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The original documents are located in Box D6, folder "Ford Press Releases - Crime, 1968-
1969" 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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
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copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Office Copy
NEWS
CONGRESSMAN
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 9, 1968
House Republicans will launch at legislative attack on loan-sharking,
narcotics peddling and organized gambling in the session of Congress beginning
Jan. 15, House GOP Leader Gerald R. Ford of Grand Rapids said today.
Ford said the GOP will offer a package of three anti-crime bills as part
of an overall assault on the Nation's crime problem. He noted that loan-sharking,
narcotics trafficking and organized gambling are the three major money-makers of
Mafia-type syndicates and produce an annual "take" of about $10 billion.
Pointing up his personal support of the House GOP anti-crime drive, Ford
has introduced a bill directed at loan-sharking--the practice of lending money at
highly exhorbitant rates of interest to individuals unable to borrow from legal
sources. This is the first of the three bills in the GOP war-on-crime program,
Ford said.
Ford's anti-loan-sharking bill would make it a federal rime for anyone to
lend money at illegal rates of interest. Federal penalties 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. The interest rates involved would be deemed illegal under the Ford bill
whenever they exceeded the rate permitted in a particular state.
"If my bill is enacted into law," Ford said, "it will go a long way toward
drying up a principal source of revenue for organized crime." "Loan-sharking is
clearly a part of organized crime on a national level, yet there is no federal law
which deals directly or effectively with it."
Ford noted that the President's Crime Commission found loan-sharking to be
second only to gambling as a source of revenue for organized crime. The commission
also found, Ford pointed out, that loan-sharking is directly related to gambling
and narcotics trafficking--because gamblers borrow to pay their losses and addicts
borrow to purchase narcotics.
FORD
Ford also emphasized that small busine ssmen whose operations a re marginal
sometimes fall victim to loan sharks. He said congressional committee reports are fill
with accounts of how small businesses have been taken over by the syndicate, after
the syndicate got its foothold through a loan shark.
Sixteen other House Republicans have joined with Ford in introducing the
loan-sharking bill. Fourteen of them are members of the House GOP Task Force on
Crime. The others are the senior Republican on the House Judiciary Committee and
the senior Republican on the House Committee on Banking and Currency.
FORD LIBRARY
###
Digitized from Box D6 of the Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
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.
# # #
affice Cafey
STATEMENT BY REP. GERALD R. FORD February 8, 1968
Mr. Speaker: Yesterday the President sent his message
on crime to the Congress. He told the Congress that -- and
I quote:
"Thousands of Americans are killed or injured
each year by criminal acts. Many thousands more
are unable to use the streets of their cities
without fear, or to feel secure in their homes
or shops.
"Property valued at almost $4 billion is lost
through crime every year. Millions of dollars are
taken from the productive economy by organized
racketeers -- money that should be in the pockets
of the poor, or in the bank accounts of honest
businessmen.
"For decades our system of criminal justice
has been neglected.
"For decades the conditions that nourish crime
have been gathering force."
Republicans ask the President why he has waited until now
to take action? We ask why he has ignored the findings and
recommendations of his own Crime Commission until now?
I think that every Member of Congress knows that crime
is our number one domestic problem. The fact and fear of
crime stalks our nation. Since 1960 the reported rate of
crime has increased over 88 percent. This alarming increase
cannot be attributed to population growth, which has increased
only 10 percent since 1960.
Republicans believe that the Administration must account to
the nation for these figures. All levels of government -- local,
state and national -- share responsibility for the safety of our
nation.
- 2 -
Control and prevention of crime is not solely a respon-
sibility of government. In the first and last analysis it is
the responsibility of every American. Crime cannot and will
not be controlled without the support and assistance of all
responsible citizens. Americans need effective and sustained
leadership to mobilize and properly channel their concern into
constructive effort. The greatest failure of the Johnson
Administration is its failure to provide Americans with this
much needed leadership. No program can fill a leadership gap.
Republicans welcome the President's pledge to fight
crime. But we express both disappointment and concern over
inadequacies of the President's proposed program. The
President has failed to fully recognize the problems of crime
in America and effectively respond to the challenge. His
proposed program is much like a prize fighter with dazzling
foot work, but no punch.
I am concerned that an analysis will show that the President
has given the nation a political document and not a much needed
plan for national action.
Crime must be brought under control substantially reduced.
The Republican Party is committed to solving this problem which
each year grows as a deepening crisis. While the Johnson Adminis-
tration slept, Republicans have developed and introduced specific
legislative proposals designed to control and prevent crime and
lawlessness. I believe these Republican proposals offer great
promise for alleviating the problems of crime.
- 3 -
Indeed, the fact that the President has recommended the
enactment of two proposals which were developed, drafted,
introduced, and overwhelmingly supported by House Republicans --
the Cramer anti-riot bill and the Railsback appeals bill -- is
but a sampling of the commitment and ability within our Party
to solve this problem of crime.
Others from our side of the aisle will discuss other
instances where Republican leadership has substantially improved
Administration anti-crime legislation in this and previous Congresses.
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. McCuLLoch], 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.
fill a leadership gap.
Until now I think it is further fair to
force. The gentleman from Ohio [Mr.
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
quacies of the President's proposed pro-
that have been proposed have been until
will be discussed. His leadership has con-
gram. The President has failed to fully
now too few, too narrow, and too slow in
tributed greatly to the overall Republi-
recognize the problems of crime in Amer-
coming. It is apparent that there has
can effort in this field.
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
challenge. I suggest that it is too early to
jured each year by criminal acts. Many thou-
I am concerned that an analysis will
attempt to make a definitive analysis of
sands more are unable to use the streets of
show that the President has given the
the President's proposal. We do not at-
their cities without fear, or to feel secure
Nation a political document and not a
in their homes or shops.
tempt to assume either a negative pos-
much needed plan for national action.
Property valued at almost $4 billion is
ture or positive posture with respect to
Crime must be brought under control
lost through crime every year. Millions of
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
all to the good. Whatever the motives
crime have been gathering force.
prevent crime and lawlessness. I believe
behind the President's new posture, the
Republicans ask 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)
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.)
diciary.
eral months ago.
Mr. TAFT. Mr. Speaker, while I was
4. Obstruction of investigation-a bill
which would make it a federal crime to in-
Second, as has been indicated already,
not serving in the Congress of the
terfere with or obstruct investigations by
the legislation which passed the House
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
worthy application now. And, the star-
bill which makes it a federal crime to invest
FBI at Quantico.
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 antiriot 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
forcement area to most of which the
the Government a limited right to appeal to
think the date upon which the bill was
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.-III.), 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
quest of the gentleman from Virginia?
bill has passed the House.
remember that the distinguished chair-
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
sponsored by the Task Force, follows the
Act.
tee on the Judiciary of the House of Rep-
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-
2. Witness immunity-a bill to expand the
thorizing the officer executing it to enter the
follows:
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 at 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 a
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
bers will recall, vested complete author-
1967. This is the legislation which grew
or denying release on personal recognizance
to defendants who are found to be a danger
ity in the Attorney General of the United
out of the Cahill amendments to the
States to administer the funds authorized
committee bill. This endorsement by 49
to the community or in revoking the release
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.
pated my speech and put it infinitely
officers, U.S. Magistrates, who are empowered
The Cahill amendment, on the other
more eloquently than I could.
to handle minor trials and otherwise per-
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.
Congressman BIESTER of Pennsylvania,
Columbia. H.R. 10783 passed the House on
Mr. MAcGREGOR. Mr. Speaker, I
the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. RAILS-
June 26, 1967, by a vote of 355 to 14.
wish to subscribe to and endorse the
BACK], and the gentleman from Illinois
2. Appropriations and personnel-pro-
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 Bail
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-
over and beyond mere assistance in the
The Crime Control Act-
tion which passed the House last year on
financing of police training and other
in its second year would be approximately
June 6, 1967. That legislation originally
law enforcement activities and research.
$300 million.
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
Mr. GERALD R. FORD. Let me say
Juvenile Delinquency Act adopted in the
we share the concern of all thoughtful
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.
be anything that he said in his message,
ment of a national police state, and all
I, and my colleagues, are grateful for his
to disavow or reject that amendment to
(more)
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
reduction of the terrible concerns of the
against the growing incidents of juvenile
ment in the nefarious practice of loan
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-
I, 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-
passe which resulted from the Senate's
men concerned about juvenile delin-
er, will the gentleman yield?
Mr. POFF. I yield to the gentleman
unwillingness to accept the House ver-
quency.
sion, at least as it appears to the present
I gave him a copy of the President's
from New York.
time. I know that with the weight of the
crime message of yesterday. He sat in my
Mr. SMITH of New York. I would like
President behind a resolution of this im-
office while I was on a long distance
to bring to the attention of the House
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
Mr. Speaker, I hope that the Presi-
words of the President of the United
ment which make loan sharking a Fed-
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
Federal Government.
ica.
for the Federal Government in the fight
It involves a network, a countrywide
against juvenile delinquency, and it
I think this is something that Repub-
network, and one which is interstate
passed the House of Representatives by
licans in this House and the Republican
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
tion to the right party. I cannot look into
loan sharking, corruption, extortion, and
battle cannot be fought with words. It
the mind of another man."
large movement of narcotics.
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.
of this body will recall, the President
H.R. 421 is not intended to and does not
would permit wiretaps for the gathering
Mr. POFF. I thank the gentleman and
limit the right of dissent and peaceful dem-
my colleagues 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
appropriate authorities of the Executive
we welcome President's Johnson's sup-
pate in public gatherings or other lawful
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
tional security was involved and what
out effort to combat and control crime.
commerce, or who travel from one State to
constituted national security cases.
The need for such an effort has been
another or from a foreign country to a State,
The legislation which the task force
carefully documented. Each day brings
in order to incite or attempt to incite riots,
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
permit wiretapping only in those cases
dence that something must be done to
prosecution.
where the law-enforcement officer was
reverse the alarming trend toward law-
This bill would supplement, not supersede
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
by other techniques, to convince the
ment is to establish and maintain law
Federal jurisdiction over "out-of-State" in-
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
judge that a court order was necessary
successfully we are able to implement
protecting the public safety.
this basic concept.
H.R. 421 would provide a new and effective
to acquire evidence of a crime specifically
law-enforcement weapon in riot situations
named in the legislation.
In the first session of the 90th Con-
like those that have occurred in Cleveland,
Legislation of this kind has received
gress, Republicans sponsored and sup-
Cincinnati, Dayton, Boston, Buffalo, and
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-
program to provide assistance to local
tive that we rid interstate commerce of these
dicial Conference of the United States,
agitators and riot-mongers. The law-abiding
of the majority of the President's own
law enforcement agencies was passed by
citizens in the area where the riots occur
Crime Commission, and of every national
the House with the overwhelming sup-
may suffer grievous personal injury and un-
port of the Republican Members. Simi-
law enforcement association in the
told property damage unless this additional
larly, a Republican-sponsored bill that
protection is afforded them.
United States which has pronounced
upon the subject.
would impose criminal penalties upon
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
intent to incite a riot, was also passed
CRIMINAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE ACT OF 1967,
opposition to that legislation.
H.R. 5037, AUGUST 2, 1967
by the House.
The urgency of that legislation is
Unfortunately, this essential legisla-
The events of recent weeks have starkly
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,
forcement officers are stripped of that
committee statements of July 12, 1967,
properly amended, could be an important
means of assembling evidence it is all the
step in the establishment of a federal pro-
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
Mr. Speaker, I am encouraged to hope
urge its easily enactment.
direction and placed maximum federal con-
that the President will have the oppor-
trol in the hands of the Attorney General.
The statements referred to follow:
tunity during this session of Congress to
HOUSE REPUBLICAN POLICY COMMITTEE STATE-
In an effort to improve the bill, the Repub-
receive on his desk a bill which will in-
lican Members of the Judiciary Committee
MENT ON THE ANTIRIOT LEGISLATION, H.R.
corporate as one of its essential features
obtained a number of amendments. For
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.
legislation is a part of the bill before the
facilities of interstate commerce with the
(c) The open-end authorization was elimi-
intent to incite a riot.
President, I believe he will see fit to sign
nated, thereby insuring essential legislative
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
Mr. SMITH of New York. Mr. Speaker,
That legislation was permitted to die in the
be used as a vehicle to place Federal control
Senate. Now, as a result of continuing pres-
will the gentleman yield?
over state and local police administration
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. I 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 ad-
President bring himself to veto that kind
clause of the Constitution. Historically, cer-
ministration are primarily local responsibil-
tain types of conduct have been prohibited
ities. Crime is essentially a local problem
(more)
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."
It was then suggested that H.R. 5037 be
viously made by Republican Members,
of crime in this land has struck fear and
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-
inal Justice Assistance Act-formerly
The people of this county know who
sure that the State can effectively coordinate
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
fered amendments passed by this House
ministration. Every statistic is an indict-
plan."
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-
sistance program" for the purposes of
serve to the people even the basic free-
ordination and eliminate the Federal Gov-
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 [Mr. 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.
HAM].
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 Insti-
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-
nant by the Federal Government.
ine a bill first introduced last session by
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.
recommendations, particularly those re-
If imitation is the sincerest form of
garding a National Institute of Law En-
flattery, the Republicans modestly ac-
News
affice Capy
TASK FORCE
ON
TASK FORCE MEMBERS
P & R LIAISON: SAMUEL L. DEVINE (OHIO)
CRIME
ROBERT TAFT, JR. (OHIO)
CLARK MACGREGOR (MINN.)
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN
ROBERT B. MATHIAS (CALIF.)
BARBER B. CONABLE (N.Y.)
ROBERT PRICE (TEX.)
RICHARD H. POFF (Va.) Chairman
WILLIAM C. CRAMER (FLA.)
THOMAS F. RAILSBACK (ILL.)
SAMUEL L. DEVINE (OHIO)
HENRY P. SMITH (N.Y.)
JOHN N. ERLENBORN (ILL.)
CHALMERS P. WYLIE (OHIO)
CARLETON J. KING (N.Y.)
LOUIS C. WYMAN (N.H.)
HOUSE REPUBLICAN CONFERENCE
PLANNING AND RESEARCH COMMITTEE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: BRIAN P. GETTINGS
REP. CHARLES E. GOODELL (N.Y.) CHAIRMAN
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 1616 LONGWORTH BLDG. WASHINGTON, D. C. 20515 TEL. 225-6931
FEB - 8 1968
FOR IMMEDIATE
RE:EASE
GOP CRIME TASK FORCE ASSESSES PRESIDENT'S CRIME MESSAGE
Insofar as the President's crime message is an indication that he not only is concerned
about crime but that he finally means to do something about it, we welcome it. Up until now
his Administration has relied principally upon oration and outrage: the legislative measures
they have proposed have been altogether too few, too narrow and too slow in coming. It is
apparent that there has now been a change in climate and with it a new recognition that what
has been offered so far has been inappropriate and inadequate to meet the challenge.
At this time, we do not undertake to endorse or oppose the President's specific proposals.
Some are good, no doubt, but others may be otherwise. Few are new. There is time enough
later for critical analysis and, where necessary, constructive alternatives. What we do
mean to say now is that the sense of urgency conveyed by the entire message cannot help but
produce priority treatment of crime matters in the Congress. This is all to the good.
Whatever the motive behind the new Presidential posture, the end result will benefit all
Americans. By embracing some Republican ideas, he has at the very least set the stage for
meaningful dialogue on an issue that troubles us all, regardless of party.
That the President has embraced Republican ideas is nowhere more clearly shown than in
the anti-riot proposal. The House has already passed a bill in this field, despite
Administration non-support. It was authored by Rep. William Cramer (R.-Fla.) and was endorsed
by the Republican Task Force on Crime. Since the President has now come around to our way of
thinking on this matter, we pause only to wonder what took so long. If his bill is an
improvement, the time to have offered it was when the Cramer bill was first being studied
in the House last year.
Perhaps the most encouraging feature of the crime message lies in the President's new
concern with organized crime. Again, we cannot endorse all he has proposed. Nor can we
refrain from pointing out that at least two of his proposals are distinctly Republican in
origin. The point to be made is simply that, whereas less than a year ago his Attorney
General described organized crime as a "tiny" problem, the time has now come when the
President, at least, recognizes that it is not tiny at all.
-more-
GOP CRIME TASK FORCE ASSESSES PRESIDENT'S
2222222222222222
CRIME MESSAGE
Trafficking in narcotics and dangerous drugs are, of course, organized crime
activities. It can hardly be questioned that additional investigators and prosecutors
are needed to push the fight against this trade. The most disappointing aspect of the
President's message then, is found in his still persisting unwillingness to face up
to the realities of law enforcement, not only in the narcotics field but in the field
of organized crime at large. Prosecutors can't prosecute without evidence, and
investigators can't investigate without the means to get the evidence. Whatever the
merits of his narcotics proposals then, they will still be far from adequate to meet
the needs unless and until law enforcement officers are given better and sharper tools
to gather evidence to be used in Court. Republicans have made their proposal in this
regard; we invite the President to submit a reasonable alternative if he will not
support ours.
-30-
News
TASK FORCE
ON
TASK FORCE MEMBERS
P & R LIAISON: SAMUEL L. DEVINE (OHIO)
CRIME
ROBERT TAFT, JR. (OHIO)
CLARK MACGREGOR (MINN.)
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN
ROBERT B. MATHIAS (CALIF.)
BARBER B. CONABLE (N.Y.)
ROBERT PRICE (TEX.)
RICHARD H. POFF (Va.) Chairman
WILLIAM C. CRAMER (FLA.)
THOMAS F. RAILSBACK (ILL.)
SAMUEL L. DEVINE (OHIO)
HENRY P. SMITH (N.Y.)
JOHN N. ERLENBORN (ILL.)
CHALMERS P. WYLIE (OHIO)
CARLETON J. KING (N.Y.)
LOUIS c. WYMAN (N.H.)
HOUSE REPUBLICAN CONFERENCE
PLANNING AND RESEARCH COMMITTEE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: BRIAN P. GETTINGS
REP. CHARLES E. GOODELL (N.Y.) CHAIRMAN
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 1616 LONGWORTH BLDG. WASHINGTON, D. C. 20515 TEL. 225-6931
FOR RELEASE THURSDAY--2/15/68
Contact: 225-6931
P.M.
NEW EVIDENCE SUPPORTS
GOP AUTHORED LOAN SHARK AMENDMENT
Washington--Rep. Richard H. Poff (Reva.) Thursday said "new evidence"
shows that Organized Crime is infiltrating Wall Street, and "this gives added
weight to my loan-shark amendment", added to the Truth-in-Lending Bill by the
House, he declared.
The Chairman of the House GOP Task Force on Crime described the "modern
Wall Street Loan Shark" as shooting for high stakes by exploiting the services
of borrowers who cannot meet repayment timetables. "The Loan Shark forces the
borrower, typically a lower echelon clerk in a brokerage house who needs 'fast'
money to invest in a 'hot' stock tip, to 'fence' stolen securities, in order
to earn more time to repay the loan," Poff explained.
"The money from the 'fenced' securities and the loan all end up in
Organized Crime's giant coffers," Rep. Poff told his House colleagues.
"The Wall Street Loan Shark is only one of the targets of the GOP
authored amendment to the Truth-in-Lending Bill. Other techniques are
employed by other loan sharks in the Organized Crime complex. Nearly all
are involved in or have an impact upon interstate commerce.
"State and local governments need the investigative tools of the
Federal Government," Poff noted. "The loan-shark amendment would give
them those tools."
- 30 -
News
TASK FORCE
ON
TASK FORCE MEMBERS
P& R LIAISON: SAMUEL L. DEVINE (OHIO)
CRIME
ROBERT TAFT, JR. (OHIO)
CLARK MACGREGOR (MINN.)
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN
ROBERT B. MATHIAS (CALIF.)
BARBER B. CONABLE (N.Y.)
ROBERT PRICE (TEX.)
RICHARD H. POFF (Va.) Chairman
WILLIAM C. CRAMER (FLA.)
THOMAS F. RAILSBACK (ILL.)
SAMUEL L. DEVINE (OHIO)
HENRY P. SMITH (N.Y.)
JOHN N. ERLENBORN (ILL.)
CHALMERS P. WYLIE (OHIO)
CARLETON J. KING (N.Y.)
LOUIS c. WYMAN (N.H.)
HOUSE REPUBLICAN CONFERENCE
PLANNING AND RESEARCH COMMITTEE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: BRIAN P. GETTINGS
REP. CHARLES E. GOODELL (N.Y.) CHAIRMAN
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 1616 LONGWORTH BLDG. WASHINGTON, D. C. 20515 TEL. 225-6931
FOR RELEASE THURSDAY--2/15/68
Contact: 225-6931
P.M.
NEW EVIDENCE SUPPORTS
GOP AUTHORED LOAN SHARK AMENDMENT
Washington--Rep. Richard H. Poff (R.-Va.) Thursday said "new evidence"
shows that Organized Crime is infiltrating Wall Street, and "this gives added
weight to my loan-shark amendment", added to the Truth-in-Lending Bill by the
House, he declared.
The Chairman of the House GOP Task Force on Crime described the "modern
Wall Street Loan Shark" as shooting for high stakes by exploiting the services
of borrowers who cannot meet repayment timetables. "The Loan Shark forces the
borrower, typically a lower echelon clerk in a brokerage house who needs 'fast'
money to invest in a 'hot' stock tip, to 'fence' stolen securities, in order
to earn more time to repay the loan," Poff explained.
"The money from the 'fenced' securities and the loan all end up in
Organized Crime's giant coffers," Rep. Poff told his House colleagues.
"The Wall Street Loan Shark is only one of the targets of the GOP
authored amendment to the Truth-in-Lending Bill. Other techniques are
employed by other loan sharks in the Organized Crime complex. Nearly all
are involved in or have an impact upon interstate commerce.
"State and local governments need the investigative tools of the
Federal Government," Poff noted. "The loan-shark amendment would give
them those tools."
- 30 -
(NOT PRINTED AT GOVERNMENT EXPENSE)
10
Congressional Record
United States
of America
PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE
90ᵗʰ
CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION
Vol. 114
WASHINGTON, TUESDAY, APRIL 2, 1968
No. 55
Four Statements From the Republican
his proposals are distinctly Republican in
changes within the aircraft and would re-
origin. The point to be made is simply that,
Task Force on Crime
quire declaration and permission before
whereas less than a year ago his Attorney
carrying firearms or explosives aboard any
General described organized crime as a
airplane.
HON. GERALD R. FORD
"tiny" problem, the time has now come when
"The bill lays the groundwork for Con-
the President, at least, recognizes that it is
gressional action," the Task Force con-
OF MICHIGAN
not tiny at all.
tanued. "It ought to be brought up for hear-
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Trafficking in narcotics and dangerous
ings as soon as possible."
drugs are, of course, organized crime activi-
In commenting on the legislation, Con-
Tuesday, April 2, 1968
ties. It can hardly be questioned that addi-
gressman Richard H. Poff (R.-Va.), Chair-
tional investigators and prosecutors are
Mr. GERALD R. FORD. Mr. Speaker,
man of the Task Force said, "Hijacking of
needed to push the fight against this trade.
our Republican task force on crime has
commercial aircraft is of growing concern
The most disappointing aspect of the Presi-
recently issued four statements. Under
to all air travelers. As far as Congress can do
dent's message then, is found in his still
leave to extend my remarks I include its
so, it should help restrict this type of activ-
persisting unwillingness to face up to the
realities of law enforcement, not only in the
ity. Action now is urgently necessary if the
assessment of the President's crime mes-
narcotics field but in the field of organized
public interest is to be protected."
sage released on February 8, 1968; a.
statement of February 15 entitled, "New
crime at large. Prosecutors can't prosecute
"The fact that the crime of sky-jacking
without evidence, and investigators can't in-
is a capital offense has not deterred five sky-
Evidence Supports GOP-Authored Loan
vestigate without the means to get the evi-
jackings of commercial planes in the last few
Shark Amendment"; a statement of
dence. Whatever the merits of his narcotics
weeks. For this reason our Crime Task Force
March 25 about "Sky-Jacking"; and a
proposals then, they will still be far from
believes a greater measure of protection is
statement of April 1 on "Reorganization
adequate to meet the needs unless and until
advisable for pilots and crew of commercial
Plan No. 1" relative to the transfer of
law enforcement officers are given better and
passenger-carrying aircraft."
the Bureau of Narcotics and the Bureau
sharper tools to gather evidence to be used
"The legislation proposed would require
of Drug Abuse Control to the Justice
in Court. Republicans have made their pro-
bullet-proof construction for the door sepa-
posal in this regard; we invite the President
rating the pilot and passenger compart-
Department.
to submit a reasonable alternative if he will
ments; visibility of the passenger compart-
GOP CRIME TASK FORCE ASSESSES PRESIDENT'S
not support ours.
ment from the cockpit; an improved warning
CRIME MESSAGE
system; and would prohibit the carrying
Insofar as the President's crime message
of firearms or explosives aboard aircraft un-
is an indication that he not only is con-
NEW EVIDENCE SUPPORTS GOP-AUTHORED
less they are first declared."
cerned about crime but that he finally means
LOAN SHARK AMENDMENT
to do something about it, we welcome it.
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF ENTIRE FEDERAL
WASHINGTON.-Rep. Richard H. Poff (R.-
Up until now his Administration has relied
Va.) Thursday said "new evidence" shows
LAW-ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM NECESSARY
principally upon oration and outrage; the
PRIOR TO REORGANIZATION, GOP CRIME
that Organized Crime is infiltrating Wall
GROUP DECLARES
legislative measures they have proposed have
Street, and "this gives added weight to my
been altogether too few, too narrow and too
loan-shark amendment", added to the Truth-
WASHINGTON.-The House Republican Task
slow in coming. It is apparent that there
in-Lending Bill by the House, he declared
Force on Crime Tuesday called for a detailed
has now been a change in climate and with
The Chairman of the House GOP Task
study of the entire Federal law enforcement
it a new recognition that what has been
Force on Crime described the "modern Wall
system before "ill-conceived and premature"
offered so far has been inappropriate and in-
Street Loan Shark" as shooting for high
reorganization plans are approved by Con-
adequate to meet the challenge.
stakes by exploiting the services of borrowers
gress. While endorsing the concept of con-
At this time, we do not undertake to en-
who cannot meet repayment timetables.
solidation of similar functions in selective
dorse or oppose the President's specific pro-
"The Loan Shark forces the borrower, typical-
areas of law enforcement, the Crime Task
posals. Some are good, no doubt, but others
ly a lower echelon clerk in a brokerage house
Force expressed reservations concerning the
may be otherwise. Few are new. There is time
who needs 'fast' money to invest in a 'hot'
Administration's proposed transfer of the Bu-
enough later for critical analysis and, where
stock tip, to 'fence' stolen securities, in order
reau of Narcotics, presently in the Treasury
necessary, constructive alternatives. What
to earn more time to repay the loan;" Poff
Department, and the Bureau of Drug Abuse
we do mean to say now is that the sense of
explained.
Control, presently in HEW, to the Justice
urgency conveyed by the entire message can-
"The money from the 'fenced' securities
Department.
not help but produce priority treatment of
and the loan all end up in Organized Crime's
Rep. Richard H. Poff (R.-Va.), Task Force
crime matters in the Congress. This is all to
giant coffers," Rep. Poff told his House col-
Chairman, urged that "top priority be given
the good. Whatever the motive behind the
leagues.
to careful examination and restructing of
new Presidential posture, the end result will
"The Wall Street Loan Shark is only one of
the entire Federal law enforcement system
benefit all Americans. By embracing some
the targets of the GOP authored amendment
rather than merely one small part of it." He
Republican ideas, he has at the very least
to the Truth-in-Lending Bill. Other tech-
noted that 25 to 35 Federal agencies now
set the stage for meaningful diologue on an
niques are employed by other loan sharks
share investigative and law enforcement re-
issue that troubles us all, regardless of party.
in the Organized Crime complex. Nearly all
sponsibilities.
That the President has embraced Republi-
are involved in or have an impact upon inter-
The GOP Crime Group charged that Con-
can ideas is nowhere more clearly shown than
state commerce.
gress has been asked to approve this reorga-
in the anti-riot proposal. The House has al-
"State and local governments need the in-
nization on faith alone. Insufficient study
ready passed a bill in this field, despite Ad-
vestigative tools of the Federal Government,"
has been given to the question of where a
ministration non-support. It was authored
Poff noted. "The loan-shark amendment
combined drug enforcement agency should
by Rep. William Cramer (R.-Fla.) and was
would give them those tools."
be located, they warned, and "too little at-
endorsed by the Republican Task Force on
tention has been paid to the effects such a
Crime. Since the President has now come
CONGRESS SHOULD MOVE AGAINST "SKY-JACK-
specific transfer would have upon overall
around to our way of thinking on this mat-
ING" GOP CRIME GROUP SAYS
Federal law enforcement. A total of no more
ter, we pause only to wonder what took so
than ten hours of hearings have been devot-
WASHINGTON.-The House Republican Task
long. If his bill is an improvement, the time
Force on Crime today called on Congress for
ed to the whole subject, they said
to have offered it was when the Cramer bill
"prompt consideration" of federal legisla-
"Congress was presented with the Reorga-
was first being studied in the House last
nization Plan on an 'all or nothing' basis,"
tion designed to make it more difficult to
year.
hijack airplanes.
the GOP lawmakers noted. "As a result, it
Perhaps the most encouraging feature of
The GOP Crime Group noted that Con-
may neither alter nor modify the proposal
the crime message lies in the President's new
in the slightest way. Unless disapproved by
gressman Louis C. Wyman (R.-N.H.), a Task
concern with organized crime. Again, we can-
either House of Congress by April 8, 1968,
Force member, had introduced a bill (H.R.
not endorse all he has proposed. Nor can we
the proposal takes effect automatically," they
1469) in January, 1967, which would protect
explained.
refrain from pointing out that at least two of
the cockpit and crew by requiring structural
"We also believe that it is ill-conceived to
The Justice Department is a prosecutive
reorganize the Federal drug enforcement
and law enforcement agency. It is not, in our
agencies while the National Commission on
opinion, organized for or experienced in
Revision of the Federal Criminal Laws is,
assuming egulatory responsibilities. Nor, do
under the direction of the President, propos-
we feel that it is necessarily wise to confer
ing revisions of the narcotics and drug abuse
additional authority in the Justice Depart-
laws. Without knowing what will be the
ment over business and industry.
eventual direction and scope of the enforce-
Effective administration of the drug laws-
ment authority, it is impossible to determine
especially stimulants and depressants under
intelligently where an agency should be lo-
BDAC's jurisdiction-requires careful con-
cated.
sideration of medical, health and educational
"It is essential that Congress, as well as
as well as law enforcement aspects. This is
the Administration, initiate a study of the
80 because such rugs are legally used by
entire structure of Federal law enforcement",
millions of perso .s and their potential for
and that any reorganization plans come
misuse is closely interwoven with the whole
about only as a result of that study, they
fabric and structure of our society.
concluded.
Transferral of the two drug bureaus to the
Justice Department-and particularly BDAC
TASK FORCE STATEMENT-REORGANIZATION
which works is close cooperation with the
PLAN No. 1
medical, scientific and educational resources
The House Republican Task Force on
of HEW-may seriously disrupt this multi-
faceted coord nation.
Crime opposes Reorganization Plan No. 1
which transfers the Bureau of Narcotics and
With respect to investigation and enforce-
the Bureau of Drug Abuse Control to the
ment of criminal laws, we have many reser-
vations as to whether BON and BDAC should
Justice Department.
Republicans have regularly called atten-
be located in Justice. Many agencies besides
tion to fragmentation in Federal law en-
the Justice Department have important en-
forcement and have repeatedly urged that
forcement responsibilities. To pull an agency
top priority be given to carefully examining
out of one department, as is presently pro-
posed for BON, and transfer it to another
and restructuring the system which has 25
to 35 federal agencies involved in investiga-
could undermine effective intra-departmental
coordination. As indicated above, Customs
tive and law enforcement responsibilities.
The proposed reorganization of Federal
and IRS and BON-all located in Treasury-
have developed such effective coordination
narcotic and drug abuse enforcement efforts
and have produced an excellent record in the
is welcomed to the extent that it may indi-
fight against organized crime. What would
cate that the Administration is, at last,
happen to this coordination or to coordina-
devoting some attention to the crime prob-
tion between Treasury and other departments
lem. We believe, moreover, that combining
is unknown at present, but this lack of
the narcotic and drug abuse bureaus has
knowledge is sufficient reason to withhold
some merit. But, we also believe that insuffi-
action until a broadscale study of criminal
cient study has been done to determine
law enforcement is conducted. Fragmenta-
where a combined drug enforcement agency
should be located and that too little atten-
tion of enforcement is bad enough, but
hastily conceived reorganizations which
tion has been paid to the effects such a
splinter whatever effective coordination that
specific transfer would have upon overall
Federal law enforcement.
exists is far worse. This may-be particularly
so if the reorganization would also have the
The Administration's failure to conduct a
effect of concentrating too much authority
broadscale study of Federal responsibilities
and discretion under one Federal official-a
in law enforcement is a prime cause of this
Mr. Big" who could thereby forge an all-
neglect. Added to this, however, is the man-
powerful national police force.
ner in which the drug merger was proposed.
We also believe that it is ill-conceived and
Congress was presented the Reorganization
Plan on an "all or nothing" basis. As a re-
premature to reorganize the Federal drug
sult, it may neither alter nor modify the pro-
enforcement agencies while the National
Commission on Revision of the Federal
posal in the slightest way and, unless disap-
Criminal Laws is under the direction of the
proved by either House of Congress by April
President to propose revisions of the laws
8th, it will take effect automatically. The
fragmented state of Federal law enforcement
pertaining to narcotic and drug abuse. With-
out knowing what will be the eventual direc-
and the presently unforeseen consequences
tion and scope of the enforcement authority,
of the pending merger clearly make this
it is impossible to determine intelligently
procedure unsuitable in this case.
where an agency should be located.
The Bureau of Narcotics (BON), located in
These are only the more obvious reasons
the Treasury Department, is charged with
why the Task Force opposes Reorganization
enforcing the narcotic and marijuana laws.
Plan No. 1. Much more detailed and wide-
In exercising its enforcement functions, BON
ranging study of the entire Federal criminal
is materially assisted by the Customs Bureau
law enforcement structure and operations
(also located in Treasury) and Post Office
must be made before particular reorganiza-
inspectors. In the area of organized crime law
tions can be attempted.
enforcement, BON is also assisted by the
At the present, members of the Task Force
Internal Revenue Service-itself a Treasury
are not in a position to decide where BON
Department agency.
and BDAC should be located. Without ex-
The Bureau of Drug Abuse Control
haustive study, we doubt that anyone is. We
(BDAC), located in the Department of
note that Congressmen Jack Edwards (R.-
Health, Education and Welfare, is charged
Ala.) and Clarence J. Brown, Jr. (R.-Ohio)
with enforcing the drug abuse laws-those
have introduced legislation to transfer BDAC
concerning stimulants (amphetamines), de-
to Treasury. This may have merit. Others
pressants (barbiturates) and hallucinogens
have suggested that drug enforcement
(LSD, for example).
should be concentrated within HEW in order
In exercising their respective responsibil-
to preserve a multilateral approach-medi-
ities, agents of BON or BDAC may not take
cal, health, science, education and law en-
action against persons caught illegally han-
forcement-to the problem. Others have sug-
dling drugs falling within the other bureau's
gested the creation of a wholly independent
jurisdiction. This disparity has the effect of
agency. Still others believe that the best ap-
impeding effective enforcement and of wast-
proach may be to consolidate the regulatory
ing valuable manpower. Duplication in labo-
functions in one agency and the enforcement
ratory and training facilities also may con-
functions in another.
stitute waste and inefficiency. From this
Only after a careful, broadscale study and
standpoint, then, combining the two bureaus
investigation will Congress and the Adminis-
has a good deal of merit.
tration be in a position to intelligently de-
On the other hand, both BON and BDAC
cide this and similar matters. Important re-
are heavily engaged in regulatory functions
organizations, including the one now under
whereby the records, facilities, materials and
discussion, cannot be undertaken without
operations of legitimate drug manufacturers,
careful consideration and detailed knowl-
wholesalers and pharmacists are supervised.
edge. It is essential, then, that Congress, as
This regulatory function is particularly
well as the Administration, initiate a study
essential to effective law enforcement by
of the entire structure of Federal law en-
BDAC since almost all depressant and stimu-
forcement and that whatever reorganizations
lant drugs entering illicit channels are
are undertaken in this area come about only
legally manufactured.
as a result of the exercise of the traditional
functions of the legislative process.
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. McCuLLocH], 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 $4 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-
For decades the conditions that nourish
needed in the Congress this year. This is
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 ask 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)
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.)
diciary.
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
terfere with or obstruct investigations by
the legislation which passed the House
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
Again I think it is important to re-
and out of which this bill grew, relating
in Title I of the Criminal Procedures Re-
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
is true. And, the author of the amend-
which makes it a federal crime to invest
niques in law enforcement and in pris-
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 antiriot 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
a substitute by an overwhelming vote.
message.
American public. This is H.R. 6054, first pro-
posed by Rep. Cramer.
And, as all will recall the legislation,
Last year the Republican task force on
after it passed the House, went to the
crime proposed a series of bills and en-
II. INVESTIGATIONS AND PRETRIAL PROCEDURES
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
President made no reference. I ask unan-
a higher Court the granting of a defendant's
debated is significant. That date was
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.-III.), 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.
man of the Committee on the Judiciary
There was no objection.
2. Searches incident to arrests-a bill to
of the House of Representatives during
The excerpts referred to follow:
codify, and make less confusing, the existing
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
opposed to the antiriot bill. In order, Mr.
supervision during national security investi-
property which constitutes evidence of the
Speaker, that this may be made crystal
gations and investigations of certain or-
offense in connection with which the war-
clear, I would like to quote from the daily
ganized crime type cases. The Task Force
rant is issued. This is in conformity with a
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
The distinguished Attorney General on
power of the Government to compel the
place to be searched without announcing his
"Meet The Press" last Sunday said he was
testimony of hostile witnesses by granting
identity and purpose where the Judge or
opposed to this bill
And in the conver-
them immunity from prosecution when they
Commissioner has determined that physical
plead the Fifth Amendment during the in-
sation that I had with the Attorney General
evidence sought is likely to be destroyed or
vestigation and during the trial of certain
in my office yesterday he repeated to me that
when danger to the officer exists. This is one
organized crime cases. Title II of the Crimi-
he was opposed to the bill.
of the provisions of the Criminal Procedures
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.
been July 18. July 18 was 4 days after the
Force contains this provision.
3. Loan-sharking-a bill (H.R. 14373, De-
III. THE POLICE
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 at collection cross
ficers in the apprehension of, for example,
Mr. POFF. I shall be happy to yield
state lines. In addition to the Chairman
bank robbers, kidnappers and AWOL military
to the distinguished gentleman from
and members of the Task Force, this bill is
personnel. The Survivorship Program origi-
sponsored by the Minority leader, the rank-
nally proposed was broadened to include a
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.
pated my speech and put it infinitely
officers, U.S. Magistrates, who are empowered
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.
Congressman BIESTER of Pennsylvania,
Columbia. H.R. 10783 passed the House on
Mr. MACGREGOR. Mr. Speaker, I
the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. RAILS-
June 26, 1967, by a vote of 355 to 14.
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 Bail
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
financing of police training and other
in its second year would be approximately
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
Mr. GERALD R. FORD. Let me say
Juvenile Delinquency Act adopted in the
we share the concern of all thoughtful
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.
be anything that he said in his message,
ment of a national police state, and all
I, and my colleagues, are grateful for his
to disavow or reject that amendment to
(more)
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
sharking.
American people for the safety of the
delinquency both in his city and in the
I am hopeful that the President's fail-
streets.
State of Minnesota.
ure to mention this amendment was in-
I. 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
well perfected this amendment to make
new vigor in the expressed attitudes of
This clergyman said to me: "Congress-
loan sharking a Federal crime, and se-
the Attorney General toward the prob-
man, do you think it will pass?" I said:
cured its attachment to the truth-in-
lems of organized crime, particularly in
"It already has passed the House of Rep-
lending bill.
the wiretapping area. Many of us have
resentatives, in September of last year.
I am interested to note that the Presi-
been concerned about where we were
To be sure the House in its wisdom re-
dent in his message said:
headed there. Certainly, organized crime
wrote the bill recommended by the ad-
Organized crime is big business in Amer-
is one very legitimate concern of the
ministration. It tailored the bill to the
ica.
Federal Government.
Republican philosophy of the proper role
It involves a network, a countrywide
for the Federal Government in the fight
I think this is something that Repub-
network, and one which is interstate
against juvenile delinquency, and it
licans in this House and the Republican
commerce of the most nefarious sort.
passed the House of Representatives by
task force on crime have been saying
loudly and clearly for some time. He
We look forward to some new ap-
an overwhelming majority." The clergy-
man look at me and said: "I find no
went on to say that—
proaches, to some new vigor in the fight
reference to that fact in the President's
against organized crime, if the Presi-
Its sinister effect pervades too many cor-
dent's message means what we all hope
message. Could you tell me why?" I said:
ners of America today-through gambling,
it does, because in the final analysis, this
"Sir, you have not addressed your ques-
loan sharking, corruption, extortion, and
battle cannot be fought with words. It
tion to the right party. I cannot look into
large movement of narcotics.
the mind of another man."
has to be fought with leadership of the
I am hopeful also, with the gentle-
highest order, it has to be fought with
I said: "I will make available to you the
man in the well, that the President's
determination, and it has to be fought by
full text of the bill as passed by the
omission to say anything about specific
all sides of our political system, by all
House in September of last year, the bill
legislation in regard to loan sharking
parts of our Government.
which will make a meaningful contribu-
indicates that he will support the gen-
I know the Republican task force on
tion to the fight against juvenile delin-
tleman's amendment.
crime will indicate its efforts and its best
quency, which will do so in a proper and
Mr. POFF. I thank the gentleman for
thought to continuing the battle we have
most humanitarian way. I will also send
his kind comments.
now been fighting for a year, in coopera-
you a copy of the debate in the House
May I reciprocate by saying how for-
tion with the President if possible, but,
of Representatives, so that you may un-
tunate the task force is to have a merh-
regardless of partisanship and regard-
derstand the reasons for the rejection by
ber with the distinguished background
less of the possibilities of cooperation, at
the House of Representatives of the ad-
that he has enjoyed at the bar and on
least to the fullest extent of our capa-
ministration recommendations and the
the bench.
bilities.
adoption of those put forward under the
Mr. CONABLE. Mr. Speaker, will the
leadership of individual Republican Con-
Mr. Speaker, again I commend the
gentleman yield?
gressmen serving in the House."
speaker in the well for the remarkable
Mr. POFF. I yield to the gentleman
He said: "I hope you will. Is it not too
contributions he has made, for his dili-
from New York.
gence, for his thoughtfulness, and for
bad that you do not have a voice equal to
Mr. CONABLE. Mr. Speaker, I saw
the leadership he has given to our task
that of the occupant of 1600 Pennsyl-
some consternation on the faces of those
force.
vania Avenue, so that the entire country
who remain as I walked in with these
would understand that excellent progress
eggs. I want to assure you I am not plan-
Mr. POFF. Mr. Speaker, I thank the
legislatively in the Congress has already
gentleman.
ning to pelt anyone with them. I would
been made on this problem of juvenile
like, rather, to pass out some bouquets to
I know all on the task force agree with
delinquency prevention?"
the chairman of our crime task force,
me when I say that the gentleman brings
Hopefully, Mr. Speaker, attention can
who has been tirelessly and thoughtfully
a great reservoir of talent to our efforts.
eventually be drawn to the impasse which
exploring the scope of this issue, which is
Mr. CONABLE. Mr. Speaker, will
exists in the U.S. Senate, and whatever
so important to the American people.
the gentleman yield?
reasons there may be for the delay, that
This task force has been working hard
Mr. POFF. I yield to the gentleman
those reasons will disappear, and inac-
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
people's greatest issue. It certainly is the
to make one modest change.
delinquency should indeed be demanding
kind of issue that should have the at-
Mr. Speaker, we all appreciate the
that our sister Chamber take the same
tention of us all, regardless of party, re-
character of the gentleman's contribu-
sort of constructive action which was
gardless of our particular concerns in
tions to the fight against crime.
taken here in the House of Representa-
this field.
Mr. MACGREGOR. Mr. Speaker, will
tives last August and last September.
(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.
of this body will recall, the President
H.R. 421 is not intended to and does not
would permit wiretaps for the gathering
Mr. POFF. I thank the gentleman and
limit the right of dissent and peaceful dem-
my colleagues 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
appropriate authorities of the Executive
we welcome President's Johnson's sup-
pate in public gatherings or other lawful
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
tional security was involved and what
out effort to combat and control crime.
commerce, or who travel from one State to
constituted national security cases.
The need for such an effort has been
another or from a foreign country to a State,
The legislation which the task force
carefully documented. Each day brings
in order to incite or attempt to incite riots,
has endorsed, which has been introduced
new statistics that show a skyrocketing
violence, looting, vandalism, arson, bombing.
in this body and in the other body, would
rise in crime. Each day brings fresh evi-
and physical assaults would be subject to
permit wiretapping only in those cases
dence that something must be done to
prosecution.
reverse the alarming trend toward law-
This bill would supplement, not supersede
where the law-enforcement officer was
able to convince an appropriate judge
lessness.
local law enforcement. Certainly the most
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
by other techniques, to convince the
ment is to establish and maintain law
Federal jurisdiction over "out-of-State" in-
and order. Our very survival as a free
citers, State and local authorities will be sub-
judge that a crime had been committed
and effective society depends upon how
stantially assisted in keeping the peace and
or was being committed, to convince the
judge that a court order was necessary
successfully we are able to implement
protecting the public safety.
this basic concept.
H.R. 421 would provide a new and effective
to acquire evidence of a crime specifically
law-enforcement weapon in riot situations
named in the legislation.
In the first session of the 90th Con-
like those that have occurred in Cleveland,
Legislation of this kind has received
gress, Republicans sponsored and sup-
Cincinnati, Dayton, Boston, Buffalo, and
almost universal endorsement. The con-
ported legislation that must be enacted
Waterloo. Many of the summertime riots
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-
dicial Conference of the United States,
program to provide assistance to local
tive that we rid interstate commerce of these
agitators and riot-mongers. The law-abiding
of the majority of the President's own
law enforcement agencies was passed by
citizens in the area where the riots occur
Crime Commission, and of every national
the House with the overwhelming sup-
may suffer grievous personal injury and un-
law enforcement association in the
port of the Republican Members. Simi-
told property damage unless this additional
United States which has pronounced
larly, a Republican-sponsored bill that
protection is afforded them.
upon the subject.
would impose criminal penalties upon
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
intent to incite a riot, was also passed
CRIMINAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE ACT OF 1967,
opposition to that legislation.
by the House.
H.R. 5037, AUGUST 2, 1967
The urgency of that legislation is
Unfortunately, this essential legisla-
The events of recent weeks have starkly
greater today than it was before Monday
dramatized the crisis in law enforcement in
tion was not adopted by the Senate dur-
of last week. On that day the Supreme
this country. The very ability of government
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,
forcement officers are stripped of that
committee statements of July 12, 1967,
properly amended, could be an important
means of assembling evidence it is all the
step in the establishment of a federal pro-
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 stified local initiative and
Mr. Speaker, I am encouraged to hope
urge its easily enactment.
direction and placed maximum federal con-
that the President will have the oppor-
trol in the hands of the Attorney General.
The statements referred to follow:
tunity during this session of Congress to
HOUSE REPUBLICAN POLICY COMMITTEE STATE-
In an effort to improve the bill, the Repub-
receive on his desk a bill which will in-
MENT ON THE ANTIRIOT LEGISLATION, H.R.
lican Members of the Judiciary Committee
corporate as one of its essential features
421, JULY 12, 1967
obtained a number of amendments. For
the legislation introduced by the gentle-
example:
The House Republican Policy Committee
man from Ohio [Mr. McCuLLocH] and
(a) An appropriate judicial review is pro-
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.
legislation is a part of the bill before the
facilities of interstate commerce with the
(c) The open-end authorization was elimi-
intent to incite a riot.
President, I believe he will see fit to sign
nated, thereby insuring essential legislative
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
could bring himself in the present state
(d) The direct Federal payment of regu-
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
Mr. SMITH of New York. Mr. Speaker,
That legislation was permitted to die in the
be used as a vehicle to place Federal control
Senate. Now, as a result of continuing pres-
will the gentleman yield?
over state and local police administration
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. I 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 ad-
President bring himself to veto that kind
clause of the Constitution. Historically, cer-
ministration are primarily local responsibil-
tain types of conduct have been prohibited
ities. Crime is essentially a local problem
(more)
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
awul 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 A 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."
It was then suggested that H.R. 5037 be
viously made by Republican Members,
of crime in this land has struck fear and
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
General's discretion to distribute funds, is
colleague from Minnesota [Mr. MAC-
istration of justice during these years.
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.
HAM].
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 suppressión and riot control is
needed. New techniques for combating orga-
tion first sponsored by my Republican
nized crime must be developed. These objec-
colleague from Virginia [Mr. POFF]-
tives can be accomplished through an Insti-
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-
nant by the Federal Government.
ine a bill first introduced last session by
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.
recommendations, particularly those re-
If imitation is the sincerest form of
garding a National Institute of Law En-
flattery, the Republicans modestly ac-
(NOT PRINTED AT GOVERNMENT EXPENSE)
10
Congressional Record
United States
of America
PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE
90ᵗʰ
CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION
Vol. 114
WASHINGTON, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1968
No. 14
Poff Calls Recent Court Decision Man-
the Fourth Amendment had been thought
not to prohibit the use of listening devices
date for Congressional Action on
where no trespass or physical intrusion was
Eavesdropping
involved in their installation.
Poff pointed out, first, that the Katz opin-
ion, because of its handling of the warrant
Mr. GERALD R. FORD. Mr. Speaker,
issue, "lays to rest for all time Constitu-
our Republican task force on crime is
tional doubts concerning Court ordered and
deeply concerned with the problems in-
Court supervised electronic surveillance." He
further observed that now "it is beyond dis-
volved in electronic eavesdropping.
Under leave to extend my remarks, I
pute that a warrant system precisely as is
created in the McCulloch-Ford bill," of which
include a January 16 press statement of
he and the entire Crime Task Force are co-
the task force, entitled "POFF Calls Re-
sponsors, "will survive any tests" along Con-
cent Court Decision Mandate for Con-
stitutional lines.
gressional Action on Eavesdropping":
"At the same time, however," he continued,
POFF CALLS RECENT COURT DECISION "MAN-
"Katz cuts in another direction." "Whether
DATE" FOR CONGRESSIONAL ACTION ON EAVES-
rightly or wrongly," Poff explained, "the
DROPPING
Court has extended the reach of the Fourth
Rep. Richard H. Poff (R.-Va.), Chairman
Amendment far beyond the pale of anything
of the House Republican Task Force on Crime
previously held." "As of this date, Katz rep-
today told his colleagues that a Supreme
resents yet another restriction on legitimate
Court decision handed down during the re-
law enforcement."
cess was a "mandate for Congressional ac-
Poff noted that he was "not displeased"
tion" in the area of electronic eavesdropping.
with the Katz decision as long as "it is recog-
In a speech on the House floor, Poff called
nized for what it is." He welcomed it as a
attention to the case of Katz V. United States
mandate for legislation but, he said, "if Con-
decided on December 18. In that case the
gress does not respond to the mandate, then
Court struck down the conviction of a west
law enforcement will suffer, again," and more
coast bookmaker because government agents
important, he continued, "it will suffer at our
who were investigating him did not obtain
hands, not those of the Court."
a search warrant before installing a listen-
"The ball has been thrown to us," he con-
ing device outside a telephone booth from
cluded, "we cannot drop it."
which he was making gambling calls. At the
time the investigation was being carried on,
(NOT PRINTED AT GOVERNMENT EXPENSE)
10
Congressional Record
United States
of America
PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE
90ᵗʰ
CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION
Vol. 113
WASHINGTON, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1967
No. 206
SUMMARY OF THE ACHIEVEMENTS
think that the President's recent statements
calling public attention to the existence of a
OF THE HOUSE REPUBLICAN
on crime, particularly yesterday's aimed at
Federal crime statute making it a Federal
TASK FORCE ON CRIME
the Congress, represents a true change of di-
crime to travel from one state to another
rection? If so, how does the Attorney Gen-
Mr. GERALD R. FORD. Mr. Speaker,
with the intent to promote or incite arson. It
eral fit into this picture?
was Clark who delayed until last week end
I believe my colleagues will be interested
Wishing you a happy Holiday Season, I am,
even a minimum administrative and organi-
in a summary of the work which the
Very truly yours,
zational effort to deal with the mass viola-
House Republican task force on crime
GERALD R. FORD,
tions of Selective Service laws, and then he
has done since it was established earlier
Members of Congress.
was content simply to establish a new unit
this session under the able chairmanship
which functionally can do little more than
of the gentleman from Virginia [Mr.
DECEMBER 14, 1967.
can already be done under traditional
Hon. GERALD R. FORD,
PoFF]. This is one of our most serious
procedures.
Minority Leader,
national problems, and the House Re-
More recently, a syndicated columnist re-
U.S. House of Representatives,
ported sharp disagreement between the Pres-
publican Committee on Research and
Washington, D.C.
ident and his Attorney General on how to
Planning headed by the gentleman from
DEAR JERRY: Your letter concerning the
proceed in the matter of Stokely Carmichael.
New York [Mr. GOODELL] moved prompt-
Task Force is most gracious. I know all mem-
From the foregoing, you will see that what
ly to develop a constructive legislative
bers would want me to express their appre-
is unpredictable is how long Mr. Clark will
program for crime prevention and law
ciation not only for these kind words but
for the leadership and assistance you have
fit into the picture at all. I am sure that you
enforcement through the combined and
given so faithfully in connection with all
have heard as I have heard speculation that,
very considerable legal and legisla-
as the election grows nearer, if the nation's
our projects.
tive talents of DICK POFF'S task force.
chief law enforcement officer continues to
I will do my best to reply responsively,
Under leave to extend my remarks, there
rest on the oars, Clark may go the way Mc-
candidly and yet briefly to your questions.
Namara and Goldberg are going and others
follows an exchange of correspondence
Actually, all three questions are intimately
may go.
and two recent statements of the House
interwoven into one, viz., will there be any
In summary, I think that beginning early
Republican task force on crime relating
escalation in the Administration's war on
next year there is likely to be a Presidential
to organized crime and proposed legisla-
crime in 1968?
crusade to blame Congress for the crime
tion aimed at loan sharks.
My answer depends upon many imponder-
crisis. And there will doubtless be some sur-
ables and unpredictables. There is nothing
face escalation of the war on crime, a political
uncertain about the need for escalation; the
pageant, with or without Ramsey Clark.
The following is an exchange of corre-
crime problem is bigger than ever before,
Sincerely,
spondence between House Republican Lead-
growing faster than ever and neglected more
RICHARD H. POFF,
er Gerald R. Ford (R-Mich.) and Rep. Rich-
than any other. In fairness, it should be
Member of Congress.
ard H. Poff (R-Va.), Chairman of the House
said that so far as the President is con-
Republican Task Force on Crime, summariz-
cerned, neglect has been more unavoidable
[A press release of the Republican Task Force
ing legislative action taken in the 1st Ses-
than purposeful. The President has been
on Crime, Dec. 5, 1967]
sion, 90th Congress, and the prospects for
necessarily preoccupied with other grave
GOP CRIME GROUP UNVEILS COMPREHENSIVE
additional action on the part of the Congress
domestic problems and with the tragic war
ATTACK ON ORGANIZED CRIME'S MONEY
and the Administration in 1968.
in Vietnam. While it may be that the Presi-
MAKERS
DECEMBER 12, 1967.
dent's recent statements concerning the
Hon. RICHARD H. POFF,
crime problem foreshadow a deliberate,
WASHINGTON, D.C.-The House Republican
Chairman, House Republican Task Force on
methodical campaign in the election year to
Task Force on Crime Tuesday unveiled plans
Crime, U.S. House of Representatives,
blame Congress for the problem, I doubt
for a "comprehensive legislative" attack on
Washington, D.C.
that it is accurate to say that his statements
the three major money makers of organized
DEAR DICK: As we approach the close of the
represent any change in philosophical ap-
crime, gambling, narcotics trafficking and
first session of the 90th Congress, I want to
proach.
loan-sharking. They pegged the "take" from
express to you as Chairman of the House
What is imponderable and unpredicable is
these racket activities at "nothing less than
Republican Task Force on Crime the sincere
how, in your words, the Attorney General fits
$10 billion a year-$50 for every man, woman
appreciation I feel for the fine work you and
into the picture. During his short time in
and child in America."
all Task Force members have done this year.
office, Attorney General Clark, formerly at-
Federal statutes specificaly aimed at those
I have just had an opportunity to review
tached to the lands division of the Justice
offenses "are largely inadequate," the GOP
the summary of performance, and the record
Department, has shown himself to be some-
Crime Task Force charged, and they said "no
is truly outstanding. You have made specific
thing less than a "crime fighter." It was he
legislation of significance in these areas has
and positive proposals for legislation deal-
who persuaded the President to veto the Dis-
been enacted since 1961."
ing with the prevention and control of crime
trict of Columbia crime package last year
In a prepared statement, the Task Force
in America and have stimulated legislative
and, in the year since, major crime in the Dis-
outlined its plans for a program "aimed di-
action which otherwise would never have
trict has increased by 34%, a rate more than
rectly at the three most lucrative racket
been taken.
twice that of the nation at large. It was Clark
activities. In some instances we will modern-
Conspicuous among Republican contribu-
who issued instructions to all Federal in-
ize old proposals; in others, we will make
tions to the legislative successes of the House
vestigative agencies strictly limiting the use
recommendations to fill the gaps in existing
in the field of crime control were the inter-
of on-person transmitters with remote re-
laws; in still others, we will propose new
state anti-riot bill authored by Bill Cramer
corders, an evidence-gathering technique re-
laws where none now exist," he said.
of Florida, the bill introduced by Tom Rails-
peatedly and presently sanctioned by the
Because "organized crime cannot be met
back authorizing prosecution appeals in sup-
courts. It was Clark who opposed and still
with programs whose impact will not be felt
pression of evidence orders, the bill granting
opposes legislation conformed carefully to the
for twenty years, immediately effective solu-
disability benefits as well as survivorship
Constitutional mandates of the Supreme
tions are required," the Crime Group said,
benefits to local police officers wounded or
Court which authorizes wiretaps by police
and these are "laws and law enforcement".
killed in pursuit of federal law-breakers, the
officers investigating specific crimes under
The Task Force reiterated its support for
McClory amendment to the crime bill to es-
court warrant and continuing court super-
legislation which would permit court super-
tablish a National Institute on Law Enforce-
vision; persists in his negative posture in the
vised electronic eavesdropping and which
ment and Criminal Justice, and the Bill
face of endorsements by his three immediate
would broaden witness immunity procedures,
Cahill bloc grant amendment to the crime
predecessors in office, the Judicial Confer-
but said that "pending Congressional action
bill and the juvenile delinquency bill.
ence of the United States and every major
on these bills". the enactment of their new
I would be interested to have your esti-
national organization of law enforcement
program would "greatly aid the Executive
mate of the prospects for a genuine crack-
officials. It was Clark who allowed the whole
Branch" in the war against organized crime.
down on crime in 1968. Specifically, do you
hot summer of 1967 to pass without even
Rep. Richard H. Poff (R-Va.), Task Force
Chairman. indicated that the first part of
[A press release of the Republican Task
the program would deal with "loan-shark-
Force on Crime. Dec. 11. 1967)
interest payments than in collecting princi-
ing" and that the legislation would be in-
pal and that force or threats of force of the
troduced "hopefully in a day or so."
GOP CRIME GROUP OFFERS "ANTI-
most brutal kind are used to effect interest
LOAN-SHARK BILL
Gambling. narcotics trafficking. and loan
collection. eliminate protest when interest
sharking account for the great preponder-
WASHINGTON, D.C.-As the first of three
rates are raised and prevent the harassed
ance of the illegal dollar loss to the American
steps in its "comprehensive legislative at-
borrower from reporting the activity to
public that is being channeled today into the
tack" on the major sources of income for or-
enforcement officials.
pockets of racketeers.
ganized crime, the House Republican Task
Despite the wealth of documentation con-
The President's Crime Commission Indi-
Force on Crime today introduced a bill
concerning the evils of loan sharking and
cated that illegal gambling provided or-
specifically aimed at "loan-sharking."
Its clear relation to organized crime on a
ganized crime with a net profit of no less
Last week the GOP Crime Group an-
national level, no federal statute exists which
than seven billion dollars a year. With re-
nounced plans for a legislative program
deals directly or effectively with it.
spect to loan sharking. the lending of money
directed at gambling. narcotics trafficking
Two federal statutes have been used from
at higher rates than the legally proscribed
and loan-sharking. "the three major money
time to time against loan sharks. but they
limit. they found that It was organized
makers of organized crime." whose "take"
are applicable only where actual collection
crime's second largest source of revenue and
they estimated at "nothing less than $10 bil-
methods amount to provable extortion. These
noted that many officials "classify the busi-
lion a year."
statutes are generally anti-racketeering
ness in the multi-billion dollar range." The
Calling "loan-sharking", or the lending of
statutes aimed at extortion. among other
Commission further stated that the illegal
money at illegal rates of interest, "a source
things. At the time they were enacted, Con-
heroin trade alone is three hundred fifty mil-
of racket income second only. to gambling
gress did not have loan sharking specifically
lion dollars annually. This does not take into
in the multi-billion dollar a year range,"
in mind. In our view, this constitutes a
account the trade in marijuana and hal-
the Task Force cited findings by the Presi-
serious gap in the law for the very practical
lucinogens like LSD. part. if not all of which
dent's Crime Commission that typical loan-
reason that while extortionate collection may
is also controlled by organized crime.
shark victims are marginal. small business-
be implied in any loan shark situation, in
In light of these reliable estimates. it seems
men and wage earners in mass employment
the overwhelming majority of cases extor-
fair to place the "take" of these three illegal
industries. They said that the classic rate
tion simply cannot be proved.
activities at nothing less than ten billion
of interest charged was "20% a week."
The dock worker who borrows from the
dollars a year, or fifty dollars for every man,
The Task Force pointed out, among other
well-known neighborhood loan-shark to pay
woman nad child in America. This is approxi-
things. that Congressional Committee reports
for family sickness may not be told and does
mately one-half of the entire cost of the war
are filled with testimony concerning small
not have to be told precisely what will hap-
in Vietnam for the fiscal year 1967, almost
businesses which have been taken over lock,
pen to him If he doesn't pay on time. The
the exact amount of the federal budget def-
stock and barrel by the syndicate which got
clothing store operator who borrows to keep
icit of $9.9 billion for the same year, and
its first foothold through a loan shark."
up with legitimate creditors during slack
half again the $6.3 billion the President orig-
Despite this and the fact that loan shark-
seasons may not be beaten up by the polite
inally said his 10% surtax on incomes would
ing is clearly part of organized crime on a
yet menacing hoodlums who inquire as to
produce in the first year. We note the Crime
national level, "no federal statute exists
the status of payments. He too knows what
Commission's finding that "If organized
which deals directly or effectively with it,"
crime paid income tax on every cent of their
the Crime Group continued. "In our view
the message is. These are the typical situa-
tions-the threat merely implied but none-
vast earnings. everybody's tax bill would go
this constitutes a serious gap in the law."
The GOP bill makes it a federal crime to
theless real and effective simply because the
down We do not suggest that all the
lend money at illegal rates of interest when-
syndicate lurking in the background is
money that is thus being poured into the
coffers of organized crime could or even
ever such a loan interferes with or affects
known to be involved. Under existing federal
interstate commerce, or whenever any part of
law, extortion could not be proved in either
should be diverted to the Government. Rath-
situation.
the loan transaction or efforts at collection
er. It is our purpose in citing these figures
The House Republican Task Force on
to dramatize the staggering sums that are
cross state lines. It is based upon the loan
being siphoned from the American public at
for a charge prohibited by State law. "If there
Crime, as the first step in its legislative
the very time when it is being asked to make
is no initial violation of State law. there is
program against the major sources of income
for organized crime, has drafted and in-
financial sacrifices to combat inflation. cut
no violation of Federal law." a Task Force
spokesman said.
troduced in the House of Representatives,
the budget deficit, and pay for the increased
The bill is sponsored by Rep. Richard H.
a bill specifically aimed at loan sharking. It
cost of the year.
Poff (R.-Va.), the Task Force Chairman, by
is intended to expand federal jurisdiction
The organized criminals of today are
the thirteen other members of the Task
over this activity and to make it a federal
generally not the creatures of poverty and
Force, and by GOP Minority Leader Gerald
crime to lend money at illegal rates of in-
despair although surely they principally
terest, wherever such a loan affects or inter-
feed upon the victims of poverty and
R. Ford (R.-Mich.), Rep. William M. McCul-
feres with interstate commerce. It is thus a
despair. Organized crime cannot be met with
loch (R.-Ohio), Ranking Minority Member of
the House Judiciary Committee, and Rep.
two-part bill which approaches loan sharking
programs whose impact will not be felt for
from two well-established bases of federal
twenty years. It requires immediately effec-
William B. Widnall (R.-N.J.), Ranking Mi-
tive solutions, laws and law encorcement.
nority Member of the House Banking and
jurisdiction. Both parts amend the existing
Currency Committee.
anti-racketeering statutes which we have
Part of the responsibility for enacting the
previously noted.
laws lies with the United States Congress;
Among the benefits that will result from
The first part amends Section 1951 of Title
part of the responsibility for enforcing these
the new law is increased jurisdiction "for
18, United States Code, which deals with
laws lies with the Executive Branch of the
federal agents to investigate loan-shark al-
robbery and extortion which interferes with
Federal Government.
legations." the Task Force explained. And,
or affects interstate commerce. Loan-shark-
This Task Force finds that existing federal
they added "the mere thought that they may
ing would be added as a federal crime under
statues specifically aimed at gambling. nar-
now be involved in a federal crime might be
these circumstances, and as a result, an il-
cotics trafficking and loan-sharking are
enough to drive many loan-sharks out of
legal loan to a business which ships its goods
largely inadequate. The Anti-Racketeering
business, without anything more."
from Chicago to Detroit might be the subject
statutes of 1961 have been effective to some
of a federal prosecution.
degree in this regard but experience has
HOUSE REPUBLICAN TASK FORCE ON CRIME
The second part amends Section 1952 of
shown that even they are but a partial solu-
STATEMENT CONCERNING LOAN-SHARK LEG-
Title 18, which deals with several racketeer-
tion. No substantive legislation of signifi-
ISLATION
ing activities that are federal crimes when
cance in these areas has been enacted since
According to the President's Crime Com-
any part of the transaction crosses state lines.
then. It is our intent to propose to the Con-
mission, "loan-sharking," the lending of
Loan-sharking is added to these, and as a
gress in three stages beginning shortly a
money at illegal interest rates, is a source of
result, a telephone call from New York to
comprehensive legislative program aimed
revenue for organized crime, second only to
Miami or travel from New Jersey to Penn-
directly at these most lucrative racket ac-
gambling. The annual "take" from loan-
sylvania might be the subject of federal
tivities. In some instances we will modernize
sharking has been estimated at many knowl-
prosecution.
old proposals; in others, we will make rec-
edgeable law enforcement officials to be in
Both violations are based upon the lend-
ommendations to fill the gaps in existing
the "multi-billion dollar range."
ing of money for a charge or rate of in-
law; in still others, we will propose new laws
The Commission noted that gamblers bor-
terest prohibited by the laws of the State
where none now exist.
row to pay their losses and addicts borrow to
where the loan is made. If there is no initial
This Task Force remains committed to
purchase narcotics. They also found that the
violation of State law there is no violation
the proposition that the enactment of legisla-
same men who take bets from or sell policy
of Federal law. Subsequent threats to en-
tion permitting court-supervised electronic
slips to employees in the mass employment
force collection of the loan need not be
eavesdroping would constitute the single
industries, on the docks for example. lend
proved so long as the loan itself is illegal.
most important step the Congress could take
them money to pay off the gambling debts or
There is an abundance of precedent for
in the war against organized crime. In our
to meet household expenses. Small business-
this legislation and we feel it will go a long
view, the enactment of a broader witness Im-
men borrow from loan sharks when legiti-
way towards drying up a principal source of
munity procedure would also be highly
mate credit channels are closed to them and
revenue for organized crime. For one thing
significant. We nonetheless realize that more
in this regard. Congressional Committee re-
it will provide hitherto lacking jurisdiction,
than even these statutes are necessary if it
ports are filled with testimony concerning
except where a potential tax evasion case
is to be a full-scale war that we will fight
small businesses which have been taken
is present, for federal agents to investigate
and win. Pending Congressional action on
over lock, stock and barrel by the syndicate
loan-shark allegations. Further, federal
the eavesdropping and immunity bills. we
after it got its foothold through a loan shark.
prosecutions will inevitably result but even
believe that the enactment of the program we
The Crime Commission determined that
where they don't, evidence will be turned
propose will partially fulfill the Congress' re-
interest rates vary from 1 to 150 percent a
over to local law officers for prosecution.
sponsibility in the war and will greatly aid
week but that the classic 6 for 5, or 20 per-
Finally, the mere thought that they may
the Executive Branch in discharging its part.
cent a week, was most common with small
now be involved in a violation of federal
borrowers. They observed that the loan shark
law, might be enough to drive many loan-
is usually more interested in perpetuating
sharks out of the business without anything
more. This, in itself, will be a significant
accomplishment.
(NOT PRINTED AT GOVERNMENT EXPENSE)
10
Congressional Record
United States
of America
PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE
CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION
Vol. 113
WASHINGTON, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1967
No. 190
REPORTS OF THE REPUBLICAN
The GOP Task Force also called for re-
bility for it must be laid at the door of the
TASK FORCE ON CRIME
form of the Bail Reform Act, citing the
Johnson Administration. We have had only
fact that the "no-show" rate among crim-
(Mr. GERALD R. FORD (at the re-
a veto and inaction from the President and
inal defendants has jumped alarmingly since
timidity from his advisers where crime in
quest of Mr. ZWACH) was granted per-
it has been implemented as have the num-
our nation's capital is concerned.
mission to extend his remarks at this
ber of additional crimes committed by those
No one represented last year's crime bill as
point in the RECORD and to include extra-
who have been released under it. They sug-
a cure-all for the District's ills. Nonetheless,
neous matter.)
gested allowing the courts more discretion
it reflected the combined judgment of the
Mr. GERALD R. FORD. Mr. Speaker,
in denying or setting conditions of release
members of both Houses of Congress that
Americans everywhere are becoming in-
for those who are a danger to the commu-
broader police powers and more realistic rules
creasingly concerned with the soaring
nity and in revoking or cancelling the re-
of evidence in criminal prosecutions were
lease of those who continue to commit crim-
crime rate. The House Republican task
two steps in the right direction. The Presi-
inal acts while free.
dent's rejection of this partial solution was
force on crime has released two state-
They further called the District Bail
made doubly unfortunate because it was
ments this month which deserve the
Agency "woefully understaffed" and recom-
based upon the dubious advice of the now
attention of all of us.
mended the establishment of "some ma-
Attorney General to the effect that "funda-
Under leave to extend my remarks, I
chinery to supervise the activities of released
mental Constitutional questions" pervaded
include a statement on "Crime in the
defendants." "If some money and manpower
the bill. Reasonable men can easily differ
District of Columbia," issued with a press
are needed, it is up to the Executive Branch
when it comes to interpreting the Constitu-
to advise the Congress where and how much."
release of November 13, entitled "GOP
tion. A great majority of the Congress
"So far we have heard nothing," they said.
thought the bill was Constitutional. Ulti-
Task Force Charges Administration
mately though, the issue is one for the Ju-
Failure in D.C. Crime Fight." On Novem-
CRIME IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
diclary. The President would have done well
ber 11 the press release was entitled
There is a distinctly hollow ring to Presi-
to leave it to the courts rather than to
"Crime Rate 'National Disgrace'," and
dent Johnson's latest statements about fight-
rely upon the predictably negative advice of
the statement is on "The Federal Magis-
ing crime in the District of Columbia. The
an Attorney General who frequently seems
trates Act-S. 945":
time for hand-wringing and bombast has
more concerned over the appearances of the
GOP TASK FORCE CHARGES ADMINISTRATION
long since passed. Washington is the one city
system than he is over whether it actually
FAILURE IN D.C. CRIME FIGHT
in which all Americans have a substantial
works.
stake. It is also the one city in the entire
What has the administration offered in
WASHINGTON.-The House Republican Task
nation where the federal government has the
lieu of the District crime bill? Precious
Force on Crime charged today that "an
sole responsibility for controlling crime and
little. A short month after the veto the
Administration that desires control over the
preserving order. An Administration that de-
President's Commission on Crime in the
'safe streets' program of all the states ought
sires control over the "safe streets" programs
District of Columbia sent him a report con-
first demonstrate the initiative and aptitude
of all the states ought first demonstrate
taining more than two hundred specific
for insuring that streets in its own back-
the initiative and aptitude for insuring that
crime recommendations. He has largely
yard are safe."
streets in its own backyard are safe. Thus,
ignored these. Early in this session the Ad-
They noted that the federal government
the President might well be concerned over
ministration did offer a bill which embodied
has the sole responsibility for controlling
crime in Washington and the fact that the
a few of the "easier" recommendations. But
crime and preserving order in Washington,
situation here is close to the worst in the
it was patchwork legislation bearing no re-
D.C., and that the crime rate there is close
nation. But his recent exhortations come a
semblance to an anti-crime package, and if
to the worst in the nation. "The streets of
little late in the game for us. We are per-
enacted, would have accomplished very little.
Washington are unsafe. The Administration
suaded that they are nothing more than
Fortunately for the citizens of the District,
has failed in its own backyard," they said,
talk, born more of the realization that he
the last year's vetoed bill was introduced in
"Congress cannot, in conscience, give it the
couldn't ignore the problem forever than of
the House again. As usual it received bi-
responsibility for insuring safe streets else-
any particular interest in ridding the Dis-
partisan support and after absorbing some
where."
trice of crime.
of the worthwhile features of the Adminis-
The GOP crime group observed that Mon-
For one thing, it is now a year to the day
tration's bill, it has again passed the House.
day marked "a year to the day since the
since the President vetoed the District of Co-
It now languishes in the Senate District
President vetoed the District of Columbia
lumbia anti-crime bill which had been passed
Committee where it is likely to remain un-
anti-crime bill which had been passed over-
overwhelmingly by the 89th Congress. If
til the next session simply because the
whelmingly by the 89th Congress" and that
the crime situation had improved any during
President is not in sympathy with it and has
he has offered "precious little" in lieu of it.
the past twelve months, there would be less
taken no steps to push it along.
In the meantime, crime in the District is
to be said today about that historic non-
Similar treatment is being accorded an-
up one third over a year ago.
event. But according to figures compiled by
other bill which would enhance the fight
The Task Force also took note of the Pres-
the Metropolitan Police Department, things
against crime in the District. The Federal
ident's latest "get-tough" statements about
are even worse, far worse, than a year ago.
Magistrates Act long ago passed the Senate
crime in Washington and said they "come
During the month of September a total of
by a wide margin, but it is stalled in the
a little late in the game for us." "We are
3,393 index offenses were reported in the
House Judiciary Committee, again because
persuaded that this is nothing more than
District. Index offenses represent seven cate-
the Administration has shown no particular
talk, born more of the realization that he
gories of crime, four against the person
interest in it. The Magistrates Act applies to
couldn't ignore the problem forever than
and three against property. This figure is an
the entire federal system, but since the ju-
of any particular interest in ridding the
increase of 565 offenses or 20% over Sep-
dicial system in the District is entirely fed-
District of crime," they continued.
tember 1966 and marks the sixty-fourth
eral, it would obviously have its greatest im-
In addition to the veto of last year's crime
consecutive month for which an increase in
pact here. For years it has been recognized
bill, the Task Force charged that the John-
District crime was noted. Even more startling
that one of the most vexing problems sur-
son Administration has largely ignored the
is the fact that this brought the "trend of
rounding the administration of justice in
recommendations of his District of Colum-
offenses," that is, offenses for the preceeding
Washington has been the ever growing back-
bia Crime Commission, has taken no steps to
twelve-month period, to 36,497, an increase
log of cases awaiting trial. Delays between
push a new District crime bill along, has
of 9,239 or 33.9% from the trend of Sep-
arrest and final judgment are interminable.
failed to support the Federal Magistrates
tember 1966, and an increase of 269.8% from
The Magistrates Act would speed up this
Act, and has not filled even existing vacan-
the low point of April 1957. This is an appall-
process by freeing the judges from routine
cies in District law enforcement personnel.
ing record. A large measure of the responsi-
tasks and permitting magistrates to handle
not only these but also the trial of minor
offenses. This legislation is also bipartisan.
The GOP Crime Group noted that the na-
criminal and civil, that today's courts are
Concededly, it 18 neither dramatic nor ex-
tion's spiraling crime rate is a "disgrace",
called upon to handle. This is as true in
citing, but that is no excuse for letting it
and blamed part of the problem on the fail-
the Federal system as it is in those of the
wither on the vine.
ure "to dispense swift, sure justice".
states. Many of the duties that now occupy
In recent months the Bail Reform Act has
Any bill which tends to speed up the proc-
Federal judges are ministerial, routine and
been roundly criticized by District judges
ess of criminal justice takes on "special sig-
minor, yet nevertheless, time-consuming.
and prosecutors, and the President must be
nificance," they explained. "The House Re-
To us, the significant feature of the Magis-
aware that the Act itself is badly in need of
publican Task Force on Crime believes that
trates Act is that it would free a federal
reform. The "no-show" rate among criminal
S. 945, the Federal Magistrates Act, is just
judge from these less important procedural
defendants has jumped alarmingly since it
such legislation."
tasks and enable him to devote more time
has been implemented as have the number
The Senate passed proposal would replace
and attention to matters of substance in
of additional crimes committed by those who
U.S. Commissioners with a new position of
the administration of justice. This means
have been released under it. The spirit and
U.S. Magistrates, whose qualifications for
faster justice.
purpose of the Bail Act are undeniably noble,
office are greatly upgraded and whose duties
In establishing a system of U.S. Magis-
and it has gone a long way toward curbing
are greatly expanded.
trates, S. 945 formally classifies them as
inequities in the administration of justice.
"If enacted, the bill will clearly promote
either full time or part time, stipulates that
We do not suggest that it be scrapped. It is
swifter justice in federal criminal cases," the
they must be attorneys, unless securing a
clear, though, that amendment is necessary
GOP statement continues. "Nowhere is this
qualified attorney is impossible, and provides
to allow the courts more discretion in deny-
more needed than in our nation's Capital
other minimum qualifications to insure ju-
ing or setting conditions of release for those
where all crimes are within the jurisdiction
dicial independence and disinterest. A sys-
who are a danger to the community and in
of the Federal courts.
tem of salaries set on a sliding scale accord-
revoking or cancelling the release of those
"The snail's pace at which all judicial sys-
ing to anticipated workload replaces the in-
who continue to commit criminal acts while
tems seem to operate is a product of the ever
consistent fee system of compensation now
free. It is further clear that the woefully
increasing number of matters, both civil and
practiced. Magistrates, appointed by the
understaffed District Bail Agency must be
criminal, that today's courts are called upon
Court, are guaranteed an 8-year term of office
expanded and that some machinery must be
to handle." The GOP Crime Task Force out-
and part-time Magistrates are given a 4-
established to supervise the activities of re-
lined the provisions of the Federal Magis-
year term of office, with provisions for re-
leased defendants or else many of them will
trates Act, and said,
moval only for cause.
continue to run wild. All of these reforms
These changes are essentially pro forma.
were suggested by the Crime Commission a
"To us, the significant feature
is that
The substance of the legislation is that U.S.
year ago. If money and manpower are needed,
it would free a federal judge from less im-
Magistrates could be assigned duties by the
it is up to the Executive Branch to advise
portant procedural tasks and enable him
District Courts in addition to those presently
the Congress where and how much. So far
to devote more time to matters of substance
understaken by U.S. Commissioners. These
we have heard nothing. We have no reason
in the administration of justice."
may include service as special masters, su-
to believe the Administration is even slightly
"We urge early action," they continued.
pervision of pretrial or discovery proceed-
concerned over this.
"The 90th Congress has done little enough
ings in both criminal and civil cases, and
The record of the Administration is equally
in enacting meaningful crime legislation."
preliminary consideration of petitions for
inglorious when it comes to filling existing
We should not adjourn "without laying on
post conviction relief. Further, the trial
vacancies in law enforcement personnel. The
the President's desk the new Federal Magis-
jurisdiction of Magistrates would be ex-
President spoke about doubling the size of
trates Act," they declared.
panded beyond minor criminal offenses when
the Police Department, yet it is an estab-
the accused executes a knowledgeable
lished fact that more than three hundred va-
waiver of both his right to trial before a
cancies exist in positions already established.
THE FEDERAL MAGISTRATES AcT (S. 945)
District Court and any right to trial by jury
More shameful is the situation in the United
Because justice delayed is indeed justice
he may have. The Magistrates' trial juris-
States Marshal's office where summons and
denied, Congress should not adjourn without
diction, with certain exceptions, would ex-
other court documents remain unserved for
laying on the President's desk the new Fed-
tend to misdemeanors, wherever committed,
months because almost 20% of their posi-
eral Magistrates Act.
that are punishable by imprisonment for not
tions are unfilled. This delay in service re-
Our soaring crime rate is a national dis-
more than 1 year, or a fine of not more than
cently prompted a federal judge from North-
grace. The causes of crime and the reasons
$1,000, or both.
ern Virginia to direct his own marshals to
why we have been ineffective in dealing with
Finally, preliminary procedures are im-
handle service of process in Washington
it are numerous. Part of the problem lies in
proved by requiring that, absent a grand
where cases in his court were involved. Not
the fact that we are no longer able, as a na-
jury indictment or an appropriate court
too long ago a U.S. Marshal's job was much
tion, to dispense swift, sure justice. Despite
order, a hearing must be held within 10 days
sought after, but this is obviously no longer
recent bail reform movements, for exam-
following initial appearance if the accused is
the case in the District of Columbia. We also
ple, some innocent suspects still languish in
held in custody, or within 20 days following
frequently hear how the United States At-
jail for months awaiting their day in court.
initial appearance if the accused has been
torney's office is understaffed and of the
Others, released on bond, have too much
released on bail or otherwise.
enormous case load each prosecutor is re-
time before trial in which perhaps to com-
In summary, S. 945, in an effort to lessen
quired to carry. Surely some lawyers could be
mit additional crimes, intimidate witnesses
the ever-growing workload of the U.S. Dis-
spared from the Department of Justice to
and conceal evidence. Both the man in jail
trict Courts in matters that are more de-
help ease the load in what is truly an emer-
and the man on the street lose respect for
sirably performed by the lower tier of judi-
gency situation, but we see no evidence that
a system of law and justice which permits
cial officers, updates and makes more effec-
this is in the offing either. These last are
such injustice. To the one it is cruel; to the
tive a system that is no longer adequate.
problems the President could solve without
other it is a joke.
This legislation has the formal endorse-
Congressional assistance.
It is apparent that any legislation, no mat-
ment of the Judicial Conference of the
In summary, the House Republican Task
ter what its principal purpose might be,
United States and the American Bar As-
Force on Crime would note that crime in the
which tends to speed up the process of dis-
sociation and is supported by the Depart-
District of Columbia has been on the up-
pensing criminal justice takes on special sig-
ment of Justice and the National Associ-
swing for a decade. The increase has been
nificance. The House Republican Task Force
ation of U.S. Commissioners. It was origi-
twice the national rate. In the face of this,
on Crime believes that S. 945, the Federal
nally introduced in the Senate by Senators
positive action by the Administration has
Magistrates Act, is just such legislation. It
Joseph Tydings (D.-Md.) and Hugh Scott
Leen totally lacking. The streets of Wash-
abolishes the office of United States Commis-
(R.-Pa.) in June of 1966. In June of this
ington are unsafe. The Administration has
sioner, the first person within the judicial
year it passed the Senate overwhelmingly.
failed in its own backyard. Congress cannot,
system with whom a criminal defendant or-
It now rests in the House Judiciary Com-
in conscience, give it the responsibility for
dinarily comes into contact and replaces the
mittee. We urge early action. The 90th Con-
insuring safe streets elsewhere. We ask only
Commissioner with a United States Magis-
gress, First Session, has done little enough
for some sign from the President that he rec-
trate whose qualifications for office are great-
in enacting meaningful crime legislation.
ognizes his responsibility towards the na-
ly upgraded and whose duties are greatly
There is no excuse for inaction on something
tion's capital and that he is going to act
expanded. Although the Magistrates Act was
as worthwhile as this.
about crime and not merely talk about it.
not conceived as principally an anti-crime
measure, it is one nonetheless because it will
CRIME RATE "NATIONAL DISGRACE"; GOP TASK
clearly promote swifter justice in federal
FORCE Asks LEGISLATIVE ACTION
criminal cases. Nowhere is this more needed
The House Republican Task Force on Crime
than in our nation's Capital where all crimes
Monday asked for speedy passage of the Fed-
are within the jurisdiction of the Federal
eral Magistrates Act endorsed by the Judicial
courts. This Task Force approves the spirit
Conference of the United States and intro-
of the Magistrates Act and endorses its terms.
duced with bipartisan sponsorship, and called
The snail's pace at which all judicial sys-
it a bill that would unclog the backlog of
tems seem to operate is a product of the
criminal cases.
ever-increasing number of matters, both
(NOT PRINTED AT GOVERNMENT EXPENSE)
10
Congressional Record
United States
of America
PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE
90ᵗʰ
CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION
Vol. 113
WASHINGTON, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1967
No. 191
REPORT OF REPUBLICAN TASK
The GOP crime group called upon the
Early in this session of Congress, Rep. Wil-
FORCE ON CRIME
President to instruct the Attorney General
liam McCulloch (R.-Ohio) introduced leg-
"to withdraw his opposition" to use of court
islation designed to strike the delicate bal-
(Mr. GERALD R. FORD (at the re-
approved electronic surveillance in the in-
ance between the individual right to privacy
quest of Mr. EDWARDS of Alabama) was
vestigation of organized crime by federal and
and the legitimate need for society as a
granted permission to extend his re-
state law enforcement officers. Calling the
whole to be protected from criminal acts.
marks at this point in the RECORD and to
Judicial Conference of the United States sup-
The McCulloch bill was essentially prohibi-
include extraneous matter.)
port for wiretap legislation "most significant",
tory; yet at the same time it preserved to
Mr. GERALD R. FORD. Mr. Speaker,
they stated, "There is no longer a basis for
law enforcement carefully limited author-
reasonable controversy over the necessity or
ity to employ effective and proven investiga-
under leave to extend my remarks I in-
Constitutionality of this legislation.
tive techniques with court approval and su-
clude three statements prepared by the
"The time has come to end the debate.
pervision. This Task Force has been more
Republican task force on crime. The first,
Now it is time for action," the Task Force
active in urging the enactment of this legis-
entitled "GOP Crime Task Force Asks
declared.
lation.
L. B. J. To Disavow Goddard 'Marijuana'
With respect to the Judicial Conference,
In June, the Supreme Court decided the
Statement," was issued on October 20.
the Task Force noted that it "is a body of
now famous case of Berger V. New York. At
unparalleled prestige" headed by the Chief
The second, dated October 2, concerns
the time we felt the language of Berger was
Justice of the United States Supreme Court.
a blueprint for a statute which would meet
the support by the Judicial Conference of
Judicial Conference membership includes the
Constitutional demands and an invitation
the United States the use of court-ap-
chief judges of all the Federal Circuit Courts
to the Congress to fashion such a statute. It
proved electronic surveillance.
and selected judges of certain Federal Dis-
appears that we were correct.
The third, issued on September 27, is
trict Courts. Their report "represents the
It is the suggestion of the Judicial Con-
captioned "GOP Crime Group Scores
considered judgment of a purely judicial
ference that such electronic surveillance
Clark as Negative, Obstinate."
body" whose members are "in no way spokes-
legislation be drafted with a specific eye to-
men for law enforcement."
The statements follow:
wards the Berger decision. This. has been
The GOP statement continued, "Their
done. Today Rep. McCulloch and Rep. Rich-
GOP CRIME TASK FORCE Asks L. B. J. To
stated position, volunteered and unsolicited,
ard H. Poff (R.-Va.), Chairman of this Task
DISAVOW GODDARD "MARIHUANA" STATE-
can only be interpreted in one way. They rec-
Force, introduced in the House legislation in-
MENT
ognize the need for electronic surveillance in
corporating amendments to the McCulloch
According to a UPI story: "Marijuana is no
order to effectively fight crime. Moreover,
bill which we feel accomplish precisely what
more dangerous than alcohol, Dr. James L.
they recognize that law enforcement can be
the Judicial Conference suggests is Constitu-
Goddard, Commissioner of the Food and
given this tool within the limitations of the
tionally attainable.
Drug Administration, said yesterday."
Constitution."
In large part, the amendments are the
Members of the House Republican Task
On Tuesday, September 26, the Judicial
work product of a highly qualified and re-
Force on Crime are profoundly disturbed and
Conference of the United States formally
spected legal scholar, Professor G. Robert
deeply distressed by the pronouncement re-
proclaimed its approval of legislation which
Blakey of the faculty of Notre Dame Uni-
portedly made by Dr. Goddard. His statement
would authorize court-approved electronic
versity Law School. Professor Blakey's cre-
surveillance during both Federal and State
concerning the possession and use of mari-
dentials in this field of the law are unques-
criminal investigations involving organized
juana was ill-advised and imprudent.
tioned. He was a consultant on organized
crime.
His office is one of high public trust. His
crime to the President's Crime Commission.
responsibility is to stand between the people
The House Republican Task Force on
He has practical knowledge of the legitimate
and the threats which impure foods and
Crime believes that this is one of the most
needs of law enforcement; he is nonetheless
dangerous drugs pose to the well-being of the
significant statements that has ever been
abundantly sensitive to individual rights and
American society. The mischief of his re-
issued on the subject during the many years
liberties.
marks is chiefly that, if not clearly under-
that it has been debated. The Conference
There is no longer a basis for reasonable
stood, they tend to legitimize, glamorize, and
is a body of unparalleled prestige. It is
controversy over the necessity or Constitu-
popularize the possession and use of an un-
headed by the Chief Justice of the United
tionality of this legislation. The time has
lawful commodity by our nation's youth.
States Supreme Court. Its membership in-
come to end the debate. Now is time for ac-
cludes the chief judges of all the Federal
Today's parents have problems enough.
tion. We call upon the President to instruct
Circuit Courts and selected judges of certain
Dr. Goddard's remarks are more conse-
the Attorney General to withdraw his op-
federal Districts Courts.
quential than those of a private citizen.
position. It is not too late for this. If that is
They tend to assume the authority and the
rne Conference report represents the con-
done, there will be no basis for partisan con-
expertise of the office he holds. Whatever his
sidered judgment of a purely judicial body.
flict and we predict that Republicans and
private, personal views may be, the man who
The members are in no way spokesmen for
Democrats alike, in both Houses of Con-
holds such an important public responsibil-
law enforcement. Their stated position, vol-
gress, will unite to speedily enact legisla-
ity has some duty to refrian from expressing
unteered and unsolicited, can only be inter-
tion which is both eminently reasonable and
them publicly, particularly when his views
preted in one way. They recognize the need
vitally necessary.
are at odds with the statutory law of the
for electronic surveillance in order effectively
land. It is not his function to crusade against
to fight crime. Moreover, they recognize that
laws he may not like but rather to enforce
law enforcement can be given this vital tool
within the limitations of the Constitution.
laws Congress may enact.
We believe the President, as a concerned
The impact of this report is staggering. As
parent himself, will disavow the Goddard
the totally voluntary act of an eminently
statement.
responsible group, it undoubtedly reflects
the deep concern with which its members
view the menace of organized crime and the
problems of combatting it. It utterly de-
END DEBATE, WITHDRAW OPPOSITION, GOP
stroys whatever was left of the Administra-
TASK FORCE ON CRIME URGES
tion's position against the court supervised
The House Republican Task Force on
use of electronic surveillance. It underscores
Crime today introduced legislation which
anew the virtual unanimity of knowledge-
would amend the McCulloch Electronic Sur-
able opposition to that position.
veillance Act to bring it within the frame-
It is our understanding that the Judicial
work outlined by the Supreme Court in the
Conference had some reservations about
Berger case, and recently supported by the
some of the technical aspects of bills that
Judicial Conference of the United States.
have already been introduced. The point to
The Task Force credited Notre Dame Univer-
be made is simply that they are clearly in
sity Professor G. Robert Blakey with draft-
accord with the spirit and purpose of such
ing the amendments.
legislation.
GOP CRIME GROUP SCORES CLARK AS
NEGATIVE, OBSTINATE
Rep. Richard H. Poff (R.-Va.) and Rep.
Barber B. Conable (R.-N.Y.) Tuesday called
it "incredible" that the Attorney General
continues to stymie the fight against or-
ganized crime.
Poff, Chairman of the House Republican
Task Force on Crime, claimed the Judicial
Conference's support for legislation author-
izing court approved electronic surveillance
in the investigation of organized crime by
federal and state law enforcement officers
"should dispel any uncertainty about the
consequence and effect of the Supreme Court
decision in the Berger case. He checked off
support already given the Republican spon-
sored bill-"the Association of Federal In-
vestigators, the National Association of At-
torneys General, the National District Attor-
neys Association, a majority of the Presi-
dent's own Commission on Crime, and the
three previous Attorneys General of the
United States." Faced with overwhelming
support from the chief law enforcement of-
ficers of the states, and from responsible
authorities in the Executive, Legislative, and
Judicial Branches of the Federal government,
Poff stated, "It is difficult to understand
how Attorney General Ramsey Clark can
persist in the posture he has assumed.
"It is one thing to be firm and steadfast, it
is another to be negative and obstinate,"
Poff charged.
Rep. Conable, Task Force member, ex-
claimed, "The federal government should
have a major role in fighting organized crime,
and the Attorney General should be the
leader, marshalling our forces to do battle."
Conable noted that "sophisticated and
hardened criminals cannot be controlled
without sophisticated weapons" and the
legal use of court approved electronic sur-
veillance by federal and state law enforce-
ment officers in the investigation of organized
crime could be one of those weapons.
(NOT PRINTED AT GOVERNMENT EXPENSE)
10
Congressional Record
United States
of America
PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE
90ᵗʰ
CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION
Vol. 113
WASHINGTON, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1967
No. 192
FEDERAL CRIME FIGHTERS JOIN
In a related matter, Rep. Louis C. Wyman
A Task Force spokesman also noted that
PUSH FOR WIRETAP ACT
(R.-N.H.), also a Crime Task Force member,
inspection of these materials will doubtless
told the House that the National Association
serve to end another controversy-that con-
(Mr. GERALD R. FORD (at the re-
of State Attorneys General had also recently
cerning the effectiveness of electronic sur-
adopted a formal resolution supporting eaves-
veillance. "If these devices are useless, these
quest of Mr. McEwEN) was granted per-
dropping legislation conforming to Republi-
materials will show it; if organized crime is
mission to extend his remarks at this
can proposals. He urged the House to enact
a tiny problem, these materials will show it."
point in the RECORD and to include ex-
this legislation as a matter of priority and
"To us at any rate," the report concluded,
traneous matter.)
before the end of the current session.
"this seems like such a simple solution that
Mr. GERALD R. FORD. Mr. Speaker,
we wonder why the Attorney General has not
under leave to extend my remarks, I in-
"TAKE WRAPS OFF ORGAN'ZED CRIME DATA," GOP
himself suggested it."
clude a statement released on Septem-
TASK FORCE TELLS JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
ber 21, 1967, by the Republican task force
WASHINGTON, D.C.-The House Republican
STATEMENT OF HOUSE REPUBLICAN TASK FORCE
Task Force on Crime today called upon the
ON CRIME
on crime entitled "Federal Crime Fight-
ers Join Push for Wiretap Act," and a
Department of Justice to make available to
The Republican Task Force on Crime urges
the Congress in executive or closed session
that certain data concerning organized crime
statement of September 18 which was
the "tape recordings, log entries and internal
now in the custody of the Department of
part of a release entitled "Take Wraps
communications" resulting from electronic
Justice be made available to the Congress in
Off Organized Crime Data."
surveillance against organized crime between
executive session.
FEDERAL CRIME FIGHTERS JOIN PUSH FOR
1961 and 1965.
In May of this year, Attorney General
WIRETAP ACT
They noted that Attorney General Ramsey
Ramsey Clark called organized crime a "tiny
WASHINGTON, D.C.-An organization of over
Clark has called organized crime a "tiny part
part of the entire crime picture." Not every-
1,000 Federal career employees, all active in
of the entire crime picture" but that just
one agrees. His three immediate predecessors
law enforcement, today broke with the John-
about everybody else disagrees with him.
in office-Attorneys General Katzenbach,
son Administration on the question of court-
"The time has come to resolve the conflict
Kennedy and Rogers-have stated quite the
authorized electronic surveillance. The group
to get all of the available evidence out
contrary. Since the early 1950's Congressional
voiced support for legislation which would
in the open to discharge the most fun-
committees of both Houses have studied, in-
permit court-supervised wiretapping and
damental of duties to the American public-
vestigated and grappled with organized
bugging in the investigation of certain major
that of informing them, one way or another
crime in all its forms. None have reported it
crimes.
but once and for all, as to just what orga-
a "tiny" problem. The President's own Crime
Rep. Richard H. Poff (R.-Va.), Chairman
nized crime is all about," the prepared state-
Commission stated that "in many ways or-
of the House Republican Task Force on
ment continued.
ganized crime is the most sadistic kind of
Crime, today released the text of a statement
The Task Force revealed that they had
crime in America." And this Task Force has
by the Association of Federal Investigators
"become aware in recent months that dur-
said that organized crime "poses a threat of
on electronic surveillance. "It is enormously
ing the period from 1961 to 1965 the Depart-
the gravest dimensions to the whole fabric of
significant that this Association support leg-
ment of Justice conducted an intelligence
American society."
islation" which would give law enforcement
gathering program of unparalleled propor-
The time has come to resolve the conflict.
a vital investigative tool under strict court
tions concerning organized crime" and that
The time has come to get all of the available
control and that, at the same time, they "de-
in it they utilized electronic eavesdropping
evidence out in the open. The time has come
plore the Attorney General's obstructionism
devices. They charged that, in substantial
for someone to discharge the most funda-
towards federal investigations," Rep. Poff told
part, the material for a recent series of arti-
mental of duties to the American public-
his House colleagues.
cles in Life Magazine "spectacularly demon-
that of informing them, one way or the other
"Until now the only federal spokesman on
strating" the menace of organized crime,
but once and for all, as to just what organized
this issue has been Attorney General Clark,"
"could not have been obtained other than
crime is all about.
Poff explained. "But now, a group of more
by electronic surveillance."
We have become aware in recent months
than 1,000 federal career employees active
The report continued: "From time to time
that during the period from 1961 to 1965 the
in law enforcement has spoken out in direct
the product of these devices-what was
Department of Justice conducted an intelli-
opposition to his view." Rep. John Erlen-
actually overheard from the very mouths of
gence gathering program of unparalleled
born (R.-III.), a Crime Task Force member,
the hoodlums and racketeers themselves—
proportions concerning organized crime. In it
later stated, "The statement of the federal
has been made known to persons outside the
they utilized electronic eavesdropping de-
investigators is plain, clear, and unequivo-
Department of Justice for other purposes."
vices. From time to time the product of these
cal. Evidently when the Attorney General
"We see no reason why they would not sim-
devices-what was actually overheard from
speaks on this issue he speaks for himself
ilarly make this available to the Congress."
the very mouths of the hoodlums and rack-
and himself alone. To me, the federal investi-
"The people have an absolute right to know
eteers themselves-has been made known to
gators have utterly destroyed any basis for
they are being told the truth about orga-
persons outside the Department, usually for
the Administration's position," he concluded.
nized crime."
the purpose of determining whether the
John P. Diuguid, counsel to the Associa-
The Task Force proposed examination of
privacy of a particular organized crime de-
tion, told Rep. Poff, "From the experience of
these materials in closed session of Congress
fendant has been invaded.
the membership" electronic surveillance "de-
followed by a case-by-case report to the
Very little of what was overheard has been
vices are necessary, useful and effective in-
American people. There is no danger of in-
put into the public domain, however; yet
vestigative weapons particularly where or-
vading anybody's rights by this, they pointed
from the little that has been made public,
ganized crime cases are concerned." The As-
out, "neither the names of the innocent, nor
this Task Force has come to a view that the
sociation's statement called the Republican-
for that matter, those of the guilty, need be
program was successful beyond the wildest
sponsored Electronic Surveillance Control
published."
imagination of those who conceived it. Life
Act of 1967 "a major step" in the war on or-
ganized crime.
Magazine, for example, has recently con-
cluded a series of articles which spectacular-
ly demonstrates the menace of organized
crime; the material for these, in substantial
part, could not have been obtained other
than by electronic surveillance.
It is a matter of record where some of the
electronic coverage was. It is a matter of rec-
ord that the tape recordings, log entries and
internal communications concerning that
coverage still exist. In the past this Task
Force has proposed the creation of a biparti-
son Joint Congressional Committee on Orga-
nized Crime. We here reiterate the proposal
and call upon the Congress to act with great
dispatch in this regard. We suggest, more-
over, that the first act of the Joint Committee
be to call for Justice Department materials
concerning their electronic surveillance of
organized crime.
Since there seems to be no reluctance on
the part of the Department of Justice to
making some of this information available to
some people in order to insure fairness to a
criminal defendant, we see no reason why
they would not similarly make it available to
the Congress in its law-making function in
order to insure the same fairness to the law-
abiding American people. The people have an
absolute right to know they are being told
the truth about organized crime.
We further propose that these materials be
examined in executive session and that,
thereafter, the Committee publish a case-by-
case report of its findings to the whole Con-
gress and to the American people. Neither the
names of the innocent, nor for that matter,
those of the guilty, need be published; thus,
there would be no danger of invading any-
body's rights.
Quite incidentally, inspection of these ma-
terials will doubtless serve to end another
controversy-that concerning the effective-
ness of lawful electronic surveillance. This
Task Force is on the side of those who be-
lieve that under appropriate court supervi-
sion and sanction, it can do both fair and
effective. We are quite willing to have our
views subjected to scrutiny. If these devices
are useless, these materials will show it; if
organized crime is a tiny problem, these ma-
terials will show it. To us, at any rate, this
seems like such a simple solution to all the
controversy that we wonder why the Attorney
General has not himself suggested it.
(NOT PRINTED AT GOVERNMENT EXPENSE)
10
Congressional Record
United States
of America
PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE
90ᵗʰ
CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION
Vol. 113
WASHINGTON, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1967
No. 193
TAFT CHALLENGES JUSTICE DE-
Stated Taft, "The bills referred to have
With respect to the Administration's sta-
PARTMENT ON STATISTICS
been the subject of legislative proposals since
tistical justification of its war on Organized
(Mr. GERALD R. FORD (at the re-
1961. Both, one to compel testimony in
Cirme, we must note that it is carefully con-
Racketeering cases, the other to make it a
fined to FBI-investigated convictions. It
quest of Mr. STEIGER of Arizona) was
crime to threaten potential witnesses, have
makes no mention of who the subjects of
granted permission to extend his re-
received strong Republican support. Both
convictions were or what their standing was
marks at this point in the RECORD and to
have been sponsored in this session of Con-
in the hierachy of Organized Crime. What
include extraneous matter.)
gress
by Republicans and Democrats
of IRS-investigated Organized Crime convic-
alike. Until the Justice Department utilizes
tions? Hitherto, they have accounted for 60%
Mr. GERALD R. FORD. Mr. Speaker,
every legal weapon, the fight against crime
of the success of the entire Federal effort.
under leave to extend my remarks, I in-
will continue to be a losing battle," Taft
In addition, how many "high echelon" Or-
clude a statement by Representative
concluded.
ganized Crime figures are among those con-
ROBERT TAFT, JR., entitled "TAFT Chal-
victed? Conversely, how many numbers-
lenges Justice Department on Statistics,"
TAFT CHALLENGES JUSTICE DEPARTMENT ON
writers, petty bootleggers, prostitutes, race
STATISTICS
and a release of September 13, 1967, by
track touts and similar small fish have found
the Republican task force on crime on
The statement made on August 30 by
their way into their statistics?
the same subject.
Deputy Attorney General Warren Christopher
Since the Justice Department cited the
I also include a release of September 12
in reply to criticism by Republican groups of
number of convictions in a selected area as
the Administration's "War on Crime" de-
a measure of their success in fighting Orga-
entitled, "Articles Dramatize Need for
serves a direct retort. It evades questions,
nized Crime, additional figures deserve com-
Wiretap Law: Representative POFF," and
quotes meaningless statistics, pleads parti-
ment. The President's Crime Commission
one of August 28 on "Rules Ham String-
sanship, and usurps credit where none is due.
called "Cosa Nostra" the core of Organized
ing Agents, Says Crime Task Force,"
The House Republican Task Force on Crime
Crime and estimated its membership at some
commented on the Attorney General's limita-
5,000. Since 1961 only about 130 identified
which is accompanied by a statement of
tion of legal electronic surveillance and
"Cosa Nostra" members have been convicted
the House Republican task force on
simply questioned why it was necessary to
by the Federal government. That amounts to
crime.
exceed the limitations of the Supreme Court
roughly 2.6% of "Cosa Nostra" membership
The material follows:
outlined in the Berger decision. The Task
for the entire seven-year period-a convic-
TAFT CHALLENGES JUSTICE DEPARTMENT ON
Force asked what the logical purpose of the
tion rate of 0.4% per year. Current issues of
STATISTICS
additional restrictive regulations was, and
Life Magazine detail the dominance over the
WASHINGTON, D.C.-Representative Robert
where the Attorney General derives the au-
underworld of those remaining free.
thority to establish them. These questions
And the 130 convictions represent the sum
Taft, Jr. (R.-Ohio) Wednesday challenged
remain unanswered.
total of the efforts of 26 Federal investiga-
the Justice Department on its "statistical
In another statement, 23 House Republi-
tive agencies, 94 United States Attorney's
justification" of the "War on Organized
Offices and, of course, the Organized Crime
Crime." In response to Administration criti-
cans, including myself, recently outlined a
cism of recent GOP crime statements, Taft
12-point program for combating Organized
Section of the Justice Department.
stated, "Since the Justice Department cited
Crime nationwide and asked a number of
Criticism of the Organized Crime Section
the numbers of their convictions as a meas-
questions such as:
of the Justice Department is not intended.
ure of their success in fighting Organized
1. Why the activities of the Organized
The Section should not be dissuaded from
Crime, I suggest that additional figures de-
Crime Section of the Justice Department
prosecuting even low-level figures. They are
serve comment."
have been dramatically reduced since 1964?
as much a part of Organized Crime as any-
Taft is Deputy Chairman of the House
2. Why the Administration influenced the
one else. In addition, no one can tell when
Republican Task Force on Crime and one of
Crime Commission to reverse an earlier rec-
a conviction might lead to important further
the authors of the recent attack by 23 Re-
ommendation for wiretap legislation?
prosecutions. It is a well known fact. how-
publican moderates on the Johnson Admin-
3. Why the Administration persists in its
ever, that the high echelon racketeers-the
istration's failures in fighting Organized
position that court authorized electronic sur-
syndicate gamblers, the mob leaders, "Cosa
Crime.
veillance is of little value despite statements
Nostra" members-are extremely well insu-
"The President's Crime Commission called
to the contrary from almost every law en-
lated from the day-to-day criminal activi-
'Cosa Nostra' the core of Organized Crime
forcement official in the country?
ties they direct. As a result, they are ex-
and estimated its membership at some
4. Why the Administration has ignored
tremely difficult to prosecute. The problem
5,000," Taft told his House colleagues. "Since
almost every recommendation by the Pres-
is basically one of uncovering evidence.
1961 only about 130 identified 'Costa Nostra'
ident's Crime Commission on Organized
It's to the credit of the Organized Crime
members have been convicted by the Federal
Crime?
Section that they have accomplished even
government. That amounts to roughly 2.6%
These questions remain unanswered by Mr.
this much under present Justice Department
of 'Cosa Nostra' membership for the entire
Christopher and the Justice Department.
rules laid down for them and the evidence
seven-year period-a conviction rate of 0.4%
Instead, Mr. Christopher says FBI-investi-
gatherers they supervise. But the claimed im-
per year," Taft calculated.
gated Organized Crime convictions rose 39%
port of their success is obviously quite mis-
"The 130 convictions represent the sum
from the previous year and two new meas-
leading.
total of the efforts of 26 Federal investiga-
ures to aid the fight against organized crime
The most dramatic and typical issue is the
tive agencies, 94 United States Attorney's
are pending in Congress. "With Republican
authorization of court approved electronic
Offices, and, of course, the Organized Crime
aid, these bills could be promptly passed,"
surveillance, within Constitutional limits,
Section of the Justice Department."
Christopher comments. He adds, "The par-
as one of the necessary tools for obtaining
Taft listed a number of questions asked
tisan obstruction of the Republicans only
evidence aaginst syndicate leaders. Until the
by the Crime Task Force and, in a separate
serves to interfere with the war against
Justice Department recognizes the need to
statement, 23 House Republicans. "Those
crime."
utilize every legal weapon, the fight against
questions remained unanswered," he
The two bills referred to have been the
crime will continue to be a losing battle.
charged. He noted that the Administration's
subject of legislative proposals since 1961.
rebuttal to the GOP papers had referred to
Both have received broad Republican sup-
"additional new measures to fight Organized
port, both have been sponsored in this ses-
Crime pending in Congress." The Admin-
sion of Congress, in House and Senate, by
istration blamed Republicans for delays on
Republicans and Democrats alike. These bills
two bills.
are bipartisan efforts, and were among rec-
omendations of the President Crime Com-
mission.
ARTICLES DRAMATIZE NEED FOR WIRETAP LAW:
STATEMENT OF THE HOUSE REPUBLICAN TASK
REPRESENTATIVE POFF
FORCE ON CRIME
Quite apart from the fact that we seriously
WASHINGTON, D.C.-Representative Rich-
The House Republican Task Force on
question the authority of the Attorney Gen-
ard H. Poff (R.-Va.) Monday charged that
Crime believes that it is a necessary and
eral to meddle in this fashion in the purely
investigative affairs of other departments
a recent magazine series on Organized Crime
proper function of the Attorney General and
dramatizes the need for legislation legalizing
and agencies of the federal government, we
the Department of Justice to operate with-
court authorized electronic surveillance of
in the framework of existing law in con-
view his regulations as inevitably discour-
Organized Crime conspiracies.
ducting its investigations into and prosecu-
aging the use of sound, acceptable and legal
Representative Poff, Chairman of the House
tions of criminal matters, be it organized
investigative techniques in combating or-
Republican Task Force on Crime, told his
ganized crime. It is proper, of course, for
crime or any other type of crime. By this
House colleagues that he wrote Attorney
him to advise other departments and agen-
we mean they should not go beyond the
cies of the federal government as to the ex-
General Ramsey Clark, "A constituent called
law but at the same time they should
isting law with respect to the use of in-
me to ask if I have read the articles in the
utilize every effective investigative tool avail-
September 1 and September 8 issues of Life
able to them inside the law.
vestigative tools. But as the ultimate au-
Magazine. I have done so," Poff reported. He
In June, the Attorney General promul-
thority, under his own regulations, he now
asked the Attorney General, "If you have
gated and issued to the Department of Jus-
sits in judgment as to what may or may
not, I urge you to do so."
tice and to other departments and agen-
not be necessary in an investigation thou-
He stated that the constituent wanted to
cies of the federal government (for example,
sands of miles from his Washington office.
know whether the magazine articles were
the Bureau of Narcotics of the Treasury
Time may be vital-delay deadly. He cannot
factual "and if so, why something hasn't
Department) a set of regulations expressly
possibly know the facts better than the agent
been done
designed to, in the language of the regula-
in the field, even after he has required the
Anticipating a possible Justice Department
tions, "strictly limit legal electronic sur-
agent to justify his request in considerable
response, Poff explained that much of the
veillance." These regulations have no other
written detail. The cumbersome, time-
information appears to come from electronic
practical effect than the "ham-stringing" of
consuming, inter-agency procedural struc-
surveillance. Under present law, wiretap evi-
Federal agents in their day-to-day conduct
ture the new regulations erect is likely to
dence and evidence traceable thereto is
of organized crime investigations. We view
intimidate and frustrate the most diligent
tainted
them as yet another manifestation of the
investigator. And where authority to employ
"If this is your answer," Representative
fact that the Attorney General is fighting a
a device is denied, agents may understand-
Poff wrote, "and if the wiretap tapes and
war of retreat against organized crime and
ably decline to expose themselves to danger,
log entries in the possession of Federal in-
that it is only a matter of time before his
informants will refuse to cooperate, and
vestigators do in fact document the crimes
federal forces will be in a full scale rout.
crime will go unpunished because witnesses
charged in the magazine articles, then I
The limitations in his regulations go far
are not corroborated.
have a question of my own. Does this not
beyond wiretap and third-party bugging.
No need for the Attorney General's regu-
fully justify legislation legalizing electronic
They go far beyond the strict limitations
lations has been shown. On the contrary,
surveillance of organized crime conspiracies
placed upon these practices by the Supreme
he has himself informed us that as far as
by law enforcement officers acting under
Court in the Berger case. They reach even
federal agencies are concerned, electronic
court orders in the nature of a search war-
transmitters and recording devices used by
surveillance by all illegal means has been a
rant?" He concluded, "Your reply will be
one of the parties to a conversation, a Nar-
thing of the past since July 1965. If that is
helpful in answering the mail I am beginning
cotics agent who is about to make a pur-
true, then the regulations are without a logi-
to receive on the same subject."
chase or a Treasury agent who is about
cal purpose. Where legal investigative tech-
to be bribed. This technique was specifical-
niques are available, their use ought to be
RULES "HAM STRINGING" AGENTS SAYS CRIME
ly sanctioned by the Supreme Court as re-
encouraged and the decision to use them
TASK FORCE
cently as last November in the Osborn case,
ought not be subjected to unwarranted inter-
The House Republican Task Force on
and it is a technique most frequently em-
agency interference. In short, this Task Force
Crime today called on the Attorney General
ployed in organized crime investigations. To
believes that, so long as adequate safeguards
"to utilize every legal investigative tool
be sure, these regulations do not actually
against illegal practices exist, investigating
available" to combat the nation's spiraling
forbid the use of transmitters and recorders
ought to be left to the investigators. In the
crime rate.
under those circumstances, but they do cre-
war against crime they are the people on
The Task Force charged that the Attorney
ate a labyrinth of procedure, inventory con-
the firing line; they are doing the work;
General's June 1967, regulations "strictly
trol and just plain red tape which cul-
they are taking the risks.
limiting legal electronic surveillance" have
minates in the obtaining of advance ap-
We call upon the Attorney General to re-
no other effect than the "ham-stringing of
proval from the Attorney General before
examine and revise what is to us an incredi-
Federal agents in their day-to-day conduct
any use may be made of such devices. And
ble retreat in the war on criminal activity.
of organized crime investigations. No need
If that advance written approval has been
As the chief law enforcement officer of this
for the Attorney General's regulations has
or will be denied or simply delayed in just
country he should move vigorously by all
been shown. They are, in fact, further evi-
one single instance, then that is just one
means within the law to enforce the law.
dence that the Attorney General is fighting
less case the government may be able to
a war of retreat against organized crime,"
bring.
the group charged in a prepared statement.
Frequently an agent in the field places
"We view his regulations as inevitably dis-
his life or personal safety in jeopardy dur-
couraging the use of sound, acceptable, and
ing the investigation of organized crime
legal investigative techniques in combating
cases. Necessarily, he must deal clandestine-
organized crime. He now sits in judgment as
ly with people who are armed and danger-
to what may or may not be necessary in an
ous. Under those circumstances it is usual-
investigation thousands of miles from his
ly mandatory-from a safety consideration
Washington office. An agent in the field
alone-that what transpires be overheard
places his life or personal safety in jeopardy
instantly by other agents nearby. The same
during investigations
Time, obviously,
thing may be said of informants, particular-
ly narcotics informants, for whose protec-
may be vital-delay deadly," the Task Force
tion there ought to be at least some con-
asserted.
cern. Informants are even now difficult
"The cumbersome, time-consuming, inter-
enough to find and cultivate; they will be
agency procedural structure the new regu-
altogether unavailable if they are to be aban-
lations erect is likely to intimidate and frus-
doned to their own wits in dangerous situa-
trate the most diligent investigator. So long
tions. Further, potential witnesses in or-
as adequate safeguards against illegal prac-
ganized crime cases are, for a variety of
tices exist, investigating ought to be left to
reasons, sometimes difficult to corroborate.
investigators."
What is overheard by a transmitter may be
The Task Force declared, "We urge the At-
preserved by a recorder and later become
torney General to reexamine and revise what
probative, competent and, most important,
is to us an incredible retreat in the war
accurate corroborative evidence in the prose-
against criminal activity."
cution.
Special to Kent and Ionia County Weeklies
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.
(more)
-2-
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.
# # #
FOR THE SENATE:
FOR THE HOUSE
Everett M. Dirksen
THE REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP
OF REPRESENTATIVES:
of Illinois
Thomas H. Kuchel
OF THE CONGRESS
Gerald R. Ford
of California
of Michigan
Leslie C. Arends
Bourke B. Hickenlooper
of Iowa
of Illinois
Melvin R. Laird
Margaret Chase Smith
of Wisconsin
of Maine
Press Release
John J. Rhodes
George Murphy
of California
of Arizona
H. Allen Smith
Milton R. Young
of North Dakota
of California
Bob Wilson
Hugh Scott
of Pennsylvania
Issued following a
of California
Leadership Meeting
Charles E. Goodell
of New York
PRESIDING:
The National Chairman
June 13, 1968
Richard H. Poff
of Virginia
Ray C. Bliss
William C. Cramer
of Florida
STATEMENT BY SENATOR DIRKSEN:
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
In 1976, it will be 200 years that this good land became a new nation.
It began with but three million people. Today it exceeds 200 million. The
basic law under which it was launched as a Republic not only created a
structure of government but also recited the purposes for which the Constitu-
tion was ordained. Among those purposes was the establishment of justice
and the insurance of domestic tranquillity.
Save for the long civil strife more than a century ago, the refinement
and expansion of justice has gone forward and domestic tranquillity has
been preserved.
During most of those two centuries authority has been respected, the
laws have been generally obeyed and enforced, human life has been protected
and safeguarded, a feeling of security has prevailed, and the right of
private property has been upheld. Ours has been a good history.
But, in our time, something has happened.
Authority is challenged. The burning of draft cards, the seizure of
school administration offices, the riotous rupture of peace in the cities --
all are challenges to authority.
The law has been flouted. Riots in cities large and small, the ghastly
increase in serious crime, all these attest to disobedience to law and the
inadequacy of enforcement.
The sanctity of human life is so callously disdained. A young President
is shot down. A young Senator is shot down. A non-violent Christian crusader
is shot down. Each year there are thousands of murders and homicides.
Private property rights are ignored by the robber, the looter and
the arsonist.
(con't)
Room S-124 U.S. Capitol-(202) 225-3700
Consultant to the Leadership-John B. Fisher
- 2 -
Too much of the language of today is uncouth and un-American. "Burn
baby, burn!" becomes a slogan. "Get guns!" becomes an arrogant
war cry.
A brooding insecurity arouses the fears of the citizenry.
The flag is deliberately desecrated at home and abroad. There is
doubt that we really are "One nation, under God, indivisible."
The nation has paid a terrible price in lives, in peace of mind, in
haunting fear and insecurity, in property damage, in prestige and a
tarnished image abroad.
Whatever the cause be it in the homes, the schools, the courts, in
public stewardship or some other field -- both the problem and the remedy
are reasonable clear.
What does it take?
The law must be obeyed and enforced. No disorderly society can long
survive. "There is no grievance," said Abraham Lincoln, "that is a fit
object of redress by mob law."
A sacred regard for human life must be restored. Fear seems to be the
only universal passion. Even the hardened criminal fears swift, certain,
speedy punishment. Mandatory sentences written in the law might help to
stem the crime tide.
Respect for authority must be restored. Without it, we may find
ourselves on the road to disaster.
The hateful language of destruction which comes so readily to the
tongue should be discouraged at every turn.
The flag is the embodiment of the principles of this Republic. The very
Republic suffers by its desecration.
Finally, the time has come to rethink our history. It should have
emphasis in every school, church and forum in the land. The legacy which is
ours came from those who were here before us. Into this land they built
their skills and talents, their hopes and dreams, their tears and sacrifices.
Today, we are the trustees of America. Upon us is a two-fold duty. The one
is to those who came before us and gave us this land for our inheritance.
The other is to those who shall come after us.
Perhaps three words can state the whole case: dedication, discipline,
duty.
STATEMENT BY REPRESENTATIVE FORD:
June 13, 1968
One full week ago, meeting in the shadow of violence and tragedv, the
House passed and sent to the President the Law Enforcement Assistance
and Criminal Justice Act of 1968.
The House vote was 368 to 17.
The Senate vote was 72 to 4.
These overwhelming majorities reflected the massive demand of an
aroused America that crime must be stopped. People must feel safe to
walk in their own neighborhoods, sleep in their own homes, work in their
own stores. The law must be upheld and lawbreakers must be punished.
But a week has passed and President Johnson has not signed this
comprehensive crime bill into law. What is he waiting for?
Immediately, the President clouded this life-and-death legislation
by attacking its gun control provisions, incidentally authored by Senate
Democrats, and utterly ignoring the nine other urgently-needed sections
of the omnibus bill, many of which bear a Republican stamp.
The major gun control provisions Congress already has approved still
await the President's signature, along with other long-overdue, anti-
crime provisions.
What is the President waiting for?
Instead of taking prompt and constructive action, he appointed another
study commission. Even if he intends to veto the crime bill, he should
do so without delay so we can re-enact it over his veto.
A whole week has been lost. Projecting the FBI Crime Index statistics
over an average week, more than 70,000 major crimes occur in this country;
some 246 murders, 530 rapes, 3400 robberies and over 5000 aggravated
assaults have ticked off the crime clock since Congress did its duty
a week ago today.
What is the President waiting for?
Besides the gun control sections, the Crime Bill on the President's
desk contains these important provisions:
1 -- Block grants of Federal funds to assist State governments in
the war on crime -- sponsored by Sen. Dirksen in the Senate and Rep. Cahill
in the House -- urged by virtually all State Governors of both parties
over the opposition of the President and the Attorney General.
(con't)
- 4 -
Rep. Ford
2. -- Federal prohibition of all private electronic eavesdropping
and wire-tapping, along with carefully defined permission for such
surveillance by enforcement officers under court authorization and
supervision. This was introduced in the House by Rep. McCulloch,
Rep. Poff, and other minority members of the Judiciary Committee and
the Republican Task Force on Crime. The President's own Crime Commission
made these recommendations. He has opposed them. These are major
weapons in the fight against organized crime, espionage and subversion.
3. Authorization for a National Institute of Law Enforcement and
Criminal Justice, first proposed in the January 1967 Republican State
of the Union message by Senator Dirksen and me, and incorporated in the
bill by Rep. McClory.
4. -- Amendments authored by Sen. Scott, Sen. Allott and Rep. Railsback
to modify and clarify recent Supreme Court decisions on the admissability
of confessions and other evidence.
5. Provisions for "community service officers" proposed by Sen. Percy
and Rep. Goodell to improve relations between police and citizens. An
overall application of Rep. Broyhill's amendment to recent appropriation
bills concerning Federal civil servants who are convicted of crimes
related to riots. Sen. Murphy's amendment requiring future Directors
of the FBI to be confirmed by the Senate. An amendment by Sen. Hruska
to help states fight organized crime.
All these matters are awaiting final approval at the White House.
What is the President waiting for?
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.
# # #
News
TASK FORCE
ON
TASK FORCE MEMBERS
P&R LIAISON: SAMUEL L. DEVINE (OHIO)
CRIME
ROBERT TAFT, JR. (OHIO)
CLARK MACGREGOR (MINN.)
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN
ROBERT B. MATHIAS (CALIF.)
RICHARD H. POFF (Va.) Chairman
BARBER B. CONABLE (N.Y.)
ROBERT PRICE (TEX.)
WILLIAM c. CRAMER (FLA.)
THOMAS F. RAILSBACK (ILL.)
SAMUEL L. DEVINE (OHIO)
HENRY P. SMITH (N.Y.)
JOHN N. ERLENBORN (ILL.)
CHALMERS P. WYLIE (OHIO)
HOUSE REPUBLICAN CONFERENCE
CARLETON J. KING (N.Y.)
LOUIS C. WYMAN (N.H.)
PLANNING AND RESEARCH COMMITTEE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: BRIAN P. GETTINGS
REP. CHARLES E. GOODELL (N.Y.) CHAIRMAN
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 1616 LONGWORTH BLDG. WASHINGTON, D. C. 20515 TEL. 225-6931
FOR RELEASE: Tuesday AM's
July 16, 1968
ADMINISTRATION "INEFFECTIVE" IN FEDERAL ANTI-CRIME FIGHT, CHARGES GOP CRIME GROUP
The House Republican Task Force on Crime charged yesterday that despite a
substantial increase in Justice Department employees and expenditures since 1960
"there has been no corresponding increase in the Department's effectiveness in the
nationwide crime fight." The GOP lawmakers declared that "something is drastically
wrong with the policies, means and methods being used in the federal anti-crime fight."
The Task Force noted that the number of persons employed by the Justice Department
rose to an all-time high of more than 34,000 in June 1967, and Department expenditures
for the year, in excess of $422 million, were 55% greater than 1960, They then cited
the nationwide 88% increase in crime since 1960 and disclosed that convictions in
federal courts throughout the country, in cases prosecuted by the Justice Department,
have decreased during this same period, by 3300 or 11%.
The record for the District of Columbia, where the Justice Department has
exclusive jurisdiction over all crimes, they said "is even worse." Serious felonies in
the District have climbed by 175% since 1960--felony convictions have decreased by 37%.
They said they could understand a decrease in convictions "if it were accompanied
by a corresponding decrease in crime. Otherwise, it is indefensible."
The Task Force pointed out that in 1967 for every 45 felonies committed in the
District of Columbia, only one felony conviction resulted. "Those odds invite more
crime," they said.
"Some criminologists would doubtless blame the courts for such a show of
ineffectiveness," the Task Force continued. "However, Attorney General Ramsey Clark
has consistently denied any adverse effect of court decisions on law enforcement.
Certainly, if the courts are not to blame for this ineffectiveness, the Department of
Justice is," the Crime Group concluded.
- 30 -
STATEMENT OF HOUSE REPUBLICAN TASK FORCE ON CRIME
Contact: 225-6931
July 15, 1968
Crime throughout the United States, as measured by the F.B.I. Crime Index, has
increased 88% since 1960. In the District of Columbia serious felonies and
misdemeanors have increased 135%, and felonies alone have increased 175% during the
same period.
According to the Annual Report of the Attorney General for fiscal year 1967, the
Department of Justice conducted an "unprecedented program" to achieve effective law
enforcement and reduction of crime last year. The number of persons employed by the
Department "rose to an all time high of 34,052 in June 1967" and Department expendi-
tures for the year, in excess of $422 million, were 55% more than 1960.
Despite the substantial increase in personnel, expenditures and, we are given to
understand, in effort by the Department of Justice, there has been no corresponding
increase in the effectiveness of their anti-crime program. In fact, there has been a
substantial decrease.
In fiscal 1960, 30,955 persons were found guilty of crimes in federal courts.
In 1967, 27,643 were found guilty, a decrease of 3,312 or approximately 11%.
The record for the District of Columbia where the Justice Department has exclusive
jurisdiction over all crime is even worse. The United States District Court for the
District of Columbia has jurisdiction over all felony violations committed in the
District. During the same period that felonies increased by 175%, felony convictions
in the District Court decreased by 37%.
A decrease in convictions is understandable, even welcome, as long as it is
accompanied by a decrease in crime. Otherwise it is indefensible.
In 1960 the ratio of known felony offenses to felony convictions in the District
stood at approximately 10 to 1, at or about the national average. In 1967 the ratio
was 45 to 1. Those odds invite more crime.
Some criminologists doubtless would blame the courts for such a show of ineffective-
ness. However, Attorney General Ramsey Clark has consistently denied any adverse
effect of court decisions on law enforcement. And the Democrat ex-United States
Attorney for the District, David Acheson, has said that "changes in court decisions
and prosecution procedures would have about the same effect upon the crime rate as an
aspirin would have on a tumor of the brain." Certainly, if the courts are not to blame
for this ineffectiveness, the Department of Justice is.
It is evident that something is drastically wrong with the policies, means and
methods being employed in the federal anti-crime fight. They are not working. The
federal government under the present Administration is not bearing its share of the
load in bringing criminals to justice.
- 30 -
FOR THE SENATE:
FOR THE HOUSE
Everett M. Dirksen
THE REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP
OF REPRESENTATIVES:
of Illinois
OF THE CONGRESS
Gerald R. Ford
Thomas H. Kuchel
of Michigan
of California
Leslie C. Arends
Bourke B. Hickenlooper
of Iowa
Press Release
of Illinois
Melvin R. Laird
Margaret Chase Smith
of Wisconsin
of Maine
John J. Rhodes
George Murphy
of Arizona
of California
H. Allen Smith
Milton R. Young
of California
of North Dakota
Bob Wilson
Hugh Scott
Issued following a
of California
of Pennsylvania
Leadership Meeting
Charles E. Goodell
of New York
PRESIDING:
September 12, 1968
Richard H. Poff
The National Chairman
of Virginia
Ray C. Bliss
William C. Cramer
of Florida
SENATOR DIRKSEN
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Republican Party, in its Platform of 1968, solemnly pledges to every
American that "we shall think anew and act anew". And indeed we shall!
That platform, specifically, pledges us:
To dedicate our efforts toward restoration of peace both at home and abroad--
To bring about a national commitment to rebuild our urban and rural slum
areas --
To enable family farm enterprise to participate fully in the nation's
prosperity --
To bring about quality education for all --
To assure every individual an opportunity for satisfying and rewarding
employment --
To attack the root causes of poverty and eradicate racism, hatred and
violence --
To give all citizens the opportunity to influence and shape the events
of our time --
To give increasing attention to the views of the young and recognize
their key role in our present as well as the future --
To mobilize the resources, talents and energy of public and private sectors
to reach these goals, utilizing the unique strength and initiative of state
and local governments --
To re-establish fiscal responsibility and put an end to increases in the
cost of living.
The Republican Leadership of the Congress reaffirms and endorses to the
full each and all of these platform purposes and pledges.
We pledge our strong support of the Nixon-Agnew ticket as the new leadership
this nation must have. With this new leadership we will face squarely and
resolve successfully the grievous problems the American people face today.
Room S-124 U.S. Capitol-(202) 225-3700
Consultant to the Leadership-John B. Fisher
REPRESENTATIVE FORD
September 12, 1968
The source: The Annual Crime Report of the F.B.I. The period of time:
1960-67. The cold, harsh fact: crime in America, in that period, rose 89%!
Seldom has there been such a scathing indictment of American leadership.
Rarely has there been so obvious a need for a change.
The F.B.I. reports that, during 1967 alone: violent crime was committed
each minute; murder was committed every 43 minutes; forcible rape was
committed every 19 minutes; aggravated assault was committed every 2 minutes;
robbery was committed every 2 1/2 minutes; burglary was committed every
20 seconds; larceny was committed every 30 seconds; auto theft was committed
every 48 seconds.
Never in our history has our national leadership been so vulnerable
to criticism -- and replacement -- as it is today in the face of such stark
statistics.
Frightening as these facts are, we have reason to be equally concerned
about another: the apparent collapse of our people's confidence in the
orderly and just society our forefathers strove so hard and so long to
build. That loss of confidence can be attributed only to America's lack
of leadership at the highest level.
The Law Enforcement Code of Ethics published in the F.B.I. Report, in
its opening paragraph reads:
"As a Law Enforcement Officer, my fundamental duty
is to serve mankind; to safeguard lives and property;
to protect the innocent against deception, the weak
against oppression or intimidation, and the peaceful
against violence or disorder; and to respect the
Constitutional rights of all men to liberty, equality
and justice."
The Johnson-Humphrey Administration has failed to apply this philosophy
of law enforcement and now seeks to cover its glaring deficiencies in a
torrent of words and statistics. The incredible fact is that the Johnson-
Humphrey Administration has ordered their Attorney General not to execute
new laws enacted upon Republican initiative by the people's representatives
in Congress, to wage effective war on the Mafia and other organized crime
activities.
Clearly this nation needs new leadership, in the White House, in the House
of Representatives, and certainly in the Department of Justice, to carry out
the unequivocal pledge of the Republican Party Platform for protection of
the public peace and safety and elimination of criminal activity and social
injustice in every form.
Therefore, our Question-of-the-Week:
Mr. President, When Can We Expect Order With Justice Under Law?
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR RELEASE ON RECEIPT--
January 14, 1969
I am very pleased that Mayor Walter Washington has joined hands with
House Republicans who are seeking legislation to deny bond to dangerous criminals
awaiting trial.
I and 21 other Republican House members introduced a bill on Jan. 8 aimed
at denying bond to the dangerous offender who may well go out and commit another
crime if released while his case is pending.
The sponsors of this amendment to the Bail Reform Act included Rep. William
M. McCulloch, R-Ohio, senior Republican on the House Judiciary Committee, and
Rep. Richard H. Poff, R-Va., chairman of the House Republican Task Force on
Crime. Mr. Poff also had introduced a bail reform bill in somewhat different
form on Jan. 3, opening day of this congressional session.
Republicans have been shaping this legislation since last year.
In the last session of Congress the House Republican Task Force on Crime
gave priority attention to bail reform. The proposed amendment was not quite
in final form when the session ended.
Mr. Poff informs me that he is encouraged by Mayor Walter Washington's
attitude, by his "willingness to go out on a limb on bail reform."
I congratulate the mayor on backing the kind of bail reform legislation
advocated by House Republicans. We welcome his support.
As the mayor has pointed out, this is only one of the steps that must be
taken to cope with the fresh crime wave which is resulting in an average of
20 armed robberies a day in Washington and a rash of bank holdups and killings.
I urge that prompt action be taken to deal with the situation.
# # #
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON--
April 23, 1969
Remarks by Rep. Gerald R. Ford, R-Mich., delivered on the Floor of the U.S. House
of Representatives, April 23, 1969.
Mr. Speaker: I rise today to urge every member of this House to join
with President Nixon in placing the leaders of La Cosa Nostra at the top of
America's Most Wanted Criminals list.
Mr. Speaker, I also urge every member of this House to help arouse the
law-abiding citizens of this land.
We have before us today, Mr. Speaker, a battle plan from the President
of the United States -- an outline of the strategy and a list of the weapons
needed to strike at the crime lords of this country, the greedy, vicious,
rapacious criminal kings whose subjects are the gamblers, drug pushers, panderers
and other criminal types who drain away America's moral strength and economic
life blood like millions of leeches.
In the message we have received from the White House today, President
Nixon has branded organized crime as Enemy Number One. He has told us what we
are doing now to fight the enemy. He has urged us to do more -- far more -- in
terms of men and money and new laws. We must accept that challenge.
The President has spelled out his plans to make life miserable for the
Mafia. And on the basis of his plans, if Congress concurs, I would advise anyone
with stock in the Mafia to sell it right now.
I agree completely with the President that the best-laid plans are
useless without the manpower to carry them out -- the manpower to carry out the
President's declared objective of convicting the heads of the Mafia, paralyzing
crime syndicate administrators, frightening the street workers and ultimately
squeezing to death the whole crime syndicate operation in our cities.
I therefore join the President in urging this House to vote the
additional funds needed to double our present outlays for fighting organized
crime and to vote the full $300 million authorization to help the states and
local communities join with Federal authorities in a nationwide drive against
racketeers and street criminals.
I applaud the proposed increase in the number of Federal Racketeering
(more)
-2-
Field Offices and the establishment of a new Special Federal-State Racket Squad
in the Southern District of New York.
I also urge congressional approval of President Nixon's requests for
new authority aimed at stepping up the rate of Mafia prosecutions and
convictions authority dealing with general witness immunity, bribery and
corruption of police or local officials, illicit gambling operations in interstate
commerce, and wagering tax law amendments.
These are anti-crime weapons Congress should make immediately available
to our anti-racketeering forces.
As the President has so well put it: The Federal Government must
prosecute both the corruptor and the corrupted.
Mr. Speaker, organized crime is like an octopus stretching its tentacles
into every corner of our land. From time to time we have lopped off an arm
or a leg but new members have grown in their place. It is long past time to
strike at the head of the operation, to cut deep into the brains of this
monstrosity which has the entire nation in its grip.
We must hunt down the chieftains of organized crime. We must bring every
one of them to book if we are to halt the crime wave which has swept over
America like a poisonous torrent.
President Nixon has asked for the weapons to do the job. Let us, the
chosen representatives of the people, give him the tools he needs.
###
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
April 29, 1969
Remarks by Rep. Gerald R. Ford, R-Mich., Minority Leader, U.S. House of Reps.
Placed in the Body of the Congressional Record on April 29, 1969.
Mr. Speaker: Today I join with Mr. McCulloch and the Republican members
of the House Committee on the Judiciary in introducing the Illegal Gambling
Business Control Act of 1969 to permit the Federal Government to further assist
the States in the control of illegal gambling.
This proposal is one of the keystones of the President's Organized Crime
message which he sent to Congress on April 23, 1969. It is vital to the internal
well-being of this nation that the activities of organized criminals be curtailed;
that the influence and control this small but potent segment of our society
wields be reduced. The bill I introduce today, if enacted, will take us a long
way toward accomplishing this task.
For many, gambling does not appear to be a very sinister aspect of
organized criminal activity. Its existence is certainly not as shocking to
society as murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, rape or any of the other spectacular
varieties of criminal behavior which make daily newspaper headlines. It is
exactly this attitude -- this lack of concern -- which makes illegal gambling
such a force in our society. It takes from the pocketbooks of millions of
citizens, usually those who can least afford the loss, anywhere from $20 billion
to $50 billion annually.
Referring to the profits realized from illegal gambling in his recent
message, the President said:
"Many decent Americans contribute regularly, voluntarily and unwittingly
to the coffers of organized crime -- the suburban housewife and the city slum
dweller who place a twenty-five cent numbers bet, the bricklayer and the college
student who buy a football card; the businessman and the secretary who bet
illegally on a horse."
To curb this drain from the economy, the bill I am introducing will give
the Federal government two additional methods of assisting States in combatting
illegal gambling.
(more)
-2-
Title I will make it a felony for gamblers involved in any operation which
exists for 30 days or has a gross daily revenue in excess of $2000 to scheme
with any public or law enforcement official to obstruct, hinder, or impede the
enforcement of gambling laws by means of bribery of the government official.
Title II makes it a Federal offense to engage in a large-scale gambling
enterprise.
Title III amends existing law to permit interception of wire or oral
communications where such interception may lead to evidence of an offense
punishable under this proposal.
This proposal is the heart of the Administration's war on organized crime.
If the profit can be taken from illegal gambling, the flow of funds used to
finance such deadly activities as narcotics traffic will be dried up.
Illegal gambling itself is a menace to our society; the criminal activity
financed from its bounty is far worse. We need the additional Federal weapons
of law enforcement this legislation will provide. With these the Attorney
General can effectively work with State and local governments to eradicate this
evil from our nation. I urge rapid consideration and favorable action on the
Illegal Gambling Business Control Act of 1969.
# # #
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-
May 5, 1969
Remarks by Rep. Gerald R. Ford, R-Mich., placed in the Body of the Congressional
Record of Monday, May 5, 1969.
Mr. Speaker: Congress has struggled long and unsuccessfully to cope with
the problem created by the mailing of obscene material. Now the Nixon
Administration has come up with three proposals which offer genuine hope of
curbing this despicable activity of the smut profiteer.
The trend of most United States Supreme Court decisions in recent years
has caused some members of Congress to throw up their hands and take the attitude
that little or nothing can be done about obscene mail.
But President Nixon appears to have found the means of stopping the flood
of obscene mailings. This mail is aimed at expanding the smut peddler's market
and is therefore directed to our youth and to adults as well.
In the case of our young people, President Nixon is proposing an anti-
obscene mail law which is based on a New York statute already upheld by the
U.S. Supreme Court. This law would place a flat ban on the sending of obscene
materials to any young person under 18. The court has indicated that such a
blanket prohibition on the mailing of offensive sex materials to under-18
Americans will be upheld because of the age of those involved.
The other two of the Nixon Administration's anti-obscenity proposals
involve mailings to adults. I strongly support these proposals as well as that
dealing with young people. It is long past time that the courts recognize
there must be a basis in law to support the desire of decent Americans to curb
the smut peddler.
The people rightly are looking to the Federal Government for protection
from the flood of pornographic mail. The laws now on the books have definitely
proven inadequate.
President Nixon's anti-obscenity proposals constitute a reasoned and
workable approach to a most difficult problem. I intend to press for prompt
enactment of his recommendations. I would expect that the Congress would
welcome Mr. Nixon's legislative initiative in this problem area.
# # #
FORD i LIBRAR GERALD
NEWS
CONGRESSMAN
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
July 14, 1969
Remarks by Rep. Gerald R. Ford, R-Mich., on the President's Message on Drug Abuse
Mr. Speaker, the American people are greatly alarmed, and justifiably, over
the growing traffic in narcotics and the increasing use of drugs by our youth.
If there is any problem area in which the people want speedy and effective
action, it is the area of narcotics peddling and drug addiction.
I believe the American people are well aware that offenses committed by drug
addicts who need money to support their habit account in some areas for a majority
of the major crimes occuring there. They recognize, too, that this is but one
reason why Federal, state and local resources should be marshalled in a coordinated
attack on the narcotics problem.
President Nixon, in the Message he has sent Congress today, is pointing the
way toward a sorely needed comprehensive action program which must be carried out
nationwide and with the greatest possible cooperation at all government levels if
the narcotics problem is to be brought under control.
The President's proposals for dealing with the narcotics problem obviously
constitute a broad, carefully planned program which should produce the maximum
possible results if it receives the greatest possible support -- support it so well
deserves.
I urge that the Congress act as quickly on President Nixon's legislative
proposals as circumstances permit -- the revision and consolidation of the Federal
narcotics statutes into a single and more effective Act, and the funding of
administrative actions being taken to step up the fight against narcotics abuse.
Meantime, I wish to take this opportunity to commend the President for the
administrative initiatives he has taken to deal more effectively with narcotics
trafficking and drug abuse.
I would note that only through the sweeping approach adopted by President
Nixon -- the strengthening of efforts to halt the production and sale of illegal
narcotics, the improving of rehabilitation programs for drug addicts, and the
educating of all Americans to the dangers of drug abuse -- can we begin to cope
effectively with this most complex problem of drug addiction and its rise and
spread.
# # #
LIBRARY
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
July 30, 1969
NOTE TO NEWS MEDIA: I have today formally requested that the F.B.I. investigate
the series of murders in the Ypsilanti--Ann Arbor area of Michigan. This
request is based on the Lindbergh Law as statutory authority. My letter to
the F.B.I. follows:
Dear Mr. Hoover:
I am writing you to formally request that the F.B.I. join in investigating
the series of seven kidnapping-murders which have occurred in the Ypsilanti-
Ann Arbor area of Michigan over a two-year period to the present.
The latest victim was Karen Sue Beineman, an 18-year-old Eastern Michigan
University student from Grand Rapids, Michigan, in my congressional district.
There is reason to believe that all of the slayings were committed by the
same killer, a sex fiend who strangles and beats his victims.
Since the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti area is less than 50 miles from Toledo, Ohio,
I think there can be a presumption that the killer has at some time or other
crossed the state line with one or more of the girls he has lured to an
early and horrible death.
Col. Frederic Davids, head of the Michigan State Police, has informed me
that the Beineman case has offered local and State police authorities
the best lead yet in this series of murders. That lead is the fact that
Karen Sue Beineman was seen getting on a motorcycle behind a curly-haired
young man and was never seen alive again.
The fact that Miss Beineman last was seen riding on a motorcycle leads me
to believe that the killer may have crossed the Ohio state line with her.
Certainly we can make that presumption, and this would provide the basis
for the F.B.I. entering the case.
I have been besieged with telephone calls and telegrams from Grand Rapids
parents urging that the F.B.I. come into the case. I personally feel that
this is a case which requires a total mobilization of Federal, State and
local investigative effort if it is to be solved.
There is even talk among some Grand Rapids residents to the effect that
parents with young girls attending the University of Michigan and Eastern
Michigan University should withdraw their daughters from school until this
series of slayings is cleared up.
Please give this matter your immediate and most serious consideration.
I
hope and pray for a favorable decision.
Best regards,
Gerald R. Ford, M.C.
GRF:pc
U. S. HOUSE
OF REPRESENTATIVES
REPUBLICAN POLICY
COMMITTEE
REP. JOHN J. RHODES, (R.-ARIZ.) CHAIRMAN
1616 LONGWORTH HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
TELEPHONE 225-6168
10
91st Congress
September 23, 1969
First Session
Statement Number 7
HOUSE REPUBLICAN POLICY STATEMENT ON CRIME LEGISLATION
The United States will never fall to external enemies unless it has
been weakened beyond redemption by the enemies within. America's internal
enemies today are the criminals, the law-breakers and those who prey on the poor,
the young, the weak and the innocent.
The Republicans in the House of Representatives are deeply aware of the
dangers the scope and incidence of crime pose to our Nation. We are determined
to institute actions wherever and whenever possible to give law enforcement
officers at the national, state and local levels the tools to cope with crime
and the courts the means with which to deal adequately with criminals.
At the same time we remain determined to provide justice under the law,
to protect the innocent and to assure the Constitutional rights of all our
citizens.
Failure to deal effectively with criminals and the causes of crime has
resulted in what can only be termed major disaster. Crime has quadrupled since
1944. In 1968 alone, it increased by 17%.
Use of drugs has grown at an even more frightening rate. Between 1960
and 1967 juvenile arrests involving the use of drugs rose by almost 800% and the
number of narcotics addicts in the United States is now estimated to be in the
hundreds of thousands.
(over)
-2-
The flow of smut and obscenity through the mails has increased enormously
in recent years, to the disgust of decent citizens and to the detriment of our
children.
In the Nation's Capitol, while serious crime skyrockets, the criminal
courts lack progressive, effective procedures.
Organized crime continues to wrap its tentacles about our society. It
controls illegal gambling, the numbers racket and dope smuggling, and has
infiltrated government and legitimate business.
We must devote new resources and knowledge to the curbing of juvenile
delinquency; we must develop new techniques of prisoner rehabilitation, both
institutional and extra-institutional; we must address the urgent need for penal
reform.
Control of all areas of crime is absolutely necessary if we are to maintain
the internal strength and security of our Nation, if we are to be safe in our homes
and on our streets and if our children are to have the protection they deserve.
President Nixon has called upon the Congress, the States and localities--
and each citizen to join in a national commitment to a war on crime. He has sent
to the Congress a multi-faceted crime control package which includes a broad attack
upon all aspects of organized crime, deals with the flow of smut through the mails,
revises criminal statutes and reorganizes the court system in the District of
Columbia and provides new approaches in the battle to control narcotics. Legisla-
tive proposals to meet and solve these and other critical problems have long been
championed by Republican Representatives, but Congressional action has not been
forthcoming.
The Republican Policy Committee of the House of Representatives recommends
immediate consideration and passage of this vitally needed legislation to reduce
and control the cancer of crime that now afflicts the American people.