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Ford Newsletter, May-Aug. 1958
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Ford Newsletter, May-Aug. 1958
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Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers
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Alaska
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Department of Defense. 9/18/1947-
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This document scanned from Box D2 of the Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
May 1, 1958
President Eisenhower's proposals for revamping the Deparment of Defense have begun
their journey through the Congressional maze. They will encounter powerful opposition.
Influencial leaders on the Committee on Armed Services in both House and Senate have in-
dicated disapproval of one or more of the specific items in the overall proposal.
President Eisenhower's experience both as Commander-in-Chief and as a 5-star general
has convinced him of the need for reorganization to promote efficiency and economy, and
to give us the most effective military machine to insure peace and security.
The President's basic proposals are sound. The specific legislation which has been
introduced along with recent explanations by Ike and Secretary of Defense Mc Elroy have
clarified some of the questions which I had originally.
The Secretary of Defense will be given greater responsibility and authority for or-
ganizing our fighting forces on a uniform basis to meet most effectively any emergency
anywhere in the world. Interservice rivalry and jealousy must give way to cooperative
thinking and singleness of action.
With two thirds of the Federal Budget being administered by the Department of Defense
it is imperative that we get a dollar's worth of protection for every dollar spent. The
President's proposals give the Secretary of Defense a stronger control over these expen-
ditures, running currently at about $40 billion a year.
Ike is going to fight for his program and it will be interesting to see how Congress
responds to his overall sound and constructive recommendations.
RECOVERY AND BANKRUPTCY: Wild spending and a reckless reduction in taxes will not
put men back to work. This has been tried and it has failed. Yet we have otherwise re-
sponsible men recommending brand new additional Federal expenditures over the next five
years of about 377 billion. And at the same time they call for annual tax cuts totaling
over $10 billion.
I am confident that the citizens of the Fifth District cannot be fooled by this kind
of economics which amounts to talking out of both sides of one's mouth. Deficit financing
brings greater interest payments and encourages that insidious inflation which eats away
at everyone's wages and savings. Any temporary advantage we may gain is outweighed by
the burden we place on our own economy and by the load we pass on to our children.
That something must be done to revive the automotive industry in Michigan goes with-
out saying. I have joined other Representatives from Michigan in urging the Committee
on Ways and lleans to report legislation reducing the excise tax on automobiles and trucks.
If such a reduction were coupled with action by the industry in lowering prices on its
product and by labor in stabilizing its wage demands, I'm sure we would see great improve-
ment in the automotive industry.
The Federal Government cannot meet our economic problems alone. There must be coop-
eration by consumers, business, labor, and farmers with all the units of government if
tre are going to lick the acute unemployment situation found in various areas of the nation.
INTO SPACE: For the past two weeks the Space Committee has had before it about 15
top U. S. scientists, men with the highest degrees in their respective specialties. Not
one was a "long-haired" person with impractical views, In contrast each, in addition to
his superb scientific qualifications, had a very broad and fluent approach to the overall
problems of government and the world. These scientific geniuses who are planning and op-
erating our missile and satellite programs are doing a first class job in keeping our
National Defense program the best. In addition, these men, including Dr. Von Braun, Dr.
Clifford Furnas, Chancellor, University of Buffalo; Dr. William Pickering, California In-
stitute of Technology, make a fine contribution to our overall socio-political-economic
life.
Hearings before the Committee continue to surpass anything Buck Rogers ever thought
of doing. Among other things we were shown a model of a satellite within a satellite.
Folded in a small package within the first explorer-type satellite is an aluminum foil
balloon. When the satellite is in orbit the balloon is ejected and filled by means of a
compressed air device. This balloon weighing nine pounds and measuring 12 feet in diam-
eter becomes a second sutellite encircling the earth at 17,000 mph. Because of its unique
size and weight it will be affected by a minute amount of air and will enable our scien-
tists to measure the density of the air at great altitude. The knowledge obtained will
be useful in determining how long more conventional satellites will remain in orbit. This
12-foot satellite will be readily seen with the naked eye at dawn or twilight.
Another exhibit was a model of a four-man space station. The station would be 106
feet long and weigh about 15,000 pounds. It would be used as a base for research, for
observation of the weather, and for further space exploration. Requiring five years to
build and some $500 million, its construction has merely been proposed.
LICHIGAN IDEK: May 4 - 10 has been designated as Michigan Week, and Your Congressman
has been asked to act as chairman of a committee to plan activities in the nation's Capi-
tal. We hope to draw some national attention to the special significance of Michigan as
a state.
Free bean soup, made from Michigan beans, will be served to members of the House,
Senate, and the press one day during the week.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
May 8, 1958
The House of Representatives has passed legislation to provide for the extension of
unemployment insurance to those who exhaust their benefits under existing law. I voted
for this extension which was adopted on final passage by a vote of 370 to 17.
The bill as passed and which I supported was offered by Democratic Rep. A. S. Herlong,
Jr. as a substitute for a measure reported by the Committee on Ways and Means. The Commit-
tee's proposal was rejected by a vote of 223 to 165 largely because it would have destroyed
the long-tested insurance principle underlying unemployment insurance. It would have al-
tered the existing and sound programs in the states to include direct relief payment. In
my opinion the Congress should promptly appropriate funds for those in need and not covered
by unemployment compensation on a matching basis with the states and local governing bodies.
Authorities in the field testified before the Committee that "the distinction between
unemployment insurance and unemployment relief is a vital element in American public policy.
Cne arises out of contract. The other out of need." The House accepted this basic prin-
ciple in adopting the Herlong substitute.
Under the bill as passed, Federal funds may be loaned to the states for the additional
benefits that a state may provide for those persons who have exhausted their normal unem-
ployment benefits. Benefits are to be at the same rate as previously established and for an
extra period equal to half the time provided by state law.
Among the significant evidence presented to the House in the course of debate was the
fact that in 1956 Michigan paid the highest average weekly wages in jobs covered by unemploy-
ment insurance of any state in the Unicn. With the national average at $81, Michigan workers
averaged $97.a week. Only Alaska at $138 was greater. The states of California, Delaware,
and Illinois followed at $90.
Michigan employers averaged an unemployment tax rate in 1957 of 2 percent, and shared
this rate with those of two other states. Only two states, Washington with 2.3 percent and
Rhode Island with 2.7, had higher unemployment tax rates.
MUTUAL SECURITY: Secretary of State Dulles recently made a masterful presentation in
support of our Mutual Security System before my Subcommittee on Appropriations for Foreign
Operations. He hit most effectively at the contention that our Mutual Security program is
a "giveaway." I would like to quote two paragraphs from his testimony:
"The 'giveaway' so often complained of would have occurred if we had not had this pro-
gram or if we should slacken it now. Without a Lutual Security Program we would indeed have
'gi venaway half of Europe to chaos or Communism. We would have 'given away' Greece and
Turkey and the Eastern Mediterranean to Soviet control. We would have 'given away' Iran,
and Russian access to the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean -- and the economic strength of
Europe which depends heavily on Middle Eastern oil. We would have 'given away' Korea, and
the Republic of China and Vietnam -- and in all likelihood the rest of Southeast Asia. The
'Giveaway' would reach or come dangerously close to Pakistan and India -- the great Asian
subcontinent with a fifth of the entire human race."
"If we now weaken in our determination and slacken in our pace, we will indeed 'give
away' to Communism in the next few years the control of a dozen or more nations with enough
people and resources to change the balance of power irretrievably against us. We would
indeed 'give away' bases and allied forces essential to our own strategic defense system.
We would indeed 'give away' the access which we and other free nations have to resources
essential to our own industry and to trade essential to our own welfare and prosperity."
In any evaluation of our foreign policy it is essential that we take into considera-
tion the extent to which the United States is dependent upon other free nations of the world
for essential raw materials. Of the 39 strategic materials that are necessary for produc-
tion in the United States, we are self-sufficient in only 9. For example, we import 96% of
our nickel, 86% of our manganese: 91% of our chrome, 100% of our tin, industrial diamonds,
and natural rubber, 98% of our platinum, and 80% of the cobalt we use in industry and
defense. It is to our own national interests to protect our sources of supply.
The Soviet Union is engaged in a vigorous effort to increase its trade with nations in
all parts of the free world. Imperial Communism is actively striving to cut into our
sources of supply. Russia and its satellites have already entered into agreements with 16
non-Communist nations for lines of credit or grants totalling nearly $1.6 billion in
economic assistance and an additional $400 million for military assistance. They are send-
ing trained technicians (as many as 2,000 at one time) to work in newly independent countr-
ies to increase Communist influence and to shut us out. One of the purposes of our mutual
security program is to counteract this influence.
Some have insisted that we should reduce our mutual security expenditures because of
our own unemployment problem. But 78 percent of the funds appropriated for this program
are spent right in the United States in the very first instance. The jobs of over 600,000
American farmers and industrial workers can be directly attributed to these expenditures.
It is estimated that in Michigan alone over 33,000 jobs are dependent upon the operation of
the mutual security program. This would not in itself justify an unsound program, but
coupled with all the other benefits it strengthens the case for "foreign aid" at the present
time. Without the Mutual Security Program we would be spending more money for national
defense, we would be drafting more men into the Army, and we would face the prospect of
losing our allies in Europe and southeast Asia.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
May 15, 1958
The bill to strengthen the power of the Federal Government in dealing with the shipment
of obscene or crime-inciting matter throughout the country would have passed the House of
Representatives last Monday but for an objection raised by a Democratic Congressman from
New York City. At the request of Rep. Alfred Santangelo, H. R. 6239, which was on the Con-
sent Calendar, was not approved by the House. Bills on the Consent Calendar may be passed
only by unanimous consent and an objection by any one member prevents approval.
Citizens of the Fifth District have indicated a great interest in H. R. 6239 which was
recommended for passage by the House Committee on the Judiciary on April 17th. Under the
terms of this bill, prosecution for the distribution of obscene or crime-inciting material
could take place not only where the objectionable matter is mailed, but also at the place of
delivery, or in any Federal Judicial District through which it is carried.
While the language of present law seems to be clear in this respect, the courts have
held that the act made illegal by present law "is the deposit for mailing and not a use of
the mails which may follow such deposit. That (unlawful) act is complete when the deposit
is made and is not a continuing act." The importance of such an interpretation rests in the
fact that it is sometimes difficult to obtain a conviction for the mailing of obscene matter
in certain jurisdictions which may include those where the material is mailed.
I am sure that all of us agree with the General Counsel of the Post Office Department
when he said, "The circulation of obscene matter in any community tends to debase its morals.
Therefore, its citizens should be free to prosecute the persons responsible for such obscen-
ity."
The House Committee reported that the traffic of pornographic and crime-inciting matter
is steadily increasing and that prosecution of violators of the law should be permitted at
the place of delivery where the effects of the violation are primarily felt.
It is for these good reasons that I have actively supported this legislation and will
continue to do SO.
SPACE LEGISLATION AND DEVELOPMENTS: The House Committee on Space Exploration has con-
cluded its extensive hearings and is now considering legislation to establish a National
Aeronautics and Space Agency. The bill as reported will probably coincide pretty much with
the general recommendations of President Eisenhower.
On the other side of this sheet we have reproduced a chart which gives a graphic picture
of our progress in space exploration to date. In the months ahead, let me assure you, the
United States' missile and satellite program will go even higher, faster, and farther into space.
MILES
FEET
American satellite, Explorer
orbits to 1,587 MILES
Soviet Sputniks I and II
X
UPPER ATMOSPHERE
orbit to 560 and 1,056 MILES
AND BEYOND
Research Rockets
WAC-Corporal B, Dec. '52
250 MILES
2,400 to 4,000 MILES
Aerobee-Hi, July '56
163 MILES
30
Sounding balloon
143,000 FT.
Manned balloon-
Maj. David Simons,
USAF, Aug. '57
102,000 FT.
(air-launched)
Capt. Iven C.
Kincheloe, USAF,
Farside rocket- launched at 100,000 Ft. from balloon
- 150,000
Manned aircraft
in Bell X-2,
20
Sept. '56
126,000 FT.
-
- 100,000
Manned aircraft
(taking off from
ground)-RAF pilot
in Canberra-B Mk. 2,
Aug. '57
70,308 FT.
10
Sailplane
Aerial combat
in Korean War
- 50,000
44,255 FT.
35,000-50,000 FT.
Kite
40,000
Mount Everest 32,000 FT.
29,141 FT.
- 30,000
Aerial combat
in World War I
Aerial combat
- 20,000
5,000-
in World War Il
15,000 FT.
15,000-35,000 FT.
10,000
SEA
0
Earth
LEVEL
Reprinted with permission of
.Air Force
official Journal of Air Force Association
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
22, 1958
The Nation's Capital gave Vice President and Mrs. Nixon an enthusiastic and
highly deserved welcome on their return from South America. Unfortunately because of
an important Appropriation Committee meeting where General Norstad, head of allied
forces in Europe was testifying, I could not be at the airport to greet Pat and Dick.
However, several of my staff did see President Eisenhower personally welcome the Nixons
home. In my judgment the Communist -inspired actions in South America are evidence
of the fundamental weakness of the atheistic dictator-type philosophy of the Kremlin.
In the long run the United States will benefit by the courageous and responsible
conduct of the Vice President and his wife.
MUTUAL SECURITY. The House of Representatives has passed an amendment to the
Mutual Security Act of 1954 approving $8.9 billion in new spending authority for the
Mutual Security Program for fiscal 1959. This is a reduction of 8.6 per cent from the
amount requested by President Eisenhower.
While I believe the Mutual Security Program is an essential element in a sound
foreign policy and absolutely necessary to our own national defense, I doubt that the
reduction made by the House will materially weaken its effectiveness. In fact, my
Appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign Operations is presently hearing and evaluating
testimony of officials associated with the Mutual Security Program preparatory to re-
commending the actual appropriations for the 1959 budget. We are carefully scrutinizing
projects and programs along with general policy and administration to ascertain if
there are additional ways of saving dollars without weakening our overall security.
The Mutual Security Program is basically sound and necessary because:
1. It enables the United States to have over 250 military bases on foreign
territory.
2. It cuts the costs of our own direct expenditures for defense and reduces the
draft calls by Selective Service.
3. It helps protect the sources of our supply of many strategic materials.
4. It helps U. S. farms, business, and labor when nearly 80c of every dollar
of mutual security funds are spent in the first instance in the United States.
5. It is a major United States weapon in the cold war against Communist im-
períalism.
6. It strengthens our allies and friends, militarily and economically.
7. It is our best insurance against Communist penetration of the neutral nations.
Andrew Biemiller, Director of the Department of Legislation, AFL-CIO, recently
wrote all Congressmen to say: "The American economic recession is being used by some
as a pretext for scuttling or substantially reducing the foreign aid program. This
would be, in our judgment, a serious error. Curtailment of the program would only
worsen, not ameliorate, the recession since 600,000 American jobs are directly dependent
upon our mutual security expenditures."
SPACE FOR PEACE: The Committee on Space Exploration, of which I am a member, has
approved a concurrent resolution calling for the peaceful use of outer space. The
resolution affirms "that the Congress
believes that the nations of the world should
join in the establishment of plans for the peaceful exploration of outer space, should
ban the use of outer space for military aggrandizement, and should strive to reach the
moon and the planets in the years ahead with the purpose of advancing the good of all
mankind rather than the expropriation of other worlds for the benefit of one nation or
group of nations."
The resolution calls for an international agreement, possibly through the UN, for
joint explorations and for the peaceful settlement of disputes involving outer space.
Fentastic? No, merely practical preparedness.
OTTAWA COUNTY FEDERAL LAND: The U. S. Forest Service is now inviting bids on
six tracts of federally owned, LU land in Park and Port Sheldon Townships, Ottawa County.
The transaction which will follow the opening of the bids on June 18th will mark the
first instance of sale to private parties of land acquired in depression days under the
Bankhead-Jones Act. This was made possible by the enactment of my bill, H. R. 7600,
into Public Law 314 by the 85th Congress. The new law authorizes the sale of this land
in Ottawa County and thus permits it to be put back on the local tax rolls.
Five tracts of about 2 ½ acres each are being offered along with one tract of
about 40 acres. The latter is suitable for blueberry production while the smaller tracts
are intended for use as residential sites. Further information may be obtained by
contacting the Forest Supervisor, U. S. Forest Service, Cadillac, Michigan.
RAILROAD CENTENNIAL: A student of history and railroads residing in Washington
sent me the following note taken from an 1870 book entitled "History and Directory of
Kent County!"
"The first train of cars entered Grand Rapids on the tenth day of July, 1858, at
4:30 pm; the Detroit and Milwaukee Railroad having that day completed their road to the
long expectant and previously isolated city. This was one of the most important events,
as touching the development of the town, that we have to record, and let in at once a
new tide of enterprise and capital."
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
May 29, 1958
Testimony before the House Committee on Astronautics and Space Exploration supports
the contention of the Committee's first report that in time the advance into space, like
other discoveries, will easily pay for itself in hard-cash terms of revenues against
expenditures. The savings to agriculture and industry that will come from developments
in weather forecasting are beyond comprehension. The Director of the Smithsonian Astro-
physical Observatory predicted that weather forecasting will become an exact science
when accurate, vital information can be gathered daily from the satellites circling the
globe. He stated that this "alone in its value to the country will outweigh the cost of
the entire program."
An Air Force General pointed out that "if the space age is entered by the United
States with the boldness it deserves, the next five years should see all talk of un-
employment in this country replaced by the greatest labor shortage in our experience
The benefits of the space age will be spread directly through an ever-widening circle of
subcontractors and specialty manufacturers, both large and small." The United States
cannot ignore or postpone the entrance into the space age. Our survival, prestige, and
economic progress demand that we face its problem forthrightly.
ALASKAN STATEHOOD: The debate over statehood for Alaska had members of the House
of Representatives on the run last week, On Wednesday there were five quorum calls and
one yea and nay vote on the motion to take up for consideration the Alaskan bill. On
Thursday there were four more quorum calls. Comparing these nine in two days with the
total of 28 quorum calls from January 7 through May 20, we see that there was great
concern with attendance on the floor for this debate.
However, when we realize that it takes about 25 minutes to complete the call of the
roll of 435 House members, we may speculate that someone was more eager to delay dis-
cussion than to complete it.
Personally, I have consistently favored statehood for Alaska and was ready to vote
anytime.
IN MEMORY: Your Congressman was requested to act as one of the 28 official dele-
gates to represent the House of Representatives at the special services to be held on
Memorial Day for the burial of two additional Unknowns at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
One of these will symbolize the servicemen and women of World War II and the other will
represent those who served in the Korean Conflict. Internment will be at Arlington
National Cemetary with appropriate ceremonies in the Amphitheater at 3:00 on May 30th.
The American Battle Monuments Commission announced recently that it was prepared to
furnish to the Next-of-Kin of those servicemen who are buried or memorialized overseas,
an aerial photograph of the cemetery in which the individual is buried with a photograph
of the individual headstone mounted thereon. In the case of the Missing, a photograph
of the section of the memorial wall where the name is recorded will be shown.
Pictures are available of the cemeteries in Cambridge, England; Normandy, Britanny,
Epinal and Rhone, France; Margraten, Holland; Nettuno-Anzio, Italy; and Tunisia, in
North Africa. Next-of Kin may make a request to the Commission at Constitution Avenue
and 18th Street, N. W., Washington 25, D. C.
ONION FUTURES: The Senate Committee on Agriculture has favorably reported with
amendments, H. R. 376, the bill passed by the House to prohibit trading in onion futures
on the commodity exchanges. One amendment removes the trading in onion futures from
jurisdiction of the Commodity Exchange Authority while the other provides penalties for
those who engage in such trading on any board of trade or in an organized market.
If the Senate approves the bill as amended, it will go to a Conference Committee
composed of representatives of both Houses for adjustment of the differences in the
Senate and the House versions. The bill in its final form must be approved by both
bodies of the Congress. Onion growers and shippers in Western Michigan are vitally
concerned with this legislation.
OBSCENE LITERATURE: No objection was made in the House last week to the passage
of H.R. 6239, the bill to strengthen the power of the Federal Government in combating
the interstate shipment of obscene or crime-inciting material. The bill is now with
the Senate where we trust it will receive prompt and favorable consideration.
The enactment of H. R. 6239 will authorize the prosecution of those who mail or
ship obscene or crime-inciting matter from one state to another not only at the place
where the material originates, but also at the place to which it is sent.
STAR-SPANGLED BANNER: Our National Anthem, both its words and music, was the
subject of consideration by a House Judiciary Subcommittee last week. It is surprising
to learn that we have no single, standard, authorized version of "The Star-Spangled Banner!"
The Department of Health, Education, and Welfare has reported that "many versions of
"The Star-Spangled Banner" are being used at the present time and ... there is a need
for a simple, direct, and unadorned version of our national anthem which would be re-
cognized as an official version."
To accomplish this, a number of bills and resolutions have been introduced, and the
Subcommittee may soon find itself involved in some delicate poetic and musical conflicts
in an attempt to establish by law an official version of words and music.
The "Star-Spangled Banner" was 116 years old before it became our national anthem
on March 3, 1931 when President Hoover signed Public Law 823 of the 71st Congress.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
June 5, 1958
My committee which handles all of the funds for the Army, Navy, and Air Force hag
recommended to the House as a whole the President's budget for the Armed Forces with
increases totalling slightly over $113 Million. The bill for next year is $38.3 billion,
an increase of almost $4 billion over the funds available during the current fiscal year.
The biggest jump in spending will come in research and development. This year the
Army, Navy, and Air Force had $1.6 billion for research and development. In the twelve
months beginning July 1st, these funds will increase almost a billion dollars to $2.5
billion. Most of the emphasis in next year's research will be on missiles of all kinds
(surface to surface, surface to air, air to air, and air to surface) and the military
application of satellites.
A year ago your Congressman led the fight in the House of Representatives to
get adequate funds for badly needed research for our national defense. Fortunately in
1958 there is a different attitude in the Congress and in the Nation and as a result
my committee has recommended a good program and has properly funded it.
ALASKAN STATEHOOD. Your Congressman supported the recent action of the House of
Representatives in voting statehood for Alaska. The preponderance of evidence was
definitely in favor of statehood. Here is another example of the extension of our
frontiers and the advancement and growth of our nation. The United States can't stand
still or be satisfied with the status quo in an era of progress.
This action by the House was in the best traditions of our country. The residents
of Alaska would assume all the privileges and obligations of American citizens if the
legislation is enacted into law. We will not continue to deny to them the equal rights
which had previously been granted to 35 other states by those who originally established
this Union.
The 166 members of the House who opposed Alaskan statehood did so for various
reasons. With a population of 161,000, some felt that this new state would have a
disproportionate amount of power in the Congress (especially in the Senate) and in the
election of the President. Others feared that the Alaskan economy could not support
statehood while a number felt too much federal land and its resources were being allocated
to the new state. Noncontiguity bothered others while the political and social philo-
sophy of prospective Senators and Representatives was a factor in deciding the vote of
a few. While I recognize these problems, I am confident that the admission of Alaska
is to our best national interest.
If the Senate will agree to consider this bill on its merits without amending it
to include Hawaii, I believe we will see a 49th state this year. While I also favor
statehood of Hawaii, I think this question should be considered and passed upon separately.
LEGISLATIVE CORRESPONDENCE: An inflow of letters from constituents during the
past week indicated special interest in three current legislative items.
Many are concerned that S. 2888, the Welfare and Pensions Plans Disclosure Act,
passed by the Senate on April 28th, will result in duplication of reports and unnecessary
costs to both. the government and industry. This bill is presently with the House Com-
mittee on Education and Labor. The Chairman has appointed a special subcommittee to
consider S. 2888 and related legislation and has indicated that all the objections will
be carefully analyzed.
Last Monday the Senate Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce favorably
reported S. 3778, the Transportation Act of 1958 which aims at improving the financial
and competitive position of the railroads in our economy. While several provisions in
the measure are controversial there appears to be considerable public opinion in favor
of some helpful legislation. The bill is now before the Senate and has to run quite a
gamut before it comes to a vote in the House.
Certain vicious bombings or attempted bombings in various areas of the country
have stimulated letters demanding enactment of H. R. 11806 and calling for legislation
to broaden the power of the FBI in coping with these outbreaks of lawlessness. Investi-
gations by the Department of Justice reveal that while the damage from these bombings
has been extensive, no Federal Statutes have been violated. Although there is evidence
of conspiracies operating across state lines, existing law does not authorize inter-
vention by the FBI.
The Committee on the Judiciary has before it, however, proposed legislation,
(H. R. 258) which would permit the FBI to step in whenever interstate conspiracies are
working to break state felony laws, It is our hope that the Committee will take action
on this measure as well as on H. R' 11806 which would make it a crime to transport in
interstate commerce any explosive with the knowledge that it will be used in violation
of a federal or state law.
MACKINAC BRIDGE STAMP: Philatelists will be interested to know that the Post
Office Department is issuing a Mackinac Bridge commemorative stamp in connection with
the dedication ceremonies in June. The new bluish-green 3c stamp will be first placed
on sale at Mackinaw and St. Ignace on June 25. Cancellations issued from both cities
will bear the identical designation: "Mackinac Bridge, Michigan."
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
June 12, 1958
With Defense Appropriations, "space" legislation, and action on extension of the
corporate and excise taxes, the House of Representatives put in some busy and productive
days last week. Your Congressman was active on the floor during the several debates,
speaking about an hour on space legislation and an hour and a half on the military
appropriations bill.
DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS: An appropriations bill of $38.4 billion for the Department
of Defense for fiscal year 1959 has been approved by the House. While last year's bud-
get was considered in an atmosphere charged with "the spirit of economy," this year
there was a feeling of concern, of urgency, and of a more intense determination to meet
any challenge to our national security. Last year the House slashed $2.5 billion from
the President's request. As you will recall I vigorously opposed these reductions as
detrimental to our National Defense. This year it added $212.6 million. I voted for
the bill.
In its report to the House my Committee pointed out that in this year's increased
expenditure "the emphasis is on technological and scientific advances rather than in-
creasing conventional arms, (and that) we are still strong and getting stronger, es-
pecially in the area of our massive retaliation capability."
The Committee also stated that "in dealing with our defense program we must be con-
cerned with two kinds of war: the cold war in which we are now actively engaged and the
possible hot war on a large or small scale which could develop at a future date. The
Soviet successes in rocketry have demonstrated that there is a definite relationship
between preparation for a possible hot war and progress in the current cold war. Our
successes in the future in retaining world leadership will undoubtedly depend in consid-
erable measure upon our accomplishments of what may be termed the spectacular
It is
accomplishment of the spectacular that could help put us ahead and keep us ahead in the
cold war. =
While the 1959 budget carries an increase of $4 billion over 1958, it is most im-
portant that each branch of the armed services realizes that Congress and the country
demand that all funds be used productively, economically, and efficiently.
A large portion of the funds added by the House are to go for additional REGULUS
submarines and speeding work on certain POLARIS missile submarines which may become the
most potent weapons in our defense arsenal; to accelerate work on the MINUTEMAN, a solid-
propellant ICBM; and for equipping our B-52 forces with the HOUND-DOG, an air to ground
missile.
The increase voted by the House includes $99 million not recommended by the Approp-
riations Committee and which in my judgment cannot be justified. This amount was in-
cluded for the purpose of maintaining the strength of the Army at 900,000 men through
fiscal 1959. The President and the Department of Defense had recommended that Army per-
sonnel be permitted to drop to 870,000 during the next fiscal year. After hearing the
testimony from the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who are our top military strategists, my Com-
mittee agreed with Ike on an issue where he is' an expert himself
Mere numbers in and of themselves do not make a strong fighting organization It
is the quality of personnel from top to bottom and the quality and effectiveness of the
equipment combined with mobility and efficient communications that make a good army. We
are getting better people in the army; the army's firepower is increasing tremendously,
and the budget contains about $800 million for modernization of equipment. My Committee
added funds to keep the National Guard at a strength of 400,000 and the Army Reserve
forces at 300,000. I'm convinced that the Army has enough troops to fulfill its missions
without this additional expenditure of $99 million. And unfortunately this is just the
initial cost. To properly maintain and equip this additional 30,000 men will cost at
least $800 million in the next three or four years.
TAX RATE EXTENSION: The House also voted last week to extend for one year the ex-
isting corporate income tax rate and certain excise taxes. Without this action by the
Congress the present 52 percent income tax rate on corporations would revert to 47 per-
cent as of July 1. The excise taxes which would be decreased are those on distilled
spirits, beer, wine, cigarettes, passenger automobiles, and automobile parts and acces-
sories.
This action by the House in general supports the sound and responsible fiscal policy
of the Administration which is strongly opposed to deficit financing. Experience has
proved that deficit financing creates far more problems than it solves. It is inflation-
ary, increases interest costs, and transfers more of our burdens to the shoulders of our
children.
It is regrettable, however, that the House did not have an opportunity to pass on
the question of eliminating or reducing the excise tax on automobiles. The Committee on
Ways and Means refused to recommend this; a closed rule precluded an amendment from the
floor, and a motion to recommit the bill to Committee lost on a voice vote.
Your Congressman had joined others from Michigan in urging a tax cut on automobiles.
I am convinced that such a selective tax reduction coupled with action by the industry in
lowering prices and by labor in stabilizing its wage demands would have been a major fac-
tor in reviving the automotive industry and in reducing unemployment.
THIS WEEK: Equally important legislation including the President's recommendations
for reorganization of the Department of Defense and the extension of the Reciprocal Trade
Agreements Act will be considered by the House this week.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
June 19, 1958
House action on two major issues highlighted the legislative program last week.
Passed and sent to the Senate were the Defense Reorganization bill and the Reciprocal
Trade legislation.
REORGANIZATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE: At least 90 per cent of President
Eisenhower's recommendations for a more efficient organization of the Department of
Defense were approved by the House by a vote of 402 to 1. Three additional improvements
in the bill which he requested were not adopted but it is our hope that the Senate will
accept them and that further compromises may then be worked out in conference.
The defeated amendments would have modified or eliminated provisions that the
Secretary of Defense must exercise his authority through the service secretaries; that
any single service chief or secretary may appeal to Congress to block a change in
combatant functions; and that a service secretary or chief could present recommendations
to Congress on his own initiative.
It was my privilege to offer the amendment to modify the second provision listed
above. My proposal would have required that at least two members rather than one of the
Joint Chiefs of Staff must express disagreement over a proposed change in combatant
functions before Congressional review may be demanded. This amendment of the three was
called the "most significant" by the Washington Post, because "parochialism in a single
service could prevent the more efficient assignment of functions in the larger interest."
The President's reorganization plan for the Defense Department fundamentally seeks
to modernize the administrative tools to meet the threats to the U. S. security in the
missile and satellite age.
RECIPROCAL TRADE: By a vote of 317 to 98 the House of Representatives adopted the
Trade Agreements Extension Act of 1958 to continue our reciprocal trade program with
some modifications to June 30, 1963. Without legislation of some type the present
authority of the President to enter into international trade agreements adjusting tariff
rates would expire on June 30.
Since 1934 the President has been authorized to obtain reductions in foreign tariffs
against our exports in return for the reciprocal lowering of our tariffs. The bill
passed by the House extends this authority five years, makes certain changes in negotia-
ting procedures, and provides that the Congress may review recommendations of the Tariff
Commission which are disapproved by the President. This last provision will strengthen
the power of the Congress to further protect domestic industry from dangerous foreign
competition.
Under the escape-clause of our present law the President may disapprove a recom-
mendation of the Tariff Commission that certain duties be raised or import quotas be
imposed to prevent or remedy serious injury to domestic industry. While technically
the Congress can over-rule the President by legislation (which undoubtedly would require
over-riding a veto), no such action has been taken since the escape-clause provision was
first enacted in 1951
The new legislation provides that if the President disapproves a recommendation of
the Tariff Commission calling for an upward revision of import duties to remedy the
serious injury to American industry and labor, the Congress can over-ride the President.
This would have to be done within 60 days and by a two-thirds vote on a concurrent re-
solution which is not subject to a presidential veto.
The new bill recognizes that the President must have discretion in escape-clause
cases to over-rule the Commission because of the effect of our tariff policies on our
foreign policy and on international relations. There may be occasions when the national
interests may outweigh the interest of a particular industry, and the findings of the
Tariff Commission in behalf of a certain industry must be subjugated to the findings of
the President in favor of the nation as a whole. However, I do think it is logical and
sound that the Congress which grants this authority to the President may reject any
specific decision made by him, especially when a two-thirds vote in each House is
required. This insures additional protection to American industry and labor.
A healthy expansion of international trade is an essential factor in our own do-
mestic prosperity. I have consistently supported the reciprocal trade program because
it contributes to this domestic prosperity and is a valuable asset and effective weapon
in the cold war The following facts support these contentions:
1. In 1957, our foreign trade reached a record high when exports (exclusive of
military aid) totaled $19.5 billion while imports were $13 billion. Exports of
goods and services currently represent about 6 per cent of our gross national
product.
2. In 1957 the 43 countries with which we have trade agreements absorbed 80 per
cent of our exports and supplied 80 per cent of our imports.
3. The U.S. is the world's largest exporter of farm products, selling abroad the
output of 1 acre out of 5 of American cropland. In 1957 agricultural exports
amounted to $4.7 billion with nearly four-fifths going to countries with which
we have trade agreements.
4. According to the Department of Labor, the jobs of about 4.5 million workers, or
1 out of every 14, are attributable to the activity created by foreign trade.
Here is a partial list of responsible organizations that endorsed this legislation:
United States Chamber of Commerce
AFL-CIO
American Farm Bureau
National Grange
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
June 26, 1958
The legislative schedule of the Congress was interrupted last week for an address
by President Carlos Garcia of the Philippines who spoke to a joint session in the House
Chamber. I was impressed with the content and the delivery of the speech which was pre-
sented in excellent English. Incidentally Garcia pointed out that English is the official
language of the Philippines "and will remain so indefinitely."
He also stressed the close cultural and social bonds which unite our countries and
reported that "the biggest market for our foreign trade is the United States to which
we sell 52 per cent of our exports and from which we buy 55 per cent of our imports."
Garcia frankly explained the economic needs of his country which, he said, could
not be financed with their own resources alone. He said his country needs foreign capital
and credit to tap the great natural resources of the Islands and to finance the projects
in the industrialization program now going on. Garcia insisted he is seeking development
loans on a business basis; he does not want a gratuitous handout.
RIVERS AND HARBORS BILL: Following Garcia's address the House took up and passed
H. R. 12955, a bill authorizing a number of river and harbor projects. Earlier this sessim
President Eisenhower had vetoed a similar bill, S. 497, because it contained 18 projects
to which the Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of the Budget had objected on the basis
that they were unsound from an economic or engineering point of view. On March 11th
your Congressman voted to recommit S. 497 to Committee in order to delete or modify these
18 projects, but the motion to recommit failed.
The new bill is a compromise which attempts to conform substantially with the re-
commendations of the Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of the Budget. In effect the un-
justified "pork-barrel" projects were deleted. The President's firm stand for a sound
program prevailed. The final vote was 374 to 17.
WHOLESALE MARKET FACILITIES: Producers and consumers in Western Michigan have had
considerable interest in legislation which would provide federal assistance in the develop-
ment of wholesale marketing facilities. The Grand Rapids Wholesale Food Market Authority
is waiting for action in order to proceed with the development of a market on the land
already acquired at the southwestern city limits.
On April 2, 1957 the House Committee on Agriculture approved H. R. 4504, a bill to
authorize FHA-type loans for the development of these facilities for handling perishable
agricultural commodities. The bill remained on the House calendar and the Committee on
Rules cleared it for House action in April, 1958.
On June 17th a Resolution providing for consideration of the proposal was called up
on the floor of the House. The absence of a quorum was suggested; a roll call was
ordered, and immediately thereafter the Resolution was withdrawn. Further action on
the bill, however, is scheduled for this week. Its passage would involve no direct loans
or grants from the federal Treasury.
Another approach to the problem of financing the Grand Rapids market may be possible
if an amendment approved by the House Committee on Banking and Currency is retained in
the Community Facilities Act of 1958. This bill, S. 3497, approved by the Senate, is
1'OW before the House. Under its provisions, made certain by the amendment, such agencies
as the Grand Rapids Food Market Authority could borrow funds directly from the Federal
Housing and Home Finance Agency to construct a wholesale food market with repayment and
interest spread over a maximum 50-year period.
AUTOMOBILE PRICING: The House took the first step last week toward passage of the
Senate-approved bill to require the posting of the manufacturer's suggested retail price
on new autom biles when a subcommittee of the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce
ordered S3500 favorably reported to the full Committee. This bill would require the
manufacturer to list on a windshield label the retail price of the new automobile suggested
by the manufacturer, the retail price of each accessory or item of optional equipment
attached to the car but not included in the basic price, and any transportation costs
harged to the dealer.
There is nothing in the bill to prevent free bargaining between dealer and buyer;
the dealer may sell the car for any price he wishes; he may permit any trade-in allowance
he desires. But each potential purchaser would have certain essential facts upon which
to base his negotiations.
This proposed legislation has been endorsed by the majority of the automobile manu-
facturers, the National Automobile Dealers Association, and numerous consumer groups.
VOTING RECORDS: Your Congressman scored 100 per cent attendance on the roll call
votes in the House during the current session according to a report in the Congressinnal
Quarterly for June 13th. The average for the House as a whole was 88 per cent.
In addition to yea-and-nay roll calls the House also has quorum calls at which a
member answers "present." Since I entered Congress on January 3, 1949 and through June
20, 1958. there have been 1781 quorum or roll calls. My ten-year batting average on
attandence is 97.36 per cent.
HUNGARIAN REVOLT: The Congress unanimously and emphatically has condemneded the
actions of the Soviet Union in destroying the independence of Hungary. In adopting a con-
current resolution last week it expressed the sympathy of the people of this country for
those of Hungary on the occasion of a new expression of terror in the execution of Imre
Nagy and others.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
July 3, 1958
President Eisenhower and the American people, including farmers, won a decisive
victory last Wednesday when the House of Representatives refused to take up for con-
sideration a Committee-sponsored "Agricultural Act of 1958." Common sense prevailed and
"politics" suffered a set-back as the House rejected the omnibus farm bill which Secre-
tary Benson has called "an economic monstrosity and a political hodgepodge.
Leading farm organizations also opposed the bill, H. R. 12954, which contains eight
major titles and numerous subtitles. The President of the American Farm Bureau stated
that the bill "offers farmers more quotas, more taxes, more government regulations;
this can only mean less opportunity and lower net incomes for farmers." It would have
also meant higher prices for consumers and greater costs to the Federal Treasury.
Needless to say, your Congressman was one of the 214 members of the House to vote
against further consideration of the bill.
Included in the omnibus bill, however, were some highly desirable provisions which
must be approved if the established programs for disposal of surplus agricultural
commodities is to continue. The present law providing for the School Milk Program and
the sale of government-owned surplus products abroad expired June 30. Unless extended
by the Congress, Federal payments to schools and child-care institutions for reimburse-
ment to increase the consumption of milk will cease. During fiscal year 1957 this
worthwhile program was utilized by 71, 239 schools and child-care institutions where
1.75 billion half pints of milk were consumed at a cost of $60.5 million to the Federal
Government.
Public Law 480, under which the Secretary of Agriculture may dispose of surplug
products abroad, must also be extended.
It is regrettable that these necessary measures were tied in with so much indefensible
legislation. It is imperative now that the Committee and the Congress take action to
salvage the good provisions of the omnibus bill.
DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS: The farm products which by law the De-
partment of Agriculture is required to purchase are disposed of domestically or abroad
in a number of ways.
More than 620 million pounds of food was donated through the direct distribution
program of the Department for use in school lunch programs, in institutions, and to
needy persons in this country in the nine months from July, 1957 through March, 1958.
Recipients of this food included 13,600,000 children taking part in school lunch
programs, 1,400,000 needy persons in charitable institutions, and as of March this year
4,370,027 needy persons in family units. Of this last number, 284,043 were residents
of Michigan.
During this same nine-month period, distribution to needy persons overseas expanded
and 1,627,900,000 pounds of food was sent abroad. This was 26 per cent more than in
the same period a year ago. The major portion of the increase was in flour and corn
meal; the only other commodities currently available for foreign distribution are cheese
and non-fat dry milk.
Combining domestic and foreign donations, total distribution out of surplus agricul-
ture products in storage amounted to 2,249,000 pounds for the nine-month period, 4
per cent more than in the same period a year ago.
During the calendar year 1957 the total agricultural exports of the United States
amounted to $4.5 billion. Of this amount the government programs of donation or sale
of surplus products abroad amounted to $1.5 billion.
This includes disposal under Public Law 480 and is a part of Uncle Sam's program to
aid the needy at home and abroad and to make constructive use of the farm products
acquired under the price support legislation to implement United States foreign policy.
SWITCHBLADE KNIVES: Legislation to prohibit the manufacture for and the transportation
in interstate commerce of switchblade and gravity knives passed the House last week.
The House learned that over 1 million such knives are sold each year in this country,
principally to juveniles at prices ranging only from 95 cents to $1.29. Its action
was an obvious attempt to help control the distribution of one of the favorite weapons
of the criminal element. The Senate should take prompt and affirmative action.
SOCIAL SECURITY: The House Committee nn Ways and Means has held two weeks of hearings
on various proposals to increase Social Security benefits. Scores of suggested amend-
ments have been received by the Committee. Some would make technical corrections;
others would remedy obvious inequities; but many would add greatly to the cost of the
program.
According to the testimony these costs borne by the Social Security Trust Fund would
necessitate an increase in social security taxes on both employers and employees and the
self-employed covered by the law. Obviously whatever is paid out of the Social Security
Trust Fund must first be paid into the fund.
HELPFUL MATERIAL: We have on hand a limited supply of the following publications to
be distributed to those who send their request to 351 House Office Building, Washington,
D. C: "What is behind the Soviet Proposal for a Summit Conference?" and "Communist
Encroachment in the Far East" prepared by the Committee on Un-American Activities;
"Summary of Veterans' Legislation Reported in the 85th Congress" by the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
July 10, 1958
When the House approved Statehood for Alaska on May 28th, it was the third time that
your Congressman had voted to grant this authority to our northern territory. I first
voted for Alaskan statehood in 1950, and again in 1955, and a third time in 1958 when the
legislation finally broke through the Senate roadblock which in the past has always ham-
strung any additions to the Union. Let me add I have also consistently supported the
admission of Hawaii and hope that we can add the 50th star to our flag in the near future.
Much discussion has taken place in the offices and corridors here concerning the
design of the new flag and the effective date for adding the 49th star. According to the
U. S. Code, "On the admission of a new State into the Union one star shall be added to the
union of the flag; and such addition shall take effect on the fourth day of July then next
succeeding such admission."
Al though President Eisenhower has signed the bill making Alaska eligible for statehood
a number of events must transpire before Alaska is actually admitted to the Union. The
voters of the territory must approve statehood in a formal plebiscite and senators and a
representative must be elected. When this is done, the President will issue a proclamation
formally admitting the new state. It is assumed all this will be done before July 4, 1959
and on that date all new U. S. flags will contain 49 stars.
Because of other provisions of present law it appears that an act of Congress will be
necessary to officially authorize the change in the design of the flag. We understand that
this will be done and that a Commission will be established to recommend the nature of
these changes.
MUTUAL SECURITY: The Mutual Security Appropriation Bill was a major item of business
for the House of Representatives last week. The President had recommended the appropriation
of $3.9 billion for the entire program, including military assistance ($1.8 billion),
defense support ($835 million), the Development Loan Fund, and Technical Cooperation. In
1952 former President Truman requested $7.9 billion for the same program. In other words
Ike has recommended $3 billion less this year than Mr. Truman in his last year as President.
The Mutual Security Act of 1958, finally approved by both Houses on June 27th, autho-
rized a total of $3,656,400,000 for the program.
The Committee on Appropriations, however, in reporting the money bill reduced the
appropriation to $3,078,092,500. This was a reduction of $872 million below the budget
request and $357.7 million less than was available for Mutual Security in the past fiscal
year.
It seemed to me that the reductions made by the Committee, of which I am a member,
in military assistance and defense support were too severe, and that the cut of over
50 per cent in the Development Loan Corporation funds was of a serious nature. I offered
an amendment on the floor to increase the funds for defense support by $75 million.
I can assure you that this action on my part was not taken lightly nor without
benefit of weeks of testimony received by my subcommittees on military appropriations
and foreign aid appropriations. I am not in favor of any "give-away;" I concede that
this country cannot buy friends. I am in favor of eliminating waste and duplication of
effort wherever found in the Federal Government. But, I am also desperately concerned
with our own national security for the United States and its allies face a serious threat
from the atheistic dictators behind the Iron Curtain.
We must not undercut our staunch and steadfast allies, who stand on the periphery of
the Soviet Union, in our efforts to contain the Communist conspiracy. We must not jeo-
pardize the terrific advantage which we have in holding over 250 military bases located
on the soil of our allies. From these worldwide air bases our bombers are a potent
deterrent to any Soviet attack. This deterrent force has and will preserve the peace
which the U. S. has had for five years since the end of the Korean War.
I am convinced that any substantial impairment of our program of mutual defense will
necessitate increased direct expenditures for our own defense, a greater demand by Se-
lective Service for draftees, and an overall weakening of our national security.
The House rejected our efforts to restore the committee cuts. Any remedial action
is now up to the Senate.
WEATHER MODIFICATION: Congress has accepted Mark Twain's challenge and is going to
do something more about the weather than just talk about it.
The House has passed a bill, already approved by the Senate in slightly different
form, directing the National Science Foundation to continue research in the field of
weather modification. This would continue the work of the Advisory Committee of Weather
Control which went out of existance on January 1st, but whose experiments indicated
that man can modify clouds and cause precipitation by various means and under certain
conditions. The Congress was told that in some of the mountainous regions on the west
coast under selected conditions, cloud seeding has produced an average increase of 10
to 15 per cent in the precipitation from seeded storms.
Presently, no Federal agency has specific legislative authority or funds to carry
our a program of basic and applied research in this field. The Congress is authorizing
work which may get answers to many questions in matters of weather control.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
July 17, 1958
By practically a straight party vote of 202 to 179 the House of Representatives last
Thursday voted to waste up to $44 million of the tax-payers' money. Only 7 Republicans
and 11 Democrats broke ranks. The issue was whether the Army should be specifically
directed by law to move the San Jacinto Ordnance Depot from its present location on the
Houston (Texas) ship channel to an isolated area known as Point-Aux-Pins in Alabama.
Republicans strongly opposed this indefensible action wasting our tax dollars.
The bill authorizing certain military construction contains a provision requiring
and directing the Army to sell its present depot comprising 5,000 acres, 281 permanent
buildings, 18 miles of railroads, and access to the Gulf and the Ocean. No discretion
is permitted the Army. It is not to consider military needs, national security, nor
costs to the taxpayer. It must sell and move.
The Democratic Chairman of the Committee on Armed Services stated that "this depot
should be moved on two bases: the first of these is that the facility constitutes a
danger to the area surrounding it and second, it is now located on land so valuable for
industrial development as to make it wholly unfair and improper to let it remain in its
present location."
Army authorities have testified that this depot is not only safe but that it is
the safest facility of its kind in the whole United States. It is located 15 miles from
the city limits of Houston; it is a permanent installation in excellent repair, and
strategically well located to perform its mission.
Of: course, the second reason given by Chairman Vinson for directing its sale is
the real and true one. Texan industrialists want this 5,000 acres. Military needs
and taxpayers' dollars are to have no consideration.
168 Republican members of the House, including your Congressman, believed otherwise.
They vigorously opposed such a "deal." They voted to keep this excellent, established
facility and voted against ordering the Army to duplicate the depot in Alabama on land
not yet purchased by Uncle Sam.
The action of the Democratic-controlled House means an unwarranted expenditure of
up to $44 million, the estimated cost of the new facility. Of course, any amount realized
from the sale of the present depot will reduce the net cost.
This action by the Democratic majority was puzzling indeed. The puzzle becomes
less complex, however, when we realize that under the seniority rule Congressmen from the
southern states, including Texas, wield tremendous influence when the Democrats are in
nover.
We can only hope that the Senate will reverse this action of the House when it
considers the bill.
RIVERS AND HARBORS AUTHORIZATIONS: President Eisenhower has signed the new public
works authorization bill. On April 15 he vetoed a similar bill because it contained
13 projects unjustifiable from an economic or engineering point of view. The new bill
which eliminated or modified these 18 projects authorizes $31,595,500 for construction
work in Michigan.
An amount of $9,825,000 was listed for the flood control project on the Grand River.
All this money is allocated for work in and around Lansing. In addition to the Federal
funds, local interests are putting up $3,098,000 for the project.
COMPREHENSIVE SURVEY OF GRAND RIVER: Work is progressing on the comprehensive
survey of the Grand River from its source to its mouth to determine the need for flood
control projects. This survey was authorized by the House Committee on Public Works
upon the adoption of my resolution on August 16, 1950.
Considerable aerial photography has been completed in known problem areas. Storm
studies have been initiated with a view to developing stream flow data at the various
stream gaging stations. An interim report on the Portage Creek area (Jackson County)
is scheduled for completion this fall.
Surveys to determine stream cross sections have been completed in Jackson County
and in the vicinity of Eaton Rapids. "Stream cross sections" will show how large an
area will be inundated if there should be a flood.
The Army Corps of Engineers which is in charge of the survey is cooperating with
the Michigan Water Resources Commission and the Soil Conservation Service in establishing
the most feasible plan for soil conservation and flood control.
Through July 1, 1958 approximately $104,000 had been spent on the survey. The
budget for the present fiscal year contains an amount of $30,000 (the same as last year)
for continued activity. It is now estimated that the total cost of the survey will be
$428,000. This is an increase of $223,100 over the estimate of a year ago and is based
or new and more complex drainage problems and increased costs.
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION: The House has approved the conference report making
the SBA a permanent agency. This agency has made 18,150 loans worth $576,421,000 to
small businesses since its creation in 1953. It not only serves small businesses which
cannot otherwise obtain financing, but also has an outstanding program of "disaster loans"
for those small businesses which suffer from a natural disaster, such as the tornado
which swept the Standale area in 1956.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
July 24, 1958
The Congress has approved the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 and your
Congressman was one of nine conferees from the House of Representatives that hammered out
the final draft of the legislation. The Senate was likewise represented by 9 conferees,
including Senator Lyndon Johnson, the Democratic Majority Leader.
Although I have served on fifteen House and Senate conferences on various appro-
priation bills in recent years this was my first opportunity as a conferee on a strictly
legislative matter. Congress considers and approves both appropriation and legislation
bills; however one primarily involves funds, the other broad policy matters. Frankly,
it is quite a different experience to adjust dollar differences between House and Senate
versions of an appropriation bill than to compromise language variations in two legis-
lative drafts of a bill.
The new Aeronautics and Space Act coincides fairly well with the President's recom-
mendations that United States activities in "space" should be devoted to peaceful purposes
but with assurances that the Department of Defense shall have essential freedom to carry
on research, development, and exploration in those areas which are peculiar to or pri-
marily associated with weapons systems, military operations or the defense of the United
States. The new law sets up a National Aeronautics and Space Administration headed by
an Administrator who will be aided by an Advisory Council comprised of nine members,
including the President, which shall make the actual determinations in the assignment
of new programs or projects.
Instead of setting up a completely new civilian agency to handle U. S. "space"
programs the law authorizes the President to combine in one organization from various
government agencies those functions that have duties related to aeronautics and astro-
nautics. For example the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics will be terminated
but its functions and responsibilities will be transferred to the new Administration.
The new legislation is sound and constructive. It does mean that our U. S. research,
development, and exploration in space will be properly coordinated and emphasized in
conjunction with our national defense efforts in missiles and satellites.
On July 18th I received the following letter from Representative McCormack, Democrat
Majority Leader in the House and Chairman of the Space Committee:
"On Wednesday afternoon I received a call from President Eisenhower, and his
purpose in calling me was to through me thank the members of the House Select
Committee on Outer Space, and the staff, for the wonderful job that we did. The
President said, 'Thanks, John, it was a grand job and I am greatly pleased, not
only with the bill, but with the speed with which it passed the Congress.' I am
transmitting the thanks of President Eisenhower for the excellent work you did
as a member of the House Select Committee."
PERSONAL NOTE: As. a member of the House Select Committee on Astronautics and Space
Exploration your Congressman was invited to attend and participate in the annual meeting
of the International Astronautical Federation which is to be held in Amsterdam in August
of this year. Although I would have liked to attend this important meeting, it was not
possible for me to accept the invitation because of my intention to return to Kent and
Ottawa Counties as soon as Congress adjourns.
THE MIDDLE EAST: Speaker Sam Rayburn set the tone for the House of Representatives
on the Middle East crisis when he rebuked a member of his party who had taken the floor
to oppose the action of the President. From the Speaker's desk he said, "Without wishing
to criticize the gentleman from Wisconsin, in times like these we had better allow matters
to develop mather than make statements about them."
The next day Speaker Rayburn advised the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee that
"the chair is not going to recognize Members to talk about foreign affairs in this critical
sicuation." He recognized Chairman Emanuel Celler only when the latter said that "my
statement is going to be in favor of what the President is doing."
This is indicative of the bi-partisan endorsement which the Administration is receiving.
There is deep concern here but no panic. While I endorse the strong action taken by this
country, I am hopeful that the United Nations will assume its responsibility to maintain
peace and reestablish stability in the Middle East.
H. R. 3., PREEMPTION INTERPRETATION: Your Congressman joined the majority in a 241
to 155 vote of approval of H. R. 3, a bill to clarify the legal position of State and
Federal laws when both refer to a similar matter. First, the bill says that in legisla-
ting on any given subject the Congress does not intend to occupy the field and exclude
state legislation. unless the act of Congress specifically says that the Federal government
is preempting the field.
Secondly, the bill tells the Courts that they are not to find State laws null and
roid in an area of concurrent jurisdiction unless they are in irreconcilable conflict
with a Federal law.
The need for this legislation stems from a number of sources but a major one is the
Sleve Nelson case decided by the U. S. Supreme Court in 1956. The Court declared un-
constitutional the Pennsylvania sedition statute insofar as it applied to subversive
activities against the United States on the grounds that there was a Federal law dealing
with subversive activities. The Court said Congress had preempted the field. H. R. 3
states that Congress had no such intention and that as a rule of interpretation it would
permit State law to stand unless that law is in irreconcilable conflict with federal law.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
July 31, 1958
President Eisenhower won a signal victory last Thursday when both Houses of Congress
approved the Defense Reorganization Act. Mr. Eisenhower approved the action and stated
that "except in relatively minor respects, the bill adequately meets every recommendation
I submitted to the Congress on this subject."
The bill as passed was a compromise worked out by Conferees from both House and
Senate who reconciled the differences in the versions previously approved by each House.
The President now has an additional tool for the modernization of our Defense set-up.
UN EMERGENCY FORCE: The Senate has approved a concurrent resolution welcoming the
establishment of a United Nations emergency force as a permanent arm of the U. N.
While there has been little adverse criticism of the President's strong action in
Lebanon, we all realize that neither the United States, nor any other nation acting
unilaterally or in consort with a few allies, can continue to be responsible for main-
taining stability and peace throughout the world. We must depend upon strong and con-
structive action by the United Nations. But as long as the Soviet Union continues to
abuse the veto power possessed by each permanent member of the Security Council, the U.N.
will not be as effective as many of us desire. Nevertheless, the establishment and use
of an adequate and mobile U. N. emergency force which could be quickly dispatched to
points of international tension ought to be of great value. Had such a force been sent
to Lebanon, the desired objectives undoubtedly could have been realized without raising
any of the objections and problems which have come as a result of landing the American
Marines. We must realize, however, that under present provisions of the charter the use
of such a "force would have been subject to a Soviet veto. An emergency force alone
is not sufficient. We need mutual trust and respect, something not now present but an
aim and goal of the future.
The Senate Concurrent Resolution 109 recommends a force composed of military units
supplied by the smaller members of the U. N. No units or individual volunteers would
be accepted from the great powers who have permanent seats on the Security Council.
Equipment and expenses would be provided by the United Nations out of its regular budget.
EXPLORATION OF OUTER SPACE: The Senate also adopted House Concurrent Resolution
332, another measure looking to the future. Already passed by the House, this resolution
is to make clear to the people of the world that the United States is determined to ensure
CORD
that outer space is to be used for the benefit of all mankind rather than for military
purposes and narrow nationalistic motives. The resolution requests the President to
enter into international agreements concerning the joint exploration of outer space, the
advancement of scientific developments, and prohibiting the use of outer space for
military purposes.
In this resolution, also, the Congress suggested that it was appropriate to work
through the United Nations. It is understood, however, that we will make no agreement
banning the use of outer space for military purposes until agreements have been negotiated
establishing reliable control of missiles.
uns
NATIONAL ALLERGY MONTH: While the Senate was debating the above resolutions, the
House Committee on the Judiciary held hearings on a joint resolution requesting the
President to proclaim the month of August 15 to September 15, 1958 as National Allergy
Month. So the broad spread of Congressional interests.
While an allergy month may seem mighty insignificant when we are sending Marines to
the Middle East and probing the mysteries of outer space, the sponsor of this resolution
pointed out that allergies afflict about 17 million persons in the United States. He
told the Committee that the Allergy Foundation of America is sponsoring National Allergy
Month to call attention to the need for basic research and the development of better
methods of treatment and control of this health problem.
MAIL FRAUD: A concern in California has been selling through the mails a supposed
"magic amulet" to be used for warding off evil, while a Florida outfit would supply
"seals" to make people love you, to help you find wealth, or just bring good luck. But
fraud complaints have been issued against these enterprises by the Post Office Department
under the Federal laws to protect U. S. citizens from these unscrupulous operators.
Among other companies who lost their mailing privileges last month were those
supplying "Reduca-Caps" to reduce weight without dieting, and "Youthilizers" designed
allegedly to give women "all the benefits of a real plastic surgery face lifting without
dangerous surgery." Four California concerns were cited for selling obscene material.
Congratulations to Postmaster General Summerfield for taking legal action to uphold
decency and legitimate businesses.
BRUSSELS WORLD FAIR: Former President Herbert Hoover recently visited the World's
Fair in Belgium and reported, "I have witnessed our American participation in many ex-
positions. Never before has so impressive an exhibit been made in behalf of the American
people
There is no ground for American disappointment. We can be proud of it."
THE ECONOMY : Employment during June rose to 64,981,000 an increase of 920,000 jobs
over May. Average weekly earnings of factory workers increased by $1.27 to set a new
record of $83.10 per week.
Almost everywhere there is evidence of better times for farmers. Just this week
the Department of Agriculture reported that for the first six months of this year net
realized income for farmers was 22 per cent ahead of last year.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
August 7, 1958
The Social Security Bill approved by the House of Representatives last week was
sound and constructive legislation. Your Congressman voted for it.
It provides for an increase in benefits of about 7 percent over the levels
in the present law, with a minimum increase of $3 a month for a retired worker. The
maximum for a retired worker now on the benefit rolls will be $118 instead of $108.50.
Some 20 changes were made in the Old Age, Survivors and Disability provisions of the
law and other changes concerned the public assistance and the maternal and child welfare
section of the Social Security law.
But this bill not only liberalizes benefits. It includes provisions to fully
finance the increased benefits and also to improve the actuarial status of the social
security system. In fact, according to the Committee Report, "the actuarial insuffi-
ciency is reduced to the point where it is virtually eliminated, namely below one-fourth
of one percent of payroll, as has been the case generally in the previous legislation."
This year, for the first time in the 18 years since benefits were first paid, the in-
come to the OASI trust fund is slightly less than the expenditures.
Beginning on January 1, 1959 the social security tax on employers and employees
will be 2½ percent each. In 1960 the tax will go to 3 percent and in 1963 to 3½ per-
cent. The tax on self-employed persons similarly will be 3 3/4 percent, 4½ percent,
and 5½ percent.
I think it is significant to note that each month over 25,000 persons in Kent
County receive payments in excess of $1.5 million as benefits under OASI. In Ottawa
County more than 6,000 individuals receive over $350,000 monthly as income from the
same source. The assurance of these monthly payments to our senior citizens has been a
stabilizing influence in our economy in the past year.
SWITCHBLADE KNIVES: The Senate has passed and sent to the White House the House-
approved measure, H.R. 12850, to prohibit the manufacture for, or transportation in,
interstate commerce of switchblade and similar knives. The Committee reported that 12
states already. have legislation prohibiting the manufacture, sale, or possession of
switchblade knives, but as long as anyone can purchase the knife by mail, the problem
of enforcing the state laws will be extremely difficult.
The Committee also stated that the switchblade is almost exclusively "the weapon of
the thug and delinquent," and that "there is no legitimate use for the switchblade to
which a conventional sheath or jackknife is not better suited."
PENSIONS FOR EX-PRESIDENTS: By a division vote the House approved legislation to
provide retirement benefits to former U.S. Presidents and to widows of former Presidents.
Prior to consideration of the bill, I had voted on a roll call against the rule to take
up the bill. At that time the measure also provided for clerical assistants and office
space for former Presidents, an item which could run to over $100,000 a year. This pro-
vision fortunately was deleted from the bill before final passage.
With the present fiscal difficulties of the U. S. Treasury, I could see no good
reason for saddling the taxpayers with another unnecessary burden and setting up for any
ex-president a retirement system to which they had made no financial contribution.
FISCAL POLICY AND RESPONSIBILITY: The President has requested the Congress to
increase the regular Federal debt limit to $285 billion and also to provide an addi-
tional temporary increase of $3 billion to run through June 30, 1960. The present limit
is $280 billion and on July 29, the national debt stood at $275.5 billion.
It appears that the Federal Treasury will run into a sizable deficit during this
fiscal year, and possibly for some years to come. With world tensions at a high pitch
and our national security a prime consideration, we must meet the demands of an adequate
defense program.
With defense costs up and deficits imminent it is imparative that the Congress re-
examine any new or additional spending committments. It likely means saying "NO" at
this time to some otherwise justifiable projects. Hundreds of bills have been intro-
duced calling for additional expenditures of billions of dollars. Many of these would
establish or encourage highly desireable programs, but we in the Congress must take a
"new look" at COSTS and long-range Treasury committments, especially in light of recent
developments.
OBSCENE MAIL: Both the Senate and the House have passed H.R. 6239 to strengthen
the authority of the Federal Government to deal with those who mail obscene or crime-
inciting material or ship it in interstate commerce.
The Senate version of the bill provides for prosecution at the place of deposit
and at the place of delivery. The House bill also permitted prosecution of the violators
in any Federal judicial district through which the material passed. To accept the Senate
version will not weaken the bill materially and may eliminate some possible abuses.
The Senate added a provision to the bill doubling the criminal penalties for those
who send the obscene matter to persons under 19 years of age. Few will object to doubl-
ing the maximum fine to $10,000 and the maximum imprisonment to 10 years for those who
peddle these wares CO youngsters.
At this writing, Senate and House conferees are endeavoring to work out a compromise
version which we trust will be effective.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
August 14, 1958
The Congress has approved the appropriation bill for the Department of Defense
which means that in this fiscal year the Army, Navy, and Air Force will spend approxi-
mately $41 billion for our national security. This is about a $2 billion increase over
the defense expenditures for the previous 12 months.
The House and Senate boosted the funds for the Armed Forces over the budget
recommendations of President Eisenhower by more than $800 million. In contrast last
year the Congress slashed Ike's military budget by $2.5 billion. The President condemned
this action in 1957 as detrimental to our national security. Ike was right. This year
the Congress changed its views and upped the funds in several major categories.
More funds were made available in fiscal year 1959 for the Polaris atomic-powered
submarines which will carry 1500 mile ballistic missiles. The new budget provides
substantial funds for an expansion of U. S. airlift for rapid and world-wide transportation
of troops and supplies. This means many more huge jet transports for the Army and Marine
airborne units.
In addition there is an increase in funds for the intermediate and intercontinental
ballistic missiles. Incidentally my committee the day this report was written had a
comprehensive and up-to-date briefing on the U. S. missile program. Because all of the
data is top secret I can only summarize and say, "Our American missile and satellite
programs are sound and effective as to quality and quantity and furthermore are on
schedule."
Your Congressman, who has worked many long hours on this bill for the past seven
months, believes the Congress did a good job with one exception. As you know, I have
fought for three years for the Army's right to close down costly and unneeded installations.
In 1957 after a bitter battle, your Congressman made it possible for the Army to close
down a hospital in Massachusetts that the Surgeon General said was not essential. The
closing of this facility saves the taxpayers over $500,000 annually.
This year the House of Representatives on my recommendation gave the Army authority
to close another unjustified hospital in Hot Springs, Arkansas, which would save another
half-million dollars annually. The Senate, however, inserted a provision forcing the
Army to keep open this facility, which it wishes to close, despite the fact that only
60 out of 405 beds are being used. The Senate action made it mandatory that the Army
employ approximately 300 military and civilian personnel to handle a patient load of
about one-sixth capacity. This Senate action was logrolling at its worst.
The Democratic majority in the House and Senate conference committee unfortunately
agreed with the Senate. As a result the Army must keep this unneeded hospital open
until June 30, 1959. I am glad to report that Secretary of the Army Brucker worked
closely with me in trying to save the unnecessary expenditure of over $500,000 annually.
Both of us intend to continue this economy battle and next year expect to win.
POST OFFICE EXTENDS RURAL DELIVERY SERVICE: Postmaster General Summerfield has
announced that starting immediately rural delivery routes will be extended on the basis
of benefiting two families per mile instead of three. Prior to 1953, four families
to the mile were required before extensions of rural delivery service were authorized.
This was changed to three families in 1953 and now to two families.
This change will benefit more than 300,000 rural families in the United States
and is in line with Mr. Summerfield's policy of improved nationwide postal service.
I know there are deserving rural route extensions in Kent and Ottawa Counties which
can now be approved.
ST. LAWRENCE SEAWAY: It was brought to my attention recently that a project
involving the dredging of the South East Bend Cut-off Channel in Canadian waters in
the St. Clair River would be financed by American dollars but completed entirely by
Canadian firms and Canadian labor.
With some other Michigan congressmen, I have written Secretary of State Dulles
pointing out the unemployment situation in Michigan and urging that in our negotiations
with Canada on this matter "the utmost consideration be given to the possibility of
awarding a major portion of the work on this project to American contractors and American
Labor.
"
During the first week of operation of the United States section of the St. Lawrence
Seaway, July 4 - 10, a total of 263 ships from ten nations used the new waterway facility.
The countries represented by these ships were Canada, Dermark, Finland, France, Germany,
Great Britain, Liberia, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden. Ships with a draft up to
14 feet are able to navigate these waters at present.
It is significant to note the Seaway will be able to handle large ocean going
vessels next spring when the 27-foot channel will be completed.
Another vital point was highlighted recently in hearings before the Senate Public
Works Committee on a bill to authorize an additional flow of water out of Lake Michigan
into the Chicago Drainage Canal. Your Congressman has consistently opposed further
diversion of Great Lakes water by and through Chicago. We must not further lower the
Lake level at the same time we are dredging channels and improving harbors.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
August 21, 1958
In the adjournment rush Congress notched some noteworthy accomplishments but in
several instances has failed to measure up to its legislative responsibilities.
After three unsuccessful attempts at writing a sound bill for agriculture the
House of Representatives agreed to a proposal which has the endorsement of Secretary
Benson and the Democratic and Republican leadership. The Secretary of Agriculture had
this to say: "The bill more closely approaches the immediate and long-range needs of
agriculture as set forth in January by the President."
Your Congressman voted for this proposal. I disapproved of previous bills coming
from the Committee on Agriculture because, (1) they had been loaded with special benefits
for individual commodities such as cotton and rice, and (2) they were actively opposed
by the American Farm Bureau and most agriculture experts.
The Senate has already approved an acceptable farm bill. In conference between the
House and Senate conferees a constructive solution to this complicated and controversial
issue can be achieved. Because of the President's leadership, Secretary Benson's
firmness and the Congress' eventual willingness to compromise its differences, real
progress has been made.
LABOR MANAGEMENT LEGISLATION: The shocking disclosures brought to light by the
McClellan Committee would seem to necessitate Congressional action on legislation to
correct these abuses. The Senate earlier this year approved a compromise bill after
accepting a number of amendments from the floor that had not been recommended by the
Committee. The net result: a piece of legislation that is highly controversial and one
which badly needed further analysis by the House Committee on Education and Labor.
The Senate bill was sent to the House of Representatives in mid-June and held
by Speaker Rayburn on his desk 41 days before it was referred to the Committee on Edu-
cation and Labor. In the meantime the Committee did nothing about public hearings where
the pros and cons of this Senate bill could be scrutinized.
Now, all of a sudden, there are rumors that the Senate bill will come before the
House of Representatives under a parliamentary procedure which limits debate to a total
of 40 minutes and precludes any amendments. On a problem which is so serious to so many
people, on an issue which is extremely controversial to say the least and in a field of
the law where every single provision is of vital importance to all concerned it does not
seem proper to restrict debate to 40 mínutes, prevent amendments, and by-pass intelligent
and orderly consideration of the legislation by an established House committee.
If the Speaker of the House had referred the Senate bill to the Committee promptly
instead of holding it on his desk for 41 days the House Committee could have done its
job and then the House as a whole could have worked its will by approving or disapproving
proposed amendments. A "gag rule" procedure in this situation doesn't make sense. I
for one would greatly prefer that the Congress stay nn the job postponing adjournment
until sound and constructive labor-management legislation is approved.
NATIONAL EDUCATION ACT: The Federal Education Bill as amended and passed by the
House provides for Federal loans to needy college students who have proven their ability.
The House eliminated those provisions of the birll which would have authorized $17,500,000
in each of three years for awarding free scholarships of up to $1000 each to those persons
found eligible by tests and other measures of aptitude.
The bill as passed makes available loans which must be repaid. The assistance
would be available to capable students who can show a definite need for financial assis-
tance. However, the Federal Aid would go only to those individuals willing to assume
the responsibility for repayment.
The program will be administered through the various state departments of education.
In subsequent action the Senate included the scholarship provision in the bill but
limited each scholarship grant to $250 annually. At this writing the bill is headed for
a House and Senate conference to iron out differences.
U.S.S. NAUTILUS: Every American was thrilled to hear of the historic trip of the
Nautilus, our atomic powered submarine, over the top of the world and under the ice cap
at the North Pole. When the U.S' S. SKATE duplicated the feat in the opposite direction
we knew something of the terrific advancements that this country has made in underwater
navigation.
Having been aboard the NAUTILUS for a week-end underwater cruise in 1956, I was
especially pleased to receive the following letter from three members of the crew
postmarked "North Pole, 11:15 p.m., Aug. 3, 1958"
"After having met you on board the Nautilus we wish to extend you a very hearty
greeting from the Top of the World.
"It might be of interest to you that we left Pearl Harbor on the 22nd of July and
arrived here at the North Pole at 2315 E.D.T. on 3 Aug 1958. Presently we are heading
for some European port of call. Thus marking two historic achievements, the first being
the Polar Transit in addition to reaching the North Pole by ship.
"We are looking forward to having you on board for another visit. Until we see you
again we remain
Sincerely yours, John J. Krawezyk FTC (ss), Lynus J. Lorch TMC (ss),
John H. Michaud SOC (ss).
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
August 29, 1958
As this letter is being written it appears the Congress will adjourn by Saturday
night August 23rd. Within the last 24 hours most of the logjams have been broken in the
stream of legislation coming from the House and Senate. Of course unexpected problems
such as a Senate filibuster could develop in the next 36 hours but the end of the second
session of the 85th Congress seems at hand.
What does the scorecard show on the work of the 85th Congress in 1958. One can get
a variety of views. The Democrats who control both the House and the Senate generally
praise their legislative effort. The Republicans, in the main, point to specific worth-
while actions of this Congress and contend that where progress has been accomplished the
President provided the leadership. However, most Republicans concur with Senator Byrd,
Democrat of Virginia, who said July 27th:
"This has been one of the most recklessly spending Congresses I have
seen in my 35 years in Washington. It has piled spending on top of what now
seems to be a rising economy. It has planted the seeds of what could be a
terrific inflation."
An honest appraisal of this session of the Congress clearly indicates that the Dem-
ocratic Party majorities in both the Senate and House have forced through a number of
bills that will add substantially to the federal deficit and foster inflationary forces.
Almost without exception the Congress has taken President Eisenhower's various legislative
recommendations and boosted the cost considerably. It is this disregard of the taxpayer
where the Democratic leadership has failed.
By the President threatening to veto some of the Democrat sponsored spending pro-
posals the Congress saw the light and cut back the burden on our taxpayers. By actually
vetoing some measures that would have added to the federal debt Ike stood firm on the
principle of fiscal responsibility. One can truthfully say that those who vote for
economy in federal government are mostly Republicans and Southern Democrats. President
Eisenhower is primarily on their side. In contrast the voting records show the Northern
Democrats, almost without exception, are the big spenders. The liberal Democrats who
come from areas above the Mason-Dixon line consistently favor programs that will cost
more and more tax dollars and at this point it is money Uncle Sam doesn't have and will
have to borrow.
ON THE PLUS SIDE: After much hasseling over a 2-year period Congress finally ap-
proved a sound law for agriculture. Mark up a victory for Secretary Benson and Ike.
The House and Senate enacted an excellent law to give the U. S. "space program"
real impetus. Representative McCormack, Democrat majority leader in the House, deserves
a great deal of credit for this job well done. The President in turn has appointed Dr.
Keith Glennan, former president of one of our top engineering schools as head man in the
agency and as a result American progress in satellites and space exploration will move
ahead with full speed.
In this session the Congress extended the Reciprocal Trade Act for four years.
This legislation is a necessary tool in the implementation of U. S. foreign policy. The
President's recommendations were watered down a bit but not seriously so.
After some initial haggling the Congress finally saw the vital need for legislation
to reorganize the Department of Defense. Ike fought hard and effectively for this
authority to streamline the combat organization of the Armed Forces. In this era of
missiles the Army, Navy, and Air Force must have a responsive chain of command plus the
strategic plans to act promptly and effectively at a moment's notice. The Defense Re-
organization Act is now being implemented in the Pentagon by Secretary of Defense McElroy.
The House and Senate provided the Armed Forces this year with ample funds to
move more rapidly from conventional to the most modern weapons. With over $40 billion
available in fiscal year 1959 for the Army, Navy, and Air Force, we can expect a ready
and able defense force to provide the deterient to war.
The Congress gave education a boost by providing a modified loan program for needy
students with ability. The Social Security Act was amended to increase benefits by 7
per cent. In labor-management legislation the House and Senate approved legislation to
require better handling of employee pension programs. The disclosures of the McClellan
Committee prompted this law and laid the ground work for badly needed legislation to
protect individual union members from any dishonest union leaders.
On matters of foreign policy there was a high degree of bi-partisanship. The
Democratic Party leaders, Speaker Rayburn and Senator Johnson, supported Ike and Secretary
Dulles nearly unanimously.
Your Congressman believes that in many instances the Congress did well. However, I
repeat that the Democratic Party leadership failed to appreciate the need for economy.
As your representative I have sought to protect the federal treasury consistent with the
national security of our nation.
FOOTNOTE My Congressional attendance batting average in 1958 again over 97 per
cent. To do a job in Congress one has to be on the job. My attendance record in the
past 10 years is one of the best in the House.
After a short Lake Michigan vacation with my family I'll be in Kent and Ottawa
Counties with my Mobile Office. Hope to see you then. Thanks for your interest and
may I extend my most sincere best wishes.