment to the Truth-In-Lending Bill would
make it a violation of federal law for anyone to lend money at illegal rates of
interest. The interest rate involved would be deemed illegal whenever it
exceeded the rate permitted in a particular state. Federal penalties of a
$10,000 fine or 10 years in jail would apply whenever such a loan interfered
with or affected interstate commerce, or whenever any part of the loan transaction
or efforts at collecting the loan or interest on it crossed state lines.
Mr. Speaker, evidence of the infiltration of Wall Street by loan sharks
and mobsters underscores the urgency of immediate action to bring the full force
of federal investigative power into play against loan-sharking and all it
entails.
Mr. Speaker, the House Republican Task Force on Crime has spent months
in preparing this loan-sharking legislation. The legislation resulting from
this group's efforts deserves the careful consideration of the House. The
loan-sharking amendment merits ringing endorsement.
# # #
Distribution Full, 10:10a.m., 1/29/68
maffice Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
January 29, 1968
President Johnson is overcommitting the American people in his 1969 budget.
He is trying to do too much domestically at a time when the Nation is
sorely overburdened by the Vietnam War and the people are shouldering a growing
tax load at the state and local levels.
This is the fifth Johnson budget which fails to set spending priorities.
That is a mistake. We can move this country ahead even in time of war, but we
should do it without pushing the country to the edge of bankruptcy. This
budget must be reduced.
President Johnson says he wants to fight inflation but he is going off in
all directions at once. He talks of taxing more to fight inflation but at the
same time he seeks to spend more. There is no joy for the taxpayer in the
President's budget and not much reassurance for the Nation. America deserves
a better deal.
The better way to fight inflation and high interest rates is to use
restraint in federal spending. There is no belt-tightening in this budget-- the
kind we need to avoid a tax increase.
Johnson uses the old theme that every bit of his $10.4 billion spending
increase is unavoidable and that his budget can't be cut. That's absurd and
incredible. He said the same about his 1968 budget, yet Congress reduced it
substantially. Small wonder the American people just don't believe this
Administration any more. That's the kind of presidential talk that dug and then
widened the credibility gap.
Nowhere in this budget is there an attempt to re-tailor federal programs
and raise the level of efficiency in the federal government.
This is an unbelievable budget.
###
office Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
February 1, 1968
President Johnson declares in his 1968 Economic Report issued today: "Now
restraint is essential to our economic health." I could not agree with him more.
The question is what kind of restraint.
The President proposes to increase federal spending by $10.4 billion in
fiscal 1969, to tax the American people an additional $12 billion, to incur a
fiscal 1969 deficit of $20 to $30 billion without an income tax increase and an
$8 to $15 billion deficit with one. Where is the restraint?
The President says in his Economic Report: "Sharply rising Federal spending
was a strong expansionary force in the economy between mid-1965 and mid-1967."
He says nothing about the fact that the steep climb in Federal spending during
that period was an inflationary force. He says nothing about the fact that
Federal spending should have been sharply reduced beginning in late 1965 and
early 1966 because the economy had become over-heated and a price rise spiral had
been touched off by the Administration's over-expansionary policies.
Some of the current observations in the President's Economic Report are
clearly more accurate than his review of the past. He states that "because of
the already high level of defense outlays, total Federal expenditures are too
large to be piled on top of private normal demand without overheating our economy.
It is because private demand has now returned to normal after its temporary
weakness that we now need new measures of fiscal restraint."
I agree with the President that the total expenditures he proposes for fiscal
1969 are too huge to be piled on top of private spending. His proposed budget
clearly is inflationary and must be substantially reduced.
The President describes demand in the private sector as "normal." We
certainly do not need an income tax increase to dampen normal demand. In fact,
leading economists are predicting that the economy will slow down after mid-year
without a tax increase.
The following conclusion is inescapable from the President's own Economic
Report: The first place that restraint must be applied if the economy is to be
restored to health is in the federal government--in the White House itself.
I applaud the President's appeal for wage and price restraint on the part
of labor and management. I believe he would be more successful in such efforts
if he himself would demonstrate a sense of responsibility through genuine
restraint in federal spending.
###
istribution: 11:15a.m., 2/5/68
Full
M Office Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
February 5, 1968
The Johnson Administration apparently is getting ready to "confess" to
North Korea that the Navy intelligence vessel, the Pueblo, intruded into North
Korean territorial waters.
This comes as a shock to members of Congress who have relied upon earlier
statements by the Administration and by our ambassador to the United Nations,
Arthur J. Goldberg, flatly asserting that the Pueblo had not intruded upon the
territorial waters of North Korea.
What is the truth? Members of Congress have called for a full congressional
investigation of the Pueblo affair. A congressional investigation must include
testimony by the skipper of the Pueblo and the members of the crew upon their
release. This apparently is the only way the Congress can learn the truth
about the course of the Pueblo.
The explanations given by Secretary of Defense McNamara for the lack of
protection and lack of U.S. response to the North Korean seizure of the Pueblo
indicates that capture of other U.S. intelligence ships by fifth-rate Communist
powers could become almost an everyday occurrence.
Such an explanation for the lack of protection for the Pueblo and lack of
resistance to capture demands a thoroughgoing review and overhaul of our policy
regarding operation of U.S. spy ships.
###
distribution Fifth District Papers
2/2/68 and 21 5/68
Radio W. TU
FOR USE WEDNESDAY, FEB. 7, 1968, AND THEREAFTER-
m Office Copy
Rep. Gerald R. Ford today announced Army plans for renovating the Armed
Forces Examing and Entrance Station at Fort Wayne and ultimately locating it
in Detroit's projected new federal building.
Brig. Gen. Frank L. Gunn, commanding officer of the Army Recruiting Command,
informed Ford that renovation of the existing quarters for the station will
begin early next month. The work will start, he said, immediately after an Air
Force Recruiting Detachment now sharing a Fort Wayne building with the Army is
moved out.
Longrange plans, Gen. Gunn told Ford, are to relocate the examining station
in the new Detroit federal building in 1972.
In a letter to Ford, Gen. Gunn said: "This headquarters is aware of the
undesirable condition of the buildings at the Detroit Armed Forces Examining
and Entrance Station, and all possible action is being taken to make the best
use of the facility until a better one can be provided."
Gen. Gunn said the interior of the Fort Wayne building will be painted
and window air conditioning units will be installed so that windows will not
have to be opened for ventilation.
Mothers of Grand Rapids area men receiving pre-induction physical exami-
nations at Fort Wayne had complained that their sons were exposed to the cold
while waiting to be examined.
They also had complained that personnel handling the inductees had sworn
at their sons.
Gen. Gunn asserted: "The policy of this command is that all examinees
processed through the Detroit AFEES, or any other one of the 74 AFEES's through-
out the Continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico, will be
treated with dignity and consideration and their rights as examinees will be
observed. Known violations are promptly dealt with."
Ford commented: "It appears that the Grand Rapids area complaints which I
have brought to Gen. Gunn's attention have really produced results. I am pleased
that corrective action is being taken. It is a wrenching experience for a
young man to be taken into the military from civilian life. As Gen. Gunn has
said, the least we can expect is that he be treated with respect and consider-
ation."
# # #
Copy
Congressional Record
United States
of America
PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE
90ᵗʰ
CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION
Vol. 114
WASHINGTON, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1968
No. 19
CRIME IN AMERICA AND THE REPUBLICAN ANSWER
A Report to the American People
Mr. GERALD R. FORD. Mr. Speaker,
local, State, and National-share respon-
I thank the gentleman from Virginia
earlier this afternoon. the distinguished
sibility for the safety of our Nation.
for yielding to me.
ranking minority member of the House
Control and prevention of crime is not
Mr. POFF. I thank the gentleman for
Committee on the Judiciary, the gentle-
solely a responsibility of government. In
his contribution.
man from Ohio [Mr. McCulLochl, made
the first and last analysis it is the re-
Recognizing the hour, Mr. Speaker. I
some excellent observations concerning
sponsibility of every American. Crime
shall be as brief as the subject will per-
the President's crime message and the
cannot and will not be controlled without
mit.
recommendations contained therein.
the support and assistance of all re-
I believe it is fair to say that insofar
The gentleman from Ohio Mr. McCUL-
sponsible citizens. Americans need effec-
as the President's crime message deliv-
LOCH] has been informed of the special
tive and sustained leadership to mobilize
ered to the Congress yesterday is an indi-
order taken by the gentleman from
and properly channel their concern into
cation that he not only is concerned
Virginia [Mr. POFF] and he does know
constructive effort. The greatest failure
about but also that he finally means to
the sentiments that will be expressed in
of the Johnson administration is its
do something about the problem of crime
general by Members of the committee
failure to provide Americans with this
in this country, all Republicans will wel-
and Members of the Republican task
much needed leadership. No program can
come the message.
force. The gentleman from Ohio [Mr.
fill a leadership gap.
Until now I think it is further fair to
McCULLocH], who has had great ex-
Republicans welcome the President's
say that the administration has been
perience in the field, is coauthor of a
pledge to fight crime. But we express both
content to rely principally upon oration
number of the Republican bills which
disappointment and concern over inade-
and outrage. The legislative measures
will be discussed. His leadership has con-
quacies of the President's proposed pro-
that have been proposed have been until
tributed greatly to the overall Republi-
gram. The President has failed to fully
now too few, too narrow, and too slow in
can effort in this field.
recognize the problems of crime in Amer-
coming. It is apparent that there has
Mr. Speaker, yesterday the President
ica and effectively respond to the chal-
been some change in the climate now and
sent his message on crime to the Con-
lenge. His proposed program is much like
with it hopefully a recognition that what
gress. He told the Congress that-
a prize fighter with dazzling foot work,
has been offered so far has been inap-
Thousands of Americans are killed or in-
but no punch.
propriate and inadequate to meet the
jured each year by criminal acts. Many thou-
I am concerned that an analysis will
challenge. I suggest that it is too early to
sands more are unable to use the streets of
show that the President has given the
attempt to make a definitive analysis of
their cities without fear, or to feel secure
Nation a political document and not a
the President's proposal. We do not at-
in their homes or shops,
much needed plan for national action.
tempt to assume either a negative pos-
Property valued at almost 84 billion is
ture or positive posture with respect to
lost through crime every year. Millions of
Crime must be brought under control
the specific proposals itemized by the
dollars are taken from the productive econ-
and substantially reduced. The Repub-
President. What we do mean to make
omy by organized racketeers-money that
lican Party is committed to solving this
plain now is that the sense of urgency
should be in the pockets of the poor, or in
problem which each year grows as a
conveyed by the entire message cannot
the bank accounts of honest businessmen.
deepening crisis. While the Johnson ad-
help but produce the priority treatment
For decades our system of criminal justice
ministration slept, Republicans have de-
of crime measures which is so urgently
has been neglected.
veloped and introduced specific legisla-
needed in the Congress this year. This is
For decades the conditions that nourish
tive proposals designed to control and
crime have been gathering force.
all to the good. Whatever the motives
prevent crime and lawlessness. I believe
behind the President's new posture, the
Republicans nsk the President why he
these Republican proposals offer great
end result will benefit all Americans. By
has waited until now to take action? We
promise for alleviating the problems of
embracing some Republican ideas he has
ask why he has ignored the findings and
crime.
at the very least laid a predicate for a
recommendations of his own Crime
Indeed, the fact that the President
meaningful dialog on an issue that
Commission until now?
has recommended the enactment of two
troubles every thoughtful American re-
I think that every Member of Congress
proposals which were developed, drafted,
gardless of party.
knows that crime is our No. 1 domestic
introduced, and overwhelmingly sup-
Those who heard the President's mes-
problem. The fact and fear of crime
ported by House Republicans-the
sage and who had an opportunity to read
stalks our Nation. Since 1960 the re-
Cramer antiriot bill and the Railsback
it since recognize, I think, its distinct Re-
ported rate of crime has increased over
appeals bill-is but a sampling of the
publican flavor. It contained much of
88 percent. This alarming increase can-
commitment and ability within our
Republican origination and Republican
not be attributed to population growth,
party to solve this problem of crime.
orientation. Of the 22 proposals specifi-
which has increased only 10 percent
Others from our side of the aisle will
cally explained by the President, four
since 1960.
discuss other instances where Republi-
have such a Republican orientation. The
Republicans believe that the admin-
can leadership has substantially im-
immunity legislation which the Presi-
istration must account to the Nation for
proved administration anticrime legis-
dent called upon the Congress to enact is
these figures. All levels of government-
lation in this and previous Congresses.
legislation previously endorsed by the
(more)
GERALD
LIBRARY
Republican task force on crime. I might
(Mr. TAFT asked and was given per-
Banking and Currency and the ranking Mi-
add it was urgently proposed by the
mission to revise and extend his re-
nority member of the Committee on the Ju-
President's own Crime Commission sev-
marks.)
diclary.
eral months ago.
Mr. TAFT. Mr. Speaker, while I was
4. Obstruction of investigation-a bill
Second, as has been indicated already.
which would make it a federal crime to in-
not serving in the Congress of the
the legislation which passed the House
terfere with or obstruct investigations by
United States at the time of the original
federal agents by the intimidation of po-
last year making it possible for the Gov-
hearings which were held on the anti-
tential witnesses. Legislation of this nature
ernment to take an appeal on a motion
riot proposal of the gentleman from
was passed by the Congress and enacted into
to suppress evidence or confessions was
Florida [Mr. CRAMER], I wonder If I am
law during the First Session. It was first pro-
legislation offered by the distinguished
not correct in my recollection of the
posed by Rep. William Cramer (R.-Fla.), a
gentleman from Illinois [Mr. RAILSBACK].
hearings that were held at that time,
Task Force member, in 1960, and is contained
in Title I of the Criminal Procedures Re-
Again I think it is important to re-
and out of which this bill grew, relating
vision Act.
member that it was the distinguished
to the interstate activities of the Ku
5. False statements-a bill which makes
minority leader who first in the January
Klux Klan and other organizations of
the rules of evidence in perjury prosecu-
1966 Republican state of the Union mes-
that type, which were repeated over and
tions less rigid and more realistic. This is
sage suggested that a National Institute
over again by the various witnesses who
contained in Title II of the Criminal Pro-
of Law Enforcement and Criminal Jus-
appeared before the Committee on the
cedures Revision Act and was recommended
tice would make a proper shop for the
Judiciary?
by the Katzenbach Crime Commission.
conduct of basic research in new tech-
Mr. POFF. In very large measure that
6. Profits from Criminal activities-a bill
which makes it a federal crime to invest
niques in law enforcement and in pris-
is true. And, the author of the amend-
money which has been earned from illegal
oner rehabilitation. The President in his
ment, during the course of the debate,
racket activities in legitimate businesses. This
message adopted the essence of that
was careful to call attention to the fact
is the Criminal Activites Profits Act (H.R.
suggestion and then went forward to
that it was aimed at such activities; that
11268, June 29, 1967) co-sponsored by the
suggest an expansion of the program
it had a broad application; it had a
Task Force.
currently conducted in this area by the
worthy application then as it has a
7. Funds unreported for tax purposes-a
FBI at Quantico.
worthy application now. And, the star-
bill which makes it a federal crime to invest
Finally, and most conspicuously, the
tling thing is that the President of the
money which has not been reported for in-
President has called now for the adoption
United States has only recently become
come tax purposes in legitimate business.
This is H.R. 11266, co-sponsored by the Task
of an antiriet bill. Those who have ob-
aware of the merits of such application.
Force, and principally aimed at organized
served the Congress will recall the
Mr. Speaker, if I may continue for just
crime.
chronology of this legislation. It was
a moment, while I say it might be pre-
8. Joint Congressional Committee on Or-
first proposed as an amendment to the
mature to make an analysis of certain
ganized Crime-a bill creating a permanent
Civil Rights Act of 1966 by the gentle-
proposals in the President's message, it
bi-partisan Committee of both Houses of
man from Florida [Mr. CRAMER]. That
would be appropriate to take note of
Congress to investigate organized crime and
amendment was adopted in the face of
some of the omissions in the President's
report its extent, impact and effect to the
American public. This is H.R. 6054, first pro-
a substitute by an overwhelming vote.
message.
posed by Rep. Cramer.
And, as all will recall the legislation,
Last year the Republican task force on
II. INVESTIGATIONS AND PRETRIAL PROCEDURES
after it passed the House, went to the
crime proposed a series of bills and en-
other body where it died that year. I
dorsed other bills in the general law en-
1. Motions to suppress-a bill creating in
think the date upon which the bill was
forcement area to most of which the
the Government a limited right to appeal to
a higher Court the granting of a defendant's
debated is significant. That date was
President made no reference. I ask unan-
motion to suppress confessions and other
July 19, 1967. And, in order to demon-
imous consent that I be permitted to ex-
evidence. H.R. 8654, proposed by Rep. Thomas
strate that the President's recommenda-
tend at this point in the RECORD an ex-
Railsback (R.-Ill.), a member of the Task
tion of the antiriot bill is something of a
cerpt from the report of the task force.
Force, is such a bill and such a provision is
new approach insofar as the administra-
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr.
contained in Title I of the Task Force spon-
tion is concerned, I think it is well to
NEDZI). Is there objection to the re-
sored Criminal Procedures Revision Act. The
remember that the distinguished chair-
quest of the gentleman from Virginia?
bill has passed the House.
2. Searches incident to arrests-a bill to
man of the Committee on the Judiciary
There was no objection.
codify, and make less confusing, the existing
of the House of Representatives during
The excerpts referred to follow:
law of search and seizure where lawful ar-
the course of that debate, made it plain
I. ORGANIZED CRIME
rests are involved. Title I of the Criminal
at that time that the Attorney General
1. Electronic surveillance-a bill which
Procedures Revision Act contains a provision
of the United States, the chief law-en-
outlaws all wiretapping and electronic eaves-
to this effect.
forcement officer of the United States, a
dropping except by law enforcement officials
3. Searches pursuant to warrants-a bill to
member of the President's Cabinet, was
under Court approval and continuing Court
permit the issuance of search warrants for
supervision during national security investi-
property which constitutes evidence of the
opposed to the antiriot bill. In order, Mr.
Speaker, that this may be made crystal
gations and investigations of certain or-
offense in connection with which the war-
ganized crime type cases. The Task Force
rant is issued. This is in conformity with a
clear, I would like to quote from the daily
believes that enactment of this legislation
recent Supreme Court decision (Warden V.
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD for July 19, 1967,
would be the single most important step in
Hayden). It is the subject of H.R. 8653, pro-
at page H8940 a portion of the statement
combatting organized crime. The McCulloch-
posed by Rep. Railsback, and contained in
made by the chairman of the Commit-
Ford bill (H.R. 13275, October 3, 1967), co-
Title I of the Criminal Procedures Revision
tee on the Judiciary of the House of Rep-
sponsored by the Task Force, follows the
Act.
resentatives, the gentleman from New
blue-print for such legislation fashioned
4. Execution of search warrants-a bill to
York [Mr. CELLER]. He stated in part as
by the Supreme Court in the Berger case.
permit the issuance of search warrants au-
follows:
2. Witness immunity-a bill to expand the
thorizing the officer executing it to enter the
power of the Government to compel the
place to be searched without announcing his
The distinguished Attorney General on
testimony of hostile witnesses by granting
identity and purpose where the Judge or
"Meet The Press" last Sunday said he was
them immunity from prosecution when they
Commissioner has determined that physical
opposed
to
this
bill
And
in
the
conver-
plead the Fifth Amendment during the in-
evidence sought is likely to be destroyed or
sation that I had with the Attorney General
vestigation and during the trial of certain
when danger to the officer exists. This is one
in my office yesterday he repeated to me that
organized crime cases. Title II of the Crimi-
of the provisions of the Criminal Procedures
he was opposed to the bill.
nal Procedures Revision Act (H.R. 11267,
Revision Act, patterned after H.R. 8652, spon-
Mr. Speaker, "yesterday" would have
June 29, 1967), co-sponsored by the Task
sored by Rep. Railsback.
Force contains this provision.
been July 18. July 18 was 4 days after the
III. THE POLICE
3. Loan-sharking-a bill (H.R. 14373, De-
first outbreak of the Newark riots and,
cember 11, 1967) which would make it a
1. Survivorship and disability benefits-a
now, some several months later, for the
federal crime to lend money at rates of in-
proposal to provide Federal survivorship and
first time the President is recommend-
terest prohibited by State law whenever
disability benefits for local police and non-
ing the adoption of antiriot legislation.
such a loan interferes with or affects inter-
federal law enforcement officers who are
Mr. TAFT. Mr. Speaker, will the gen-
state commerce or whenever any part of the
killed or injured while assisting federal of-
tleman yield?
loan transaction or efforts nt collection cross
ficers in the apprehension of, for example,
state lines. In addition to the Chairman
bank robbers, kidnappers and AWOL military
Mr. POFF. I shall be happy to yield
and members of the Task Force, this bill is
personnel. The Survivorship Program origi-
to the distinguished gentleman from
sponsored by the Minority leader, the rank-
nally proposed was broadened to include
Ohio.
ing Minority member of the Committee on
disability program in a bill introduced by
Chairman Poff and endorsed by the Task
(over)
Force. This legislation passed the House this
patriotic Americans abhor that possi-
many contributions and his leadership.
year.
bility. It was because we have such fears
I also would like to add, I am now
IV. THE COURTS
that the Cahill amendment was attached
reliably informed that 49 of the 50 Gov-
1. Bail reform-a proposal to re-examine
to the safe streets bill.
ernors have endorsed the House version
and amend the Bail Reform Act of 1966 to
The orginial safe streets bill, the Mem-
of the-anticrime bill that was passed in
allow the Courts more discretion in granting
or denying release on personal recognizance
bers will recall, vested complete author-
1967. This is the legislation which grew
to defendants who are found to be a danger
ity in the Attorney General of the United
out of the Cahill amendments to the
to the community or in revoking the release
States to administer the funds authorized
committee bill. This endorsement by 49
of those who have committed other crimes
and appropriated by the Congress under
out of our 50 Governors should insure
after release.
this legislation, and to allocate money
the support of the administration for
2. Federal Magistrates-a bill to abolish
among the several States, or communi-
this legislation.
the present U.S. Commissioner system and
ties in the States, as he in his sole dis-
Mr. POFF. The gentleman has antici-
to replace it with a lower-tier of judicial
cretion saw fit.
officers, U.S. Magistrates, who are empowered
pated my speech and put it infinitely
to handle minor trials and otherwise per-
The Cahill amendment, on the other
more eloquently than I could.
form routine Court functions that presently
hand, conceived with a block-grant ap-
Mr. MACGREGOR. Mr. Speaker, will
occupy the time of Federal judges that ought
proach, returned primary control of the
the gentleman yield?
to be devoted to more serious matters. S. 945,
funds and operation of the program to
Mr. POFF. I yield to the gentleman.
proposed by Senator Tydings (D.-Md.) and
the State and local authorities where it
Mr. MAcGREGOR. I would like to give
Scott (R,-Pa.) is such a bill.
belonged.
credit at this time to some of the very
V. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Mr. MAcGREGOR. Mr. Speaker, will
able supporters of the efforts and leader-
1. The District Anti-Crime bill-an omni-
the gentleman yield at that point?
ship of the gentleman from New Jersey
bus anti-crime bill dealing with special law
Mr. POFF. I yield to the gentleman
[Mr. CAHILL], specifically to Republican
enforcement proposals for the District of
from Minnesota.
Columbia. H.R. 10783 passed the House on
Congressman BIESTER of Pennsylvania,
June 26, 1967, by a vote of 355 to 14.
Mr. MACGREGOR. Mr. Speaker, I
the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. RAILS-
2. Appropriations and personnel-pro-
wish to subscribe to and endorse the
BACK], and the gentleman from Illinois
posals to increase the authorized strength of
most excellent summary made by the
[Mr. McCLORY], who were the prime
the District of Columbia Police Department,
distinguished gentleman from Virginia,
architects in supporting the gentleman
to increase the staff of the District Ball
regarding the law enfrocement and
from New Jersey [Mr. CAHILL] in devel-
Agency and to provide for personnel to su-
criminal justice assistance act passed by
oping and gaining wide support from
pervise the activities of defendants released
the House of Representatives in August
Republicans and Democrats alike for the
on personal recognizance prior to trial.
of last year. I am sure the gentleman
excellent Law Enforcement Assistance
Mr. POFF. Mr. Speaker, these bills, we
joins with me in deploring the fact that
Act of 1967.
think, enjoyed a large measure of sup-
this excellent legislation, commended by
Mr. POFF. I thank the gentleman.
port from every echelon of Government
the National Association of Attorneys
Mr. TAFT. I would like to ask the gen-
and the entire community which deals
General, by virtually all agencies con-
tleman a question with regard to the Law
with the problem of criminal justice in
cerned with law enforcement and crimi-
Enforcement Assistance Act-or, if you
America. The subjects they address in-
nal justice, this excellent House bill, has
want to call it, the safe streets bill. I
clude the prevention of crime, methods of
languished without effective action in the
think there may be a lack of understand-
apprehension, arrest, interrogation and
U.S. Senate.
ing as to the impact of this bill.
prosecution of the suspect, and rehabili-
One further point I deem it most im-
The impact of this bill, as I under-
tation of the convicted criminal.
portant to make here: I regret that the
stand it, is one of funds-the funds that
We suggest that the President and his
President in his crime message has
go to the training of law enforcement of-
advisers will want to examine this list
charted a course of retreat in support for
ficers; how those funds are distributed,
of bills and hopefully give bipartisan sup-
local and State law enforcement, and
and how they can be most effective.
port to those which they consider
criminal Justice instrumentalities.
I certainly share the gentleman's as-
meritorious.
The President a year ago in February
sessment of the Cahill amendment and
Further omissions in the President's
of 1967 indicated in his crime message to
the direction that we hope any final leg-
message, I believe, should be under-
the Congress of that date that—
islation will take.
scored. First of all I was disappointed to
Our best estimate is that the federal in-
I think there is in the minds of the
learn that the President did not take
vestment under this act-
public a concept that there is something
the opportunity to endorse the legisla-
The Crime Control Act-
over and beyond mere assistance in the
tion which passed the House last year on
in its second year would be approximately
financing of police training and other
June 6, 1967. That legislation originally
$300 million.
law enforcement activities and research.
was known as the safe streets bill; finally
I think we should point out that the very
under amendment in committee it be-
Then Attorney General Ramsey Clark,
guts of the bill is what we are talking
came known as the Law Enforcement and
in testimony on March 15 of 1967, before
about here.
Criminal Justice Act. The President did
the House Committee on the Judiciary,
This is the impact of the bill. There is
recommend again the passage of the safe
said:
no special activity or special magic that
streets bill, but seemed anxious to insist
For fiscal year 1969 $300 million will be
the Federal Government brings to this
that the bill which is passed by the Con-
asked to commence a sweeping action pro-
situation.
gress be the bill which he proposed to
gram.
Mr. POFF. I am glad the gentleman
the Congress.
It was with great disappointment that
has brought out that point. All those who
The Republican amendment offiered by
I found the President in his state of the
are knowledgeable in the field agree, and
the gentleman from New Jersey [Mr.
Union message and again in his crime
this includes the President's own crime
CAHILL], we believe, made a significant
message retreating from $300 million to
commission, that the chief need is im-
improvement in the legislation, and we
$100 million in his recommended support
proved training and better and more
trust that the president will see fit to
of the Law Enforcement and Criminal
police officers at the State and local
lend his endorsement and pronounce his
Justice Assistance Act for its second
levels. This is exactly the target of this
endorsement in the other body.
year; namely, fiscal year 1969.
legislation.
At that point I believe parenthetically
Mr. POFF. I thank the gentleman for
Continuing now, if I may briefly, Mr.
it should be said that we Republicans
his most meaningful contribution.
Speaker, to comment upon the more con-
agree with the President when he makes
Mr. GERALD R. FORD. Mr. Speaker,
spicuous omissions in the President's
the point that essentially law enforce-
will the gentleman yield?
crime message, a similar amendment to
ment is a responsibility of State and local
Mr. POFF. I yield to the gentleman.
that just discussed was offered to the
governments. And we do agree, because
we share the concern of all thoughtful
Mr. GERALD R. FORD. Let me say
Juvenile Delinquency Act adopted in the
most emphatically that certainly the
House last year and again that amend-
people that too much concentration of
country is the beneficiary because the
ment was of Republican origin.
too much power at the Federal level of
Republican task force on crime is
I hope that the President did not mean,
government tends toward the develop-
headed by the gentleman from Virginia.
ment of a national police state, and all
be anything that he said in his message,
I, and my colleagues, are grateful for his
to disavow or reject that amendment to
FORD
(more)
GERALD
LIBRARY
that legislation.
I think we all welcomed the President's
the gentleman yield?
Another measure that the President
message this week. We welcomed the as-
Mr. POFF. I yield to the gentleman
did not mention is the amendment
sessment of this very shrewd politician
from Minnesota.
adopted by an overwhelming vote by the
that this is a major issue. We welcomed
Mr. MACGREGOR. Mr. Speaker, today
House only last week while the House
an indication that he was putting the
a clergyman from St. Paul, Minn., visited
was debating the truth-in-lending bill.
prestige of. his office behind a leadership
me in my office. He is one of a number
That amendment, as you will recall,
posture which would be more construc-
of Minnesota clergymen who has made
was aimed at organized crime involve-
tive in the reduction of this issue and the
a commitment to do more in the contest
ment in the nefarious practice of loan
reduction of the terrible concerns of the
against the growing incidents of juvenile
American people for the safety of the
delinquency both in his city and in the
sharking.
I am hopeful that the President's fail-
streets.
State of Minnesota.
ure to mention this amendment was in-
was pleased to note the President's
He commended me on my appearance
tended to indicate his support of that
comments about the so-called safe streets
a week ago Friday night at Macalester
amendment.
bill and his hope that the Congress would
College in St. Paul as the final banquet
Mr. SMITH of New York. Mr. Speak-
address itself to a resolution of the im-
speaker at a meeting of clergy and lay-
er, will the gentleman yield?
passe which resulted from the Senate's
men concerned about juvenile delin-
Mr. POFF. I yield to the gentleman
unwillingness to accept the House ver-
quency.
from New York.
sion, at least as it appears to the present
I gave him a copy of the President's
Mr. SMITH of New York. I would like
time. I know that with the weight of the
crime message of yesterday. He sat in my
to bring to the attention of the House
President behind a resolution of this im-
office while I was on a long distance
that it was through the efforts of the
passe, we are going to make some prog-
telephone call, and read from the mess-
gentleman in the well that the amend-
ress, progress that is desperately needed.
age, and later quoted to me the following
ment which make loan sharking a Fed-
Mr. Speaker, I hope that the Presi-
words of the President of the United
eral crime was added to the truth-in-
dent's message and his great emphasis
States:
lending bill. I think that this was an
on the fact that the Attorney General is
I propose the passage of the Juvenile De-
activity for the great benefit of the
the man to call if one is concerned about
linquency Prevention Act.
United States, that the gentleman in the
crime indicates also that we will find a
This clergyman said to me: "Congress-
well perfected this amendment to make
new vigor in the expressed attitudes of
man, do you think it will pass?" I said:
loan sharking a Federal crime, and se-
the Attorney General toward the prob-
"It already has passed the House of Rep-
cured its attachment to the truth-in-
lems of organized crime, particularly in
resentatives, in September of last year.
lending bill.
the wiretapping area. Many of us have
To be sure the House in its wisdom re-
I am interested to note that the Presi-
been concerned about where we were
wrote the bill recommended by the ad-
dent in his message said:
headed there. Certainly, organized crime
ministration. It tailored the bill to the
Organized crime is big business in Amer-
is one very legitimate concern of the
Republican philosophy of the proper role
ica.
Federal Government.
for the Federal Government in the fight
It involves a network, a countrywide
I think this is something that Repub-
against juvenile delinquency, and it
network, and one which is interstate
licans in this House and the Republican
passed the House of Representatives by
commerce of the most nefarious sort.
an overwhelming majority." The clergy-
task force on crime have been saying
We look forward to some new ap-
man look at me and said: "I find no
loudly and clearly for some time. He
proaches, to some new vigor in the fight
reference to that fact in the President's
went on to say that-
against organized crime, if the Presi-
message. Could you tell me why?" I said:
Its sinister effect pervades too many cor-
dent's message means what we all hope
"Sir, you have not addressed your ques-
ners of America today-through gambling,
it does, because in the final analysis, this
loan sharking, corruption, extortion, and
tion to the right party. I cannot look into
battle cannot be fought with words. It
large movement of narcotics.
the mind of another man."
has to be fought with leadership of the
I said: "I will make available to you the
I am hopeful also, with the gentle-
highest order, it has to be fought with
full text of the bill as passed by the
man in the well, that the President's
determination, and it has to be fought by
House in September of last year, the bill
omission to say anything about specific
all sides of our political system, by all
which will make a meaningful contribu-
legislation in regard to loan sharking
parts of our Government.
tion to the fight against juvenile delin-
indicates that he will support the gen-
I know the Republican task force on
quency, which will do so in a proper and
tleman's amendment.
crime will indicate its efforts and its best
most humanitarian way. I will also send
Mr. POFF. I thank the gentleman for
thought to continuing the battle we have
you a copy of the debate in the House
his kind comments.
now been fighting for a year, in coopera-
of Representatives, so that you may un-
May I reciprocate by saying how for-
tion with the President if possible, but,
derstand the reasons for the rejection by
tunate the task force is to have a merh-
regardless of partisanship and regard-
the House of Representatives of the ad-
ber with the distinguished background
less of the possibilities of cooperation, at
ministration recommendations and the
that he has enjoyed at the bar and on
least to the fullest extent of our capa-
adoption of those put forward under the
the bench.
bilities.
leadership of individual Republican Con-
Mr. CONABLE. Mr. Speaker, will the
Mr. Speaker, again I commend the
gressmen serving in the House."
gentleman yield?
speaker in the well for the remarkable
He said: "I hope you will. Is it not too
Mr. POFF. I yield to the gentleman
contributions he has made, for his dili-
bad that you do not have a voice equal to
from New York.
gence, for his thoughtfulness, and for
that of the occupant of 1600 Pennsyl-
Mr. CONABLE. Mr. Speaker, I saw
the leadership he has given to our task
vania Avenue, so that the entire country
some consternation on the faces of those
force.
would understand that excellent progress
who remain as I walked in with these
Mr. POFF. Mr. Speaker, I thank the
legislatively in the Congress has already
eggs. I want to assure you I am not plan-
gentleman.
been made on this problem of juvenile
ning to pelt anyone with them. I would
I know all on the task force agree with
delinquency prevention?"
like, rather, to pass out some bouquets to
me when I say that the gentleman brings
Hopefully, Mr. Speaker, attention can
the chairman of our crime task force,
a great reservoir of talent to our efforts.
eventually be drawn to the impasse which
who has been tirelessly and thoughtfully
Mr. CONABLE. Mr. Speaker, will
exists in the U.S. Senate, and whatever
exploring the scope of this issue, which is
the gentleman yield?
reasons there may be for the delay, that
so important to the American people.
Mr. POFF. I yield to the gentleman
those reasons will disappear, and inac-
This task force has been working hard
for a long time, and I am proud to have
from New York.
tion will end and action will take place
been a member of it. I think it will con-
Mr. CONABLE. Mr. Speaker, I would
in our other Chamber across the other
tinue to work hard for some time to
like to suggest that the gentleman from
side of this building.
come. While this is not a partisan issue,
Mississippi would be welcome on the Re-
All Americans deeply concerned about
it is an issue of the people-really the
publican task force on crime. He has only
the growing rise of crime and juvenile
to make one modest change.
delinquency should indeed be demanding
people's greatest issue. It certainly is the
Mr. Speaker, we all appreciate the
that our sister Chamber take the same
kind of issue that should have the at-
character of the gentleman's contribu-
sort of constructive action which was
tention of us all, regardless of party, re-
tions to the fight against crime.
taken here in the House of Representa-
gardless of our particular concerns in
Mr. MACGREGOR. Mr. Speaker, will
tives last August and last September.
this field.
(over)
Mr. POFF. I thank the gentleman.
of legislation when he reaffirmed again
by Federal Statute when the facilities of in-
Before I conclude I should like to say
the statement he made last year, in his
terstate commerce are used. For example,
that the thing in the President's message
message about crime this year, in which
there is the Mann.Act, the prohibition against
which disappointed me most was his in-
he said:
the interstate transportation of strike break-
sistence once again upon the wiretap bill
Public order is the first business of Gov-
ers, the Federal Kidnapping statute and the
which he first proposed. As the Members
ernment.
Anti-Racketeering Act.
H.R. 421 is not intended to and does not
of this body will recall, the President
would permit wiretaps for the gathering
Mr. POFF. I thank the gentleman and
limit the right of dissent and peaceful dem-
my collengues for their patience.
onstration. Legitimate activities by those
of evidence only in national security
Mr. RHODES of Arizona. Mr. Speaker,
who travel in interstate commerce to partici-
cases, and he would decide or allow the
we welcome President's Johnson's sup-
pate in public gatherings or other lawful
appropriate authorities of the Executive
demonstrations are not affected. However,
establishment to decide when the na-
port in what we hope will be an all-
those persons who use facilities in interstate
out effort to combat and control crime.
tional security was involved and what
commerce, or who travel from one State to
The need for such an effort has been
constituted national security cases.
another or from a foreign country to a State,
carefully documented. Each day brings
in order to incite or attempt to incite riots,
The legislation which the task force
new statistics that show a skyrocketing
violence, looting, vandalism, arson, bombing,
has endorsed, which has been introduced
in this body and in the other body, would
rise in crime. Each day brings fresh evi-
and physical assaults would be subject to
dence that something must be done to
prosecution.
permit wiretapping only in those cases
This bill would supplement, not supersede
where the law-enforcement officer was
reverse the alarming trend toward law-
local law enforcement. Certainly the most
lessness.
able to convince an appropriate judge
effective means of riot control rests with the
that the evidence could not be acquired
One of the primary duties of Govern-
State and local police. However, by assuring
ment is to establish and maintain law
Federal jurisdiction over "out-of-State" in-
by other techniques, to convince the
judge that a crime had been committed
and order. Our very survival as a free
citers. State and local authorities will be sub-
and effective society depends upon how
stantially assisted in keeping the peace and
or was being committed, to convince the
successfully we are able to implement
protecting the public safety.
judge that a court order was necessary
H.R. 421 would provide a new and effective
to acquire evidence of a crime specifically
this basic concept.
law-enforcement weapon in riot situations
In the first session of the 90th Con-
named in the legislation.
like those that have occurred in Cleveland,
gress, Republicans sponsoręd and sup-
Cincinnati, Dayton, Boston, Buffalo, and
Legislation of this kind has received
ported legislation that must be enacted
Waterloo. Many of the summertime riots
almost universal endorsement. The con-
if we are to win the battle against crime.
have been traced to troublemakers who travel
cept enjoys the approval of the three
A bill that would establish a Federal
about this Nation inciting riots. It is impera-
previous Attorneys General, of the Ju-
tive that we rid interstate commerce of these
program to provide assistance to local
dicial Conference of the United States,
law enforcement agencies was passed by
agitators and riot-mongers. The law-abiding
of the majority of the President's own
citizens in the area where the riots occur
the House with the overwhelming sup-
Crime Commission, and of every national
may suffer grievous personal injury and un-
port of the Republican Members. Simi-
told property damage unless this additional
law enforcement association in the
larly, a Republican-sponsored bill that
protection is afforded them.
United States which has pronounced
would impose criminal penalties upon
upon the subject.
persons traveling in, or using the facil-
HOUSE REPUBLICAN POLICY COMMITTEE STATE-
The Attorney General of the United
ities of, interstate commerce with the
MENT ON THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AND
States today stands almost alone in his
CRIMINAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE ACT OF 1907,
intent to incite a riot, was also passed
H.R. 5037, AUGUST 2, 1967
opposition to that legislation.
by the House.
The events of recent weeks have starkly
The urgency of that legislation is
Unfortunately, this essential legisla-
dramatized the crisis in law enforcement in
greater today than it was before Monday
tion was not adopted by the Senate dur-
this country. The very ability of government
of last week. On that day the Supreme
ing the first session. We are hopeful
to maintain law and order and to provide
Court rendered two decisions which
that, with the new-found interest and
personal safety has been challenged. Local
jointly had the effect of nullifying the
support of the President, this legis-
law enforcement, criminal justice, tech-
utility of the gambling tax statutes under
lation can be enacted into law without
niques of correction and rehabilitation must
which so many of the organized crimi-
further delay.
be updated and improved.
nals of this country have been brought
Mr. Speaker, I include in the RECORD
H.R. 5037, the Law Enforcement and
to the bar of justice. Now that law en-
at this point the House Republican policy
Criminal Justice Assistance Act of 1967,
properly amended, could be an important
forcement officers are stripped of that
committee statements of July 12, 1967,
step in the establishment of a federal pro-
means of assembling evidence it is all the
and August 2, 1967, that deal with this
gram to provide assistance to local law en-
more important that this carefully de-
important legislation. As chairman of
forcement agencies. Unfortunately, the Ad-
vised legislation be considered promptly
the policy committee, I believe that these
ministration bill that was originally sub-
and favorably by both Houses of the
statements carefully set forth the need
mitted contained the standard Great So-
Congress.
for this legislation and the reasons we
ciety formula. It stifled local initiative and
direction and placed maximum federal con-
Mr. Speaker, I am encouraged to hope
urge its easily enactment.
trol in the hands of the Attorney General.
that the President will have the oppor-
The statements referred to follow:
tunity during this session of Congress to
In an effort to improve the bill, the Repub-
HOUSE REPUBLICAN POLICY COMMITTEE STATE-
receive on his desk a bill which will in-
lican Members of the Judiciary Committee
MENT ON THE ANTIRIOT LEGISLATION, H.R.
obtained a number of amendments. For
corporate as one of its essential features
421, JULY 12, 1967
example:
the legislation introduced by the gentle-
The House Republican Policy Committee
(a) An appropriate judicial review is pro-
man from Ohio [Mr. McCULLOCH] and
urges the prompt enactment of H.R. 421.
vided in cases where the Attorney General
the gentleman from Michigan [Mr. GER-
This Republican sponsored legislation (the
cuts off funds.
ALD R. FORD], and a number of other
Cramer bill) would impose criminal penal-
(b) Congressional oversight on the opera-
Members on this side of the aisle. If such
ties upon persons traveling in or using the
tion of the data bank has been established.
facilities of interstate commerce with the
legislation is a part of the bill before the
(c) The open-end authorization was elimi-
intent to incite a riot.
nated, thereby insuring essential legislative
President, I believe he will see fit to sign
Last year in response to a growing public
review of this Act.
it. I cannot believe that the President
demand for assistance in maintaining law
(d) The direct Federal payment of regu-
could bring himself in the present state
and order in the streets and urban centers
lar police salaries has been banned.
of things to veto such legislation. With
of our land, Republican antiriot legislation
The present emergency demands that
that thought in mind, I trust that our
was adopted in the House of Representatives,
meaningful and appropriate Federal assist-
committees in both the House and the
as an amendment to the proposed Civil
ance be given to state and local law enforce-
other body will move promptly.
Rights Act of 1966, by a vote of 389 to 25.
ment agencies. However, this crisis must not
That legislation was permitted to die in the
be used as a vehicle to place Federal control
Mr. SMITH of New York. Mr. Speaker,
Senate. Now, as a result of continuing pres-
over state and local police administration
will the gentleman yield?
sure and leadership by Republican Members,
and to lay the foundation for a centralized
Mr. POFF. I yield to the gentleman
this vital legislation is being brought to the
Federal police force. Therefore, additional
from New York.
House Floor as an independent measure.
and essential safeguards on the broad pow-
Mr. SMITH of New York. I thank the
The proposed legislation represents the
ers of the Federal Administrator should be
gentleman for yielding. 1 must agree with
legitimate exercise of Federal criminal power
adopted.
the gentleman that I could not see the
under authority - based on the commerce
Law enforcement and criminal justice nd-
clatise of the Constitution. Historically, cer-
ministration are primarily local responsibil-
President bring himself to veto that kind
tain types of conduct have been prohibited
ities. Crime is essentially a local problem
(more)
GERALD
LIBRARY
that must be dealt with by state and local
forcement and Criminal Justice. If
cept the role of pacemakers for the pres-
governments. Even the Attorney General has
created, it could conduct research into
ent administration. But we are not "be-
stated, "We would hope to have all the States
the application of advanced scientific
guiled" nor will the American public be
really working for a fully comprehensive
and technological devices for improving
deceived.
plan for the State." Any provision or meas-
ure that would upset or reverse this historic
law enforcement, as well as for improv-
Mr. MILLER of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, it
concept must be avoided. The recent riots
ing police training and education at Fed-
is interesting that in this election year
have reemphasized the basic fact that the
eral, State, and local levels. However,
of 1968 the President has suddenly
State and its designated agencies must have
at the risk of sounding self-laudatory, I
awa' ned to a national crisis in crime.
the primary responsibility for coordinating
wish to remind the President-and the
He is eager to share the blame for
the law enforcement effort within a state.
public-that such proposals were first
this sgraceful crisis.
Certainly, experience under the "poverty"
put forward by Members of this House
He implores that it not be made a
program has demonstrated that failure to
and were embodied in the substitute
coordinate Federal activities with state ac-
partisan issue in the forthcoming elec-
tivities creates serious financial and adminis-
amendment which I offered to title III
tion.
trative problems.
of the omnibus anticrime bill.
His wish is understandable! But the
In a letter dated June 8, 1967, the National
In fact, when one examines the Presi-
escalation of crime in this country is
Governors' Conference noted that "the state
dent's 22 proposals to "insure public
an issue.
holds the primary responsibility for estab-
safety," one finds that they consist al-
Not because anyone makes it an issue.
lishing the coordinating machinery needed
most entirely of recommendations pre-
But because the senseless, spiraling, rise
for intergovernmental assistance programs."
of crime in this land has struck fear and
It was then suggested that H.R. 5037 be
viously made by Republican Members,
amended so that where a state has a plan for
or are a rehash of the administration's
frustration into the hearts of the good
an appropriately balanced distribution of aid
past proposals. Careful scrutiny of the
men and women of this Nation.
to local law enforcement activities, the Attor-
President's February 7 message reveals
It is an issue because the present ad-
ney General shall make all grants to the
his concurrence with Republican think-
ministration has failed to comprehend
state agency designated by the Governor to
ing on the crime problem. For example:
and cope with it.
administer such plan. On July 18, 1967, Gov-
ernor Nelson A. Rockefeller also urged the
The President urges the prompt pas-
It is an issue and a culpability the ad-
sage of the Law Enforcement and Crim-
ministration cannot escape or share.
adoption of an amendment that would "as-
sure that the State can effectively coordinate
inal Justice Assistance Act-formerly
The people of this county know who
application for assistance." Governor Rocke-
heralded by the misnomer "Safe Streets
was manning the watch when the ship
feller pointed out, "If comprehensive crime
and Crime Control Act of 1967." I agree
of state ran aground on this rocky shoal.
control envisioned by H.R. 5037 is to be effec-
that final action should be taken on this
The President's election year message
tive, it is essential that the legislation recog-
bill-a measure which was considerably
is a sorry excuse for the dangerous course
nize the primary role of the State, especially
improved by a series of Republican-of-
he has been setting throughout his ad-
in developing a statewide comprehensive
plan."
fered amendments passed by this House
ministration. Every statistic is an indict-
last August.
ment of his public stewardship-every
We support an amendment of this type.
The President asks for a "major as-
line a confession of his failures to pre-
We believe it will provide essential state co-
ordination and eliminate the Federal Gov-
sistance program" for the purposes of
serve to the people even the basic free-
ernment's power to dominate and control
educating and training the Nation's law-
dom-freedom from the fear of criminal
local law enforcement. We reject the Demo-
enforcement personnel, as well as the ini-
tyranny in the streets of our cities and
cratic Majority's contention that
the
tiation of a comprehensive research pro-
the homes of our land.
Attorney General should have the maximum
gram to be conducted through a Na-
Crime is an issue in 1968, because the
discretion in promulgating regulations and
tional Institute of Law Enforcement and
President did not make it an issue of his
in administering the authorized programs to
determine the population size that would
Criminal Justice-virtually the sum and
concern in 1967, or 1966, or 1965, or
be most appropriate for participation in the
substance of my amendment to title III
1964-when all America was crying out
light of all considerations relevant to the
of the anticrime bill.
for some protection for the honorable
particular programs."
The President seeks a $100 million au-
and decent citizens against the violent
We believe that an appropriate allocation
thorization for the crime bill-an
and corrupt criminals who seemed to
formula should be adopted. In the present
amendment offered by my Republican
enjoy unbelievable favor in the admin-
bill, the only limitation on the Attorney
colleague from Minnesota IMr. MAC-
istration of justice during these years.
General's discretion to distribute funds, is
the prohibition "that not more than 15 per-
GREGOR] would have provided an in-
The folly of this foolishness has come
cent of the funds appropriated or allocated
creased authorization.
home. The day of reckoning is here. That
for any fiscal year to carry out the purposes
The President desires controls on the
is why crime is an issue, and the Presi-
of this Act shall be used within any one
hallucinatory drug, LSD-a measure
dent cannot escape it, or wish it away.
State."
first suggested by my Republican col-
Certainly, there must be a statutory as-
surance that there will be a meaningful
league from Nebraska [Mr. CUNNING-
amount of funds available for every State.
HAMl.
We believe that serious consideration
The President also asks for riot con-
should be given to the establishment of a
trol legislation-legislation which my
National Institute of Law Enforcement and
Republican colleague from Florida [Mr.
Criminal Justice which in turn would be
authorized to establish regional training in-
CRAMER] and many other Republican
stitutes. In order to have a real impact on
Members, including myself, have been
our law enforcement problems, the education
urging for years.
and training of law enforcement and crim-
The President wants to make it a Fed-
inal justice personnel and research must be
eral crime "to engage in gambling as a
emphasized. Improved training of local and
substantial business affecting interstate
state law enforcement personnel in riot pre-
commerce." I refer him to the legisla-
vention, riot suppression and riot control is
tion first sponsored by my Republican
needed. New techniques for combating orga-
nized crime must be developed. These objec-
colleague from Virginia [Mr. POFF]-
tives can be accomplished through an Instt-
and others-which would accomplish
tute similar to the National Institute of
precisely this purpose.
Health or the. National Academy of Science.
The President wants legislation to per-
Moreover, the improved methods for crime
mit the Federal Government to appeal
detection, prevention, prosecution, and reha-
pretrial orders granting motions to sup-
bilitation can be developed and taught in
press evidence. I suggest that he exam-
this manner without the danger of domi-
ine a bill first introduced last session by
nant by the Federal Government.
my colleague from Illinois [Mr. RAILS-
Mr. McCLORY. Mr. Speaker, yester-
BACK].
day, as I stood before this House, I
As you will note, Mr. Speaker, many
praised certain portions of the Presi-
proposals made in the President's crime
dent's message on crime. Indeed, I do
message reveal a decidedly Republican
find much to commend in the President's
attitude on the subject of crime.
FORD
recommendations, particularly those re-
If imitation is the sincerest form of
garding a National Institute of Law En-
flattery, the Republicans modestly ac-
GERALD
LIBRARY
maffice Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
March 26, 1968
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford, R-Mich.
At last we have a high Johnson Administration official telling us what
everybody but Lyndon Johnson seems to know. You cannot have both guns and butter
when you are fighting a $30 billion-a-year war.
I wish to commend Undersecretary of the Treasury Joseph W. Barr for his
frank testimony Monday before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in which he
said the United States cannot have both guns in Vietnam and butter at home.
Barr is honest and forthright, and he certainly should not be "either fired
or impeached," as he said he feared he would be for his comments.
Barr also was candid enough to admit what Republicans have pointed to
repeatedly as one of the basic causes for our present financial woes--that the
Johnson Administration has badly underestimated its military spending. He was
frank enough to say that with that kind of military spending we could not
reasonably expect to accomplish all of our social welfare goals all at once.
Now we have a fresh widening of the Credibility Gap by the chief spade-
wielder himself, President Johnson.
Recently the President talked about initiating an "austerity program" here
at home as the answer to the Nation' financial troubles. Yet he repeatedly
implies that he really has no plans to hold spending on the home front to the
level required if we are to put our fiscal house in order. Last night he told
the AFL-CIO he was "not going to sit by" and let his social welfare programs be
"torn down in a partisan political election year." If President Johnson's
programs are torn down, it will be because he has so badly mismanaged the economy
that the dollar has eroded in value and is constantly under attack.
When will the President prove as straightforward as Undersecretary Barr?
When will he admit that--as financial writer Joseph F. Slevin puts it--he made
a "big miscalculation" in 1966 when he refused either to hold down domestic
spending or seek an ant inflationary tax boost? When will he seriously move to
remedy the situation which traces to that big miscalculation? When will the
working man realize that President Johnson's spending programs have so fed
inflation as to wipe out the worker's wage gains?
It is not too late for Lyndon Johnson to start being honest with the
people. Mr. Barr has set him a good example.
# # #
American BERALE FORD LIBRARY
Distribution Full 9:30 a.m. 4/1/68
Office Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
April 1, 1968
All of the excitement generated by President Johnson's decision not t o seek
re-election has obscured the significance of his statements regarding Vietnam.
It seems clear to me that the President has made a major policy decision of
great importance to the American people and to the world--namely, that it does not
make sense for the United States to greatly increase its troop commitment in Viet-
nam. I applaud that decision. I think it is sound. I think it reflects a
realization by the President that any future increases in allied troop strength in
Vietnam should come from South Vietnamese manpower. I endorse that view.
I join the President in the hope that we can move toward an early and honorable
peace in Vietnam. If, indeed, his order to halt the bombing of the North will not
endanger our troops in the South and will lead to productive peace talks, then it is
a good decision. However, it must be remembered that the United States suspended
its bombing of Hanoi and Haiphong for 17 days without announcement prior to the
Communist Tet offensive of Jan. 31. Hanoi's answer was a savage attack on some 30
South Vietnamese cities. The difference now is that the President's announcement
has put Hanoi on center stage in the arena of world opinion.
Regrettably, if peace talks begin now, the United States and South Vietnam will
be approaching the bargaining table at a time when most of South Vietnam's country-
side is in Communist hands as a result of the Tet offensive.
I hope all Americans unite behind the President in his moves toward peace in
Vietnam. But it is difficult to see how the President's decision not to seek re-
election will dissolve the basic differences between the President's supporters and
those individuals backing Sens. Robert F. Kennedy and Eugene McCarthy.
It now can be expected that Vice-President Hubert H. Humphrey will contend with
Kennedy and McCarthy for the Democratic presidential nomination. There are those who
will recall that when Sen. Kennedy first proposed a coalition government for South
Vietnam with the Communists being given a share of the power, Humphrey said this was
like putting the fox in the coop with the chickens.
So the scene has changed, but then again it has not changed. Unless the
President and Vice-President Humphrey now favor a Kennedy-McCarthy type solution in
Vietnam, the division within the Democratic Party remains.
###
Distribution: Full
10:30 a.m.
4/2/68
M Office Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
April 2, 1968
President Johnson now has a singular opportunity to begin putting this
Nation's fiscal house in order.
Having decided against an attempt to seek reelection, he is free to act
without regard to political considerations. He is in perfect position to launch
the "austerity program" he recently declared is urgently needed in this country.
I ask that the President reconsider the position he took on management of
our fiscal affairs in his address to the Nation on radio and television Sunday
night. In that speech he indicated that he will simply sit back and wait for
Congress to make reductions in his budget for fiscal 1969.
If the fiscal situation at the federal level is as critical as the President
and his advisers have painted it, then the country cannot wait for Congress to
act.
I urge instead that the President immediately outline and implement the
austerity program he recently declared to be so necessary if the United States is
to maintain any semblance of prosperity. This means the President should impose
immediate lower spending limitations on each department and agency.
The President on his own can order a sweeping hold-down in all federal
spending unrelated to the Vietnam War. In view of the fact he will not be
seeking reelection, he should have no difficulty in imposing a ceiling on federal
spending immediately--a ceiling which would remain in effect at least throughout
the rest of his term in office.
President Johnson has sought to eliminate some of the divisiveness in this
country over Vietnam by removing himself as a candidate for reelection. Let him
now act to slow inflation and the continuing deterioration in the value of the
dollar by cutting his own budget. He would be doing the American people a great
service.
###
distribution Full 2:30p.m. 4/3/68
Office Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
April 3, 1968
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford, R-Mich., re: Hanoi response
The public announcement by Hanoi Radio that North Vietnam is willing to
"make contact with U.S. representatives" obviously is a response to the peace
initiative launched by President Johnson last Sunday night.
I am hopeful that it is a step--however tiny--toward peace. It is, never-
theless, only a beginning--and a small beginning--in the long trek toward an
honorable peace in Vietnam.
Certainly all Americans should unite behind President Johnson in his efforts
to bring about an honorable settlement of the Vietnam conflict. I do not think
it is helpful for any American to criticize the President for not having ordered
a complete halt in the bombing of North Vietnam. He could not have done so with-
out endangering the lives of U.S. fighting men in forward positions near the
so-called Demilitarized Zone.
It is true, however, that the President's description of the bombing
limitation was vague and led to some confusion. It now turns out that the 20th
parallel is the bombing halt line. Had the President made this clear last Sunday
night, it would also have become clear that he was proposing a carefully staged
de-escalation of the Vietnam War as urged by Rep. F. Bradford Morse and a number
of other House Republicans last July 10. In my view, the peace initiative currently
underway is a bipartisan peace initiative based on a Republican peace plan which
was suggested almost a year ago. I am pleased that we have had some response to
it from Hanoi.
We must be ever mindful that in Korea the fighting continued for nearly two
years while negotiations were being conducted at Panmunjom. More Americans were
killed after the talks began than before. This should temper any optimism until
we see more meaningful results--although all Americans hope this is the first
step toward peace.
# # #
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1100
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office
Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR RELEASE IN FRIDAY P.M. 's--
April 12, 1968
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford, R-Mich.
The Congress closes up shop for Easter recess with a significant record of
legislative achievement behind it and prodigious tasks ahead of it.
These are times in which we are grappling with three great crises--Vietnam,
racial turmoil and the threat of fiscal chaos.
We in the Congress should unite behind the President in his current efforts
to gain an honorable peace in Vietnam and simultaneously should make sure our
fighting men in Vietnam receive all the weapons and equipment they need while the
war continues.
We are making progress in dealing with racial turmoil. Congress this week
enacted a landmark open housing bill. It was more than that. It also was far-
reaching legislation pointed at various aspects of racial strife.
The psychological impact of the open housing provision may help avert riots
this summer. However, this provision is not a magic key which will automatically
open the door to better housing for Negroes. Economic circumstances will continue
to be a dominant factor.
This means that Congress should turn its attention to the Percy-Widnall plan
to create a National Home Ownership Foundation aimed at helping low-income
families own a home and giving them the pride and dignity that go with home owner-
ship. This Republican proposal holds great promise for the future of America.
The depressed economic condition of millions of Americans also means that
Congress should enact the Republican Human Investment Act, the plan extending tax
credits to industry for providing the hard-core unemployed and the underemployed
with on-the-job training for good-paying jobs requiring special skills. This
kind of legislation has been endorsed by the National Advisory Commission on
Civil Disorders.
These are affirmative steps which Congress should take to build a better
America for all our citizens. We need to take these affirmative actions after
adopting the deterrents enacted as part of the Civil Rights Act of 1968--
provisions making it a federal crime to use interstate facilities to incite,
encourage or take part in a riot, or to transport or manufacture firearms or
explosives for use in a riot or to teach the use of such weapons in a riot, or to
interfere with any firemen or law enforcement officer engaged in performing his
(more)
-2-
duties during a riot. While these deterrents may not prevent riots, they are
needed and helpful in prosecuting those engaged in riot activity.
It is noteworthy that the basic incitement-to-riot provision is Republican-
sponsored legislation which was first passed by the House on July 19, 1967, with-
out Administration support and left to languish in the Senate until it was
incorporated in the Civil Rights Act of 1968.
The Civil Rights Act of 1968 was the most significant piece of legislation
passed by the House prior to Easter Recess. It passed only because of Republican
help. In the most real sense, all civil rights legislation is bipartisan.
The only other major legislation passed by the House was the Truth-In-
Lending Act, which enjoyed bipartisan support and contained the only important
anti-crime statute enacted by the House this year. This was the federal anti-
usury provision, which was aimed at loan sharks with crime syndicate stripes.
Loan-sharking is a major source of the funds which feed the crime syndicates. As
a result of Republican initiative, federal law enforcers now can help shut off
this source of crime syndicate income. Of course, the Truth-In-Lending Act was
basically consumer legislation--an excellent statute which reveals interest costs
in loan and credit transactions.
Unfortunately, we still have no Law Enforcement Assistance Act on the books,
and this is one of the great unfinished tasks of this Congress. The House passed
such legislation last year but the Senate has yet to act. I find it strange that
the President and the majority party are not acting with greater urgency in view
of the fact that the national crime rate has gone up 83 per cent since 1960.
The Congress and the Johnson-Humphrey Administration still must resolve, too,
the problems which add up to the greatest financial crisis to face this Nation
since the depression years. Inflation still steadily reduces the value of the
dollar. Johnson-Humphrey Administration spending threatens a $20 billion deficit
in fiscal 1969, following upon an estimated $20 billion deficit for fiscal 1968.
Doubts abroad about the dollar threaten an ultimate collapse of world trade, and
the two-price system for gold has only bought us time.
Congress must come to grips with runaway federal spending immediately upon
its return from Easter recess--and must take a hard look at the revenue side of
the ledger as well. Republicans will legislate in the best interests of the
Nation. Democrats must face up to the fact that they are the majority party and
have triggered the sharp spending upturn which has produced financial crisis.
The economic well-being of every American will turn on our actions.
It is a tremendous work load that will greet members of Congress after the
Easter recess. We must be equal to the challenge.
####
M Office Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
May 3, 1968
Hanoi-Paris Comment
I am delighted that initial Vietnam peace talks now can get under way.
Paris is a good site from the standpoint that conditions will be favorable for
complete press coverage. It is important that the American people be kept
informed as to the progress--or lack of it--made during the talks. I hope
that later we can move quickly from preliminary talks into genuine peace
negotiations.
***
Taxes and Spending
Republicans are dismayed that the President is apparently unwilling to
agree to responsible compromise on spending and taxes. His adamant attitude
is hardly the way to meet the fiscal crisis which confronts the Nation. There
must be a solution that will be joined in by members of both parties who realize
the gravity of the situation.
###
m office Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- -
May 6, 1968
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford, R-Mich., House Republican Leader
The country must have action to deal with the financial mess created by the
Johnson-Humphrey Administration. The best way to meet the fiscal crisis we
face is to cut the President's proposed fiscal 1969 spending by $6 billion.
There will be a tax increase if the President exerts real leadership on
behalf of fiscal responsibility and agrees to a greater reduction in federal
spending than that approved by the House Appropriations and Ways and Means
Committees.
###
Distribution Full 5/8/68
M Office Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
FOR RELEASE IN WEDNESDAY PM's -
May 8, 1968
President Johnson has blamed the Democratic-controlled 90th Congress for
home mortgage interest rates that have reached what he called "the highest point
in 50 years."
I am certainly not an apologist for the Democratic majority in the Congress.
If the President wants to berate the Democrats in Congress for not passing an
income tax increase up to this time and say that this is the reason for high
interest rates on mortgage funds, I really should not demur.
But I nevertheless feel the American people should be given the facts with
regard to high interest rates on home mortgage money. So I called the Federal
Housing Administration.
In signing legislation which removes the 6 per cent interest rate ceiling
on FHA and VA loans, President Johnson said that while the "need for homes is
always there, no mortgage credit was to be found." "We could have avoided this
if we could have passed a tax increase." He said that by refusing to approve a
tax increase Congress has let interest rates go from "5½ per cent to 7 per cent
and even 8 per cent--the highest point in 50 years. "
An FHA spokesman informed me that conventional interest rates last were
5½1/2 per cent in early 1966 and increased steadily from that time on. They have
fluctuated between 61/2 and 7 per cent for the last six months to a year and are
7½ per cent now, he stated. This means that conventional interest rates on home
mortgage funds have been at least 61/2 per cent for about 12 months. The FHA spokes-
man said they were "higher in the latter half of 1966 when the bottom dropped out."
FHA interest rates were 5½¹₂ per cent from Feb. 7, 1966 through April 11, 1966;
5.75 per cent from April 12, 1966, through Oct. 2, 1966; 6 per cent from Oct. 3, 1966
through May 7, 1968; and now 6.75 per cent by administrative action taken Tuesday.
The President rejected the idea of an income tax increase in 1966, when the
interest rate spiral started--nor did he at that time try to hold down federal
spending as a curb on inflation and steadily rising interest rates. He first pro-
posed an income tax increase in his January 1967 State of the Union Message but did
not send Congress a specific tax increase proposal until August 1967. By that time
conventional interest rates were--in the words of the FHA spokesman- 'fluctuating
between 61/2 and 7 per cent" and the FHA and VA rates were 6 per cent.
I don't like to defend the Democratic majority in the Congress, but I do
wish the President would get his facts straight before he gets out his bull whip
even to use on his own party.
# # #
Distribution: Full
M Office Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, May 9, 1968
With agreement by House-Senate conferees on a $6 billion reduction in
President Johnson's fiscal 1969 spending plans we have taken a big step toward
a slowing of inflation and a return to responsible government. This may
mean that Congress will regain control of the federal budget. I feel sure
that if the cuts to be made mandatory in the fiscal 1969 budget are made
judiciously and through a re-ordering of priorities, no essential human needs
program will suffer. For my part, I will reluctantly accept the 10 per cent
tax surcharge in order to get the spending hold-down. Had the Johnson-
Humphrey Administration employed the kind of fiscal restraint urged by
Republicans for years, Congress would not now even be considering an income
tax increase.
#########
m
Office
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
May 17, 1968
Statement of Rep. Gerald R. Ford
The House-Senate Conference report on the Truth-in-Lending Bill will probably
be before the House next week.
It is urgent and essential that the American public be made aware of the
impending enactment of the Republican loan shark amendment to the Truth-in-Lending
Bill. Because other features of the compromises reached between the Senate and
House on the Truth-in-Lending Bill have received wide attention, there is a
danger that those who are being victimized by loan sharks may not know about the
new protection soon to be a part of Federal law. Likewise, those who further the
interests of organized crime by serving as low echelon agents of loan shark
operation should realize that, for the first time, extortionate extension of
credit will be a Federal crime.
Republicans believe that the contribution we have made to the Truth-in-
Lending Bill constitutes a major breakthrough in the war against organized crime.
The breakthrough is in two parts: First, the amendment authored and supported
by Republicans during the House debate and perfected in the Senate-House
Conference defines the crime of loan-sharking. This will give the Federal
government an investigative and enforcement jurisdiction which it has not had
before. In addition, the new provisions make it possible for federal agents to
assist State and local law enforcement officials in their prosecution of loan-
sharks.
A second legal milestone is the witness-immunity provision incorporated in
the Republican loan-shark amendment. This strikes at the Achilles' heel of
organized crime. The President's Crime Commission and other proponents of criminal
law reform long have recommended modernization of our antiquated and conflicting
statutes on witness immunity.
The Truth-in-Lending Bill is designed to protect the typical consumer through
disclosure of legal credit terms. The Republican loan-shark amendment is designed
to protect the victim of a racket. Although the poor are often the prey of the
loan-shark, the person who has suffered financial reverses, the person who has
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physical ailments, the person who has encountered setbacks in his small business,
the person who has been drawn into gambling, the person who is addicted to
narcotics are also ruthlessly and regularly victimized by the loan shark.
The President's Crime Commission said in February 1967 that loan-sharking
is the second most lucrative activity of the multibillion dollar empire of
organized crime.
But nothing was done to cure this cancerous growth until the House
Republican Task Force on Crime drafted and proposed Federal loan-shark legislation.
This was endorsed at the start of this session by the House Republican Policy
Committee, which urged that the anti-loan-shark provision be incorporated in the
pending Truth-in-Lending Bill. This was done with overwhelming support on the
House Floor.
I am confident it will receive equally overwhelming approval next week.
# # #
M
Office Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
May 22, 1968
Remarks by Rep. Gerald R. Ford, Minority Leader, House of Representatives, on the
Conference Report, S. 5, Truth-in-Lending.
Mr. Speaker, recently the American consumer has enjoyed many fine hours here
in the Congress and more particularly here in the House of Representatives. I feel
confident, however, that today marks the consumer's finest hour.
I am proud of the role that the Minority played throughout the committee
hearings, the floor debate and the long, arduous House-Senate conference sessions.
But it is not my purpose today to extol the virtues of the Minority's contributions
to the truth-in-lending bill, for throughout the years of debate on this legis-
lation, partisan divisions have rarely, if ever, occurred.
Although much of the controversy and most of the headlines have centered
around the conflict of periodic versus annual disclosure on open-end credit, in my
opinion, the contributions of House Members of both parties in adding many
entirely new features to the Senate-passed bill far outweigh the importance of the
final compromise on revolving credit. The House added and was able to retain in
conference strong, effective and equitable language on administrative enforcement,
credit advertising, loan-sharking, first mortgages, garnishment, as well as
provisions dealing with abuses primarily related to extensions of credit for home
improvements.
During the House floor debate on the truth-in-lending bill, the non-record
votes on revolving credit on the so-called $10 exemption were overwhelming in
support of the position taken by a majority of the Committee on Banking and Currency.
I have been advised that the House Conferees were united throughout the conference
sessions with the Senate on these two points, and I was delighted that the House
Conferees were equally united in support of retaining several amendments offered by
Republicans when the bill was debated here on the floor of the House.
Mr. Speaker, I became personally involved with the Republican loan-shark
amendment and I want to commend the Chairman of the House Committee on Banking and
Currency, Mr. Patman, the Congresswoman from Missouri, Mrs. Sullivan, and the rank-
ing Minority Member, Mr. Widnall, for their success in coming back to the House with
a very effective title dealing with extortionate extensions of credit. In this
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connection, the contributions of the House Republican Task Force on Crime, as well
as Congressmen Poff and McDade, cannot be exaggerated.
Recent testimony has indicated that loan-sharking is the second most
important source of revenue to organized crime. Annual revenue to organized crime
has been estimated to be at least $20 billion. By amending Title 18 of the
U.S. Code so as to define and make a federal offense the extortionate extension
and financing of credit, finally we are recognizing both the seriousness and the
vast extent of this criminal activity. Moreover, the language providing immunity
to witnesses will send tremors through the high councils of organized crime when
their highly paid legal counsels advise them of the direction taken by Congress.
Mr. Speaker, I consider the conference report on the Consumer Credit
Protection Act one of the most important achievements of the 90th Congress. The
vast protection it affords all citizens -- especially low-income families and
individuals -- should provide ample evidence that the Congress has and will
continue to act on its own initiative in matters involving human equity.
# # #
m Office Cap
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-
June 5, 1968
STATEMENT OF REP. GERALD R. FORD (R-MICH.)
This is shocking and terrible. My first impulse was to call it unbelievable
but, unfortunately, it is all too believable in our country today.
Of course I pray for Senator Kennedy and his family, and for all those
wounded with him in Los Angeles. We had better all pray for America as well.
Surely there can be no further quibbling about the urgent need for tougher law
enforcement legislation. Public peace and safety must be our primary concern.
The suspect reportedly in custody must be zealously protected while the most
thorough investigation and prosecution of this tragedy are carried forward.
Perhaps we can uncover what evil forces and horrible hatreds are attacking the
foundations of our nation.
# # #
mailed all Wuklies - PM of June 13, 1968
Special to Kent and Ionia County Weeklies
M affice Copy
For Use The Week of June 16-22 and Thereafter
Crime
Crackdown
Coming
BY JERRY FORD
The violence and lawlessness so prevalent in America today must be halted.
All our civil rights and freedoms become meaningless without effective
police protection backed by citizen cooperation, an atmosphere of safety and
security on our streets, order in our cities and throughout the land.
With passage by the Congress of the "Law Enforcement Assistance and Criminal
Justice Act of 1968" we finally are moving toward restoration of law and order
in America.
This legislation points up how determined Congress is to deal with lawlessness
in our Nation.
As proposed by the Administration last year, this legislation started out
simply as a program of Federal grants to improve local law enforcement.
The House of Representatives last August adopted amendments emphasizing
control of organized crime and riots and shifting responsibility for administration
of the program from the U.S. Department of Justice to the states.
The Senate recently expanded and toughened the measure. House supporters of
a strong anti-crime bill--I among them--were happy to accept the Senate bill.
So the final version of the Law Enforcement Assistance and Criminal Justice
Act of 1968 which I voted for and which was sent to the President provided for an
increase in grants to $100 million the first year and $300 million the second
year to aid state and local law enforcement; modification of recent Supreme Court
rulings which limited the use of identification procedures and confessions in
tracking down and convicting criminal suspects; authority for Federal, State and
local law enforcement agencies to use wiretapping and electronic surveillance
devices to fight crime but only with the sanction and supervision of the courts;
and a ban on mail order sale of hand guns and on the sale of such guns to minors
and out-of-state residents.
If the ban on mail order sale of hand guns is inadequate, then Congress
should immediately look affirmatively at proposals for additional gun controls.
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But it should be remembered that California has a tough gun control law and that
the gun used to assassinate Sen. Robert F. Kennedy was passed along to the alleged
assassin after an original under-the-counter sale.
There now is a revulsion against violence in this country stemming from the
assassination of Sen. Kennedy. It may be that this swelling of popular feeling
against violence spells the beginning of the end of the kind of violence we have
been experiencing in this country. It would be helpful and it may well follow
that all law-abiding Americans now will condemn the use of violence to attain any
political, economic or social objective. This would, in effect, "ostracize" the
practitioners of violence and could prove highly effective in discouraging the
use of violence.
It is also helpful that the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the right of
police to "frisk" suspicious persons for dangerous weapons. This is the first
time the Court has held that police can detain and search such persons without
the "probable cause" mentioned in the Constitution's Fourth Amendment. I heartily
applaud the Court's decision. It is vitally important when you consider that
355 law enforcement officers were killed on duty from 1960 through 1966, and that
there were 23,851 assaults on police officers in 1966 nationwide.
So we now have "a lot going for us" in our determination to reverse the
crime rate that has climbed 88 per cent in the last seven years--the Omnibus
Crime Control Act, a strong measure fitting the times; the Supreme Court ruling
upholding the right of police to stop and "frisk" suspicious persons; and the
strong upsurge of popular sentiment against violence of any kind.
I believe we now will see a crackdown on crime and, ultimately, the
restoration of law and order in America.
# # #
Distribution: Full
11:00 a.m.
6/20/68
M Office copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
June 20, 1968
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford, R-Mich., House Minority Leader.
The President's signing of the omnibus anti-crime bill is a victory for the
American people and the Republican Party. This legislation represents the enact-
ment into law of a multitude of anti-crime measures long sought and vigorously
fought for by Republicans in Congress.
The National Law Enforcement Assistance and Criminal Justice Act is a
vehicle for the restoration of law and order in America and for a reversal of the
sharp upward spiral in lawlessness which has pushed the national crime rate up
88 per cent in the last seven years.
The omnibus crime bill is good legislation. Its wire-tapping provision is
good legislation. Giving law enforcement officials the authority to use the
wire-tapping tool against major criminal activity under court order provides our
lawmen with a valuable weapon against organized crime, as well as espionage and
subversion.
The President is badly mistaken in seeking repeal of the wire-tap provision
and refusing to use it against the crime syndicates. He has completely distorted
the wire-tap provision, and this is most unfortunate. He has sought to mislead
the American people into believing that even the most scrupulously law-abiding
citizen is not safe from electronic surveillance. The truth is that the anti-
crime bill outlaws all wiretapping and electronic surveillance except as
authorized by the federal courts in cases involving major crimes and the national
security.
The American people can feel certain that a new Republican President and
a Republican Attorney General will use these new anti-crime provisions to root
out the evils of organized crime and those who seek to destroy our government by
espionage.
The American people want an end to the widespread lawlessness that has
plagued this country under the Johnson-Humphrey Administration. The Law
Enforcement Assistance and Criminal Justice Act of 1968 will help to accomplish
exactly that.
###
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
Remarks by Rep. Gerald R. Ford, R-Mich., House Republican Leader, prepared for
delivery on the floor of the House on Thursday, June 20, 1968.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 15414, a bill to impose spending
restraints on the Federal Government and to increase Federal revenues through a
10 per cent surcharge on the incomes of individuals and corporations.
Mr. Speaker, I support H.R. 15414 for just one reason: Our Nation is in
deep trouble, financially; our fiscal situation demands that we act to slow down
inflation, handcuff the robber who is picking the pockets of the American people.
Mr. Speaker, until recently I opposed the Johnson-Humphrey Administration's
10 per cent income tax surcharge. I hoped with all my heart we could avoid a tax
increase. I have always felt that if the Johnson-Humphrey Administration had
scaled back its spending plans beginning in 1965-1966 as an offset to the swift
rise in Vietnam War expenditures we could have avoided a tax increase and could
have preserved relative price stability.
But the Johnson-Humphrey Administration spurned all Republican pleas for a
re-ordering of priorities, and the majority in the Congress repeatedly defeated
Republican economy moves on record votes. This brings us to the position in which
the American people find themselves today.
Where do we stand?
We have nearly 5 per cent a year price inflation.
We have 10 per cent a year wage inflation.
We have only a 4 per cent a year increase in productivity.
We have a 6 per cent a year upward push in unit labor costs.
Some of our interest rates are the highest in a hundred years; the interest
on home mortgages is the highest in 50 years and so we recently had to lift the
ceiling on FHA and GI interest rates.
We have $20 to $25 billion federal budget deficits.
Every rise in prices stimulates an increase in wages, and every increase in
wages sets the stage for further increases in prices.
People at home and abroad are losing confidence in the dollar as inflation
becomes a way of life in America and the purchasing power of the dollar steadily
drops.
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The dollar is a mainstay of the international monetary system. Loss of
confidence in the dollar has weakened that system. A collapse of world trade
threatens unless the dollar is shored up. Because the dollar no longer is as
good as gold there has been a run on the U.S. gold supply. Our gold has been
dangerously reduced and is vulnerable to still greater losses.
Finally, we face the danger of a major recession if not a depression. The
flowering of inflation carries with it the seeds of economic destruction. This
is the bloom that dooms the boom. The inflation that is now in a trot threatens
to gallop, and galloping inflation will be followed by recession from natural
causes.
In short, the Nation is suffering the consequences of federal fiscal
irresponsibility.
Mr. Speaker, I for one am unwilling to accept the consequences of continued
federal fiscal irresponsibility. I am unwilling to accept $20 to $25 billion
federal deficits back to back--just as I was unwilling to participate in the
reckless spending which has brought us to our present pass.
Mr. Speaker, we are all aware of the perilous fiscal situation in which the
Nation finds itself today, and we all know we must do something about it.
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 15414 gives us the opportunity to do something about it.
Mr. Speaker, I believe H.R. 15414 is a most vital piece of legislation. I
cannot conceive of its being rejected by the Congress because I believe what is
at stake here is the economic health of every American, and primarily the poor.
To continue on our present course is to follow the road to disaster.
Tax increases are painful. Nobody likes a tax increase. But the alternative
to the package before us is far worse. Galloping inflation and a major recession--
that is the alternative.
Let the American people consider the consequences of the trotting inflation
we now are plagued with--and then ask themselves if the Congress is not acting
properly in approving the package before us today.
Consider the fact that the real income of the average American worker has
not improved in the slightest in the last two or three years. The weekly earnings
of the average worker in non-farm employment actually were a little lower in 1966
than in 1965, and again somewhat lower in 1967 than in 1966-when his wages are
adjusted for consumer price increases and the rise in Social Security and income
taxes.
As for the millions of poor in America, most of the benefits provided for
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them in the anti-poverty and related programs have been wiped out by the effects
of inflation.
How destructive is the inflation we now are experiencing?
The past year's increase in the cost of living is the sharpest year-to-year
rise in more than 16 years.
The cost of living has gone up 20 per cent since the 1957-59 period.
The Eisenhower dollar now is worth 83 cents.
Interest rates on home mortgages have climbed to 7 or 8 per cent--and the
President recently warned of a rise to 10 per cent unless we act here today.
If we fail to act affirmatively today, this Nation is certain to suffer
another credit crunch as bad as that of 1966, or worse.
There is no need to go back seven or eight years to show that inflation is
badly hurting the American people, the little people who don't know about hedges
against inflation and just sit tight while their savings are washed away.
The cost of living has gone up 10 per cent just since January 1965 and is
reaching new all-time highs each month.
What the average housewife paid $10.89 for in January 1965 she now pays $12
for.
The January 1965 dollar now is worth less than 91 cents.
A $10 bill acquired in January 1965 now is worth $9.08.
A savings account with $500 in it as of January 1965 now is worth $454.13
in principal, nearly $46 less.
A $10,000 insurance policy of three years ago now is worth $9,083, a
depreciation of $917.
A retired American with an income of $2,500 three years ago finds that his
income has shrunk to $2,295.50, a loss of $204.50.
This is what is happening among the 224 million citizens of this country
because the Johnson-Humphrey Administration triggered an inflationary spiral in
1965-66 with mistakes in fiscal strategy, excessive spending and downright
deception.
The hour is late--very late. The argument can be made that we are trying to
lock the barn door after the horse has been stolen. But I think it still is
possible to catch the horse and put a halter on him. We cannot abruptly stop
inflation because if we did we would stall the economy. But we can slow it down
by bringing federal spending under control and increasing federal revenue.
If we place sharp restraints on federal spending now, tax relief will be
possible in the future.
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I personally find the tax increase portion of the bill before us extremely
distasteful. In my view, a tax increase following upon consumer price increases
punishes the American people for an offense properly chargeable not to them but to
the party in power.
I think the spending restraints H.R. 15414 will impose on the Johnson-
Humphrey Administration and future administrations are more meaningful than the
tax increase in terms of restoring the economic health of this Nation.
Basically, I take the tax increase to get the spending restraints.
There are those who argue that the tax increase will aggravate the inflation
problem by adding to production costs and leading to further price increases, and
that these price increases in turn will trigger demands for greater wage increases.
Whether this will be the immediate consequence of the tax increase can only
be the subject of speculation. But we can feel certain that a tax increase will
dampen consumer demand. It also can be expected that the combination of a
spending hold-down and a rise in federal revenue will help to bring down interest
rates over the long term.
The President has called for an austerity program. Let's give it to him.
Certainly it is needed.
Let us be completely honest about the legislation we deal with today. A tax
increase is politically hazardous. It makes a politician gag if not choke.
We in my party feel we are not to blame for the mess in which the Nation
finds itself. For that reason I demanded earlier this year that the majority
party come up with a majority for the tax and spending cut package in order to
get Republican support for it. The majority party appears to have done SO. I
therefore urge as many of my colleagues as find it possible to do so to vote for
H.R. 15414. It is a step toward a sound dollar, an economically healthy America,
and genuine progress for all our citizens.
# # #
distribution: Radio
7/18/68
Wuklus Dailies
sycipt Wid. 's
m Office Copy
For Release on Thursday, July 25, 1968.
Rep. Gerald R. Ford of Grand Rapids is not about to hang an Employment
Service shingle above the door of his office in the U.S. Capitol but he is glowing
with pleasure over his latest job assist.
The story begins with graduation ceremonies at Gallaudet College, famous
school for the deaf in Washington, D.C., where David Othal Riker of 1948
Burlingame Avenue S.W., Wyoming, proudly received a bachelor of arts degree in
mathematics in June. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Othal N. Riker of Wyoming were
equally proud.
Nobody who has full possession of all his faculties can appreciate the
trepidation with which Dave began his quest for a position as a mathematician
with a Federal agency. Fortunately, it occurred to him to ask Congressman Ford's
help.
When Dave walked into Ford's office a few days after his graduation, Ford
immediately promised to do everything in his power to help him line up a position.
Since Dave cannot hear and can lip-read only a little, he and Ford staff
members carried on extensive "conversations" on sheets of note paper. Together
they tackled the task of contacting the various Federal agencies through their
coordinators for employment of the handicapped.
Dave and Rep. Ford were discouraged at first. The National Aeronautics and
Space Administration people were "working on something" for Dave but it didn't
look promising. The Department of the Navy, the Department of Commerce and the
Goddard Space Flight Center were among the "possibles" on Dave's list.
Ford staff members spent many hours making inquiries and setting up
appointments.
The Department of Commerce prospect fell through. Dave twice visited the
Goddard Space Flight Center but that did not prove out. Then happiness hit. Dave
received word from Earl L. Payne, coordinator for employment of the handicapped
at the Defense Department, that a job was waiting for him at the Pentagon. He
reported for work the very next day.
Dave now is working as a mathematician in the Office of the Comptroller for
the Assistant Secretary of Defense.
"I have no problems," he wrote confidently. "I am enjoying the job very
much."
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As for Ford, he was delighted that he could help. He was especially
pleased when Dave's sister, Mrs. Kenneth Gager of Rockford (11181 - 13 Mile Rd. NE,
RD 3), wrote and thanked him for the assistance given to Dave.
"I was talking to my mother yesterday, " Mrs. Gager wrote, "and she was
telling me about the phone calls and other services performed for Dave and I
must say it is wonderful to know there are people around who will help other
people.'
"Dave has had a nard time of it, all through his life, "Mrs. Gager continued,
"not only because of his hearing handicap but because of other circumstances.
Therefore, to think that he has come this far is really an accomplishment, and we
all hope and pray that he will continue to progress as he has the last several
years. He deserves every good thing that comes his way and I'm sure he appreci-
ates all that you are doing for him. Again, many thanks to you all for your
kindness and thoughtfulness."
Dave does indeed deserve all good things. A thumbnail biographical sketch
shows that he was one of the top 10 students in his graduating class at Lee High
School in Wyoming and won the Top Salesman Award and Best Achiever Award in the
Junior Achievement of Grand Rapids Program. Since that time he has worked as a
printer and pressman in Grand Rapids and in Maryland, worked on the Gallaudet
College newspaper as business manager and was also business manager of the
college's Student Body Government and its ice hockey team.
A fine, clean-looking chap, Dave has a secret and unusual hobby. He's
something of a judo expert. Maybe he'll give mathematics at the Pentagon a new
twist.
# # #
Distribution 5th Disl. Muklies 7/25/68
5th Dist. Dailies
Radio TV } 7/26/68
Air Special
M Office Copy
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford re: Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968
For Fifth District News Media
A greater opportunity to meet hospital construction needs has opened up for
Kent and Ionia County communities as a result of legislation I sponsored in the
90th Congress.
A bill I introduced in April 1967 has been enacted as part of the 1968
Housing and Urban Development Act, just approved by Congress. This legislation
makes FHA-type loans available for hospital construction by insuring the mortgages
of nonprofit hospitals.
The federally-insured mortgage also may be used to cover the cost of major
items of equipment needed to operate the hospital.
Community leaders in Grand Rapids tell me that hospital construction needs
there will total an estimated $35 million over the next 10 years. It was at
their urging that I drafted and sponsored the FHA-loans hospital construction
bill. I managed to keep it in the omnibus housing bill only by exerting every
possible effort.
This new program of FHA-type loans for hospital construction will not supplant
the familiar Hill-Burton program of federal grants for such projects. It will
supplement Hill-Burton. It recognizes the fact that funds for hospital construc-
tion are in constantly short supply and that, nationwide, there is a minimum
need for an estimated $3.7 billion worth of hospital facilities.
My program fills an unmet need. Nonprofit hospitals have found mortgage
lenders reluctant to provide construction loans on such terms that the loan could
be paid back without an undue increase in hospital charges and fees. My program
will make longterm mortgage financing possible for nonprofit hospitals.
I believe communities in Michigan and throughout the United States will
benefit in improved health care as a result of this new program.
The new Housing Act also contains another provision of special interest
in Kent and Ionia Counties. It establishes a national flood insurance program
which will make flood insurance available to families and small businessmen in
areas frequently troubled with flooding.
(more)
-2-
The people of Grandville may be among the first to become eligible for this
new flood insurance because the Army Corps of Engineers has already completed a
study of Grandville as a "flood-prone area."
The flood insurance coverage will be limited to one-to-four family
residential properties and to smaller businesses such as the typical neighborhood
family enterprise.
The insurance will be a joint venture between the Federal Government and the
private insurance industry. The Government will make payments to the participating
insurance companies in high flood-loss years, and the companies in turn will pay
the Government a premium in low flood-loss years.
The Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 is landmark legislation.
There are some features I do not like, but on balance the pluses outweigh the
minuses.
The main thrust of the bill is a new Republican concept which enlists
private resources to help provide decent homes for more than six million
American families now living in slums or dilapidated rural dwellings.
The measure will establish the National Home Ownership Foundation which was
conceived by Sen. Charles Percy, R-I11., and supported by me. Eventually it
should attract many billions in private funds into low-cost housing and
rehabilitation.
There are 13 million American families with incomes under $5,000 a year.
They represent 28 per cent of all the families in the country. Not all of them
live in unsatisfactory quarters, but the latest housing survey shows that
6,353,000 housing units in America are substandard. These units should be
replaced or renovated.
I think we should help those who cannot decently house themselves, making
certain that housing produced with Government assistance be devoted only to
low-income families. And the major emphasis must be on federal guarantees,
guidance and support rather than on big federal outlays.
But we must help slum dwellers and the rural poor obtain decent housing.
We must act if we are to build a sound future for all Americans.
# # #
July 26, 1968
NOTE TO EDITOR OR NEWS DIRECTOR:
At the time of this mailing, the conference report on the
Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (final version), had
been approved by the Senate and was to be approved by the House
Friday afternoon or Monday. This statement is for release upon
approval of the legislation by the House.
Distribution 25 Copies Mr. Heo. Haag
aloned into
aug 16, 1968 washington m Office Copy
Burcaus of Dallas
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR RELEASE ON RECEIPT--
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford, R-Mich., Minority Leader of the U.S. House
of Representatives.
I have pledged my personal help and assistance to Jim Collins of Dallas,
candidate for election to the House in the Third Congressional District of Texas.
I believe Jim Collins will win the special election August 24, and that
this will be the forerunner of Republican victories throughout the country in
November.
When Jim comes to Washington immediately after that special election, I
will do everything in my power to see that he is given committee assignments of
direct benefit to his congressional district. It is worth noting that he will
have a five months' head start on all of the House members newly elected in
November. Seniority is important in the Congress, and Jim Collins' seniority
will certainly benefit his constituents.
I know Jim Collins and what he stands for. Jim is the kind of man Texas
needs in the way of new and competent leadership.
Congress is coming back into session after the conventions to consider
some most important matters. We need Jim Collins in the House of Representatives
working for good government when that time comes. It is important to his
constituents in Texas to have responsive and responsible representation when the
House reconvenes.
Jim Collins will be a most valuable congressman. I will personally welcome
him to Washington after the August 24 special election.
# # #
distribution Fifth District
Daily - aug 19
Weekly. aug. 15
M Office Copy
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
For Release the Week of August 18-24, 1968
and thereafter
New Law
Bars Age
Job Bias
BY JERRY FORD
In this time when so many Americans worry so much about growing old, it seems
appropriate to report that a new Federal law prohibits employers and labor unions
from discriminating against workers on account of age.
Although the law is very new, the U.S. Labor Department states that already
there are workers in the age bracket covered--40 to 65--who have been hired for
jobs that were closed to them before the law against age discrimination went into
effect.
I am pleased to say that I strongly supported this legislation when it was
before the Congress.
The new law does not mean that an employer must hire a person in the 40 to 65
age group regardless of any and all circumstances. But an employer may only
refuse to fill a vacancy with an otherwise qualified older worker in cases where
age is "a bona fide occupational qualification necessary to the normal operation
of the particular business. 11
Labor unions may no longer shut out workers in the 40-65 age bracket from
membership or refuse to refer older members to employers simply because of their
age. Employment agencies also are barred from discriminating against older job
seekers.
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act applies to some 350,000 employers,
employment agencies which serve them, and to labor organizations across the
country. It involves employers with 25 or more workers and labor organizations
with 25 or more members in industries affecting interstate commerce.
The U.S. Labor Department anticipates investigating 20,000 to 25,000
complaints regarding age discrimination in employment in the 12 months ending
next June 30.
Following guidelines laid down by Congress, the department will seek to
(more)
-2-
remedy all justifiable complaints through mediation. Cases will be taken to
court only where all other attempts to settle the issue fail.
The new law against age bias in hiring and firing is aimed at promoting the
employment of older Americans.
There are 37 million Americans in the age 40-65 age bracket. An average of
850,000 persons in this group are unemployed. These 850,000 account for
27 per cent of all the unemployed in this country and 40 per cent of the longterm
unemployed.
The fact that these people are jobless results in an unemployment
compensation bill of $750 million a year.
For years some employers have been shunning the older worker on the ground
that he or she is physically weaker, has a high rate of absenteeism and is not
adaptable to change. But study after study has shown that older workers
generally have lower absenteeism rates, change jobs less frequently, and do their
jobs more enthusiastically than younger workers.
# # #
Distribution Full lug. 21, 1968
Galleries 10:30 a.m.
M Office Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
August 21, 1968
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford, R-Mich., Minority Leader of the U.S. House of
Representatives.
The sympathies of all Americans are with the freedom-loving Czechs so
crudely suppressed by Soviet military might, but the United States should not
become involved in this Communist family fight.
The brutal aggression ordered by Soviet leaders has shattered the dream
world spun by some Americans in the spirit of Glassboro. Once again Red Russia
has been exposed as an enemy of freedom and an enslaver of people.
The invasion of Czechoslovakia by Russia and other Warsaw Pact powers is a
clear violation of Czech sovereignty. It has again been made clear that the
Soviet Union is an imperialistic power which looks upon its Communist neighbors
as its colonies.
The United States should move with extreme caution in this situation, but
certainly it would be appropriate to demand an immediate explanation from the
Soviet Union in the world forum of the United Nations.
###
M Office
august 22, 1968
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR RELEASE ON RECEIPT--
Rep. Jerry Ford Plays Cupid
In Trans-Atlantic Romance
The fellow who first remarked that the course of true love seldom runs
smooth might have added: If you have a problem, take it to your congressman.
That's what sweet young Maureen Szymczak of Grand Rapids did when she ran
into bad luck with love last Spring. With the help of Rep. Gerald R. Ford,
wedding bells will ring for her in October.
For Maureen, love was a grand adventure that happened to her in Europe in
the summer of 1967. It budded and bloomed in Munich when she remained on the
continent after a three-week Grand Rapids Junior College tour in 1966.
She lived in Europe for a year and a half, first visiting with a sister
married to a U.S. serviceman stationed in Bremerhaven and then working in
Copenhagen. She vacationed in Greece and Spain during the summer of 1967 and
then found work at a hotel in Munich, Germany when she ran out of money.
It was at the hotel that she met Giancarlo Vanin, an Italian who was an
on-the-job trainee in hotel administration.
"I was working as a chambermaid," she said, "and I literally met Giancarlo
over my mop and pail."
They fell madly in love, and when Maureen returned to Grand Rapids last
Christmas and then enrolled at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo it was
with plans for a Fall, 1968 wedding.
Maureen and Giancarlo agreed that he should come to Grand Rapids on a
visitor's visa in August so he could meet her family and they could be married
in September at St. James Catholic Church. After their marriage, they would
travel to Munich where Giancarlo would resume his training in hotel administration.
But then the blow fell. Giancarlo was turned down cold when he went to
the American consulate in Munich and applied for a visitor's visa so he could
go to Grand Rapids to marry Maureen. The official at the consulate told him
he would have to apply for an immigrant visa under the quota system, a procedure
which would take years because of the long waiting list.
(more)
-2-
Maureen wrote to the Immigration and Naturalization Service Office in
Detroit but received no help.
Then she appealed to Congressman Ford, detailing how the American consulate
official in Munich insisted there was no assurance that Giancarlo would marry
during his visit to the United States and that he would return to Europe with
his bride.
Ford went to work on the case. Four months, seventeen letters, three
telephone calls and one notarized statement later, the American consulate informed
Ford that a visitor's visa had been granted to Giancarlo. With Ford's assistance,
Maureen and Giancarlo had finally satisfied the consul that they would in fact
be married in Grand Rapids and would then leave for Europe.
Bubbling over with happiness, Maureen wrote Congressman Ford:
"I would like to sincerely thank you for your assistance in helping my
fiance obtain the visa. We are so thrilled and excited. It's hard to believe
he actually has it! It's a nice feeling to know that when you have a problem
you can take it to your congressman--and get results!"
Expressing his gratitude, Giancarlo wrote Ford: "I want you to know that
all my life I will never forget you. I will never forget what you did for me.
I will never forget the man who with his help gave me the opportunity to go to
America and marry the girl I love so much."
A daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Szymczak, 731 Stocking, N.W., Maureen
will be married to Giancarlo Vanin at 6 p.m. Oct. 17 at St. James Catholic
Church with Msgr. Walter Grill reading the Nuptial Mass. There will be a
reception at St. Hyacinth's Club.
True to the word given the American consul in Munich, Germany, Maureen and
Giancarlo will make their home there for four months after the wedding and
then will live for two or three years in Rome where Carlo will complete his
hotel management training. They plan untimately to live in America.
Mrs. Szymczak hasn't met her future son-in-law yet but already she is
proud of him.
"He speaks five languages," she said. "I am very happy for Maureen
although I am sad at losing her." "You should have seen all the letters they
wrote to each other after she came home last Christmas. This just has to be
the real thing."
And that is how the course of true love was made smooth by a congressman.
###
Distribution: Fifth District
Weekly - aug. 22, 1968
M Office Copy
- aug. 25,1968
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR RELEASE ON RECEIPT--
In Trans-Atlantic Romance
ford + the souple
meeting Setup betw
Rep. Jerry Ford Plays Cupid
The fellow who first remarked that the course of true love seldom runs
smooth might have added: If you have a problem, take it to your congressman.
That's what sweet young Maureen Szymczak of Grand Rapids did when she ran
into bad luck with love last Spring. With the help of Rep. Gerald R. Ford,
wedding bells will ring for her in October.
For Maureen, love was a grand adventure that happened to her in Europe in
the summer of 1967. It budded and bloomed in Munich when she remained on the
continent after a three-week Grand Rapids Junior College tour in 1966.
She lived in Europe for a year and a half, first visiting with a sister
married to a U.S. serviceman stationed in Bremerhaven and then working in
Copenhagen. She vacationed in Greece and Spain during the summer of 1967 and
then found work at a hotel in Munich, Germany when she ran out of money.
It was at the hotel that she met Giancarlo Vanin, an Italian who was an
on-the-job trainee in hotel administration.
"I was working as a chambermaid," she said, "and I literally met Giancarlo
over my mop and pail."
They fell madly in love, and when Maureen returned to Grand Rapids last
Christmas and then enrolled at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo it was
with plans for a Fall, 1968 wedding.
Maureen and Giancarlo agreed that he should come to Grand Rapids on a
visitor's visa in August so he could meet her family and they could be married
in September at St. James Catholic Church. After their marriage, they would
travel to Munich where Giancarlo would resume his training in hotel administration.
But then the blow fell. Giancarlo was turned down cold when he went to
the American consulate in Munich and applied for a visitor's visa so he could
go to Grand Rapids to marry Maureen. The official at the consulate told him
he would have to apply for an immigrant visa under the quota system, a procedure
which would take years because of the long waiting list.
(more)
-2-
Maureen wrote to the Immigration and Naturalization Service Office in
Detroit but received no help.
Then she appealed to Congressman Ford, detailing how the American consulate
official in Munich insisted there was no assurance that Giancarlo would marry
during his visit to the United States and that he would return to Europe with
his bride.
Ford went to work on the case. Four months, seventeen letters, three
telephone calls and one notarized statement later, the American consulate informed
Ford that a visitor's visa had been granted to Giancarlo. With Ford's assistance,
Maureen and Giancarlo had finally satisfied the consul that they would in fact
be married in Grand Rapids and would then leave for Europe.
Bubbling over with happiness, Maureen wrote Congressman Ford:
"I would like to sincerely thank you for your assistance in helping my
fiance obtain the visa. We are so thrilled and excited. It's hard to believe
he actually has it! It's a nice feeling to know that when you have a problem
you can take it to your congressman--and get results!"
Expressing his gratitude, Giancarlo wrote Ford: "I want you to know that
all my life I will never forget you. I will never forget what you did for me.
I will never forget the man who with his help gave me the opportunity to go to
America and marry the girl I love so much."
A daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Szymczak, 731 Stocking, N.W., Maureen
will be married to Giancarlo Vanin at 6 p.m. Oct. 17 at St. James Catholic
Church with Msgr. Walter Grill reading the Nuptial Mass. There will be a
reception at St. Hyacinth's Club.
True to the word given the American consul in Munich, Germany, Maureen and
Giancarlo will make their home there for four months after the wedding and
then will live for two or three years in Rome where Carlo will complete his
hotel management training. They plan untimately to live in America.
Mrs. Szymczak hasn't met her future son-in-law yet but already she is
proud of him.
"He speaks five languages," she said. "I am very happy for Maureen
although I am sad at losing her." "You should have seen all the letters they
wrote to each other after she came home last Christmas. This just has to be
the real thing."
And that is how the course of true love was made smooth by a congressman.
###
stribution Full
Balleries 4:45p.m. aug. 23, 1968 M
Office
Copy
- aug. 23, 1968
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR RELEASE ON RECEIPT--
August 23, 1968
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford, R-Mich. Minority Leader of the U.S. House of Reps.
The eyes of the world are focused on Czechoslovakia, where freedom-loving
Czechs are gallantly resisting Soviet oppression. Meantime, in Biafra, women and
children are dying by the thousands as innocent victims of starvation in the Nigerian
civil war.
President Johnson has called upon the United Nations Security Council to
condemn the Soviet-led invasion of Czechoslovakia and to demand withdrawal of the
troops--and I applaud that action. But at the same time the White House is silent
about the famine in Biafra caused by the Nigerian Government's refusal to allow
relief supply planes to fly into Biafra over Nigerian territory.
While some supplies have been flown into Biafra by the International Red
Cross despite the Nigerian Government's attitude, the relief thus afforded has been
pitifully small. Now it is reported that the Nigerian Government will allow Red
Cross planes to fly into Biafra if they first land in Nigerian federal territory,
presumably to be searched for arms.
If this report is accurate, President Johnson should immediately move to
implement airlifts of food and other supplies to Biafra. The United States should
be in the forefront of nations going to the aid of the million refugees said to be
starving in the Calabar area of Biafra.
At the very least, the Johnson Administration should immediately seek clear-
cut Nigerian Government permission for Red Cross food airlifts into Biafra. This
probably could be done through the British, who reportedly are giving arms aid to
the Nigerian federal government and therefore must have considerable influence in
Lagos.
We are not talking here about intervening in a civil war. This is not a
question of military assistance or involvement. This is a matter of human decency--
a need to put food into the mouths of starving people.
Here is an opportunity to demonstrate America's great compassion to the world
at the very moment when the Soviet Union is exhibiting the cruelty that results from
a fear of basic freedoms. Let us respond to this cry for help from the starving.
Let us do what we know to be right.
###
artribution Fyth District
mackey aug. 23, 1968 (a.m.)
m Office Copy
aug. 26, 1968
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR RELEASE ON RECEIPT--
The way is open for Michigan to launch a statewide water pollution control
program if the voters so decide on Nov. 5, Rep. Gerald R. Ford of Grand Rapids
declared today.
Ford said obstacles posed by a Johnson Administration bill changing the
rules on payment of the Federal Government's share of sewage treatment plant
costs have been eliminated.
"The Administration proposals have died in the House Public Works Committee,
and the Senate abandoned them in the bill recently passed in that body," Ford
said.
Ford vigorously attacked the Administration water pollution control
amendments after Michigan officials testified against them and said they would
wreck Michigan's plans for going ahead with a large-scale water pollution control
program.
Gov. George Romney and the State Legislature propose a $335 million bond
issue for pollution control, including the pre-financing of half of the Federal
cost-share of the program. The Administration water pollution control amend-
ments would have banned pre-financing of the Federal cost-share of such programs.
The Administration bill also would have restricted Federal aid to
communities in major metropolitan centers, which meant that only 14 of Michigan's
83 counties could have expected Federal assistance and 229 of 335 communities
needing money for pollution cleanup would have been excluded.
The Administration further proposed to make taxable the State revenue bonds
sold to finance such programs as Michigan's, figuring the Federal Government
would come out ahead by paying the extra interest costs out of Federal taxes
on the bonds.
Michigan and New York protested bitterly, and now the fight is won, Ford
said.
"I feel this is a personal victory in view of the strong objections I voiced
to members of the House Public Works Committee, " Ford declared. "Now I am told
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-2-
that Congressman (John) Blatnik, the chairman of the Water Pollution Control
Subcommittee, plans to bring out a completely non-controversial bill."
State officials in Lansing are not completely satisfied with the water
pollution control bill passed by the U.S. Senate, although it abandons the
Administration approach. These officials point out that the Senate bill pledges
payment of the Federal cost-share over a 30-year period but places a ceiling on
amounts that can be committed for state programs. They said this legislation
would not destroy Michigan's program but would slow it down.
The existing Federal program permits state pre-financing of the Federal
cost-share but does not guarantee Federal payment.
Michigan officials said they want legislation which guarantees payment to
the states of the Federal cost-share but does not hamstring state programs with
unrealistic ceilings on Federal funding.
"I feel sure this entire problem will be worked out to Michigan's
satisfaction," Ford said. "I certainly am going to do everything I can to see
to it that Michigan is in a position to go ahead with the kind of water pollution
control program the people want."
Besides fighting the water pollution control amendments Michigan found
objectionable, Ford recently introduced legislation to prohibit the dumping of
spoilage from dredging operations into Lake Michigan and other navigable waters.
# # #
Distribution: House Galleries 5:00p.m. 8/30/68
Nailing 8/30/68
Office
M
Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
August 30, 1968
(Note to Correspondents: Mr. Ford is campaigning in Alaska on behalf of Rep.
Howard Pollack. He dictated this statement over the telephone for release
through his Washington Office.)
Americans are appalled by what happened in Chicago, both inside and outside
of the Democratic National Convention.
First of all, it appears that some leaders of the antiwar demonstrators
who tried to march on the convention Amphitheatre deliberately sought a con-
frontation with the police. But this does not excuse the indiscriminate use of
force and the flouting of basic American rights and freedoms. The blame for
that rests squarely on the Democratic Party political bosses who ran the
convention--Mayor Richard J. Daley and outgoing Democratic National Committee
Chairman John Bailey. And it should be noted that Vice-President Hubert H.
Humphrey did little but say that it was regrettable.
The American people know who was responsible for this shocking spectacle--
the Democratic Party hierarchy. Who handicapped newsmen who were simply trying
to do their job? Daley and Bailey. Who gave the orders which resulted in
newsmen and convention delegates being beaten or otherwise manhandled? Daley
and Bailey. Violence not only was done to the physical persons of newsmen and
others at Chicago but to the basic American right of petition and freedom of the
press.
If the FBI investigation of these outrages proves inadequate, I will seek
an investigation by the appropriate committee of the U.S. House of Representatives.
# # #
Distribution Fifth District
Wuklies - aug 29,1968
m affice Capy
Dialies Sept. 3,1968
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
For Use the Week of Sept. 1-7 and thereafter
Engineers
Report On
Lake Dumping
BY JERRY FORD
Would you believe that the Army Corps of Engineers and others dug more than
1 million cubic yards of polluted material out of Lake Michigan harbors last
year and then dumped it back into the lake?
That's the story in a report I obtained from the Corps of Engineers the
other day after I became aware of the Federal Government's role in polluting
Lake Michigan.
I have been lighting fires under the Federal Government for contributing
to Lake Michigan pollution, and it seems my efforts already are paying off.
For instance, the Corps of Engineers report on Lake Michigan dumping
indicates that disposal of polluted material in the open lake this year will
total only 359,000 cubic yards. I say "only," because this is a sharp drop from
the grand total of more than 1 million cubic yards of polluted dredging spoil
tossed back into the lake last year.
Meantime I have introduced a bill that would prohibit the dumping of any
dredging spoil back into Lake Michigan. From the standpoint of cost and other
considerations, it may be that material shown not to be polluted should be
exempted from the proposed ban. But I think we should start out with the idea
of banning all Lake Michigan dumping and force others to make a case for
exceptions.
I am happy to report that the material dredged out of Grand Haven and
Holland harbors in both 1967 and 1968 was classified by the Army Corps of
Engineers as "not polluted." As a matter of fact, the worst instances of Lake
Michigan pollution from dumping of dredging material occur in connection with
Calumet, Green Bay, Indiana and Milwaukee Harbors.
In a letter to me accompanying his report, Col. F. E. Anderson, Jr. of
the Corps of Engineers, asserted that "most of the grossly polluted dredging
(more)
-2-
spoil" goes into diked disposal areas instead of back into Lake Michigan. He
emphasized that Corps of Engineers construction of diked spoil areas is being
done only on a pilot basis for study purposes. There are no funds, he said, to
build full-scale diked disposal areas at polluted harbors.
My comment is that the dumping of any polluted dredging spoil into Lake
Michigan is a destructive activity. It helps to destroy one of our most precious
resources -- water. It should be stopped.
We all know that the fight against water pollution costs money. But think
of all the projects of dubious value on which federal funds are being lavished
at present. Then ask yourself whether more should not be done about water
pollution instead.
Polluting of Lake Michigan with dredging spoil is only part of the Lake
Michigan problem, of course, and only a fraction of the overall water pollution
problem facing communities throughout the State of Michigan.
What is required is that all of us assign top priority to the fight against
water pollution and lend our support to a massive federal-state-and-local
campaign to clean up our streams and lakes.
This is not just a Federal problem by any means. It is everybody's problem.
# 3F #
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
September 3, 1968
Congressman Gerald R. Ford announced today that five all-expense college
scholarships with a career in the armed services of our country are available to
young men of Kent and Ionia Counties.
"The Fifth District in 1969 will be entitled to two appointments to the
Military Academy at West Point, one to the Naval Academy at Annapolis, and two to the
Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs,' Ford said.
In addition, appointments are also available to the Merchant Marine and Coast
Guard Academies, but the selection to these institutions is not limited to a
Congressional district. Michigan Congressmen may nominate ten candidates for the
Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York, to compete state-wide for the 12
available scholarships. The Coast Guard makes its own selection of cadets to attend
the Academy at New London, Connecticut, from a nation-wide competition.
Appointments will be based on the results of an open, competitive Civil Service
examination. The examination will be held on Saturday, October 5, and will be given
at Grand Rapids, Lansing, and many other cities in the United States and abroad for
those residing temporarily away from home. An examination will also be conducted on
Saturday, November 9, for those who cannot report for the October examination.
Ford said that young men who will have graduated from high school by June,
1969, are unmarried, and under 22 years of age at the time classes begin, are eligible
for consideration of appointment to one of the Service academies. Those he appoints
must have a legal residence in the 5th District.
Applications may be obtained from Ford's Grand Rapids office at 425 Cherry
Street, S.E. (telephone GLendale 6-9747), and from his Washington office in the
Capitol Building. Applications should be filed by September 20 but may be considered
if received as late as October 25.
Rep. Ford emphasized that the opportunities offered qualified young men who
choose these four-year courses lead not only to a bachelor's degree in science but
also to a commission in one of the Services. "Young men in Kent and Ionia Counties,"
Congressman Ford stated, "should seriously consider the opportunities for training
and a career offered by the United States Military, Naval, Air Force, Merchant
Marine, and Coast Guard Academies. These appointments offer a wonderful educational
opportunity and an honorable career in the service of our country. I urge all
qualified young men who are interested in this worthwhile profession to obtain
further information and an application form as soon as possible."
Office Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
September 9, 1968
Statement by House Minority Leader Gerald R. Ford, R-Mich.
Like the legendary Roman hero Horatio of the Bridge, Hubert Humphrey
apparently is the last to learn that his administration has gone off and left
the gallant defenders of Israel's independence. without adequate arms to match
the massive Russian buildup in the Middle East.
The Vice-President addressed the Convention of B'Nai Brith here yesterday
and apparently endorsed the position taken by the Republican Leadership of the
Congress and the 1968 Republican Platform that Israel should promptly receive
the latest supersonic jet aircraft from the United States. Does the Vice-
President agree with the steadfast policy of the Johnson-Humphrey Administration
in denying this necessary protection to Israel on the specious grounds that the
Russians may still be persuaded to limit the Middle East arms race?
Since the tragic event in Czechoslovakia, it should be apparent even to
those who have repeatedly ignored the brutal facts of Soviet power politics that
Moscow will make maximum use of its conventional military force in international
affairs.
Senator Dirksen and I long ago warned that the Soviet Union was converting
its 1967 military defeat in the Middle East into a strategic success by rapidly
resupplying its Arab clients with the most modern weapons and military personnel.
Together with other Republicans in the Congress and the Republican Coordinating
Committee we have repeatedly urged the Johnson-Humphrey Administration to move
quickly to redress the imbalance of power at this vital crossroads of the World.
I am happy that the Vice-President, now that he is the Democratic nominee,
has seconded our Republican cause to make good on the long-standing and
non-partisan American commitment to Israel's security which the Johnson-Humphrey
Administration was the first to weaken in the 1967 showdown. But I believe
Mr. Humphrey owes it to the American people to explain whether or not he is
openly repudiating the present Middle East policy, or non-policy, of the
Administration to which he owes his candidacy.
(more)
-2-
The record of the Republican Party and its candidates, Richard Nixon and
Spiro T. Agnew, is consistent and crystal clear on this score. Not alone for
Israel's sake, but in the interests of the United States and the Free World,
further Russian penetration of the Middle East cannot go unanswered forever. If
the Vice-President really favors providing Phantom jets to Israel, he should
argue his case at the White House today. All that is required is President
Johnson's approval, and Hubert Humphrey is his political protege.
# # #
distribution Wublies P.M. 9/19/68
Dailies
9/24/68
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford, R-Mich., Minority Leader of the U.S.
M affice House
of Representatives.
For Use the Week of Sept. 22-28 and thereafter
Ford Pledges
Personal Support
In Pollution Fight
BY JERRY FORD
I will vote Nov. 5 for the $335 million state bond issue to fight water
pollution.
Clean water is vital to every man, woman and child in Kent and Ionia counties
and throughout the State of Michigan.
I am dedicating myself to the fight for clean water in Michigan and as part
of that effort I am supporting the bond issue proposal on the November ballot.
Although no tax increase is involved, I would not presume to tell any other
resident of Kent and Ionia counties how to vote on the bond issue question.
But I suggest we all consider that unless we act to halt pollution we will
kill our rivers and make mammoth cesspools of our lakes.
We should consider that Lake Michigan is aging at 300 to 500 times its
normal rate because of pollution
That more than 900 miles of once-high-quality streams in Michigan are now
degraded by untreated or improperly treated municipal wastes discharged into them
That at least 150 Michigan communities currently are violating the state
pollution control law, primarily for lack of funds.
The route to clean, usable water is really pretty simple. Keep the filth
and pollution out of the water in the first place.
Unfortunately, keeping pollutants out of the water also is pretty expensive.
It means building sewage collection systems, constructing sewage treatment
plants, and getting others to treat industrial wastes, build power plant cooling
towers and contain the threat of chemical pesticides.
If we in Michigan are to control municipal pollution adequately--even by
1980--we must build 210 new municipal sewage treatment plants, build sewers for
an additional 3.5 million people and improve 126 existing sewage treatment
facilities.
The $335 million state bond issue will help do this and will provide
$50 million for small, hard-pressed communities without sewers.
There is much that must be done to clean up Michigan's waters. The
$335 million bond issue would be a giant step in the right direction.
# # #
M Office Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
October 9, 1968
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford, House Minority Leader
In a last ditch effort to get the dominant Democratic Majority to schedule
the Clean Elections and Congressional Reform legislation for Floor consideration
during this 90th Congress, the Republican Members have kept the House of
Representatives in continuous session for over twenty-four hours. During
this historic session, there have been some 36 quorum roll calls and six roll
call votes.
In order that the record may be absolutely clear with respect to this
important matter, the following pertinent information must be noted.
During this Congress the House Republican Members, Leadership and Policy
Committee have done everything that they can to get the Congressional
Reorganization and Clean Elections legislation to the House Floor. In the
89th Congress and again in this Congress, the Republican Policy Committee
repeatedly urged prompt action on both Clean Elections and Congressional
Reorganization legislation. The very first action of the House Republican Policy
Committee this year on July 30, 1968, was to adopt a statement demanding prompt
consideration of the Election Reform Bill and legislation that would permit
television debates between presidential candidates.
Significantly, it was only after a great deal of prodding by the Republican
Members of the House Administration Committee that the Election Reform Act of
1968, H.R. 11233, was finally reported from Committee. And prior to being
reported, the weak Election Reform proposal recommended by the Johnson-Humphrey
Administration was shelved in favor of the strong measure that was initially
developed by the Republican Members. It was only through the incorporation
of a number of Republican provisions that honest reporting of campaign contri-
butions and expenditures and streamlined enforcement procedures were ensured.
Despite the continuing efforts of Republican Members, the House Democratic
Leadership refused to schedule this vital legislation for Floor action. The
Congressional Reform Bill and the Clean Elections Bill were left to languish
in the Rules Committee. The prospects of legislative action prior to the 1968
election were very dim indeed.
(more)
-2-
This sorry situation was described in an October 3, 1968 Washington Post
Editorial entitled, "Obsolescence on the Hill." This editorial stated:
"It is deeply ironical that the Congress which has so signally
failed to meet its obligations, has also smothered the legislation
designed to modernize some of its procedures Though it is a mild
reform bill, the reactionary forces in the House seem determined to
kill it. Along with it in limbo is the constructive election reform
bill."
This then is the reason that in what appears to be the last week of the
90th Congress, the Republican Leadership has used an extraordinary, parliamentary
device in an attempt to break this essential legislation loose. And we promise
that when the American voters in the November election elect a Republican
Majority in the House of Representatives, the "straitjacket of obsolescence"
will be unstrapped and these bills will have a high priority in a Republican
Agenda for the 91st Congress.
# # #
distribution Fifth District
Wuklies- 10/11/68
m affice Copy
Railies - 10/19/68
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
For Release by Kent and Ionia County News Media on Oct. 17, 1968.
Extent of flooding hazards in the Grand Rapids area will be studied
intensively by the Army Corps of Engineers, Rep. Gerald R. Ford reported today.
Ford said the Corps will gather data which then will be available to
the public and to State and local agencies. It is expected the study will be
completed within 12 months and will cost about $24,000.
Information to be put together by the Corps will describe basic flood
hazards in the Grand Rapids area -- frequency of flooding, the areas involved,
relative height of the flooding, measurements of water velocity.
"This will be an important study," Ford said. "The information to be
assembled by the Corps of Engineers will be useful as a basis for all kinds of
planning decisions. The extent to which flooding hazards in Kent County have
increased has not been fully recognized."
Funds for the study were contained in the Federal Government's fiscal
1969 budget, Ford said.
# # #
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford, issued 11 p.m. Oct. 31, 1968
m office Copy
"We must rely on the President's judgment that the bombingkal halt will not
result in greater American casualties. We can only hope that the cessation of
the bombing will lead to real progress toward a peace settlement. I don't
think we should read too much into this development, although there may be
some indication that bargaining at Paris now will begin in * earnest. I would
not like to believe that the timing of the bombing halt has anything to do with
Tuesday's election. This development does indicate to that a policy of firmness
toward Hanoi--the policy of Johnson and Nixon--produces better results than the
policies advocated by Hubert Humphrey.
#####
FORD in LIBRARY QERALD
Distribution Full 10:15a.m
11/4/68
M Office Cope
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
November 4, 1968
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford, R-Mich., Republican Leader, U.S. House of Reps.
We have botched up Vietnam again. In only three days since the bombing
halt we have our ally, South Vietnam, hurt and angry. We have made our enemy's
homeland a sanctuary--we have confused the Paris peace talks--we have the war
back in domestic politics--and again America is humiliated before the world.
Yesterday Richard Nixon told the Nation that if he is elected tomorrow
he will work arm-in-arm with our President and Secretary of State to help the
President win his gamble for peace.
I am delighted with that assurance. Even as President-Elect, Richard
Nixon can help us move forward again. But we will be far better off when we get
a clean sweep in Washington.
We must have a new team in Washington. We have to stop fumbling every
international ball we put into play. There is no hope for a better day with
Hubert Humphrey. He is one of the architects of failure. No matter how hard
he tried, he would just give us more of the same.
This is an over-riding reason why everyone who has had enough of trouble
at home and trouble abroad ought to vote tomorrow for Richard Nixon for President.
# # #
Distribution Full 10:30 a.m.
11/6/68
office Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-
November 6, 1968
The 1968 election results represent a great advance for the Republican
Party. We would have won control of the House of Representatives as well as the
White House except for complications resulting from the third-party candidacy
of George Wallace and the President's order of a bombing halt just five days
before the election. Those observations aside, there is no doubt in my mind
that the 91st Congress will far more accurately reflect the wishes of the
American people than the 90th and will be still more in line with the thinking
of the people than the rubber-stamp 89th Congress. It will reflect the fact
that the Republican Party has moved upward almost miraculously in the people's
favor since 1964. We will continue to grow in strength. I believe that in 1970
the people will see the wisdom of turning control of the Congress over to the
Republican Party. Apparently this changeover was too much to hope for in '68.
I personally know of nothing we could have or should have done differently in
our congressional campaigns.
###
Cistribution. Jifth 11/14/68 District
M Office Capy
3:30 p.m. air mail
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
November 14, 1968
Veterans and their dependents in the Grand Rapids area soon will be as
close to the Veterans Administration Regional Office in Detroit as they are to
their telephone, Congressman Gerald R. Ford announced today.
Congressman Ford said, effective November 22, 1968, a new VA FX telephone
system linking the Grand Rapids area with the Detroit Regional Office will be
put into operation.
He emphasized that the cost of such calls will be no more than the cost
of a call to their next door neighbor -- there is no long distance charge.
Under the FX system, Congressman Ford explained, a veteran can pick up
the telephone in his home, shop, or office, dial a local Grand Rapids number,
456-8511, and talk with a VA representative in the Detroit Regional Office
where files for Grand Rapids veterans are located.
Calls may be made Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
VA representatives in Detroit will provide assistance on all VA programs,
including education and training, insurance, compensation and pension,
vocational rehabilitation, medical care, and G.I. loans, as well as on veterans
benefits administered by other Federal agencies, the Congressman said.
Congressman Ford noted that the telephone company information service
will carry the Veterans Administration FX number as a local listing and it will
appear in future telephone directories.
# # #
distribution Fifth District
mailed 3:30p.m.
11/15/68
M affice Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR RELEASE ON RECEIPT--
November 15, 1968
The Ionia Recreation Area will swell to more than 3,000 acres as the
result of a fresh Federal grant, Rep. Gerald R. Ford of Grand Rapids announced
today.
Ford said the Michigan Conservation Department will receive $169,477.50
in Federal funds to add 941 acres of land to the existing 2,115-acre area.
Ford noted that this will bring the total Ionia Recreation Area acreage
to 3,056.
He said the ultimate goal is to expand the area to perhaps 3,500 acres,
according to the U.S. Department of Interior.
With the new grant, the Federal Government has put $520,049 of matching
money into the recreation area, Ford said. Since this money is matched by the
State, total investment in Ionia Recreation Area land to date is $1,040,098,
Ford noted.
He said the Interior Department indicated there will be one final allo-
cation of funds to the State Conservation Department for purchase of still more
Ionia Recreation Area land.
The original Ionia project was approved in April 1967.
The area is used for hunting, hiking, camping, nature study, canoeing and
winter sports.
The federal funds for the project come from the Federal Land and Water
Conservation Fund. That Fund is built up from sale of the annual $7 Golden
Eagle Permit which admits a carload of people to all Federal areas, other
Federal outdoor recreation entrance and user fees, the sale of Federal surplus
real property, and the Federal motorboat fuels tax.
###
ustribution Fifth District
airmail 6:15 p.m.
M Office Copy
11/20/68
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR RELEASE ON RECEIPT-
November 21, 1968
A surveillance radar system estimated to cost $270,000 will be installed
at Kent County Airport by the Federal Aviation Agency, Rep. Gerald R. Ford of
Grand Rapids announced today.
It will be two years before the system is in operation, he said.
Ford said FAA Administrator David D. Thomas notified him that funds had
been earmarked for the project. The FAA now will prepare the specifications
and seek bids. The contract will be awarded about next June, the FAA told Ford.
It then will take about 18 months for delivery of the equipment and
another 90 to 180 days for FAA to install it, Ford said.
The surveillance radar system will be a big safety plus for Kent County
Airport, Ford declared. He noted that it is used by air traffic controllers to
separate aircraft approaching the Grand Rapids area. It is particularly useful
in bad weather.
The FAA approves an airport for surveillance radar when a survey shows
at least 20,000 annual instrument approaches by aircraft landing at the airport
and at least 1,000 itinerant operations.
# # #
istribution Fifth District
air mail 3:20pm.
M Office Copy
11/21/68
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR RELEASE ON RECEIPT--
November 22, 1968
A new bathhouse estimated to cost roughly $66,750 will be built in Long
Lake Park with the help of federal funds, Rep. Gerald R. Ford of Grand Rapids
announced today.
Ford said the Kent County Road and Park Commission will receive a
$33,378.48 Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant from the Interior Department.
The federal funds are to be matched by Kent County.
The new bathhouse will replace an old Long Lake Park bathhouse building.
The park is due north of Grand Rapids between 16 and 17-Mile Roads.
The federal grant for the project comes from a fund built up with
revenues from sale of the $7 Golden Eagle permit which admits a carload of
people to Federal recreation areas, other Federal outdoor recreation entrance
and user fees, the sale of Federal surplus real property, and the Federal
motorboat fuels tax.
###
Distribution Fifth District
air Mail 6:00 p.m.
11/25/68
M Office Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR RELEASE ON RECEIPT--
November 26, 1968
Pine Rest Christian Hospital and Sheltered Workshop will receive a
Federal grant of $86,622 to expand a building serving retarded and mentally
ill persons and to augment other services and programs, Rep. Gerald R. Ford of
Grand Rapids announced today.
Pine Rest, located at 6850 South Division in Grand Rapids, will put
$28,874 of its own funds into the project for a total investment of $115,496
in the expansion program, Ford said. The federal funds come from the
Rehabilitation Services Administration of the Health-Education-Welfare Department.
# # #
vistribution Fifth District
air Mail 11/26/68
M Office Capy
11:00 a.m. a.m.
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR RELEASE ON RECEIPT-
November 27, 1968
Davenport College of Business in Grand Rapids will launch a $526,000
college housing program with the aid of a $500,000 Federal loan, Rep. Gerald R.
Ford of Grand Rapids said today.
Ford reported approval by the Housing and Urban Development Department
of a $500,000 loan to Davenport College to be repaid over a 30-year period at
3 per cent interest.
The Federal loan, supplemented with $26,000 of the college's own funds,
will be used to buy two apartment buildings and convert them into student
housing, Ford said.
The converted buildings will provide housing for 94 men and 36 women
students.
Architectural work for the conversion project will be done by Wold,
Bowers, De Shane & Covert of Grand Rapids.
###
Note to Editors: If any further information is desired, it is suggested you
contact Robert E. Schmiedicke, Vice-President, Davenport
College of Business, 415 East Fulton Street, Grand Rapids.
Distribution Fifth District
11:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m.
Airmail 12/4/68
M office Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR RELEASE ON RECEIPT--
December 5, 1968
The Grand Rapids Housing Commission will be handed nearly $2 million
in federal loan funds to buy 100 row-style homes for rental to low-income
families, Rep. Gerald R. Ford announced today.
Ford said the Housing and Urban Development Department has just earmarked
loan funds for purchase of the housing. The homes will be located in an area
bounded by Barnett, Lafayette, Clancy and Cedar Streets.
Tempo Construction, Inc., of Grand Rapids will build the homes. The
Grand Rapids Housing Commission then will buy them, using up to $1,911,047 in
federal money. That is the amount of the financial assistance contract approved
by HUD.
This new-style public housing project is part of a HUD program called
Turnkey.
The new program permits a local housing authority to buy housing
produced by private developers on their own land.
Under the Grand Rapids contract approved by HUD, the $1.9 million loan
will cover land, construction and equipment, utilities, planning and design,
space for management and maintenance and for tenant or neighborhood services
and activities, contingencies, and administrative costs.
The Grand Rapids Housing Commission will sell long-term bonds to
private investors and use the proceeds to repay the $1.9 million loan to the
Federal Government.
This is taxpayer-subsidized housing. The financial assistance contract
provides for annual federal contributions to the Grand Rapids Housing
Commission to keep the rent low on the row-style homes.
###
Distribution Full Palleries
M
10:00
a.m.
affice Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
December 12, 1968
STATEMENT BY REP. GERALD R. FORD, REPUBLICAN LEADER, U.S. HOUSE OF REPS.
I view President-elect Nixon's cabinet as an action team chosen from
among the best talent in the country. It is a problem-solving team, a cabinet
blessed with a wealth of expertise in government. I call attention to the fact
that Mr. Nixon has named three governors to his cabinet. I believe this is
unprecedented in the history of the Nation. It is particularly noteworthy that
Mr. Nixon has appointed Michigan Gov. George Romney as Secretary of Housing and
Urban Development. George Romney not only has a tremendous record as an
activist governor in Michigan, he also enjoys the respect and regard of our
Negro citizens throughout the country. Mr. Nixon's appointment of Gov. Romney
as head of HUD and Daniel Moynihan as presidential adviser on urban affairs,
a non-cabinet post, indicates that the urban crisis will have top priority in
the Nixon Administration. On the selection of George P. Shultz as Secretary of
Labor, I would point out that labor union officials have described him as "fair
and honest." The Nixon cabinet is a strong team in every respect. This means
the American people can anticipate sound progressive leadership over the next
four years.
# # #
M Office Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
FOR RELEASE ON RECEIPT
December 20, 1968
When Mrs. Florence Kent thought of her teenage soldier sons, Arthur and
Darcy, spending their first away-from-home Christmas in faroff Vietnam, she felt
heartsick.
Then she hit on an idea. Art was at Chu Lai; Dart, at Phu Bai. Wouldn't
it be wonderful if the military authorities would bring them together on Christmas
Day!
With that in mind, Mrs. Kent, of 3900 Flamingo, S.W., Wyoming, wrote to
Congressman Gerald R. Ford and asked if he could help.
Ford promptly fired off a request to the Commanding General of the U.S.
Army in Vietnam asking if the two young men could possibly be reunited for
Christmas. Ford noted that the two boys, 18 and 19, had not only enlisted in the
Army but had volunteered for duty in Vietnam.
In passing along Mrs. Kent's request, Ford noted that she is "a fine,
courageous woman who raised her children (seven of them) alone, without outside
help of any kind, since these two soldiers were nine and 10 years old respectively.'
Days passed. Then came a wire from the commanding general informing Ford
that Pfc. Darcy Kent would be transported on December 23 to the spot where his
brother, Pfc. Arthur Kent, is stationed.
"The two brothers will be together for the Christmas holidays," the
general promised.
In a letter to Mrs. Kent, Ford said: "Having two teenage sons who not only
enlisted but volunteered for Vietnam duty as well is almost unbelievable in this
time when so many are doing everything they can to avoid their military obligation.
When you tell me that you raised your seven children from early childhood alone,
without any outside help, I am filled with tremendous admiration for you. The fine
spirit of your sons in Vietnam is a reflection of the wonderful courage and spirit
of you, their mother."
Ford figures that the reuniting of Art and Dart in Vietnam at Christmastime
is perhaps the best present Mrs. Kent could receive, short of having her sons back
home with her.
#######
NEWS
CONGRESSMAN
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
FOR SATURDAY AM'S RELEASE
DEC. 21, 1968
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford, R-Mich. Minority Leader, U.S. House of Reps.
It is a terrible tragedy that thousands of Biafrans should be starving
to death as a result of the Nigerian civil war, and this is doubly pitiful
during the Christmas season when we talk of "peace on earth, good will
toward men.
I therefore take this occasion to urge President Johnson to employ his
personal influence in an effort to bring about a cease-fire in Nigeria and
to greatly augment food and medical relief for the Biafrans.
It is reported that the American contribution to Nigerian war relief
has been two-thirds of the international effort. I think we can and should
do more--much more.
One means of quickly expanding the relief effort would be to make
U.S. Government transport planes available for mercy missions to be flown
by private pilots. This could be done in cooperation with the International
Red Cross. Emergency sea and land operations tied in with this airlift
could also be launched.
I believe the United States should scrupulously avoid any kind of
military involvement in the Nigerian civil war. We should not take sides
with either the Nigerian federal government or the insurgent Biafrans.
But in the name of humanity we must expand our obviously inadequate con-
tribution to the relief of starving women and children in Biafra.
#######