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Ford Newsletter, July-Dec. 1956
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This file contains material relating to Dwight Eisenhower, Richard Nixon.
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Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers
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This document scanned from Box D1 of the Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
July 5, 1956
Michigan roads will receive an additional $40.4 million shot in the arm during
the fiscal year 1957 as part of the highway construction bill just approved by the
House and Senate. This boosts to $70.6 million the amount of federal funds authorized
for better roads in Michigan in this fiscal year which began July 1st.
This figure represents our State's share of the multi-billion dollar highway
program as recommended by President Eisenhower and enacted by Congress in the first
year of the 13-year nation-wide construction plan calling for completion of 41,000
miles of interstate highways. During the first three years, or through 1959, funds
will be apportioned to the states on the basis of the existing allocation formula.
During the last 10 years of the program the formula of apportionment will be the
so-called "needs" test for the total completion of the interstate system. The federal
share of the Interstate System is 90 per cent of the cost. There is also a three-year
program for. secondary and urban roads with the states and federal governments equally
sharing the expense. This is a continuction of the existing highway program with
some minor changes.
Increased fuel and tire taxes are intended to pay for the road construction by
bringing into the Treasury an estimated $14.8 billion of additional road funds in the
next 16 years. Gasoline and diesel fuel taxes will jump from 3c to 4c per gallon;
tires from 5¢ to 8 per pound; the excise tax on buses and trucks from 8 per cent to
ten per cent; and a new $1.50 per 1,000 pound levy on heavy trucks, all to pay for
these new highways.
VETERANS' LEGISLATION
The House of Representatives passed a veterans' pension bill last week setting
up a pecular formula under which, for instance, a World War I veteran can receive
a non-service connected pension up to $90 per month, whereas a 50 per cent service
disabled Korean War veteran can draw a maximum of $91. Any formula for determining
pension rates is inequitable which would give a veteran who has no service-connected
disability, at age 65 as much as a 50 per cent disabled veteran, or the widow of a
serviceman killed in line of duty.
The precedent-setting bill as passed the House gives these new benefits only to
World War I veterans and would cost during the first year an additional estimated
$367 million. Representative Olin E. Teague, Chairman of the Committee on Veterans
Affairs, opposed this legislation and instead urged the enactment of a bill that would
have increased the compensation for those disabled in wartime. My views are similar.
Our government has a prime and never-ending responsibility for service-connected
disabilities and the widows and children of the deceased.
IDE'S LEGISLATIVE REQUESTS
With Congress heading into the home stretch before adjournment it is worth noting
that as of June 20th only 16 per cent, or 34 of 217, of President Eisenhower's legis-
lative requests were approved. At the present rate Ike's batting average with the
Second Session of the 84th Democrat-controlled Congress will be the lowest in his
four years as Chief Executive. This compares with records of 73 per cent and 65
per cent compiled in 1953 and 1954 in the Republican 83rd Congress. In other words,
with a GOP House and Senate Ike's program makes progress while the opposite is true
when the Democrats control the Congress.
Other figures indicate that compared with the Second Session of the five preceding
Congresses the House in this session is not making an outstanding record in terms of
hours at work. The following figures indicate the total hours the House was in session
up to May 31st for the second session of each Congress: 80th Congress - 387 hours;
59 minutes; 81st Congress 418 hours, 59 minutes; 82nd Congress - 319 hours, 27
minutes; 83rd Congress - 272 hours, 39 minutes; and the present 84th Congress - 245
hours, 16 minutes.
BATTLE AGAINST DISEASE
The battle against disease and for longer, healthier lives entered a new phase
with the approval by Congress of $184 million to be used by the National Institutes
of Health during the fiscal year 1957. This figure represents an increase of $85.5
million over the $98.5 million appropriated for the National Institutes in fiscal
1956 and a substantial incroase over the Bureau of the Budget's request. It is the
largest amount ever appropriated by the Congress for medical research.
All of us have a state in this research which is giving real promise of a break-
through in the conquest of such ills as cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure,
mental illness, and other killers and cripplers. Progress already made in these and
other areas of medical research have led to a decline in the death rate of 19 per cent
between 1937 and 1954. During this period your life expectancy has increased by 9
years to 68.8 years. And in specific battles in the war against disease, figures
indicate that between 1945 and 1954 the death rate from tuberculosis declined 73 per
cent; that from pneumonia declined 43 per cent; from influenza 91 per cent; the death
rate from acute rheumatic fever declined 73 per cent; and that from appendicitis 76
per cent.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
July 12, 1956
Votes in the House of Representatives last week by those opposing the con-
troversial Powell Amendment and those favoring substitution of a more justifiable
formula for distributing federal funds to the States combined to defeat the Kelly
Bill for federal aid for school construction, 224 to 194.
The Administration's school aid bill called for the distribution of funds on
the basis of need and demonstrated effort at the local level. In this way below-par
and poorer school districts would receive more aid than districts better able to
supply their own educational requirements. The Kelley Bill would distribute federal
funds to States on the basis of school population without regard to need or local
effort. This bill disregards varying local conditions and would not provide greater
aid for districts needing it the most. I am convinced that had the President's
formula been adopted, the House would have approved the bill.
In the final vote I opposed the Kelley Bill because I do not believe federal
aid can be justified on grounds other than as assistance to areas in genuine need
and with little means to help themselves.
Before the final vote came, however, the House expressed itself on three roll
call votes. The first vote came on a measure to amend the bill by allowing States
to retain one per cent on their federal income taxes for school construction. I
opposed this amendment which was defeated. It would have established an unsound
policy for distributing federal funds and would bring little relief to those States
most in need of schools. Then the Powell Amendment was offered which would bar
federal funds from any State failing to integrate their schools in compliance with
the Supremer Court Decision of May 17, 1954. I favored this motion which was carried.
I also supported a move to recommit the Kelley Bill in order to change the formula
for distribution of federal funds in line with President Eisenhower's recommendation.
This move was defeated and was followed by rejection of the school construction bill
with the unsound provisions for distribution of federal assistance.
A LOOK AT THE ECONOMY
With 52,000,000 American families receiving average annual incomes of $5,520
which is 3 per cent, or $180 more than that of 1954, our national economy is flourishing
with sound and stable prosperity. Average weekly wages for industrial workers,
excluding supervisory employees, stood at $78.40 in May of this year as compared to
$76.30 for May of 1955, and $67.97 for the 1952 weekly average. Small business,
representing 99 per cent of American commercial units, showed in the last half of
1955 a sales volume gain of 8 per cent over the same period in 1954. In 1955
business failures were recorded at the rate of 42 per 10,000 units which compares
to the annual average since 1900 of 72 per 10,000. The Department of Agriculture
announced recently that farm prices registered a 19-point gain since mid-December.
LEGISLATIVE ROUND-UP
Congress passed and sent to President Eisenhower last week a bill authorizing
a one-year increase in the national debt limit to $278 billion. This represents
a reduction in the statutory debt limit of $3 billion, from the $281 billion re-
quested by the Treasury and set by the Congress for the past fiscal year.
NO HOUSING BILL: The Committee on Rules killed for the moment the housing
bill by voting 6-4 to table it. The bill called for 180,000 public housing units
over three years and contained one provision for loans at a low interest rate to
nonprofit corporations constructing housing for the aged.
VETERANS LEGISLATION: In an attempt to eliminate one of the points of
criticism directed at the present veterans' pension law the House Committee on
Veterans' Affairs reported a bill which bars payment of a pension to a veteran confined
to a penal institution for any period more than 60 days; another bill reported by
the Committee would provide a 10 per cent increase to all veterans in compensation
for a service-connected disability. This would cost the Treasury an estimated
$172 million for the first year. Both proposals will probably be approved by the
Congress during this Session.
APPROPRIATION BILLS: In 13 regular appropriations bills passed by July 2nd
and now law the Congress appropriated slightly more than $52 billion for the numerous
agencies of the federal government during the new fiscal year. There are two final
appropriation bills yet to be enacted prior to adjournment. Total federal expenditures
during the fiscal year 1957 will be approximately $65 billion. The difference between
new appropriations and expenditures comes from funds made available in previous years.
Under President Eisenhower this backlog of unexpended funds has been steadily reduced.
BENEFIT TO FARMERS
July 1st of this year may have a double meaning to many farmers. It marks
the date farmers can file for a tax refund on the federal taxes paid for gasoline
used for farming purposes. Also, it marks the time when farmers over 65 years of
age can file for social security benefits if they meet certain other qualifications.
The law placing farmers under social security came into effect on January 1, 1955,
and with July 1, 1956 the minimum period of 18 months or six quarters required for
making payments was completed.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
July 19, 1956
The day after General Nathan F. Twining, head of the United States Air Force,
reported to the President on his recent visit to Soviet Russia, he appeared before my
committee on military appropriations. Naturally those of us on this committee who make
recommendations to the House of Representatives for billions for our defense were
vitally interested in what General Twining and his staff saw when they visited Moscow
and Stalingrad, what their observations were of Soviet air capability, and their reac-
tions to contacts with Russian officials and civilians.
The General, in response to several questions from committee members, reiterated
his support of President Eisenhower's budget and program for the Air Force. Earlier
this year General Twining had endorsed what Ike and Secretary of Defense Charles E. Wil-
son proposed for B-52s, guided missiles, fighter aircraft and other weapons for the Air
Force. Twining's "look-see" trip to Russia actually firmed up his views, and he stated
to the committee that "there is no question" that America has the better Air Force.
Here are some interesting figures which prove beyond question that our Air Force
has plenty of funds for aircraft procurement despite all of the partisan political
criticism by Democrats. On July 1st the Air Force had more than $11 billion in uncom-
mited funds for the purchase of planes, missiles and related equipment. At the same
time there was almost $19 billion unexpended in the same account. In other words, our
Air Force has more than ample funds to purchase equipment to keep the United States
from enemy attack and at the same time be ready for massive retaliation against any
aggressor.
PUBLIC POWER LEGISLATION
If legislation awaiting action on the floor of both chambers of Congress is
approved, Michigan taxpayers will contribute $28,769,780 as part of the $508,300,000 in
federal funds necessary for construction of the Hells Canyon power project in the Snake
River between Idaho and Oregon. Federal responsibility for construction of this pro-
ject, sponsored by Democrat leaders in the Congress, is unnecessary and undesirable.
The Federal Power Commission, after careful study, issued a license last August to the
Idaho Power Company to develop this power. Since then construction has been launched
on three hydro-power dams in Hells Canyon with more than 700 workers now employed on the
Page 2
job. The Idaho Power Company is not only able to construct these dams without cost to
eme caxpayer, DUC can De counted on to pay annually upon completion of the pro-
ject approximately $10 million in taxes. Furthermore, it is estimated that with private
financing the total project can be completed for a quarter of a billion dollars less than
with public funds.
NIXON ON NEUTRALISM
Vice President Richard M. Nixon in a July 4th Philippine Independence Day speech at
Manila stressed the need for collective security as a bulwark against communist imperi-
alism, and expressed no sympathy for a neutralism which makes no moral distinction
between the communist world and the free world. Mr. Nixon attributes the halt of com-
munist expansion in Western Europe to a strong unity formed by the NATO nations with the
United States in a pattern of collective security. A similar pattern in Asia, he indi-
cates, can strengthen and preserve the independence of these nations against communist
colonialism. The Vice President feels that generally a nation which rejects the prin-
ciples of collective security because it feels its independence will be compromised by
association with other powers is not reading correctly the trends of modern history.
Today free nations actually are better able to preserve their independence by standing
together than by remaining aloof or taking a half-way position between the free world
and communist world.
POSTAL RATE INCREASE
The House approved last week the postal rate increase bill, 217 to 165. It increases
first, second and third-class rates, and is designed to raise annual postal revenues
$430 million, to practically wipe out the Post Office deficit. There has been some talk
that this bill will die in the Senate with nothing being accomplished in this session of
Congress to help place postal operations on a firmer footing. If so, our taxpayers will
continue to pay the annual $400 million Post Office deficit.
MILITARY AND VETERAN
It cost $18 a day to pay, clothe and feed an American soldier as against $1.67 for
a French soldier, 85c for a Korean, and 69¢ for a Turk. It is a wise investment on our
part to support these nations as our first line of defense. By our contributions we are
helping to maintain 200 divisions in friendly nations. Otherwise more American boys will
be drafted for military service.
DISABLED VETERANS: The House passed a bill on July 12th to increase compensation for
disabled veterans by 10 percent. This legislation, now awaiting Senate action, will cost
$173 million the first year. The vote on final passage was unanimous, 391 to 0.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
July 26, 1956
The 84th Congress has reached the homestretch and with adjournment just ahead
probably Staurday, July 28th, the legislative pace picks up steam each successive
day. Sessions of the House have been going further into the evening while the
Senate has been meeting early in the morning and remaining in session far into the
night. One day last week the Senate passed 112 scheduled bills, approved a supple-
mental appropriations bill, and confirmed a Presidential nomination. On this same
day the House debated civil rights legislation and passed 60 bills.
House debate on President Eisenhower's civil rights program lasted two full
days plus two more days on the various amendments. Southern opponents sought un-
successfully to suppress the bill by such tactics. as having debate limited in hours
thereby making further delays possible. Provisions of Ike's program call for
creation of a bipartisan Commission on Civil Rights within the executive branch.
The Commission would investigate cases where citizens are deprived of rights or
subjected to unwarranted preseures because of race, creed or color. In addition,
it would establish an office of Assistant Attorney General in the Department of
Justice dedicated to securing and protecting the civil rights of all American citi-
zens. Although the House will undoubtedly pass the bill, there is little chance
for a civil rights program in this session of Congress. Even if the bill were pried
loose from the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Southern Democrats have threatened
to talk it to death with a filibuster.
RESOLUTION ON RED CHINA
The House of Representatives last week, 391, to O, reaffirmed and reemphasized
its previous position by passing a resolution against the admission of Communist
Red China to the United Nations. This is the third consecutive Congress which by
unanimous consent has taken this position. The resolution expresses the conviction
of the Members of Congress, who represent the views of the great majority of
Americans, that admission of Red China at this time would gravely injure the UN's
prestige in promoting human welfare and rights as expressed by its Charter. It is
not difficult to speculate on the kind of organization the United Nations would
become if a substantial part of its membership consisted of regimes which think
only in terms, such as Red China, of brute force, lies, and conquest. Not long
ago the UN itself condemned unpardonable atrocities Red China committed as an
aggressor. Following this resolution by recognitinn would be a mockery of the
peaceful aims and intentions of this world organization.
My Democrat opponent for the November General election has committed himself
as favoring admission of Red China to the UN. On this point his views and mine
are in direct contradiction.
CONFERRING WITH THE SENATE
For the past week your Congressman has been a member of two conference com-
mittees between the Senate and the House involving several major appropriation bills.
The total dollars involved approximated $5.5 billion. One of the joint House-
Senate conference committees ironed out money differences between the two Chambers
on the Supplemental Appropriation Bill. This bill is a "catch-all" to provide
funds for numerous federal agencies including the Departments of Agriculture,
Defense, Interior, Health, Education, and Welfare, and the District of Columbia.
We had the usual heated wrangle with Senate conferees arguing for greater sums
than the House representatives thought justified. The Senate is traditionally more
generous with federal funds.
Our committee met in the old Supreme Court Chamber in the Capitol. This is
where the nine justices convened for 75 years from 1860 through 1935. It was
originally used by the Senate as its chamber from 1819 through 1859 and during
those years it was here that many historic legislative battles were fought.
Conference committees are held in executive session which means that those
present are limited to members of the Senate, House, and the professional staffs
of the two committees. Despite differences over the dollar amounts the two con-
ferences resolved most differences reasonably satisfactorily.
LAST MINUTE BUSINESS
In last minute hustling by committees before adjournment a number of mis-
cellaneous bills are being reported to the House floor. Although the chance for
action on many is remote a random sampling indicates they represent a wide assort-
ment of subjects.
For instance, one measure would change the name of Bedloe's Island in New
York Harbor to Liberty Island. Other measures call for incorporation of the Order
of the Purple Heart; making September 17th through 23rd Constitution Week; an
increase of the minimum postal savings deposit; and provision for regulation of
the interstate transportation of migrant farm workers by motor vehicle.
VISITORS
From Grand Rapids: Mr. and Mrs. Walter Schroeder and James and David, Mr.
and Mrs. George Opdendyk, Mr. and Mrs. Ted Kammingo, Nancy Vanwyk, Dr. and Mrs.
K. E. Gamm, Carl Benson, Mrs. Zella Atkinson, Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Harrison Tad
Murdick, and Dr. and Mrs. Robert Olsen from Grand Haven.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
August 2, 1956
The pre-adjournment legislative log jam has broken and with it hasty and
haphazard appraisals of much legislation. House leaders presented one bill to the
House for action only 30 minutes after the first printed hearings on it covering more
than three days' testimony of 600 pages were available for reading. This same bill
had previously passed the Senate without benefit of any hearings whatsoever. It is
difficult to imagine how Congressional leaders expect to intelligently transact the
nation's business under such procedures.
IKE AND CONGRESS
On Tuesday before adjournment President Eisenhower met with Congressional leaders
at the White House to complete passage of his legislative program before adjournment.
However, at this point it appears that Congress will adjourn with a "spotty" record
of achievement on Ike's legislative requests with several highly important problems
remaining unsolved. The Administration gave a stamp of "top priority" to civil rights
and postal rate increase legislation, but to no avail. The House passed the President's
civil rights bill which promptly was buried in the Senate Judiciary Committee by
Southern segregationists who through seniority exercise committee control. The
Senate leadership did not bring up the postal rate increase bill, although it passed
the House, because of feared election-year consequences. Meanwhile the Post Office
Department will continue to operate in the red for at least another year with general
tax funds making up the $400 million deficit for this fiscal year. The Senate Post
Office Committee has concluded hearings on this bill which received the support of
the United States Chamber of Commerce, Post master General Summerfield, and two former
Democrat Postmaster Generals.
UNUSED VISAS
Overlooked by Congress, despite a recent plea by the President, is an Adminis-
tration proposal to amend the immigration laws to permit reallocation of unused Refugee
Relief visas. Thousands of visas available to escapees from Communist countries now
living in Germany and Austria have not been applied for. Under present law these
quotas cannot be shifted to other countries where many refugees are stranded. "Unless
action is taken in this session," President Eisenhower declared in a letter to Congress,
immigration from a number of friendly nations such as Greece and Italy will be
drastically reduced when the visas which have been available to those countries under
the Refugee Relief Act are exhausted this summer." Last minute note---As this news-
letter goes to print there is a new hope that some compromise on unused quotas will be
approved.
ADMINISTRATION SUCCESS
The Senate, by a vote of 51 to 41, defeated a bill to spend approximately one
half billion dollars for construction of a federal dam at Hells Canyon in the Snake
River between Idaho and Oregon. The fundamental issue was between Democrats favoring
subsidized power produced by a tax-exempt agency of the government versus Republicans
advocating power resource development by a regulated tax-paying private electric
company. Construction is presently under way on a three-dam project in Hells Canyon
by the Idaho Power Company which the Federal Power Commission licensed after careful
study last August. Public power advocates have charged "giveaway" by the Federal
Government although they failed to elaborate on just what was being given away, nor
did they explain who would be giving what to whom if the one half billion dollars of
taxpayers' money were used to construct a dam to produce subsidized power for one
region.
*FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
Official figures released by the Treasury Department show that the Federal
surplus for fiscal 1956 which ended on June 30th was $1.7 billion, with expenditures
of $66.4 billion and receipts of $68.1 billion. This is indicative of good fiscal
management by the Eisenhower Administration. It is the fourth time in the last 24
years the federal treasury has had a surplus rather than a deficit. In the period
from 1932 through 1952 the federal debt skyrocketed upward by more than $246 billion.
During the last three years the federal debt increased approximately $7.billion.
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES
Under co-sponsorship of Senate leaders William Knowland and Lyndon Johnson
that chamber recently approved a resolution creating a committee of five Senators for
the selection of the five all-time great personages who served in the United States
Senate. Although this committee of Senators reserve the right to make final selections
the qualifications are to be developed by an advisory board of distinguished political
scientists and historians.
Starting August 1st the Treasury Department hopes to save $2,000,000 annually
by replacing the 30,000,000 paper checks issued by the Government each year with
punch-card checks. By switching from the paper checks the Treasury will be able to
process the operation by electronics.
VISITORS
James and Grace Toohey, Alva and Eva Tomson, Hilda Aukeman, Pearl Kemper,
Hermina HovingMr. and Mrs. Emil G. Ellis, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph W. Howe, Rev. and Mrs.
W. S. Carmichael, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Wimbush and children, Bob and Enders, and Mr. and
Mrs. Esler L. Shuart all of Grand Rapids. District Attorney and Mrs. Wendell A.
Miles and daughter Lorraine, John F. Meyer, from Holland, and Mr. and Mrs. K. J. Bos
from Grandville.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
August 9, 1956
The Second Session of the 84th Congress adjourned at midnight on Friday,
July 27th. Barring a special session which only the President can call the nation's
lawmakers will not reconvene until January 7, 1957 with the advent of the 85th
Congress.
Congress approved five major bills and countless minor measures Friday night
in the last minutes before adjournment. Major bills approved were: 1) a $3.7 billion
foreign aid appropriation bill, which was $1.1 billion less than President Eisenhower
requested; 2) a social security bill which makes retirement for women possible at
age 62 rather than 65, and provides benefits for those disabled at age 50; 3) a
housing bill; 4) a military construction bill; and 5) an experimental state-
federal flood insurance bill.
CONGRESSIONAL CONTROL
With slim majorities in both Houses the Democrat Party organized the 84th
Congress holding chairmanships of 19 House standing committees and 15 Senate committees.
For the most part it is these committee chairmen who control the flow of legislation
to be considered by the Congress as a whole. The 84th Congress passed and sent to
President Eisenhower for signature or veto a total of 2878 measures during the 224
days it was in session over a two-year period. In the last five days alone the Senate
leadership brought up and disposed of 349 bills; the House, 308. Bills were being
accepted or rejected at a rate of one every 10 minutes. Legislation cannot be
properly evaluated, discussed and voted upon in such a hasty fashinn. It would have
been a much more satisfactory session if the flow of legislative proposals had been
evened out throughout the year rather than jamming up the schedule in the last few
days.
IDE AND CONGRESS
The House and Senate in 1956 gave President Eisenhower 45.9 per cent of his
program by approving 103 of 224 specific and distinct legislative requests. In 1955
at the end of the first session the 84th Congress had approved 96 of the President's
requests, or 46.3 per cent. By contrast, the Republican-led 83rd Congress approved
nearly 73 per cent of Ike's requests in 1953 and about 65 per cent in 1954.
Few major Presidential proposals enjoyed the strong bi-partisan support in
Congress as did the multi-million dollar highway construction program and the soil
bank plan. In 1955 Congress became tangled in a dispute with the Administration over
financing the costly highway program which resulted in more than a. year's delay
before legislative action was taken. We can all be grateful that a compromise
settlement was reached and soon a nation-wide construction program will be launched
to make our roads safer and better for travel. After much pulling and hauling
President Eisenhower came out on top in a struggle with Congressional leaders over
farm policy. Iko's sound and sensible overall farm program was preservedmand his
soil bank proposals to boost farm income, although too late to provide maximum benefit
for this year's crop, were enacted into law. Despite the tardiness of Congressional
action agriculture surpluses will be cut this year by the soil bank and farm income
is on the upswing.
FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND CONGRESS
President Eisenhower and the Democrat leadership worked well together in most
questions of foreign affairs. Although this Congress did not give the President all
the necessary funds he sought for foreign affairs, in January of 1955 the House and
Senate voted overwhelmingly to approve a resolution to use American armed forces,
if necessary, to defend Formosa. This was followed by a three-year extension of
Reciprocal Trade, ratification of the Paris Pact, Austrian Peace Treaty, South East
Asia Treaty Organization and the Nationalist China Defense Pact. More recently
Congress unanimously adopted a resolution supporting the Administration's policy
against admission of Red China to the United Nations. In the spirit of bi-partisanship
President Eisenhower asked Senator Walter F. George, Democrat of Georgia, to serve
as his personal representative to NATO with the title of Ambassador shortly after
Senator George, 34-year veteran on Capitol Hill and chairman of the Senate Foreign
Relations Committee, announced his retirement from the Upper Chamber last May.
PAYING FOR GOVERNMENT
To run our government in fiscal 1957 Ike asked Congress for $59.9 billion and
received $59.7 billion, a reduction of $200 million. These figures do not include
interest on the $275 billion national debt and other fixed charges which total $7.5
billion and make the total federal outlay for the current fiscal year about $67
billion.
This was not an economy-minded Congress. The "log-rollers" or spendthrifts
have committed the federal government to a number of expensive programs which may
make tax reductions difficult. Ike has balanced the federal budget and on June 30th
cut the federal debt by $1.7 billion but in the next Congress he will need some
help if expenditures are to be reduced.
VISITORS
Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd H. Miller of Grand Rapids, Mr. and Mrs. Carl M. Holmen and
daughter, Sandra, from Grand Haven, and Miss Marilyn Klomp of Grandville.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
August 16, 1956
Now that Congress has adjourned Betty, the three boys, Mike, Jack, and
Steve, along with Dad, are back in Western Michigan. We expect to vacation on
Lake Michigan until after Labor Day. I have several long-made commitments to
go fishing, boating, hiking, and swimming with the two older boys. Steve, now
three months old, is a little young to do anything but get the Ford household
up at dawn for an early start each day.
Your Congressman is not planning to attend the Republican National Convention
in San Francisco. Ottawa and Kent Counties will be well represented by two
delegates, Paul Goebel of Grand Rapids and Carl Andreasen of Holland. Our Fifth
Congressional District alternate delegates are Mrs. Robert Gaunt of Grandville
and Mrs. Donald Josephson of Grand Rapids. I am confident this group and the
others representing Michigan at the Conventinn will do a bang-up job. Needless
to say, I will be a TV spectator while enjoying Michigan's vacationland.
FIFTH DISTRICT OFFICE
This week my Grand Rapids office at 518 Michigan Trust Building was reopened.
Frank Meyer, my administrative assistant, Miss Irene Schroeder and Barry Brand
of my staff will handle all inquiries and problems during our family vacation.
The office phone number is Glendale 6-9747. Don't hesitate to contact my
office if I can be helpful in any way at any time. My office in Washington will
be open to handle any matters in the Nation's Capitol. Miss Mildred Leonard
will be in charge there. She will be pleased to aid any visitors to the District
of Columbia while Congress is not in session.
Starting in mid-September I will again visit communities in Ottawa and Kent
Counties with my mobile office. The trailer which was first used in 1955 to
provide better person-to-person contact in our District will visit approximately
25 communities this year. Almost 900 citizens last fall stopped in the mobile
office and as your Congressman I deeply appreciated the opportunities to find
out first-hand the views of our citizens. The schedule of the mobile office
tour will be announced within a week or ten days.
"ON THE JOB"
The House of Representatives in the 84th Congress met in the two sessions
of 1955 and 1956 a total of 230 days to consume 937 hours and 16 minutes. During
the first session I missed two of the 147 rollcall votes while in the second
session my attendance record was perfect, not missing any of the 132 rollcalls.
Over the eight-year period I have represented Kent and Ottawa Counties in the
Congress my attendance record has been 97.5 per cent. During the eight sessions
in the House of Representatives from 1949 through 1956 there have been 1457
rollcall votes, and as your Representative I am recorded on 1420. The only
absences occurred while away on official business.
COMMITTEE WORK
During the 84th Congress it was my privilege to serve as a member of the
House Committee on Appropriations with assignments on subcommittees handling
funds for the Department of Defense and the Mutual Security or Foreign Assistance
Program. My responsibilities on the Department of Defense Subcommittee emphasized
work with the Army Appropriations panel of which I am senior Republican.
By serving on these several subcommittees in the two Congressional sessions
I had a direct hand in allocating during the 84th Congress more than $66.4 billion
to sustain a powerful and modern Army, Navy, and Air Force and more than $6.4
billion to strengthen the military forces of our allies.
To justify much vast expenditures of taxpayers' money in this two-year
period my subcommittee closely questioned high officials including: Admiral
Arthur W. Radford, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Charles E. Wilson,
Secretary of Defense, General Nathan F. Twining, Head of the Air Force, General
Maxwell D. Taylor, Chief of Staff for the Army, Admiral Arleigh Burke, Head of
the Navy, and numerous civilian and military representatives of the Department
of Defense. After listening to these military experts and carefully scrutinizing
their plans and programs I feel confident that the strength and readiness of
our armed forces is in excellent shape now as well as for the long haul.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
August 23, 1956
In an unexpected personal message from President Eisenhower dated August 9th
I felt greatly honored to receive a word of encouragement and pat on the back for
my work in the 84th Congress. Ike's letter stated in part:
"Now that the session is over I should feel remiss if I
failed to express to you my deep personal appreciation of your
loyal support of the many key measures we have advanced in the
public good. I am especially aware of the extraordinary amount
of time and energy you devoted in the Committee on Appropriations
in areas affecting the security of our country. For this I am
grateful indeed. I feel that you are the kind of Congressman our
nation needs in Washington
11
According to figures of the "Congressional Quarterly" the Democrat controlled
84th Congress backed President Eisenhower on 72 per cent of the 192 roll calls in
both sessions that presented clear-cut tests of support for his views. In com-
parison, the Republican 83rd Congress supported Ike's position on 164 or 83 per cent
of 198 roll calls involving his legislative program in 1953 and 1954. According to
this same non-partisan digest my overall box score supporting President Eisenhower
in the 84th Congress stood at 91 per cent. In this last session which ended
several weeks ago my Ike "batting average" was 94 per cent.
STATUS OF SMALL BUSINESS
Attention will be given in the coming months to how well small businessmen
have fared in the last several years. The number of small businesses, which account
for nearly 99 per cent of the total business units in the nation, amounted to
3.6 million units in 1947. By 1956 this figure jumped to 4.1 million units or one
business for each 39 Americans.
BUSINESS STATISTICS
It has been alleged that in the last three years there has been an upewing
in business failures. Official figures show that 10,969 failures reported by Dun &
Bradstreet for 1955 represent fewer business failures than for any other normal
business year in this century. This is substantially lower than the 13,612 average
yearly number of failures since 1900, and 9,000 lower than the failure rate in 1939.
A more reliable yardstick, however, is to compare business failures per 10,000
business units in existence. In 1955 there were only 41.6 business failures per
10,000 units. This compares with an average failure rate since 1900 of 72 per
10,000. For three comparable years, 1939-41, the failure rate was 63 per 10,000.
DEFENSE CONTRACTS
Under orders of Secretary of Defense ilson more than $800 million in military
purchases have been set aside for bidding by small firms. This is in addition to
more than $1.8 billion of Department of Defense contracts going to small business
for the first eight months of fiscal 1956. This figure amounts to about 70 per cent
of all military prime contracts small firms would be capable of fulfilling. On
April 9, 1956, President Eisenhower established a new directorship in the Department
of Defense with the responsibility of development and conduct of small business
policies and programs.
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES
ROAD PROGRAM: There will be 442,000 road construction jobs resulting from the
multimillion dollar highway bill President Eisenhower recently signed into law.
Highway construction of all kinds in the 13-year period 1957-1969 will require 49
million tons of steel, 1,399 million barrels of cement, 128 million tons of bituminous
material and 9,170 million tons of aggregate, according to year-by-year estimates
of the Bureau of Public Roads of the Department of Commerce.
FISH AND WILDLIFE: Legislation passed in the recent Congress will reorganize
fish and wildlife services of the Department of Interior. This ends a long legis-
lative wrangle between commercial and sport fishing groups over efforts to split the
Fish and Wildlife service and set up a separate agency to handle all fishery functions.
The principle provisions of the bill call for creation of an Assistant Secretary of
Interior for Fish and Wildlife and the establishment under the Assistant Secretary
of a Commissioner of Fish and Wildlife, and a United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
Under the Commissioner the bill establishes two bureaus, one called the Bureau of
Sports Fisheries and Wildlife, one the Bureau of Commercial Fisheries.
PASSPORTS: More Americans than ever before are traveling abroad as indicated
by recent reports from the Passport Office of the Department of State. There was
an 8.8 per cent increase in passport applications during the first six months of
1956 as compared with the same period of 1955. During this period a total of 372,027
applications for renewal or issuance of passports were received. Of this number
Michigan accounted for 12,876. Housewives topped the list of travelers followed by
students and clerk-secretaries.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
August 30, 1956
No segment of the American economy will be reviewed more closely in the coming
weeks than agriculture and the economic well-being of the farmer. After President
Eisenhower, early in the last session of Congress, presented his nine-point program
to bolster farm income, agricultural economists estimated that these steps if enacted
promptly would raise incomes from this year's crop by about $500 million. After a
hectic legislative tussle with the Democrat House and Senate leadership most of
Ike's farm program has been enacted into law and Secretary of Agriculture Ezra Taft
Benson reports that income on the farms has already increased 10 per cent this
year and still is rising.
POSITIVE FARM PLAN
One of the prime features of Ike's farm program is the soil bank which he
hoped would offer immediate aid to agricultural pocketbooks as well as cutting down
huge price=depressing surpluses building up since World War II. The full impact of
the soil bank was lost for this crop year because of unwarranted delays by the
opposition-controlled Congress which prevented the soil bank from taking effect until
June 1st when practically all of the crops were planted.
Ike wanted to help the small family-type farmer but Congress turned its back on
a statutory limitation of the federal subsidy which could be paid in one year to any
farming unit. Had such a proposal been accepted it would have fixed a maximum subsidy
which could be paid to large corporate farmers in the south and west. Some of these
big-scale operators are receiving annual payments ranging up to $500 thousand to
place them in an extremely unfair competitive position with smaller family-type farms
in Michigan.
EXPORT MARKETS
Under the Agricultural Trades and Development Act passed by the 83rd Congress
the Secretary of Agriculture is taking vigorous steps to reduce surpluses and improve
farm incomes through opening foreign markets. Last year the Secretary of Agriculture
appointed a full-time general agricultural sales manager with the responsibility of
developing new outlets for American food products abroad. This year the rate of farm
exports is the highest in 30 years. The Department of Agriculture estimates exports
in the last fiscal year amounted to more than $3.4 billion in value. This is a 10
per cent increase over the 1954-55 total of approximately $3.1 billion and continuance
of an upward trend recorded every year since 1952-53.
DONATIONS OF SURPLUSES
Donations of surplus food by the Department of Agriculture's marketing service
reached a total of slightly more than two-billion pounds during the fiscal year ending
June 30th for about 95 per cent more than that distributed the previous year. Eligible
recipients in this country received a total of 794 million pounds of food including
butter, cheese, nonfat dry milk, cornmeal, wheat flour, and rice, or 61 per cent more
than in the previous year. In Michigan 136,781 persons received this food in schools,
institutions, and as needy families. Foreign donations through à program making full
use of 25 private United States welfare agencies totaled 1.2 billion pounds to 84
countries, or 125 per cent more than in the previous year.
NOTES ON POSTAL SERVICE
Fiscal 1955 was a record year for the Post Office with mail volume at 55.2 billion
pieces and revenues at $2,349.5 million. This mail volume represents an increase of
5.8 per cent over the previous year. The 1955 deficit stood at $362.7 million or
$36.4 million lower than the deficit reported in 1954. There have also been a number
of noteworthy developments in the Post Office Department. For instance, since 1953
the Department has reorganized with 15 regional offices and each averaging delivery
of about three and one-half billion pieces of mail annually. In addition, on June 6th
1955 Certified Mail was established for first-dass mail of no intrinsic value; in fiscal
0.955 two-million additional familios were added to city delivery service; and as one
of the largest single savings banks in the country the Postal Savings Systemhad
2.7 million depositors with balances totaling about $2 billion on June 30, 1955.
VETERANS LEGISLATION
President Eisenhower signed into law recently a GI loan law which extends for
one more year the World War II GI loan program. Under this new law, which affects
only World War II veterans, any GI loan for which the Veterans Administration receives
an application by July 25, 1958 may be guaranteed or insured if it is completed by
July 25, 1959. In the 12 years the GI loan program has been in operation, 4,466,000
World War II veterans have borrowed $33.2 billion in GI loans to purchase homes, farms,
and businesses. Veterans from the Korean conflict have until January 31, 1965 to
obtain GI loans for homes, farms, and businesses. To date, more than 345,000 Korean
veterans have borrowed $3.6 billion in GI loans.
VISITORS TO WASHINGTON
Mr. and Mrs. Leon Hopkins and son from Holland.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
September 6, 1956
The past four years have left an indelible imprint upon the welfare and vitality
of the American "labor force. 12 A record-breaking 66.6 million Americans are gainfully
employed and at present rates are producing $408 billion in goods and services for
consumption byoour nation. Of this record-high civilian "labor force" about 50
million persons are engaged in nonagricultural employment. About 17 million of the
50 million persons are engaged in manufacturing. : Women comprise about one-third of
the total "labor force."
LABOR DAY MESSAGE
In a Labor Day message printed in the "AFI-CIO NEWS," Secretary of Labor James
P. Mitchell described this day as an appropriate occasion to re-dedicate ourselves to
promoting an even better life for all our people. Secretary Mitchell said, "It is
the responsibility ofuall of us in whatever calling, labor, management, or government,
to make sure that the American dream is a reality to an ever-increasing number of our
people; that the fruits of our labor are ever more widely distributed; and that the
leisure which brings health of body and peace of mind is ever more abundantly available."
Secretary Mitchell continued, "How are our working men and women doing? How are
they faring in 1956? More are gainfully employed than ever before. They are earning
higher wages, and they are able to buy more for themselves and their families with
these wages. In short," Mr. Mitchell concluded, "they are doing better than at any
other time in our nation's history."
COMPARATIVE YEARLY WAGES
In 1948, a factory worker with three dependents averaged $53.17 a week after
federal income and social security taxes were deducted. In January 1956, the same
worker with the same dependents had $71.92 after taxes. From 1948 to 1952 gross weekly
earnings rose 25.5 per cent. From 1952 to 1956 gross weekly earnings rose 15.7 per
cent. Yet the 1948 to 1952 rise resulted in only an 8.4 per cent increase in real
spendable earnings, while the 1952 to 1956 rise resulted in a 12 per cent increase
because of the stability in the cost of living in the latter four-year period. With
1947-49 as a 100 base, in 1948 the consumer price index average stood at 102.8; in
1952 it had risen to 113.5. The average for the first five months in 1956 was 114.8
while in June, the latest figure available, the price index stood at 116.2. Today two
million more American families than ever before are in the $5,000 a year income bracket.
FURTHER PROGRESS
STRIKE LOSSES: In 1953 strike losses were down 53 per cent from 1952. in the
seven years of the previous Administration, man-days lost because of strikes averaged
93 per cent more than the first three years of the Eisenhower Administration.
DISCRIMINATION: As a result of President Eisenhower's Committee on Government
Contracts, Federal contracts now contain standard non-discrimination clauses barring
on-the-job discrimination when federal treasury funds are used.
PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED: Last year 264,316 handicapped workers were assisted in
obtaining employment by the United States Employment Service and cooperating State
public employment offices. Forty-eight Governor's Committees and more than 700
community committees cooperated with President Eisenhower's Committee on Employment
of the Physically Handicapped in encouraging employers to provide jobs for the
physically impaired. In addition, improvements in the vocational rehabilitation program
conducted by the Department of Labor has benefited more than two-million disabled
persons.
"MOBILE OFFICE" TOUR
This year.Grandville will be the first of 24 communities in Kent and Ottawa
Counties into which I will bring my 1956 "mobile office." The house trailer which
has been converted into office quarters will be in Grandville on Monday, September 10th,
and will be parked on the triangular grasslot on East South Street near M-21 or East
Chicago Drive. My office hours here as in other communities will be from 2:30 p.m.
until 8 p.m. On Wednesday, September 12th I will be at Godwin Heights at 3610 South
Division next to Gaver's Jewelry Store; and Friday at Byron Center on the corner of
84th and Harlow Streets. During these visits to various communities I hope to meet
and talk with as many persons as possible to discuss questions or problems of the
Federal Government or just to become better acquainted. In last year's similar tour
of the Fifth District I was privileged to meet and talk individually with 863 persons.
My permanent office at 518 Michigan Trust Building in Grand Rapids will remain open
during the seven-week tour; telephone - Glendale 6-9747.
AGRICULTURAL YEARBOOKS
The 1956 Department of Agriculture Yearbook entitled "Animal Diseases" is now
available in a limited quantity for free distribution through my office. I will be
happy to forward a copy of this Yearbook to those having a need for it.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
September 13, 1956
The Ford family, Mike, Jack, Steve, Betty, and Dad, have had a wonderful vacation
on Lake Michigan near Holland. Dad got in his share of swimming, fishing, boating,
and other activities with our two older boys as they had been promised earlier this
summer in Washington. But last week the vacation was over and I began once again to
keep regular hours in my office at 518 Michigan Trust Building. However, my schedule
was interrupted over the weak-end when on Friday I drove the family back to Washington
in time for our eldest son Mike to start school as a first-grader. As much as Betty
disliked leaving Michigan so soon we thought it best this way rather than later having
to transfer Mike in the middle of the school term.
I flew back to Grand Rapids and now it is my earnest hope to be able to meet and
talk with as many residents of Kent and Ottawa Counties as possible in the time
available. This next week my "möbile office" will be in Hudsonville on Monday at the
corner of M-21 and School Street; in Zeeland on Tuesday at the corner of Main and Elm
Streets; and in Holland on Thursday at the corner of Central Avenue and West 8th Street.
My hours at each of these communities will be from 2:30 p.m. through 8 p.m.
IKE SUPPORT IN CONGRESS
An examination of roll call votes in both the House and Senate during the past
four years disputes beyond doubt allegations that President Eisenhower's legislative
program has benefited most from Democrat support or suffered from lack of G.O.P. votes.
In the House of Representatives in the Republican 83rd Congress, Ike garnered 61.5 per
cent of all the votes favoring his program from Republicans while Democrats cast only
38.5 per cent of their vote for the Eisenhower position. On these same issues Democrats
took a position in opposition to the President on 71.1 per cent of the votes cast while
Republicans did so on only 28.3 per cent. In the 84th Democrat Congress, House Repub-
licans provided 55 per cent of the pro-Ike votes cast and Democrats 45 per cent. In
opposition voting, Democrats turned in a 68.5 per cent average and Republicans 31.5
per cent.
Senate Republicans provided 64.7 per cent of the pro-Administration votes in the
83rd Congress and 59.4 per cent in the 84th Congress. During the 83rd Congress Democrats
cast 74.3 per cent of the Senate votes opposing Ike while in the 84th Congress the
Democrat majority provided 70.3 per cent of the opposition votes. The Republican
members of Congress are no "rubber stamps" but they are supporting the Eisenhower program
and certainly to a far greater degree than their Democrat colleagues.
NOTES ON TAXES
During the political campaign this fall one will hear many promises about cutting
taxes even though most of the statements blithfully ignore the problem of government
fiscal responsibility. Personally I hope the Congress can reduce the federal tax
burden next year but the House and Senate can only do it honestly by relating government
receipts to expenditures. An unbalanced federal budget even with lower taxes helps
no one. To cut taxes legitimately the Congress must hold down what Uncle Sam spends.
In the last session expenditures did on too many occasinns get out of hand. This year
President Eisenhower had a balanced budget only because of good management of our
government affairs and the nation's general prosperity.
At this point it might be well to point out that Ike balanced the federal budget
this year even though federal taxes were reduced in 1954 by $7.4 billion annually.
About two of every three dollars of this reduction went directly to individuals for
reliefin a variety of situations. For example, this legislation allows all children
under 18 years to be claimed as dependents regardless of earnings from summer or
after-school employment. In addition, it permits a child to be claimed as a dependent,
even if over 18, if he attends college or receives on-the-farm training.
Another provision helpful to many is the allowance of a 20 per cent tax credit
on retirement income up to $1200 for retired persons. Widows and widowers with
children or other single close dependent relatives are given special attention through
an extension to them of the split income privilege. Persons suffering high medical
expense also are considered in legislation enacted by the 83rd Congress with a
lowering of the expense deduction requirement from 5 to 3 per cent. Widows, widowers,
and mothers who work, and have to hire baby sitters or other child care now may
receive a tax deduction for this expense. Other provisions were included in this
carefully thought out tax law but the notable point is that it tries to meet typical
human needs on a personalized basis.
REGISTER TO VOTE
Everycitizen has a serious obligation to vote on November 6th. To vote in this
vital election you must register by October 8th. I repeat, October 8th. Regardless
of your political beliefs by all means register with your city or township clerk by the
deadline. Persons qualifying to vote in the November General Election must be United
States citizens and have resided in the State at least six months and their township
or city 30 days. Residents who are absent from their homes at the time of balloting
may secure an absentee ballot from their city or township clerk.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
September 20, 1956
The recent 84th Congress exhibited strong pressures unfavorable to the passage
of measures affecting civil rights and labor. President Eisenhower asked the 84th
Congress to approve a constructive civil rights program and numerous other bills
for the welfare of the individual worker which although supported by many in Congress
were not passed.
Ike's labor recommendations included: (1) Grants-in-aid to the states for
industrial safety programs; (2) A real safety bill for federal employees; (3)
Regulate standards of interstate transportation for migratory farm workers; (4)
A general eight-hour-day law applying to all federally-financed work; (5) Extending
unemployment insurance to Puerto Rico; (6) Improvements in the District of Columbia
unemployment compensation law; and (7) Extending coverage of the minimum wage.
The flow of bills reaching the whole Congress for final approval more often
than not express the interests of committee chairmen which explains the hesitancy
of the recent Congress to pass civil rights and labor legislation. Committee
chairmanships are determined by seniority which meant in the recent Congress that
Southerners controlled much of the flow of vital legislation. Of the fifteen
standing committees in the Senate two-thirds are chaired by Southerners. These
ten chairmen are from the eights states of Louisiana, Georgia, Arkansas, West
Virginia, Virginia, Mississippi, Alabama, and South Carolina. In the House the
proportion is the same with 13 of 19 committee chairmen representing a Southern
viewpoint. These committee chairmen have continually stood between President Eisen-
hower and passage of his constructive labor and civil rights program.
ANTITRUST LEGISLATION
The Department of Justice started fifty-one antitrust actions between
September 30, 1954, and September 30, 1955 or almost 50 per cent more than in the
comparable period before the present Administration assumed office. In 1955 the
number of proceedings brought against corporate mergers was greater than in any
previous year since 1950. In addition, a full-scale job of re-examining our nation's
antitrust laws to improve and strengthen them has been launched and has resulted
in two changes in the law with others forthcoming. One raises maximum penalties
under the Sherman Act from five thousand dollars to fifty thousand dollars. The
other gives the federal government the right to sue for the damages it suffers as
a result of antitrust violations.
DULLES APPLAUDED
Secretary of State John Foster Dulles received words of praise recently from
two Senate Democrats for his handling of the tense Suez canal situation. The
favorable comment came from Senators Mansfield, of Montana, and Humphrey, of
Minnesota, after Dulles gave five Congressmen a secret briefing on the Suez canal
dispute. The Congressmen all agreed that Secretary Dulles was doing an excellent
job under difficult conditions concerning the Suez problem. "I think the Secretary
is doing a good job in calming the people down," Senator Mansfield said. "His
efforts aim at settling this by reason rather than emotion." Of Secretary Dulles
Senator Humphrey said: "His efforts have been constructive and helpful."
ON THE BUDGET
Secretary of the Treasury George M. Humphrey reports that a mid-year review
indicates our nation's books will be balanced for the second consecutive year.
The surplus for fiscal 1956 amounted to $1.8 billion. The surplus for the present
fiscal year is estimated at $700 million. Receipts for fiscal 1957 are estimated
at $69.8 billion with expenditures at $69.1 billion. It is clear that even with
higher tax receipts from a prosperous economy the present favorable budget position
would not be possible without a cut of more than $5 billion in federal spending
between 1953 and 1957. In addition, it is worth noting that this has been accom-
plished while our national defense grew stronger and civilian services improved.
IN A SENTENCE OR TWO
CIVILIAN PAYROLL: The cost of civilian employment in the Executive Branch
totaled more than $10 billion in fiscal 1956 for approximately 2.3 million employees.
This figure compares to 3.1 million employees in 1946 and 2.5 million in 1952.
APPLE SMORGASBORD: It was my pleasure to once again attend the annual Peach
Ridge Apple Smorgasbord near Sparta on September 11th. This year's colorful feast
offered a variety of over 200 apple dishes served with a meat course. The Herbert
Reister family at 16th and Gooding Streets opened the spacious grounds around their
farm for the occasion. After a wonderfully pleasant afternoon I was assured as in
previous years of the excellent quality of apples grown in our area.
MOBILE OFFICE SCHEDULE FOR NEXT WEEK
HOLLAND TOWNSHIP:
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 (FIRE STATION #1, NORTH RIVER
AVENUE VANDERVEEN AVENUE)
WEST OLIVE
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 (BECKEMAN'S STORE)
ALLENDALE:
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 (TOWNSHIP HALL)
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
September 27, 1956
In the communities visited with my "mobile office" suggestions for possible
federal legislation have been made by many local residents.
TAX DEDUCTION FOR CARS: At Godwin Heights a visitor presented me with a petition
signed by employees of a local GM plant suggesting legislation to allow a 25 per cent
deduction for depreciation for income tax purposes on automobiles used as trans-
portation to and from work. The signers feel that this allowance would be reasonable
as the car is essential to earning an income.
Nowadays factories in many instances are located in suburban areas and workers
travel many miles from their homes to their jobs. This decentralization of industry
is advocated by federal civil defense officials. It means however that the American
factory worker today needs his car for his employment just like anyone else in business.
Our tax laws give salesmen and professional people a break in the use of their cars
for business purposes. In my opinion the factory workers and others should be treated
alike and I intend to sponsor such legislation in the next session of the Congress.
It should also mean that more autos will be produced and sold and this will help the
nation's economy.
ONION MARKETS: A number of growers and dealers in onions have discussed with
me the need for legislation to prohibit or regulate the trading in onion futures on
the mercantile exchange. It is apparent that there have been abuses by speculative
traders in onion futures and that some growers and legitimate dealers have been harmed.
During the past session of the Congress, the Committee on Agriculture held extensive
hearings on the problems in connection with a bill introduced by Rep. King of Pennsyl-
vania to prohibit such trading. The bill was not enacted but the Committee did serve
notice that the industry would have to exercise a greater degree of restraint or
legislative restrictions would be imposed. Most of our visitors have recommended that
the King bill should pass and from my local observations to date, it does not appear
that conditions on the exchanges have improved materially. At the present moment I
am favorably disposed to prohibiting futures trading in onions.
DRIVING SAFETY: At Grandville I received a suggestion for legislation to help
lower the death and injury toll from accidents on our nation's highways. It has
been noted from crash research by the American College of Surgeons that seat belts
installed in cars could cut in half auto deaths, saving possibly 19,000 lives and
eliminating 750,000 injuries annually. Legislation was suggested for mandatory in-
stallation of safety belts in cars at the factory.
SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION BILL
Some residents of Western Michigan have expressed concern over the problems of
providing adequate school construction to meet the demands from greater numbers of
school-age children. Federal aid to help solve our nation's pressing school needs
came particularly into focus early last July when the Kelly school construction bill
was defeated in the House of Representatives, 224 to 194.
The Democrat leadership in the Congress supported the Kelly school construction
bill. But they were unable to produce the votes necessary for passage because of
opposition from Southern legislators and because most Republicans favored the Admini-
stration's school aid proposals as embodied in the McConnell Bill. President Eisen-
hower's school construction bill would have distributed funds on the basis of need
and demonstrated effort at the local level. In this way those districts with schools
in sub-standard and poorer condition would receive more aid than districts better
able to supply their own educational requirements. In contrast the Kelly Bill would
distribute federal funds to states on the basis of school population alone and without
regard to need or local effort. This across-the-board formula for distribution of
tax money ignores varying local conditions and does not provide greater aid for
districts needing it the most.
FINAL CONSIDERATION
During consideration of the school legislation a motion was madeto recommit
the Kelly Bill in order to change the formula for distribution of federal funds in
line with President Eisenhower's recommendations. Your Congressman favored this
motion and would have voted for the McConnell school construction bill. But the
motion was defeated and the Kelly Bill with its unsound provisions for distribution
of federal assistance remained on the floor and was subsequently defeated.
Southern Congressmen opposed the Kelly Bill mainly because of an amendment adopted
in the House and offered by Representative Adam Clayton Powell, Democrat from New York,
to withhold federal funds from states failing to integrate their schools in compliance
with the Supreme Court Decision of May 17, 1954. When the Powell Amendment came to
the floor of the House for approval or disapproval it not only involved the law of the
land which the Congress is bound to uphold but also certain moral and social principles
of equality among all our citizens.
MOBILE OFFICE SCHEDULE
Coopersville
October 1
Corner of Main and Eastmanville Streets
Grand Haven
October 3
Parking Lot nn Washington Street just East of 7th St.
Spring Lake
October 4
Corner of Savidge and Buchanan Streets
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
October 4, 1956
Congress gave a total of $170.4 million to the National Institutes of Health for
spending by next July 1st to intensify the fight against major disease and health
hazards. This figure represents an: 80 per cent increase over last year's appropriation
to the seven research organizations comprising the National Institutes of Health. The
bulk of these funds go for grants to non-federal institutions such as hospitals, medical
schools, clinics and state and local organizations engaged in research. For instance,
$48.4 million goes for cancer research; $35.1 million for mental health work; $33.3
million for heart disease; $15.8 million for work on arthritis and metabolic diseases;
$18.6 million for research in neurology and blindness; and $13.2 million for work on
allergies and infectious diseases. In addition, $6 million is earmarked for dental
research which represents almost triple the amount spent last year. These funds were
made available because of the very real prospects for success in whipping these critical
health problems.
PUBLIC HOUS ING ISSUE
Although the Democrat Vice-Presidential nominee raised the issue of public housing
on his recent trip to Grand Rapids, this question has failed to create much interest
among local residents. Grand Rapids voters twice overwhelmingly rejected ordinances
passed by the City Commission creating a local Housing Commission with authority to
launch government subsidized housing. In a 1947 referendum Grand Rapids voted 12,583
to 7,989 against so-called public housing. Again in 1949 another ordinance similar to
the previous one in favor of public housing was defeated 10,678 to 6,874.
It is interesting to note that 63.5 per cent of the families in the Grand Rapids
area own their homes. In my opinion we don't need subsidized housing in Western Michigan
but rather the continuation and expansion of FHA and GI financed homes. The so-called
public housing program costs the federal treasury at present about $80 million annually
in subsidized rents. It is anticipated that this subsidy on previously committed ob-
ligations stemming from the 1949 legislation will increase to over $300 million each
year. In contrast the FHA and GI home-building programs which result in the individual
owning his own residence do not impose a burden on the federal treasury or the taxpayers
generally.
During the last session Congress considered the 1956 Housing Bill containing one
provision which authorized direct long-term loans of up to fifty years duration at 3
per cent interest to non-profit institutions wishing to construct housing for the aged.
In Kent and Ottawa Counties several groups were vitally interested in building such
projects for our older citizens. It is very difficult to understand why the majority
members of the conference committee struck from the bill this provision when such a
great need for it has been demonstrated throughout the country.
SUPPORT FOR SMALL BUSINESS
This week Mr. Fred Pritchard, regional director for the Small Business Administra-
tion with offices in Detroit, dropped by my office on a visit to Western Michigan.
While in Grand Rapids Mr. Pritchard had the opportunity to discuss with several local
small businessmen some of their problems and ways the SBA might be helpful. Mr.
Pritchard assured me that the SBA has on hand sufficient funds to meet all of the
anticipated needs of qualified small firms that are unable to obtain credit elsewhere.
I do feel, however, that Congress must do even more in this area if our small business-
men are to grow and prosper.
From the creation of the SBA in July 1953, by Congress upon recommendation of
President Eisenhower, to August 31, 1956, it had approved 3,987 business loans totaling
$183 million to help small firms. During the first eight months of this year 1,717
business loans were approved by the SBA for a total of $69 million which amounted to
approval of 58.6 per cent of those considered during the period. With 40 field offices
throughout the United States, in Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, the Small Business
Administration also makes disaster loans to assist victims of hurricanes, floods,
and other natural disasters. As of August 31, 1956, the Agency had approved 4,646
disaster loans for a total of $54 million.
ON THE FEDERAL BUDGET
The national budget for fiscal 1956 was balanced with the government ending up
with a $1.8 billion surplus and excellent prospects for a $700 million surplus in the
current fiscal year with estimated revenues at $69.8 billion and expenditures at $69.1
billion. Most of the revenues for the operation of the federal government comes from
corporation and personal income taxes. On the other hand, the greatest share of Uncle
Sam's expenditures are going toward maintaining a strong national defense. This year
over $40 billion, or about two-thirds of the budget will be for the military protection
of America. The second largest amount of money to be spent in the current fiscal year
is for interest payments totaling $7.2 billion on the national debt which amounted to
approximately $274 billion as of September 19, 1956. Other expenditures of Uncle Sam
include: agriculture, 5.7 billion; veterans, 4.8 billion; labor and welfare, 3.0 billion.
"MOBILE OFFICE" SCHEDULE
Marne
October 8
Corner of State Street and 16th Avenue
Leonard Heights
October 9
Remembrance Road at Leonard Street
Comstock Park
October 11
Parking lot next to Fire Station.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
October 11, 1956
In numerous meetings and contacts with citizens' groups and individuals Presi-
dent Eisenhower has repeatedly called for a big vote this November. At one meeting
Ike said, "We want the decision of America, not the decision of the minority." It is
gratifying to know that here in the Fifth District voting registrations reached a record
high. Now with the deadline for registrations passed we must be certain that every
eligible voter casts a ballot on November 6th.
VICE PRESIDENTIAL VISITS
Western Michigan residents were honored in the past two weeks with visits from
the Democrat and Republican Vice Presidential nominees. Senator Estes Kefauver flew
into Grand Rapids after a strenuous day of campaigning in Northern Michigan for a night
rally at Fulton Park on Tuesday, September 25th. The following Monday afternoon the
Republican nominee and incumbent, Richard M. Nixon, also came to Grand Rapids to address
local residents.
Vice President Dick Nixon expressed personal gratitude to me just before boarding
his plane to leave Grand Rapids for the "terrific reception" local residents gave him
and his charming wife, Pat. Dick flew here directly from Florida and followed his
visit to Grand Rapids with stops in Milwaukee and Hartford, Comnecticut.
Dick Nixon spoke to approximately 10,000 persons at Campau Square in Grand Rapids
where he characterized the determination of all Eisenhower Administration policies by
the proposition: "Every program of this Administration is subjected to one test only
- is it in the best interests of 167 million Americans?" The Vice President applied
this proposition to various issues including the welfare of the nation's wage earners
now totaling a record high 67 million. These people today have the highest wages,
greatest take-home pay, best security in history and peace to boot, the Vice President
said. In a comparison with 1952 he pointed out that American wage earners today have
$50 per month more in their pay checks than four years ago.
VALUE OF THE DOLLAR
In addition, Dick Nixon showed that older people and those with savings are
better off today because the dollar has been stabilized. For instance, if you worked
and saved a dollar in 1942 and retired or spent it in 1952 you could buy only 60 cents
worth of goods. Now the 120 million Americans who have life insurance, the 60 million
covered by social security and the 40 million with government bonds and the millions
investing in pension funds can all look forward and plan for the future realizing that
since 1952 the value of the dollar has been virtually stabilized, and that these same
policies which kept it stabilized can continue to do SO.
WORLD PEACE
There were other issues which Vice President Nixon touched on but paramount was
peace and who best can serve as guardian of this peace without surrender; and who best
can work toward further relaxation of world tensions. He said you can be sure President
Eisenhower understands and will never underestimate the Communist threat either abroad
or at home. And with his long experience as a military leader he will never under-
estimate the military capacity and strength necessary to cope with this threat. In
addition, Communist leaders know Ike and what he stands for and they respect him.
President Eisenhower will see that every resource, economic and moral and spiritual
within his command will be thrown into the battle in the increasing conquest for lasting
peace.
ACTIVITIES IN DISTRICT
It has been my pleasure to meet and chat with about 45 persons on each visit in
the "mobile office." But in addition to this your Congressman has participated in
numerous discussions, informal talks and speeches before church groups, civic clubs,
fraternal organizations, schools, and young people's clubs. These are wonderful oppor-
tunities to become better acquainted with residents of the Fifth District and to explain
and answer questions about how our government functions on the federal level.
MISCELLANEOUS
MAIL SERVICE: For better, faster service the Post Office Department is getting
5,743 new trucks, 1,500 new motor scooters, 2,000 more bicycles and 6,000 gold caddy-
type letter carrier carts to speed mail to the nation. Also, 200 post offices, stations,
and branches will get new counter facilities this year, while 22,500 mail boxes will
be delivered by next spring for installation in growing communities over the nation.
Delivery of new trucks will be completed in five months, and many will be on hand to
speed Christmas mailings.
HCOVER COMMISSION: It has been estimated that Uncle Sam will save $532.6 million
annually from the recommendations of the Hoover Commission adopted to date. Approximately
35 per cent of the Commission's 314 recommendations have gone into effect in the 14
months since the 19 reports were presented to Congress. Congress approved a total of
31 pieces of Hoover Report legislation in 1956 and the Executive Branch has acted
favorably on many recommendations for which legislative approval is not required.
"MOBILE OFFICE" SCHEDULE
Sparta
October 17
Parking lot on East Division Avenue
Rockford
October 18
Corner of Main and Courtland Streets
Cedar Springs
October 19
Corner of Main and Ash Streets
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
October 18, 1956
The problems of America's aged have attracted increasing attention in recent
years. To help solve these problems since 1952 ten million additional persons
have been brought under Social Security with monthly benefits increased to 6.5
million recipients. Among the groups added to social security rolls are: self-
employed farmers, farm workers, domestics, architects, accountants and other
professional people. It has been estimated that with these changes by 1960, 75
per cent of the nation's citizens who reach retirement age will be eligible for
benefits.
OTHER PROGRAMS FOR AGED
In addition to these changes in the Social Security law the cause of the aging
worker is being championed by the Department of Labor which is trying to crack
prejudices and misconceptions with respect to the capacity of the so-called older
worker. Secretary of Labor James P. Mitchell allocated $449,500 to place older-
worker specialists in 48 state employment security offices and in employment offices
in 70 larger cities. Eventually it is hoped to have a specialist in all the 1700
local employment offices who can encourage the creation of more job opportunities
for the aged and offer advice to older job seekers.
The Department of Labor has made six pronouncements on the employment of aged
persons in the past three months the latest being called the "Earning Opportunities
Forum." This is a program with a "town meeting" approach where employers, community
groups and prospective women employees are brought together in a one-day forum.
The emphasis is placed on special job training to prepare older persons for work
available to them. In addition, the Department of Labor is making a continual
effort to accumulate and bring information to the attention of prospective employers
to demonstrate that age does not indicate a decline in capability or usefulness.
MORE OLDER PEOPLE
With an increasing percentage of our population moving into the "older worker"
category, President Eisenhower established last April a Federal Council on the Aging
to give new momentum to government efforts to explode the outmoded concepts toward
the aged and his abilities. Increased Federal activity in this area reflects the
President's views as he put forth in a letter on March 21 this year to a Member
of the Senate: "Our nation now must learn to take advantage of the full potential
of our older citizens-their skills, their wisdom, and their experience. We need
these traits fully as much as we need the energy and boldness of youth.
VOTING FIGURES
There are approximately 105 million Americans who could vote in the November
election according to the Census Bureau. But if only 60 per cent of these persons
cast their ballots compared to figures from previous elections the turn out would
be considered "good." In the 1952 Presidential election a record vote of 61,551,919
was recorded from a possible 98 million citizens who could have voted. In that
same election year 76 million citizens had registered which means that approximately
12 million of this number did not bother for one reason or another to go to their
neighborhood polling places. In Grand Rapids an estimated 133,900 could have
qualified to vote this November but only 96,286 had registered by the deadline.
Let no one undervalue his or her vote this November and let's make it our job to
see that each eligible voter is sure to cast a ballot in this important election!
IN A SENTENCE OR TWO
SMALL BUSINESS: Defense contracts to small business reached $3.4 billion in
fiscal 1956. This compares to $2.9 billion in 1954 and $3.2 billion in 1955. During
the last three fiscal years the share of defense contracts going to small business
amounted to 27.1 per cent compared to the previous three years of 18.1 per cent.
CIVIL SERVICE: When the present Administration took office in January of 1953,
the turnover of federal employees was as high as 26 per cent on an annual basis.
For the last two years annual turnover has been 14 per cent. This indicates a
better career service for employees of Uncle Sam, improved service to the public,
and a reduction i cost to the federal treasury.
TAX SCOREBOARD: Since the authorization of the federal income tax in 1913
Democrat Congresses have voted 14 of 15 federal tax increase laws. In contrast
Republican Congresses voted one tax increase and seven of 10 reductions in federal
taxes.
"MOBILE OFFICE" SCHEDULE
Kent City
October 22
Main Street across from the Town Hall
Eastmont
October 23
4670 Cascade Road, S.E. (U.S. 16) just
east of Forest Hills Avenue
Lowell
October 24
On north side of West Main Street at the
bridge
RECENT VISITORS IN WASHINGTON:
Claude I. Roskamp, Roy Feringa, Ruth Wistrate, Darlene Hollis, and Mrs.
Maria Brzozowski all of Grand Rapids and Robert Van Ark of Holland.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
October 24,1956
TO MY FRIENDS IN THE WEST OLIVE AREA:
During my visit with you at the Robart School on the evening of September 26th
a number of questions went unanswered because of the lack of specific information.
We have been able to get answers to these questions and I am pleased to be able to
supply the information in this letter.
1. Question: How much land was acquired by the Federal Government? When?
At what cost?
Answer::
The Federal Government acquired 6227 acres of land in Ottawa
County between May 1942 and October 1943 for about $75,000.
2.
Question:
How much is the land worth now?
Answer:
The land has not been appraised in recent years so there is
no official estimate of the present value of the Federal holdings.
3.
Question:
Do we export any blueberries?
Answer:
The amount of blueberries exported by the United States is
negligible.
4.
Question:
Do we export any Christmas trees?
Answer:
Christmas trees are exported under an exportation schedule
which includes 20 items in addition to Christmas trees, such
as fuel wood, anchor logs, fence posts, mine timbers, etc,
Total value of these combined exports in 1955 was $622,298.
Unfortunately, there is no breakdown for Christmas trees,
specifically. The above items were shipped to Latin-America
and Canada.
5.
Question: Is it true that Christmas trees may not be shipped into the
United States under consignment?
Answer:
The U. S. Tariff Commission reports that there is no such
Federal law. The Canadian Embassy stated that there is no
Canadian law prohibiting the exportation of Christmas trees
under consignment. As far as we can determine, neither is
there anything in Michigan law to restrict selling by
consignment.
6.
Question:
Will the Federal Government increase the number of its
nurseries to meet demands for seedlings under the Soil Bank
program?
Answer:
The Department of Agriculture plans to use existing unused
capacity of the Federal nurseries. Up until now these
nurseries have not been used to full capacity. With the
increased demand, the Department intends to make greater use
of its own facilities and expects to get the other needed
seedlings and trees through the expansion of State and
private commercial nurseries.
7. Question: Will any Federal expansion require an appropriation of funds
by Congress?
Answer:
The Agricultural Act of 1956 authorizes the Department to
use money from the Commodity Credit Corporation. It is
felt that adequate finances will be available from this
source for any expansion at the Federal level.
8. Question: How does the program of the Michigan Conservation Department
fit into the picture?
Answer:
Chairman Gerald Eddy reports that his Department operates
three nurseries, two owned by the State and one under long-
term lease from the Federal Government. In 1955 for the
first time since World War II, planting stock from all sources,
both public and private, was enough to supply the demand from
private land owners. Total production of reforestation stock
by all sources in Michigan totaled 41 million trees of which
20,275,000 were produced by State nurseries.
Because of greater demand, the Michigan Conservation Depart-
ment is planning to increase its production to at least
30 million for the fiscal year 1956-57. M. S. U. which has
produced 4 million trees a year has announced that it is
retiring its nurseries from production.
The Department is proposing a new nursery in the southern
part of the state. The southern-most nursery is now at
Higgins Lake. Many of the trees sold by State nurseries
are planted in southern Michigan where the best planting time
is at least two weeks ahead of the earliest spring shipments
from these nurseries. This results in many farmers not
planting as they cannot get their trees ahead of the press
of other spring farm work.
Chairman Eddy stated further, "We do not feel that we should
be distributing Christmas tree stock, except possibly in
the case of an acute emergency, such as obtained temporarily
in the case of scotch pine."
Mr. Eddy reports that the Department's relations with the
Michigan Commercial Nurserymen's Association have been most
cordial. He also feels that the participation of the State
forest agency in the reforestation stock distribution
program is essential to the rebuilding of our forest
resources.
It was agreed at the meeting on September 26th, that your Congressman
should push for legislation to authorize the sale of the Federal land in Ottawa
County. This will be done by means of a general law, or by one specifically
aimed at this county.
It was also agreed that research on the European Pine Shoot Moth and other
forest insects must be continued.
Respectfully submitted,
Juny Ford
Gerald R. Ford, Jr., M. C.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
October 25 1956
Lewis L. Strauss, Chairman of the United States Atomic Energy Commission, reports
facts about the atom which could mean our country is about to embark on a new revolu-
tionary course of greater abundance for all. The United States has built 82 atomic
reactors for peaceful purposes with 127 more either under construction or planned, a
total greater than in the rest of the world combined. More than one-third of this
number are the type producing electric power. Eighteen reactors will go into plants
for civilian atomic power between 1957 and 1962 with a generating capacity of 1.2 million
kilowatts. This capacity is equal to the needs of Rhode Island and New Hampshire. The
first of these plants, at Shippingport, Pennsylvania, begins operation next year, and
will furnish 60,000 to 100,000 kilowatts of electricity for home and industrial use in
the Pittsburg area. It is the world's first large nuclear power plant exclusively for
civilian use.
RIGHT TO VOTE
In the 1952 Presidential election about 63 per cent of the eligible voters in the
country cast ballots. This was an unusually good turnout for us although other nations
made much better percentage records in their last big elections. For example, in Britain
77 per cent of the eligible voters went to the polls; in Sweden 79 per cent; Denmark,
81 per cent, Italy, 94 per cent. A few countries such as Australia and Belgium impose
a fine on non-voters and as a result usually have election-day turnouts of more than
95 per cent.
To help assure a big vote next month 375,000 members of the Ladies Auxiliary to
the Veterans of Foreign Wars will set up and operate free election day nurseries in
7000 communities November 6th. Such a service will be particularly appreciated by many
young mothers throughout the nation who otherwise might have difficulty in reaching
their local polling places. These women of the Ladies Auxiliary deserve a great deal of
creditfor carrying out this election-day project. The Boy Scouts and other civic groups
also are planning to help in the "Get-Out-the-Vote" drive.
FROM THE "MOBILE OFFICE"
After reaching middle age many people who want to work have a difficult time
getting a new job. Under the present law all government contracts include provisions
barring discrimination in hiring because of race, color, or creed. At Comstock Park a
local resident visiting the "mobile office" raised the question of amending the anti-
discrimination provision to include age. This inclusion could have considerable merit
by requiring employers to have other reasons than age for refusing to hire an employee
working on a government contract. In the next session of the Congress I intend to
examine this fully with the purpose of possibly introducing legislation to carry out
this suggestion.
SMALL BUSINESS POLICY
President Eisenhower recently received a report from his special seven-man
Cabinet Committee on Small Business. Ike indicated a large share of the recommendations
of this committee will be incorporated into the Administration's program in Congress
next year to strengthen small business. One recommendation of the committee, headed
by Dr. Arthur Burns, Chairman of the President's Council on Economic Advisors, calls
for reducing taxes on the first $25 000 of corporate income from 30 per cent to 20 per
cent. This would help put the small businessman in a more favorable position to compete
with big corporations. Such a policy would also serve to encourage the growth of new
small business. Other recommendations to be adopted by the President's program include
a study of government procurement policies for small business and simplification of
government forms and the number of required reports to ease paperwork.
VETERANS' LEGISLATION
Under provisions of the Servicemen's and Veterans' Survivor Benefits Act passed
by the 84th Congress and signed into law by President Eisenhower last August 1st, changes
are made in the type and amount of benefits available to dependents of servicemen and
retired armed forces personnel.
This new law taking effect January 1st, for instance changes the old "$10,000
insurance" paid by the government to beneficiaries of deceased servicemen. To replace
this the new law revised the death compensation program to provide monthly payments for
widows scaled to the military pay of their deceased husbands, increased payments to
children, and provide for a sliding scale to determine benefits for dependent parents
subject to annual income limitations. Another feature of the law extends old-age and
survivors inSurance (Social Security) to all servicemen on a contributory basis to be
administered by the Social Security Administration. In addition, beneficiaries of
deceased servicemen may receive from the government a lump-sum death gratuity equal to
six times all items of monthly pay, except allowances, within a $800 to $3,000 range.
This law is part of a desire by the government to legislate a sound and fair
overall veterans' program for those who serve their country in uniform and for their
dependents.
MOBILE OFFICE" SCHEDULE
Caledonia
October 29
Corner of Main and Lake Streets
Cutlerville
October 30
Andringa's Hardware Store
Wyoming Park
November 1
Corner of Lee Street and Wyoming Park Avenue
Standale
November 2
Standale Merchandise Mart
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
November 8, 1956
With the close of 1956 campaign activity we can look back to assess the accom-
plishments not only from a political view but also from the standpoint of the issues
debated and the opportunities to become better acquainted with the people of Kent and
Ottawa Counties. Campaigns are stimulating and worthwhile because they serve to
periodically cast light on the issues and stimulate thoughtful participation in the
decisions on public policy through the democratic process. They also provide the
winning candidate a chance to comprehensively appraise the thinking and sentiments of
those he represents.
A lot of people worked hard in the campaign and deserve a great deal of credit
for helping the candidates present the issues to the public. It has always been my
strong contention that without these door-to-door contacts, telephoning, and countless
other necessary tasks my job, as that of the other candidates, would have been infinitely
more difficult if not impossible.
For myself may I express my deep personal appreciation to all who helped prior
to and on election day.
AROUND THE DISTRICT
In the campaign it was my privilege to visit with people in every area of Kent
and Ottawa Counties. These experiences were very enjoyable, especially those connected
with the "mobile office" which was used to visit 25 communities in the Fifth District
from September 10 through November 2. Through this traveling office I met and visited
individually with 998 persons. As a result I obtained a number of suggestions for
legislation in the coming session of the Congress, renewed many acquaintances, and made
new ones. Once again I was assured that no Congressman could represent any community
of more substantial citizens than it is my privilege to do.
In 1955 with a similar "mobile office" tour of the Fifth District I met 863 persons
in 27 communities. This year with a total of 998 people in 25 communities I feel very
gratified with the response. The largest turn out was at Holland where 73 people dropped
in at the house trailer converted into temporary office quarters. In addition to the
actual number coming to the traveling office I had the pleasure of meeting several
school groups and luncheon clubs before and during the hours of 2:30 and 8:00 p.m.
or during the office hours. For example, in one community the school was temporarily
dismissed and the children came to the "mobile office" to present me with four pints
of blueberries in a decorated package and a potted blue spruce, all grown in the area.
Also, my picture was taken with the oldest resident in this community, a lady of 95,
and with the youngest, a four and one-half month baby.
At several communities students were let out of class to drop by the "mobile
office" for brief introductions and a few words. In one such instance the members of
the senior high government classes came to the trailer where I answered questions and
made a few remarks about how Congress functions. At another community 40 members of
the 8th grade civics class questioned me about the government; and in one area 400
students came to the trailer where I spoke to them briefly in the parking lot where
the "mobile office" was located and then was presented with a bouquet of flowers in
an "elephant" vase.
POST-ELECTION PLANS
Later this week your Congressman is returning to Washington, D. C. where Betty
and the boys have been waiting patiently for Dad to conclude election activities so
that we can all be together once again. However, this will be a brief reunion, at
least for the time being. As a member of the Committee on Appropriations I will be
shoving off for an inspection of Armed Forces installations in Europe beginning in
mid-November. This inspection trip begins in Spain where the Air Force and Navy have
military bases and continues through Italy, Germany, and France to check first hand
on how the tax money Congress is appropriating for our national defense is being used.
NEWSLETTER REPORTS
As your Congressman will be in Europe for this period and occupied principally
with committee business, this will be the last issue of "Your Washington Review" until
the 85th Congress convenes in January. Then these weekly reports will be resumed as
they have without interruption since my election to the House of Representatives eight
years ago. If you would prefer to have your name removed from the mailing list or if
you know of any persons who might like to receive copies of "Your Washington Review"
starting in January, drop me a line to this effect. I will be back at my desk in
Washington by mid-December and members of my staff will be or. hand in Grand Rapids and
Washington through Christmas to handle correspondence, and any problems or inquiries
which may aries.