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Ford Newsletter, May-Oct. 1968
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Ford Newsletter, May-Oct. 1968
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This file contains material relating to Lyndon Johnson.
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Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers
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India
Peace Corps. (1982 - )
Agricultural subsidies
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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
IONIA
Congressman
5
JERRY FORD
May 1, 1968
An appropriation of $9 million was authorized for the Corporation for Public
Broadcasting by a vote of 241 to 133 in the House of Representatives last Wednesday.
This is a "one-shot" proposition to get the Corporation under way. The Corporation was
established last year to assist in developing radio and TV educational programs, to
make these more readily available, and to help in the establishment and development
of one or more systems of non-commercial educational TV or radio stations. Financing
after the first year is not supposed to involve general tax funds. But some of those
who opposed this legislation said they could 'not find that there has been any meaning
ful work done since the passage of the act to hit upon a workable scheme for permanent
financing." An excise tax on TV sets earmarked specifically for the Corporation has
been suggested. But there has been general agreement that after the first year there
should be no dependence on general tax funds nor any direct control by the Congress.
I voted for the bill with the distinct understanding that there is to be no
further financing by general treasury funds.
FIRST APPROPRIATION BILL: The llouse of Representatives has approved the first
of the 14 appropriation bills which must be passed each year to supply funds to
operate the government. It provides $8.1 billion to finance the Treasury and Post
Office Departments, the Executive Office, and four small independent agencies. The
House cut the President's request by $181.7 million but the total for fiscal 1969 is
still $610 million more than this year. The President is expected to request an
additional $222 million as a supplemental appropriation to operate these departments
between now and June 30. Moreover, there is nothing in the 1969 budget to cover the
federal pay increase to go into effect on July 1 and which will require an additional
$1.6 billion for these departments.
Postal revenues, estimated at $6.3 billion in 1969, will be used to offset in
part these expenditures. So the tax funds appropriated for the Post Office and
Treasury Departments in this bill amount to $1.7 billion of which $750 million is to
subsidize the mail service.
REPUBLICANS' WAR AGAINST CRIME: Republicans have made 31 specific recommenda-
tions for combating the breakdown in law and order in our country. In the last seven
years crime has increased 88 percent while the population has advanced only 10 per-
cent. In presenting its 31 recommendations, the Republican Coordinating Committee,
of which I am a member, said, "The Republican Party believes that crime can and must
be controlled. The situation demands new leadership, new measures, and new directions."
The Republican policy-makers went on to say: "We are seriously handicapping
our law enforcement officials. We are indulging increasingly in a permissive philo-
sophy by which those final barriers to criminal conduct, as expressed in law, are
being eroded and regarded with indifference by vast numbers of citizens. The toll is
very, very high."
Many of the recommendations are technical in nature but all are aimed at a
crackdown on organized crime and a strengthening of our law-enforcement efforts.
WAR ON POVERTY IN DETROIT: The U.S. General Accounting Office has just issued
an 86-page Report on OEO's war on poverty in Detroit. It charges "duplication of
administrative effort and cost," and states that in many instances "the reports on
attendance were unreliable" or "inaccurate and misleading," and that rental payments
were allowed for facilities neither used nor scheduled for use.
For instance, the GAO auditors said, "On the basis of our analysis and dis-
cussions with school officials, it appeared that 79 classes (for the poor) could
possibly have been eliminated through consolidation with other classes in the same
school.' When they compared the actual sizes of the classes operated by the poverty
program with the size specified in the program's informal criteria, the auditors
found that 58 percent of the adult classes ware below minimum size. Only 5 parcent
were "ideal or on target.'
Poverty officials reported that in one school project there had been 7,539
participants. GAO stated that the figure was closer to 3,500. In another case, GAO
found that only "2,479 non-adults were enrolled in the project in June rather than
the 15,000 reported."
In one school, OEO paid a total of $10,920 for use of 12 rooms for 2,184 room-
days during a 7-month period. The auditors found that during this period only 319
room-days had been used or scheduled and that the rental value should have been
$1,595 rather than the $10,920 allowed. Rooms used for regular classes or other
activities were charged to the poverty program.
These are just a few of the ways in which tax-money and personnel-efforts have
been wasted by the OEO in its "war on poverty." It was this sort of thing Republi-
cans in the House of Representatives were trying to remedy last fall when we offered
our alternative to the program of waste developed by Mr. Johnson's war on poverty.
Now the U.S. General Accounting Office has presented additional evidence for altering
the approach and for establishing programs to really help the poor. Republicans have
proposed a "Human Renewal Fund" to provide jobs through the Republican "Human Invest-
ment Act," and to provide funds for education, housing, pollution control, and crime
prevention. This proposal will cost $2.5 billion but is coupled with a $6.6 billion
cutback in non-essential federal expenditures which have been spelled out in detail.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
5
IONIA
JERRY FORD
May 8, 1968
Again I have registered my protest against those wasteful and unworkable pro-
grams of the Department of Agriculture by voting "no" on its $5.5 billion appropria-
tion bill. There are a number of fully justifiable, very effective farm programs and
many dedicated employees in the Department. But, on the other hand there are many
programs that are too costly and too burdensome to the farmers and public alike.
The House did approve a Republican-sponsored amendment to require by law what
the committee said it intended; i.e., to set a precise ceiling of $6.5 billion in
expenditures by the Department except for those Commodity Credit Corporation (ccc)
expenditures required by law. But the House defeated a Republican-sponsored amend-
ment which would have limited to $10,000 per year payments to any one farmer in con-
nection with CCC price supports, diversion payments, and other subsidy programs. It
is estimated that such a limitation on CCC payments would save about $500 million a
year. I believe the $10,000 ceiling is justified; certainly it would have no ill
effect on the family-type farm.
Republicans offered another amendment which I strongly endorsed and which was
adopted. This has the effect of cutting off the salary of any employee of the Depart-
ment of Agriculture who is convicted in a court of law of rioting or inciting to riot.
This rule already applies to employees of OEO and HEW. It is expected that a similar
amendment will be offered to each appropriation bill in order to cover all federal
employees.
NASA AUTHORIZATION: A bill authorizing an appropriation of $4.03 billion for
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration was approved by the House last
Thursday. The Committee had cut $153 million from the President's request. Several
Republican amendments were adopted which reduced the authorization another $186
million for a total cutback of $339 million. A reduction was made in the Apollo pro-
gram but it will not curtail the main thrust of our manned space probes. Another
reduction was made in the administrative operations. NASA's annual administrative
costs have risen from $85 million in 1959 to more than $600 million in 1969. For
next year, the request for administrative operations constituted 14.8 percent of the
total appropriation. We question whether NASA can justify such a heavy administra-
tive load.
FAA AND VA GUARANTEED LOANS: The Congress has approved and sent to the Presi-
dent legislation designed to make more FHA and VA guaranteed home mortagages available
in many areas. The bill removes the mandatory 6 percent interest ceiling on these
guaranteed loans and authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, upon
consultation with the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs, to set the interest ceiling.
In many areas it has been practically impossible to find a lending institution which
would make an FHA or VA home loan because of the 6 percent interest limitation. With
the higher rate, possibly 61/2 percent, it is believed that more money will be available
from lending institutions for those who need FHA or VA financing for their homes.
In my newsletter five weeks ago I mentioned that the principal veterans'
organizations had approved the proposal for VA guaranteed loans. The Senate revised
the bill to include FHA loans and the House agreed to the Senate amendment.
EXECUTIVE REORGANIZATION: The House has approved a bill which extends for two
years the President's authority to submit reorganization plans. Under this authority
the President may transfer or consolidate bureaus or agencies of the federal govern-
ment to promote efficiency. The action of the President becomes final unless dis-
approved by either the House or the Senate within 60 days. Some object to this
method as reversing the legislative process. They feel that Congress should take the
affirmative action with the veto power left with the President instead of visa versa.
But the House voted 258 to 51 to continue the reorganization plans for two years.
AN ECONOMY IN CRISIS: The Republican Coordinating Committee, of which I am a
member, has just issued a 72-page scholarly statement on economic policies entitled,
"An Economy in Crisis." A limited number of copies are available from my office.
The Committee points out that projected federal government spending in 1969
will be 102 percent greater than it was in 1960. This results from a 129 percent
increase in non-defense spending and a 74 percent rise in defense spending--including
the cost of the war.
The Committee blames the nation's economic troubles, including rising prices,
the attack on the dollar and the extensive gold drain, and high interest rates, on
the departure by Democratic regimes from traditional American principles of freedom,
efforts to manipulate the economy, and a massive orgy of spending and fiscal disorder.
The Committee spells out its goals and lists recommendations for attaining them.
WHO CONTROLS SPENDING: Sooner or later in any discussion on reducing federal
expenditures, the question arises: "Who has control, the President or the Congress?"
We who have been calling on Mr. Johnson to cut spending were pleased, therefore, to
see a recent editorial in the liberal Washington Post. This newspaper, in support of
the President's 10 percent surtax said: "Until now the White House has countered the
pressures for expenditure reductions by tossing the ball back into the lap of Congress,
asking it to specify what programs ought to be cut and by how much. That tactic is
not going to produce a surtax. Expenditures will have to be controlled. And that
is the task of the executive branch with its budget-making apparatus, not the Congress."
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
5
IONIA
JERRY FORD
May 15, 1968
The House of Representatives has approved legislation setting four new Monday
holidays. Washington's Birthday will be observed on the third Monday in February;
Memorial Day on the last Monday in May; Columbus Day on the second Monday in October,
and Veterans Day on the last Monday in that month. Labor Day will continue to be
celebrated on the first Monday in September. New Year's Day, Independence Day,
Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas will be observed on the traditional dates. If this
bill becomes law, the new arrangement will go into effect on January 1, 1971.
The legal effect of the federal law would be limited to the observance of
holidays by employees of the federal government and observance in the District of
Columbia. However, it is expected that if a federal law is enacted, the various
states will pass similar legislation.
Among the advantages for Monday holidays as listed by the Committee on the
Judiciary are: increased opportunities for families to be together, more time for
travel, greater opportunity for leisure at home, and the stimulation of "greater
industrial and commercial production by reducing employee absenteeism and enabling
work weeks to be free from interruptions in the form of midweek holidays."
HUD AND INDEPENDENT OFFICES APPROPRIATION: The third of the 14 annual appro-
priation bills was approved by the House last Wednesday. The $16.6 billion request
of the President for the Department of Housing and Urban Development and certain
independent offices was reduced by the Committee to $13.7 billion. However, this
represented a cut in new appropriations of only $790 million. Over $2.1 billion in
reductions resulted from a refusal by the Committee to authorize the sale of
"participation certificates" (shares in the mortgages and other financial assets
held by such governmental agencies as FHA, VA, etc.) which does not affect any pro-
gram action in the bill.
Republicans, therefore, called for a ceiling on actual expenditures of $15.5
billion for the next fiscal year. But our effort was defeated by a vote of 216 to
173. This means that the Administration will be able to go ahead with its desire to
actually spend next year a total of $16.3 billion based on current and prior appropri-
ations. Our $15.5 billion would have kept each item in the bill at the spending
level in the 1968 law or in the President's proposal for 1969, whichever was lower.
Two Republican amendments were adopted. These cut off federal-aid funds to
any student convicted of rioting and eliminated the salary or wages of any employees
in HUD or the agencies convicted of the same offense.
SECURITY MEASURES FOR BANKS: If legislation approved by the House on Monday
becomes law, offices of all banks and savings and loan associations will be equipped
with devices to discourage robberies and burglaries. The bill authorizes the federal
supervisory agencies to require these offices to be equipped with such security
devices as a camera, robbery alarm system, microphone and speaker system, etc., to
make robbery and burglary more difficult or risky, and to assist in the identifica-
tion and apprehension of persons committing such acts.
A "package" of such security devices for a given office will involve an
initial installation cost of about $2,115 and annual maintenance charges of $211.
There are nearly 40,000 offices of financial institutions which would be affected by
this legislation.
The legislation was prompted by an enormous increase in bank robberies.
During the past two years bank robberies have increased at a faster rate than any
other type of robbery. Between 1960 and 1967 bank robberies increased 154 percent.
The 6-month period ending in February 1968 shows a 13.5 percent increase over the
same period one year ago. Total financial losses due to violations of the federal
bank robbery law in 1967 were reported as about $15 million. During that same year,
23 persons were killed as a result of crimes against banks, with an additional 61
being injured. About one-half of the total number of institutions robbed or
burglarized had no alarm system at all.
A STUDY OF AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE: Last Tuesday the House approved a resolution
authorizing the Secretary of Transportation to make a comprehensive study of auto-
mobile insurance and to recommend answers to the complaints received by members of
Congress or aired in various publications. These complaints include: 1. arbitrary
cancellations or refusal to renew insurance policies; 2. the constant and enormous
increases in premiums; 3. the disparity between the amounts paid as premiums and the
amounts paid out for claims; 4. the long delays in processing and paying claims; and
5. the financial insolvency of insurance companies leaving policyholders and those
with claims unprotected.
The investigation is to supply information necessary to the development of
reasonable solutions to the problem rather than to fix blame or find a scapegoat.
The Senate has approved a similar resolution but differences between the two versions
must be ironed out.
As a result of traffic accidents in 1966, property losses amounted to $3.3
billion; 53,000 were killed; approximately 1,900,000 were injured, and medical
expenses to those involved amounted to about $600 million. During that year (1966)
the net premiums paid for automobile insurance amounted to $9.2 billion. The
administrative costs involved in the insurance came to about $3.5 billion.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
May 22, 1968
The House of Representatives last Tuesday voted 345 to 42 to continue for one
more year the Food for Peace or Public Law 480 program. During the past 14 years
during which this program has been in existence, farm products worth nearly $11
billion have been exported and sold for local currency in foreign lands to be used by
our government locally for such purposes as our common defense, grants for economic
development, loans to private enterprise, our embassy expenses, etc. Another $748
million worth has been exported under dollar credit. (Last year we received about
$350 million in payment for commodities delivered 10 and 12 years ago; we are
receiving payments on these credit sales.) Donations have totaled over $3 billion,
barter approximately $2.6 billion, and AID and other mutual security programs account
for an additional $2.2 billion. The total value of all farm commodities exported
under Public Law 480 since 1954 is $17.2 billion. Total commercial exports were
$48.1 billion during the same period.
The purpose of this program has been to help dispose of our agricultural sur-
pluses, to make outright humane donations where people are in immediate need of food
and to develop a commercial market to replace our gifts and concessional sales.
It was pointed out in the debate on the bill that many of our best customers
today were a few years ago buying farm products with foreign currencies. Japan, which
today provides an annual billion-dollar cash market had been a substantial recipient
of Public Law 480 assistance. In recent years she shifted from paying in yen to
making payments in dollars. Spain received a substantial amount of aid under this
program but today is "one of our best cash customers." Of the 22 nations participa-
ting in the program in 1967, only four had no dollar-payment provision while six coun-
tries moved to payments in dollars or convertible currency. The four principal coun-
tries receiving subsidized exports were India, Vietnam, Pakistan, Korea, and Brazil.
COLORADO RIVER PROJECT: The House Thursday approved H.R. 3300, the bill autho-
rizing the Colorado River Basin project. The project is designed to help solve the
water problems of our Pacific Southwest by the development of a system of aqueducts,
reservoirs, pumping stations, etc. The bill provides for further studies on how to
best meet the water needs for this growing area. It also establishes procedures for
operation to assure equitable treatment for all seven basin states. This bill repre-
sents a real victory for dedicated conservationists; the controversial Colorado River
dams have been eliminated from the bill. Much concern had been expressed that these
dams would have a detrimental effect on the Grand Canyon. This bill is only an autho-
ration and will have no impact on the federal budget for several years. I supported
H.R. 3300 on final passage.
STOP AND FRISK LEGISLATION: I have joined 12 Republican members of the House
Committee on the Judiciary in introducing a bill to give federal law enforcement offi-
cers the right and duty to stop those reasonably suspected of criminal activity, to
detain them for questioning for a period of up to 20 minutes, and to "pat them down"
(frisk them) for concealed weapons, all without effecting a formal arrest. It is per-
fectly reasonable, in my judgment, to permit police to take such action to detect and
prevent crimes without going through all the formalities of the arrest procedure. Six-
teen states have enacted similar legislation. The President's Crime Commission has
noted the urgent need for "stop and frisk" laws as has the American Law Institute.
Under current rules, a suspect may refuse to cooperate with federal law-
enforcement officials who wish to question him by demanding that he be formally
arrested. When this is done many technical protections surround the suspect and the
task of the officer is made much more difficult. For instance to require an officer
to advise every person he questions that whatever that person says may be used in
court is both unnatural and illogical.
FEDERAL AID TO URBAN AREAS: Over $37.5 billion in federal aid will be going
to urban areas in fiscal year 1969, according to HUD Secretary Robert Weaver. This
is more than a 100 percent increase over 1961 when the figure was $16.8 billion.
Secretary Weaver listed all the "Direct Programs and Grants-in-Aid" from 19
federal departments and agencies and the "Direct Loans, Loan Insurance, and Loan
Guarantees" from 6 agencies to arrive at this total. His finding of $37.5 billion
in federal aid to urban areas would hardly indicate that our cities are being grossly
neglected by Uncle Sam as some would have us believe. And may I emphasize that this
figure was submitted by Secretary Weaver. He presented it to the Committee on
Appropriations at the hearings on HUD's budget.
THE TAX INCREASE: You know that I have opposed President Johnson's 10 percent
surtax and have been advocating rather a reduction in non-essential expenditures in
every department and agency of government. Recently the House-Senate conferees on
the tax bill recommended a reduction of $6 billion in expenditures for the fiscal
year beginning July 1, to be accompanied by a 10 percent surtax. The tax would
become effective for individuals as of April 1 and would expire on June 30, 1969.
As much as I dislike a tax increase, I feel that we should accept the con-
feree's proposal. This Administration has brought our nation into a serious fiscal
and monetary situation and a potential recession or depression. In fact, the Chair-
man of the Federal Reserve Board has called it our "worst financial crisis since
1931." If the President will do his part by cutting spending by $6 billion, we
should accept the tax boost in order to prevent financial and economic disaster.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
5
IONIA
JERRY FORD
May 29, 1968
The final version of the Truth-in-Lending bill was approved by both the House
and the Senate last Wednesday and sent to the President. I supported it as I did the
House version which was approved February 1. The bill is designed to make sure that
users of installment credit are told precisely how much they are paying in interest
or carrying charges. It also restricts the use of garnishment. Republicans were
especially pleased that the loan shark amendment which we sponsored was included in
the final version of the bill. This amendment will provide immediate and beneficial
relief to those low-income persons who are the most frequent victims of the loan
shark. We know that loan-sharking is the second most important source of revenue for
organized crime. Our amendment makes it a federal offense with severe penalties to
extend credit where failure or delay in repayment could result in the use of violence
or other criminal means against the debtor.
INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS: The House has approved a $1.4 billion appropriation
bill for the Department of Interior and related agencies. The House cut $143 million
from the President's request but the appropriation for 1969 is still $13.5 million
greater than that for the current year.
A recommittal motion was offered to cut an additional $101 million in expendi-
tures from the bill but this effort was defeated 207 to 174. Republicans in the
House supported the reduction 144 to 29 but we were out-voted by the Democrat majority
which went 178 to 30 for greater spending.
INTERSTATE TAXATION: For more than six years the Committee on the Judiciary
has been studying problems involving state taxation of interstate commerce. Last
week it presented a bill designed to protect small and medium sized businesses from
conflicting and chaotic multiple-state taxation. The chairman of the subcommittee
handling the bill said: "Our study clearly documents the fact that the present
chaotic system of complex laws imposed by 50 states and thousands of local governments
is completely unworkable. It is a system which calls upon the taxpayer to comply
with the uncompliable, and the tax administrator to enforce the unenforceable. As a
result, the system is a serious impediment to the free flow of commerce among all of
the states. "
The bill, H.R. 2158, is designed to remove some of the trade barriers impeding
interstate commerce and to greatly help small business. Sponsors of the bill pointed
out that the enactment of the bill "cannot possibly cause any single state to either
gain or lose more than two-thirds of one percent of its total revenues in an immediate
sense." I supported the bill when it was approved by the House last Wednesday.
ASSAULTS ON POSTAL EMPLOYEES: Assaults on postal employees will become a
federal criminal offense under a bill approved by the House last Monday. Presently,
a person accused of beating, killing, or otherwise harming a postal employee in the
performance of his duty can be punished only under local and state laws. As was
pointed out in discussion of the bill, "It is a serious federal crime to steal a
postal card from the mails. Yet there is no violation of federal law for killing the
mailman who carries the postal card." The bill approved by the House by a vote of
333 to 5 corrects this situation. Passage was spurred by the fact that in 1967, the
rate of increase in the number of assaults on postal employees rose 123 percent over
the number for 1966.
VETERANS' CARE IN STATE FACILITIES: Also on Monday the House approved legis-
lation increasing the federal contribution to state veterans' homes such as the State
Veterans' Facility of Michigan in Grand Rapids. Payments for domiciliary care were
increased from $2.50 to $3.50 per day for each veteran in residence. For those in
nursing care units the federal payment per veteran per day was raised from $3.50 to
$5.00. The bill also contained provisions to encourage the development of nursing
units and nursing homes to care for veterans.
PAYROLL PADDING AND ADMINISTRATION RATIONALE: In discussing expenditure
reduction recently, Senator Williams of Delaware pointed out that President Johnson's
promise of December 2, 1965 to eliminate 25,000 federal jobs prior to June 1966
actually resulted in an increase in federal employment of 190,325. During the month
of December in which the promise was made federal employment increased by 2,819.
Increases continued monthly until June 1966 when 73,088 persons were added to Uncle
Sam's payroll. Instead of cutting out 25,000 jobs, a total of 190,325 were created.
But even more bewildering was the explanation given by the Director of the
Budget when Senator Williams asked him to explain this discrepancy to the Senate
Committee on Finance. The Director said it was very easy to explain. He noted that
when Mr. Johnson made the statement that he was going to make the reduction of 25,000
in federal employment he had in mind adding 225,000 employees. He changed his mind
and cut 25,000 from the figure he was planning to add. Actually, since he added only
190,000 instead of the 225,000 he had in mind, there was a reduction of 35,000, even
more than had been promised.
Senator Williams concluded: "Following that line of reasoning, why did the
President not fix his mind on adding 1 million employees, and then I suppose he would
have claimed a reduction of 800,000. It is this kind of tactic that is going to
bankrupt this country, and that is why we have this credibility gap."
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
June 5, 1968
The House of Representatives on Wednesday refused by a vote of 259 to 137 to
instruct its conferees to reduce from $6 billion to $4 billion the amount of federal
spending to be required in connection with the adoption of the 10 percent surtax.
The Senate-House conferees have agreed that Uncle Sam's spending for the year begin-
ning July 1 should be reduced by $6 billion to a level of $180 billion. The Presi-
dent is to make this reduction anywhere in the budget except for operational costs in
Vietnam, interest on the debt, veterans benefits, and social security payments. In
exchange, there would be a 10 percent surtax effective for individuals from April 1,
1968 through June 30, 1969. I have said I would support this compromise because of
the serious fiscal crisis facing our government brought about by policies of the
Johnson-Humphrey Administration.
But I could not endorse the proposal to levy the entire surtax on our tax-
payers while requiring the President to cut only $4 billion in expenditures. The
$180 billion spending limit for 1969 will still be 3 to 4 billion dollars more than
is being spent this year. It will not represent an austerity program. The $6 billion
cut will not seriously hurt any going program if the reductions are made on the basis
of more realistic priorities. A cut of only $4 billion will not be sufficient to
meet our current fiscal crisis nor would it have an adequate impact on the factors
influencing inflation.
The Democratic Leadership has announced that the House will vote on the 10
percent - $6 billion proposal and other items in the conference report next Wednesday,
June 12th. On Memorial Day President Johnson stated he would accept the $6 billion
reduction if it were adopted by Congress.
FIFTH APPROPRIATION BILL: The House approved the fifth of the 13 appropria-
tion bills last Tuesday when it granted $2 billion in new obligational authority to
the Departments of State, Justice, and Commerce, the Judiciary, and related agencies.
While the Committee had cut $153 million from the President's request, the bill still
provided over $3 million more for 1969 than for 1968. Actually, the cut made by the
Committee on Appropriations will result in a savings in expenditures in fiscal 1969
of only $67 million. An amendment was proposed, therefore, to further reduce expen-
ditures by $69 million. This amendment was approved 223 to 154. Voting for it were
160 Republicans and 63 Democrats. Opposed were 144 Democrats and 10 Republicans.
THE CRIME BILL: The Senate has substantially amended the "Safe Streets and
Crime Control" bill passed by the Bonde or went S, 1967. It has added provisions
relative to the sale of firearms and overruling certain decisions of the Supreme
Court which impair the work of our law-enforcement officers. An attempt was made
last Wednesday to secure unanimous consent to send the bill to a House-Senate confer-
ence to iron out the differences. But some members felt that there was so much good
in the bill and the need was so urgent that an immediate vote should be taken to
approve the Senate amendment. (This would have been similar to action taken on the
Civil Rights Bill.) Unanimous consent could not be obtained so the bill has been
temporarily referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary where immediate favor-
able action is anticipated. A strong anti-crime bill is needed and the sooner this
legislation becomes law the better. Fortunately both the House and Senate versions
are improvements over the President's recommendations so we can expect a final version
which will be an effective tool against the rising crime rate.
RIOT DAMAGE IN WASHINGTON : The House last Monday defeated 175 to 159 a bill
which would have provided about $300,000 in tax money for the government of the Dis-
trict of Columbia to remove those buildings which were either totally destroyed in
the recent riots or damaged beyond repair. Opponents contended that while all of us
sympathize with innocent victims of the disorders, we should not "saddle upon all the
taxpayers of the country the cost of cleaning up the rubble in the District of
Columbia that was created by arsonists and rioters.'
During the April riots a total of 645 buildings and 283 housing units were
badly damaged or destroyed. Also, some 909 commercial establishments and their con-
tents were destroyed or damaged. The direct cost of the April riots to the D. C.
government has been set at $3.5 million with an additional loss in tax revenue for
this year and next totaling $2.7 million. The insurance loss in the private sector
comes to at least $24 million and the cost of providing troops exceeded $5 million.
RECENT VISITORS: From Belding: Mr. E. VanderVeer and daughters. From Byron
Center: Mr.& Mrs. James Berkenpas. From Ionia: R. C. Willimon; Mr.& Mrs. Marvin
Nelson, Jon and Brian; Mr.& Mrs. Gus Beyer, Kathy and Karen; Mr.& Mrs. Richard Roth,
Jan and Lynn. From Wyoming: Sylvia Vredevoogd; Mr.& Mrs. Gerrit Sterk and family.
From Grand Rapids: Rev.& Mrs. .VanderPloeg; R.C. Smith; Mrs. Carl Merrill; Msgr. H.
H. Zerfas: Ivan Zylstra; Donald Smalligan; Henry Shisler; Mr.& Mrs. E. Frey; Susan
Humphrey, Kathy Weekly; Ellen Palmer, Linda Bylsma, Sue Bylsma, Margaret Blaauw; Rev.
Lyman Parks, Rev. Peter Huiner; Mr.& Mrs. Jack Zuiderveld and family; Mrs. Edw.
VanderVeer; Mrs. Harold Rockwell and family; Hazel Smits; W. Tyson; J. Griswold; Mr.
& Mrs. James Walters; Mr.& Mrs. E. Nawrocki and family; Mae Mulder; Mr.& Mrs. Robert
Avery and family; Dr.& Mrs. A. VanderKolk and family; Mr.& Mrs. John Yonkers and
Julie; Mr.& Mrs. Gerald VanEhr and family; Mr.& Mrs. Baker and family; Mr.& Mrs.
Gerrit Kamphouse and girls; Mr.& Mrs. R. Ridenour, Rickie and Mary; Darlene Nagelkirk;
Mr.& Mrs. Elwin J. VanSolkema and Ellen; Mr.& Mrs. Art Eckenberg and Gary; Mrs. V.
Mingerink; Mrs. Marvin Geene; Mrs. Jack Hoffius; Mrs. Alice Hendrickson; Mrs. Ann
Carlon; Mr.& Mrs. Ferdinand Bach III; Mr.& Mrs. L. James Stephens; Dorothy Hansen;
Mr.& Mrs. Wesley Stone and Terry; Wm. Halliday, Jr.; Jack VanLaar and family.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
June 12, 1968
I voted with the majority last Wednesday when the House of Representatives
voted 317 to 60 against sending the crime bill to a House-Senate Conference. The
majority favored a direct vote on accepting or rejecting the amendments added by the
Senate to the House-approved bill. I believe the Senate amendments significantly
improved our version of the bill. But the House Chairman of the Judiciary Committee,
who would head the House Conferees, had stated publicly that he would do everything
he could in conference to emasculate the Senate version in its entirety or perhaps
even kill the bill. Because of the urgent need constructive legislation against
crime, I could not go along with the Chairman's delaying tactics.
On Thursday I again joined the majority in voting 368 to 17 to approve the
bill and send it to the President.
THE CENSUS QUESTIONNAIRE: Two years hence the next general census will be
taken. This decennial census is called for in the Constitution as a means of deter-
mining how many Representatives in Congress each state should have. But over the
years numerous questions have been added to the census questionnaire. Some of these
are included at the request of various business and industrial organizations as well
as governmental agencies. But serious problems of propriety arise when many families
will be asked questions as: Do you share your bathtub or shower? How much rent do
you pay? Which door do you use to enter your home? Do you own an air conditioner?
Under present law anyone who refuses to answer all the questions may be subject to a
jail sentence up to 60 days and a fine up to $100.
Legislation has been introduced in the House to limit the information required
under penalty of law. Under this bill everyone would be required to answer only the
following questions: name and address, relationship to head of household, sex, date
of birth, race or color, marital status, and visitors in home at time of census.
Other questions could be asked but answers would be on a voluntary basis.
I think this is desirable legislation. I share the concern which has been
expressed by many relative to governmental snooping and the unnecessary invasion of
personal privacy. The Committee on Post Office and Civil Service held one day of
public hearings last October on this problem but has taken no further action.
GUARANTEED ANNUAL WAGE: The guaranteed annual wage, negative income tax, or
income maintenance (the concept has these and other names) has been discussed for a
number of years and is one of the demands of the Poor People's March. This week the
Joint Economic Committee of the Congress opens six days of hearings on "Income Main-
tenance Programs." It will hear about 23 authorities in this field, primarily pro-
fessors of economics.
But specific legislation has also been introduced in the House in the form of
H.R. 17331, the "Income Maintenance Act." This bill would guarantee an income of $50
per month for the head of a family plus $39 for each dependent up to a maximum
monthly payment of $284, or $3,408 per year. For a family of four this would mean a
payment of $2,000 per year.
The bill would reduce the federal payment 50c for each dollar of other income
the family receives. For example, a $2,000 federal payment would drop to $1,500 if
the family had $1,000 in other income. The sponsor describes this as an incentive
feature that will encourage recipients to seek employment and increase their earnings.
A family of four with an outside income of $3,000 would receive $500 from the
Treasury and all payments would be stopped when its earnings or other outside income
reached $4,000.
Under this bill, needy individuals would apply for "maintenance benefits" to a
new bureau to be established in the Treasury Department. They would submit simple
monthly income statements, and would receive checks "as a matter of right, based on
the deficiency of their other earnings.'
The sponsor estimates the net cost under his bill at about $4 billion annually.
He points out that the proposal will not eliminate poverty but would be "of benefit
to 22 million Americans living in poverty who now receive no public assistance."
Moreover, "it will increase the incomes of some 60 percent of the 8 million Americans
who do receive some form of public assistance."
The bill's sponsor also contends that his "program is no substitute for the
provision of meaningful jobs to all who are able to work. But it provides a minimal
income, with dignity, for those who cannot work, or who cannot get jobs at living
wages." He contends that it is a vast improvement over current welfare programs.
All of us will be watching with a great deal of interest the hearings which opened
this week. The Joint Committee is not a legislative committee, and Congress is by no
means ready to adopt H.R. 17331. But this is an approach among others which deserves
a thorough investigation and thoughtful consideration.
Public welfare outlays are running about $10 billion a year, with between 9
and 10 million recipients. Welfare is becoming a major source of the financial prob-
lems for many local governments. It is interesting to note that many organizations
of widely divergent viewpoints have publicly stated disapproval of the present welfare
setup on the basis that it is too costly, has no incentive feature for welfare recipi-
ents to strive to become self-sufficient, and has too much overlapping and bureaucracy.
RECENT VISITORS: From Grand Rapids: Ethel Whittington; Pat Adamy; Myrtle Van
Laar; W. Bennett family; Mr.& Mrs. Roger Uecker, Ruth, Ron, Ricky; Mr.& Mrs. George
Carey, Steve and Mitchell; Susan Cummiskey; Ruth Rusilowski; Mr.& Mrs. Peter Duyst and
family; Mr.& Mrs. B. Schaafsma, Philip and Joel; Sister Marie Joseph Ryan.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
June 19, 1968
Supplemental appropriation bills are enacted to provide additional funds dur-
ing the current year for those agencies who have or will run short of money. The
second supplemental for this year in the amount of $6.2 billion in new obligational
authority was approved by the House last Tuesday. More than half, $3.8 billion, is
for our military requirements in Southeast Asia. Increased Medicare costs required
an additional $373 million and $1.1 billion is for grants to states to meet increased
costs of Medicaid and other public assistance programs.
ON THE CRIME BILL: The bulk of our mail during the past week related to the
crime bill (H.R. 5037) sent to the President on June 6 and to the proposal to pro-
vide more stringent firearms regulation. There was general approval of the action
by the House in accepting the Senate amendments to the bill. Approved were amend-
ments modifying certain Supreme Court decisions which the Congress felt made the
task of our law-enforcement officers unnecessarily difficult. In the debate it was
stated that Congress cannot be the winner in a confrontation with the Supreme Court.
I rejected this view and said: "To admit that is to admit that the American people
cannot control the U.S. Supreme Court. I think the American people today must have
some control and jurisdiction over the judiciary of the federal government. The
people of America - not the courts - are the ultimate authority in America."
The bill as passed makes it a federal criminal offense (punishable by a fine
of up to $5,000 and imprisonment up to 5 years) to violate any state or local law in-
volving firearms (short or long guns) transaction. This gives federal backing to
every state and local law relative to any gun transaction.
Other amendments approved bar the sale of handguns by mail or to minors or to
out-of-state residents. But rifles and shotguns ("long guns") are exempted from
these provisions of the law. Many of those who write us insist that this exemption
on "long guns" should be removed. Others object strenuously to further firearms
control on the basis of rights guaranteed by the Second Amendment. They also con-
tend that more federal restrictions on the sale or possession of guns will not solve
the problems of crime and civil disorder. They point out that Senator Kennedy's
assassin violated a number of California state laws relating to pistols, and that
criminals, having no respect for the law, can always obtain firearms. The House
Committee on the Judiciary is now considering additional gun control legislation and
it appears there will be constructive action recommended.
ON AIRCRAFT NOISE: The House has given unanimous approval to a bill grant-
ing the Federal Aviation Administration authority to set standards for measuring
aircraft noise and sonic boom and to make rules and regulations to control that
noise. FAA already has 16 people working on the problem; this legislation will in-
crease the number to 20. The senior Republican on the Committee reporting the bill
pointed out that no one should believe that this action "will bring about any fast
or dramatic change in the present situation." He went on to say that there are
differences of opinion about the relationships between noise abatement procedures
and safety of air operations. He concluded, "Many hearings have been held which
could only be said to prove that airplanes, if they fly, make noise But it is the
intent of Congress to place the first and foremost emphasis on safety. Noise abate-
ment is desirable, safety is essential.'
ON THE PEACE CORPS: The House has joined the Senate in authorizing an
appropriation of $112.8 million for the Peace Corps during fiscal 1969. I be-
lieve the Peace Corps has been the best United States investment in the area of
foreign aid.
This year's appropriation was $107.5 million. It is estimated that there
will be 11,120 volunteers overseas in 60 countries next year. Currently 11,837 are
serving in 57 countries. The cost per volunteer this year is put at $7,692; for
next year, $7,762.
Eight members of the Committee on Foreign Affairs submitted "supplemental
views." They support the program but have an "ambivalent attitude" toward it.
They find that "its objectives are meritorious but those who run the program show a
disturbing distaste for details that raise questions of administrative competence.
Poor administration is slowly choking the high ideals that marked the inception of
the Peace Corps." The actual number of volunteers and trainees this year was more
than 3,000 below the estimate given a year ago. The number of employees, not vol-
unteers, with salaries exceeding $12,000 has increased from 146 in 1963 to 329
in 1968.
A year ago the Committee was told that contributions to the Peace Corps pro-
gram by the host countries would be $4,575,000 in 1967 and $5,200,000 in 1968. Ac-
tually, the contributions turned out to be $3,574,000 and $3,487,000 respectively.
This led the eight committeemen to conclude "that the host countries are not as en-
thusiastic in their support of this program as are those who are a part of it," and
that there should be some trimming of the "bureaucratic fat and the slick public re-
lations posture" of the Corps. The House and Senate committees having jurisdiction
over the program must keep a watchful eye to be certain that high standards are
maintained and that the other countries continue to cooperate.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
June 26, 1968
The 10-percent surtax coupled with a spending limitation of $180.1 billion was
approved by the House last Thursday. The spending limitation means a reduction of
$6 billion in President Johnson's budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1. The
vote in the House was 268 to 150.
Democrats supported the tax-increase, expenditure-reduction by a vote of 154
to 77. There were 114 Republicans agreeing to the compromise arrangement while 73
voted "no." Many Republicans felt that more Democrats should have supported the
legislation. The tax boost was demanded by President Johnson and it was the policies
of the Democratic Administration which brought about the need for more revenue. Re-
publicans do not want their Democratic opponents to tell the voters this fall: "Look,
it was the Republicans who increased your taxes and cut off funds for your favorite
projects. We Democrats voted against the tax hike and for more federal aid to your
community. Four Democrats from Michigan did vote against the bill; one was absent
and was recorded as opposed. A sixth voted "yes" and the seventh was absent but in-
dicated his support. Three Republicans from our state voted "no."
I supported the legislation only because of the serious fiscal and monetary
crisis which faces our nation -- a crisis resulting from the policies and projects
of the Johnson-Humphrey Administration. It should be pointed out that even with the
$6 billion spending limitation on the Johnson-Humphrey budget the federal government
will still spend about $4 billion more next year than this year. This means any
good program or project can be carried out without reduction below this year's level.
POULTRY INSPECTION ACT: The House has approved legislation to insure proper
and adequate inspection of all poultry and poultry products sold in our country. In
1957 a federal inspection system was established for the 86 percent of all poultry
products sold in interstate commerce. The new legislation is aimed at the remaining
14 percent. A federal-state cooperative inspection program is set up. States will
have up to three years to establish an inspection program which will be at least
equal to the federal system in insuring wholesome and unadultered products which are
honestly labeled. If a state does not accomplish this within the time limit, the
federal government will take over the intrastate inspection activity.
One important exception to the inspection program would be those small farmers
and processors (doing less than $15,000 worth of wholesale business per year) who
produce and sell clean and wholesome poultry. The burden of proof that a small pro-
cessor is not doing the latter rests with the government.
TO AID THE HANDICAPPED: By a unanimous vote last Monday the House passed a
bill to require new or remodeled public buildings to be so designed and constructed
that they will be accessible to and usable by physically-handicapped persons. The
Congress is concerned about the 22 million Americans who because of some form of
physical disability are restricted in their ability to move from place to place. In
debate it was pointed out that: "Through unintentional neglect or oversight mil-
lions of our citizens have been literally locked out from public buildings which the
federal government has constructed or otherwise financed by not requiring that these
buildings be designed. and constructed SQ that people with physical impairment could
readily enter and use the facilities of such buildings, thus denying their use to
many of the people whose tax dollars supported their construction."
PUBLIC WORKS AND ATOMIC ENERGY APPROPRIATION: In approving the Public Works
and Atomic Energy Appropriation bill last Wednesday, the House eliminated $671,000
from the bill which the Committee had already sliced by $408 million. But this
$671,000 cut was for continued planning on the Dickey-Lincoln School Reservoirs pro-
ject in Maine. If this project is permitted to go ahead it will cost some $500 mil-
lion to complete. The House has cast four roll-call votes against this project in
the past three years. The project has been rejected because it would be constructed
primarily to produce high-cost power at taxpayers' expense in an area where private
enterprise can do the job. The Committee stated in its report that "the project
will provide efficient hydro-electric power at reasonable rates for peaking purposes
in the New England area " But a Democratic Congressman from Connecticut in a
letter to all House members said: "This project has been categorically opposed by
the overwhelming majority of the New England delegation (in Congress) I have con-
sistently voted against this wasteful and unnecessary proposal.
The Committee on Appropriation and the House are to be commended in the hand-
ling of the public works appropriation bill often referred to as "pork barrel legis-
lation. The Committee not only cut the President's request by $190 million but set
the 1969 amount at $219 million less than the 1968 appropriations. The total amount
included in this appropriation bill for both public works and the Atomic Energy Com-
mission is $4.4 billion.
RECENT VISITORS: From Rockford: Mr. and Mrs. Robert Haverkate and family.
From Wyoming: Mrs. Emma Wood. From Grand Rapids: Mrs. Marba Perrott; Mrs. Mary R.
Timmons; Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Coulter; Jim Crissman; Ms. E. Laura Smith; Ms. Bertha
McEachron; Edward Nasalski; Jack Cichon; James Thome; Mr. and Mrs. John Hekman;
Mr. and Mrs. A.F. Davis; Mrs. G.A. Ferrey; Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Barnes; Roman A.
Douglas; Gordon L. Carson; Mr. and Mrs. John Prickett; Robert Slade; Mr. and Mrs.
John R. Klein; Mrs. L. Rozema; Mr. and Mrs. Eman Braal; John H. Voss; Mr. and Mrs.
Peter Hoekstra; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Glass and 2 children; Mrs. Wm. Gagmon and Toni;
Mr. and Mrs. Melvin De Kraker and 3 children; Mrs. Kate Borgman; Mrs. Peter Swagman;
Miss Gertrude Olthoff; Miss Beatrice Kuipers; Mr. and Mrs. Fred DeVries and family.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
July 3, 1968
The Committee on Banking and Currency has incorporated in the general housing
legislation the provisions of my bill to permit FHA to insure mortgages obtained for
construction purposes by non-profit hospitals. I mentioned the introduction of this
bill in the newsletter of May 3, 1967 and said: "Community leaders in Grand Rapids
tell me that during the next ten years our four largest hospitals will be required to
expand their facilities to the extent of $35 million
It was suggested to me that
our non-profit hospitals might be able to borrow more money for construction at lower
rates of interest if the federal government would insure hospital mortgages, as FHA
now insures home mortgages. 11
We are pleased with the Committee's favorable action on my proposal. I will
do all possible to assure retention of this provision in the general housing bill as
it moves through the Congress.
GUN CONTROL LEGISLATION: During the past two weeks we have received about
4000 letters and telegrams concerning federal control of firearms. These communica-
tions were evenly divided between those who favor and oppose more stringent legisla-
tion. But on details relative to the legislation, there was an array of recommenda-
tions. It may be well, therefore, to take a look at the current picture.
The President has signed into law (Public Law 90-351) the omnibus crime bill,
H.R. 5037. This law:
1. Prohibits the sale of handguns to minors, and by mail to out-of-state residents.
2. Requires all manufacturers, dealers, and importers of firearms to be licensed.
3. Makes it a federal crime for the following persons to receive, possess, or
transport firearms in interstate commerce: felons, the mentally incompetent,
those discharged from the armed forces other than honorably, U. S. citizens
who have renounced their citizenship, and aliens illegally in the U. S.
4. Makes it a federal criminal offense (punishable by a fine up to $5,000 and
imprisonment up to five years) to violate any state or local law involving a
firearms (short or long guns) transaction.
5. Does not prohibit an eligible individual to order a gun through the mail or by
telephone, etc., from a licensed dealer within his own state.
The House Committee on the Judiciary has approved H.R. 17735. This bill:
1. Extends the prohibitions of the omnibus crime bill to long guns and ammunition.
2. Authorizes a state to permit its citizens to purchase long guns in an adjacent
state provided the gun laws of both states are obeyed.
President Johnson has sent a special message to Congress urging two additional
measures. The President said:
1. "I propose, first, the national registration of every gun in America."
2. "I propose that every individual in this country be required to obtain a
license before he is entrusted with a gun."
I voted for H.R. 5037 when it was passed by the House on June 6th. H.R. 17735
was approved in Committee on June 21 by a vote of 29 to 6 with all 15 Republicans
voting in the affirmative. I believe this is acceptable legislation.
The President's proposal on June 24 must be thoroughly examined and subjected
to exhaustive public hearings where the proponents and opponents will have the oppor-
tunity to present their case.
The President's latest proposal raises serious constitutional problems involv-
ing the authority of the federal government to order national registration and the
question of the privilege against self-incrimination.
TO STUDY THE USE OF METRIC SYSTEM: By a vote of 269 to 42 the House approved
a study to determine the advantages and disadvantages of increased use of the metric
system in our country. The metric system is the decimal system of weights and
measures based upon the meter and the gram as the fundamental units for length and
mass. The terms "inches" and "yards" would be replaced by "centimeters" and "meters"
and we would speak of "grams" and "kilograms" instead of "ounces" and "pounds."
Ninety percent of the world's population today is living with the metric
system of measurement. Out of 106 countries only four are not using the metric
system. These four are Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States, and
the first three are moving in the direction of the metric system. The United States
may soon stand alone.
The study by the Department of Commerce will analyze all factors involved,
including the best method to make the transition to the new system. As the Committee
pointed out, any effort to make the effective day too early "would undoubtedly work
a severe hardship on the adult population not familiar with the metric system and
would make obsolete a prohibitive number of everyday items pertaining to weights and
measures." But the Committee also stressed the fact that "it would seem certain the
U.S. will be using the metric system some day. The overwhelming forces of simplicity,
ease of communication, and plain common sense will force us to adopt it."
ATTENDANCE RECORD: As of June 28, after 191/2 years of service in the House of
Representatives, my attendance record stood at 90.9 percent. In these many sessions
of the House there have been 5132 roll and quorum calls and I have answered 4666 and
missed only 466.
KENT
Your Washington Review
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
July 10, 1968
The House of Representatives has amended and passed the Senate-approved
National Gas Pipeline Safety Act. Under the House amendment the federal government
establishes the safety standards and rules for the transportation of gas by pipeline.
Enforcement will rest with the individual state provided the state accepts the
federal standards and can show that it has the legal authority and is willing to
enforce them. Otherwise the U. S. Department of Transportation will be the enforcing
agent. The House amendment (version) was recommended by the Democratic-controlled
Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce and was endorsed by the Republican
Policy Committee.
The Senate version provided for a slightly different method for enforcing the
standards. It also included "gathering lines" in the legislation. The House version
exempts these lines (some 63,000 miles) which are located almost entirely in unpopu-
lated areas until such time as the area through which a line runs becomes non-rural.
SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM: The House last Monday approved legislation to provide
an additional $100 million for each of the next three years for free, or at reduced
rates, lunches or breakfasts to children of low-income families who are not now
receiving nutritional meals at school. The House has already this year voted $246
million for the school lunch program and $104 million for the special school milk
program. Children do not have to be members of families on welfare to benefit under
this bill. I supported the legislation when it was approved by a vote of 274 to 78.
Most of the opposition developed over a procedural matter involving the appropriating
process; there was practically no opposition to the program itself.
I also voted for another bill relative to the school lunch program. A major
provision prohibits any action at school to show which students receive free or
reduced-cost lunches. It eliminates special tokens, tickets, a published list of
names, or the use of a special line in the cafeteria, or a specific time or place to
eat for those who receive free or reduced-rate meals. This is such an obviously fair
requirement that we regret its necessity. The bill also setsup a formula which will
mean that eventually the states will meet 10 percent of the cost of the school lunch
program. During 1967 Uncle Sam paid 20 percent of the cost, state and local govern-
ments (mostly local) 9 percent, local welfare, citizens associations, etc. 15 percent,
and students' payments account for 56 percent.
FEDERAL AID IS BIG BUSINESS: The United States Government today is operating
over 1,000 federal assistance programs which distribute more than $20 billion a year.
The operation has become so huge and complex that it often takes hours or even days
to track down an answer to a question of what may be available to a given individual
or community. Rep. Roth of Delaware listed in the Congressional Record for June 25 a
total of 1,091 operating federal assistance programs, including descriptions of 521.
This required 144 pages of mighty fine print. If this listing proves anything, it
demonstrates the need for a clear explanation of these programs and an examination of
all with a view to consolidation and simplification. For example, Rep. Roth found
that at least eight departments and agencies have programs assisting directly or
indirectly college and graduate scholars. There are conceivably 211 operating pro-
grams that could be a source of funds to a college or graduate student.
I have joined Rep. Roth and 71 others in sponsoring the "Program Information
Act" which provides for the periodic publication of a catalog of federal assistance
programs so all interested parties can be kept up to date on what is available.
SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS: Over $4.7 million in social security benefits were
received during the month of February by 51,433 beneficiaries in Kent and Ionia
Counties. This includes payments to retired and disabled workers and their depen-
dents. Nearly 24 million Americans were paid over $2 billion in the same month from
the Social Security Trust Fund. Slightly more than two-thirds were retired workers,
their dependents, and the special age-72 beneficiaries. Nearly one-fourth were sur-
vivor beneficiaries.
TO THE ACADEMIES: Nine Fifth District young men have entered the service
academies as a result of their success in the examination which I sponsored last fall.
Gary Mirzoian of Ionia and David Hartman of Wyoming are at West Point. Michael
Huissen, John Ronan, Michael Szoka (all of Grand Rapids), and John Ayen of Wyoming
are at the Naval Academy in Annapolis. Thomas VanderMolen and Harry Bloem of Grand
Rapids, and Larry Hall of Wyoming received appointments to the Air Force Academy at
Colorado Springs. Our congratulations and best wishes to all these young men.
RECENT VISITORS: From Belding: Mr.& Mrs. Thomas Gasper, Chuck and Donnie.
From Belmont: Mrs. Wm. Quinlan. From Byron Center: Mr.& Mrs. Henry Koetje & family.
From Comstock Park: Mr.& Mrs. Floyd Barber, Jr., and family. From Grandville: Rev.
& Mrs. Harvey Bultje and family; Mr.& Mrs. Louis VanVels; Mr.& Mrs. Keith Moored,
David and Ann. From Rockford: The Kenneth Gager Family; Mr.& Mrs. H. Eastwood,
Kathleen, Christine, and Colinda. From Sparta: Bobbie Ruth. From Wyoming: Gus
Buchholz; Miss H. Workman; Mr.& Mrs. W. Kruis, Steve and Esther; Sister Mary Hubert.
From Grand Rapids: Floyd Bakuaitis; Robert Davis; Mrs. Olive DeVries; Mrs. L. McKee,
Mrs. Jay Hansen, Mrs. Kay Hagbom, Mrs. A. Starr, Elisabeth Knapp, and Mrs. S. TenHoor,
Mr.& Mrs. John Wiese and Martha; Dr.& Mrs. M. Pattullo and family; Mr.& Mrs. Stephen
Idema; Jon Steffensen; Mr.& Mrs. F. Dykstra; Mr.& Mrs. Norm Bouma, Rich, Gayla, and
Randy; E. David Migocki; Mr.& Mrs. Frank Kime; Mrs. Geo. VanderLaan; Mrs. Ray Goulooze;
Mr. & Mrs. J. Faiks and family; Christie VanSweden; Mrs. Jan Mangus; Mr. & Mrs. Robt.
Eleveld; Cpl. Richard Vogelsang; Robert Alt; James VanDyk; Chris Overvoorde.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
July 17, 1968
After three days of debate (18 hours and 32 minutes) and the consideration of
57 amendments, the House of Representatives on Wednesday approved the omnibus housing
bill. The bill itself runs to 280 pages; the Committee report contains 359 pages.
The comprehensive bill provides among other programs federal aid for homeownership,
rental and cooperative housing, low and moderate income housing, riot and flood
insurance, model cities, and college housing. I supported the bill on final passage
when it was approved by a vote of 295 to 114.
The legislation as passed contained the provisions of my bill authorizing FHA
loans for hospital construction. Because the Senate-passed housing bill (314 pages)
is not identical, the legislation has been sent to a House-Senate Conference Committee
for resolving of differences.
GRANDVILLE -- HIGH PRIORITY FOR FLOOD INSURANCE: Because the Army Corps of
Engineers has already completed a study of Grandville as a "flood prone area," this
city may be among the first to become eligible for flood insurance if Title XI of the
Housing Act becomes law. Title XI establishes a national flood insurance program
under which flood insurance can be made available to occupants of flood-prone areas
through the cooperative efforts of Uncle Sam and private insurance companies.
Coverage is limited to one- to four-family dwellings and to smaller business proper-
ties. Details of the program are to be worked out by the Department of Housing and
Urban Development.
FOREIGN ASSISTANCE: The House is scheduled to consider this week a $2.3
billion authorization for our foreign aid program for the current fiscalyear. The
Committee on Foreign Affairs cut nearly $600 million from the President's request in
the recognition "that federal expenditures must be substantially reduced." But the
Committee went on to say that "there are nations cooperating with the United States
in our efforts to alleviate current conflicts which depend on our assistance. There
are governments which, with our approval, have committed themselves to policies and
programs which cannot continue without U.S. aid. No one should ignore the danger
that a suspension or drastic curtailment of U.S. assistance could jeopardize current
negotiations and provoke new crises." It is likely, however, that additional
reductions will be made.
INDIA AND U.S. AID: Americans have been generous in their aid to India, a
nation of massive poverty. During the past year India continued to be the largest
single recipient of U.S. economic aid. Through August 7, 1967, India received a
total of $7.8 billion in economic assistance. Through June of this year the U.S. had
sent India a total of 54 million tons of food grains. Our technical assistance,
fertilizer shipments, and other efforts have helped to make possible the production
of a record food grain crop in India this year.
Yet key government officials in India continue to vigorously critize our coun-
try. Furthermore, as seven members of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs pointed
out, "It is reliably reported that the Government of India is acquiring a sizable
quantity of expensive, sophisticated arms, including jet fighters, tanks, and sub-
marines from the Soviet bloc." These members also mentioned the report that with
Soviet help India is constructing production and assembly plants for fighter aircraft,
air-to-air missiles, tanks, and small arms.
These committeemen go on to say: "One wonders to what extent our aid to India
is, in effect, subsidizing that country's purchase of Soviet arms. One can also
wonder to what extent the arms buildup by India will upset that country's delicate
balance with Pakistan, which is so important to peace in Asia
It is not surpris-
ing that hard-pressed American taxpayers are increasingly critical of foreign aid..."
TV INVESTIGATION: Legislation has been introduced in the House directing the
Federal Communications Commission to investigate the effects of violence in TV pro-
grams. The study would include consideration of the connection between the display
of violence in TV programs and the attitudes of TV viewers toward violence, and what
should be the public policy toward the display of violence on TV.
The resolution calling for the study would have Congress find "that the
increase in violence in American society, and the increase in the acceptance of
violence by the American people, are critical national problems. I agree, and I
hope the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, to which the legislation has
been referred will take prompt action on it.
DEFICITS AND DEBTS: According to the most recent "Daily Statement of the U.S.
Treasury" (July 2), the national debt stands at $350 billion. This is an increase of
$24 billion in just one year. The debt on the same day one year ago totaled $326
billion.
Table 19 in the Budget of the United States for Fiscal 1969 presents a
frightening story of how the public debt burden has grown (all figures in billions):
The
Annual
Interest
Debt
Increase
Cost
1960
$286.5
$- - -
$ 9.3
1961
289.2
2.7
9.1
1962
298.6
9.4
9.1
1963
306.5
7.9
9.9
1964
312.6
6.1
10.8
1965
317.9
5.3
11.3
1966
320.4
2.5
11.6
1967
326.7
6.3
13.5
1968 (est.)
351.6
24.9
14.5
1969 (est.)
363.5
11.9
15.2
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
July 24, 1968
As I predicted last week, the House of Representatives has made an additional
reduction in the foreign aid authorization bill. The Committee on Foreign Affairs
had cut the President's request by nearly $600 million. In its consideration of the
bill last Thursday the House made a further cut of $370 million. This put the amount
authorized for 1969 at $1.9 billion, a reduction of $1 billion from Mr. Johnson's
request of $2.9 billion.
The vote to make the additional reduction of $370 million was 268 to 150. Be-
cause of our own U. S. fiscal situation, including the recent tax increase, and be-
cause I believe it is time to reduce our foreign aid commitments, I voted for the
cut. With the authorization set at less than $2 billion (the lowest figure in 21
years of the program) I voted for the bill on final passage when it was approved 228
to 184.
LSD LEGISLATION: The House has approved legislation increasing the penalties
for illegal trafficking in drugs and making the possession of LSD and similar drugs
for one's own use a federal crime. Presently there are penalties for the unautho-
rized manufacture, distribution, and sale of LSD, but no penalty for its use. The
bill approved recently (H.R. 14096) makes possession of LSD for one's own use a crime
punishable up to one year in jail and a fine up to $1000 for the first offense.
For the second or subsequent violations, the jail sentence may go to three years, and
the fine to $10,000. Stiffer penalties are provided for those who illegally manu-
facture or sell the drug.
The Bureau of Drug Abuse Control estimates that each year about 4 billion
pills and capsules of barbiturates, amphetamines, and tranquilizers produced in the
U. S. are diverted to illicit sale and use.
VOCATIONAL EDUCATION: With bi-partisan support, the Vocational Education bill
of 1968 was unanimously approved by the House last Monday. The bill among other
things increases the authorization for vocational education from the past year's
$225 million to $355 million for this fiscal year and to $565 million annually there-
after. Michigan's share this year will be nearly $12 million.
Republican members of the Committee on Education and Labor not only endorsed
this program but co-sponsored it. They pointed out "that the turmoil in our cities
and the quiet despair that has settled on many depressed rural areas is caused in
large measure by our failures to emphasize and carry out intensive programs of
vocational-technical education for those who most need it." They went on to say that
the evidence "would indicate that not more than one high school graduate in 10 is
prepared with entrance level skills in an occupation for which an actual job exists,"
and that "less than 4 percent of the 18-21 age group are enrolled in post secondary
vocational-technical programs." "Yet," these members concluded, "we know that four
out of five young people need occupational training if they are to be employable."
EDUCATION vs MAKE-WORK: In their report in support of this legislation, the
Republican members of the Committee also said: "This (Johnson) Administration has a
large and growing profusion of manpower programs which do not add up to a recognizable
national manpower program
For example, more federal dollars are budgeted this
year for the 40,000 enrollees in the Job Corps than for the support of vocational-
technical education with 7 million enrollees. The 1968 federal expenditures for
vocational-technical education were $253 million; the expenditures for adult make-
work programs under the Office of Economic Opportunity were $400 million. In total,
for every federal dollar budgeted for vocational-technical education, $4 are budgeted
for make-work and salvage type programs which would never be needed if we had an
effective system of vocational education. By any rational standard the priorities
reflected by these expenditures is completely askew."
IN SHORT: The provisions of my bill authorizing FHA-insured loans for hospi-
tal construction have been retained in the omnibus housing bill as approved by the
House-Senate Conferees. We have every reason to believe that this will become law.
As we go to press the House is considering H.R. 17735, the bill calling for further
gun control. Details next week
Members of the Republican Task Force on Crime
have introduced legislation to empower federal judges to extend prison terms up to 20
years over the maximum for the specific offense of that which the accused is con-
victed if the case involves: the habitual offender, the professional or organized
crime hoodlum, or one who uses firearms during the commission of a crime.
FLAGS OVER THE CAPITOL: American flags with certificates stating that they
have been flown over the U. S. Capitol building are available from my office. These
are new flags which have been flown from the pole atop the Capitol for a short period.
A 3x5 ft. flag may be obtained for $2.75 and a 5x8 for $5.50.
VISITORS: From Grand Rapids: Charles Mondy; Anthony Smith; Margaret McLean;
Rev. John Williams; Mr.& Mrs. Harold Cooper and Mary; Betty Achtyes, Ann Kreuyer;
Harriet and Betty Wiersma; Donald Shankin; George Fischer; Lawrence Murrey; Sister
Mary Agnese; Mrs. R. Karl and son; Susan Barkeley; Mrs. Donald VanAllsbury and family;
Mr.& Mrs. Hal Smith, Linda, Julie, Mike and Tim; Mr.& Mrs. Ellswoth Woolpert, Sam,
Sue, John, Julie; Mr.& Mrs. C. Scheuermann; Mike Huissen, Don Nestor; Mr.& Mrs. Gerald
Postema; Mr.& Mrs. G. Oosterman and family; Charles Swanson; Mr.& Mrs. Robert Vande
Kopple, Bob and Diane; Marian Takens, Hilda Takens; Mrs. Louis Dykstra, Patty and
Mary Lou; Robert Poppe; Richard Baker; Mr.& Mrs. Chuck Zeddies, Mike and Clark; Mr.&
Mrs. George Meyer; Mr.& Mrs. Bert Messelink; Mr.& Mrs. William Flikkema; Mr.& Mrs.
Stephen Warwick and family; Mr.& Mrs. Jerry Waykamp; Mr.& Mrs. James VanderPloeg; Mr.
& Mrs. Donald Row and family; Mr.& Mrs. R. Dunnette, Jan, Jill, Scott, and Steve;
Donna Rolfe; Mr.& Mrs. Gerald Beukema, Pat, Karen and Jan; Mr.& Mrs. John Postmus; Mr.
& Mrs. Joe Krajenbrink; Rev.& Mrs. Wesley Smedes; Bill Flikkema, Jr., John Witte.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
July 31, 1968
Further gun legislation was adopted by the House of Representatives last
Wednesday without requiring registration of every gun or the licensing of every gun
owner. But an amendment was approved requiring mandatory prison sentences for those
who use or carry firearms while committing a federal felony. Anyone convicted in a
federal court on a felony charge who used or carried a gun while committing the crime
is to get an additional one to ten years in prison for the first offense and five to
25 years for the second offense. These prison terms would be in addition to the
normal penalty for the basic crime committed. I supported this amendment when it
was adopted by a vote of 410 to 11.
The bill, H.R. 17735, prohibits the sale of rifles and shotguns to minors
(those under 18) and to out-of-state residents. A state may authorize its citizens
to purchase long guns in an adjacent state if the gun laws of both states are obeyed.
In general, the bill makes applicable to long guns and ammunition the restriction
recently imposed on handguns by the omnibus crime bill. All ammunition for pistols,
revolvers, machine guns, and other destructive devices (instruments often used for
criminal purposes) comes under the act. But by a vote of 218 to 205 the House
exempted rifle and shotgun shells, and .22 caliber rimfire shells, all designed and
used primarily for sporting and hunting purposes. By a vote of 225 to 198 the House
approved a provision which was intended by its sponsors to permit the shipment of
weapons and ammunition to recognized rifle clubs and ROTC units without regard to the
licensing provisions of the act. However, many members believe that this provision
would completely exempt persons in these groups from the entire act. I felt that the
bill worked out by the Committee should have been supported as reported with some
minor exceptions.
There is nothing in this bill to prevent a person to hunt in another state and
ship his gun or take it with him. He can buy ammunition at the hunting site and can
transport or ship home the unused portion. The same is true of those who engage in
target shooting in another state. Gun collectors can continue their hobby; "antique
firearms" are exempt from the provisions of the bill.
The bill imposes some needed restrictions on interstate firearms traffic with-
out interfering with legitimate recreational and self-protection uses of firearms by
law-abiding citizens. The amendment setting mandatory prison terms for those who
carry guns while committing a felony is sound. I supported the bill when it was
approved on final passage by a vote of 304 to 118. The House spent 21 hours and 42
minutes considering this bill. Eighty amendments were proposed and 47 were adopted.
TO BAN SWITCHBLADES: About 90 members of the House have joined in introducing
legislation which, in effect, would halt the sale of switchblade and gravity knives.
Existing law bans the manufacture or distribution of these instruments in interstate
commerce. The new bill prohibits anyone who deals in interstate commerce of any kind
from manufacturing or distributing these knives. Sponsors point out that these
knives serve no legitimate purposes and "have no redeeming social value whatsoever."
FOOD STAMP PROGRAMS: The House may consider this week a bill to authorize an
additional $20 million for the Food Stamp program. This will bring the total for
fiscal year 1969 to $245 million. Designed to serve the unemployed, the under-
employed, and the unskilled, the program now is assisting about 2.7 million persons.
The current legislation (H.R. 18249) also aims to correct abuses brought to
the attention of the Committee on Agriculture. In some areas persons on strike have
received food stamps because their assets and monthly income had fallen below the
minimum requirement. Some married college students discovered that they could get
stamps because their assets and income qualified them for aid. The bill as recom-
mended by the committee prohibits the use of food stamps by those on strike or those
attending college unless they were receiving stamps before the strike or before
entering college. This spells out specifically what had been the original intention
of the Congress. The Johnson-Humphrey Administration is opposed to these restrictions
on the program. An effort will be made on the floor of the House to eliminate the
committee's restrictions and to further expand coverage under the program.
Food stamps are now available in designated counties for those who meet certain
qualifications. In Michigan, for instance, a family of four with assets under $1000
and a monthly income of less than $265 may be eligible. The family uses the amount
of cash it would normally pay for food to obtain food stamps in an amount which will
more nearly provide an adequate and balanced diet. For example, it could use $70 to
obtain $140 worth of stamps. At the very minimum, each individual must contribute
50¢ per month to obtain stamps. Tax funds make up the difference between the amount
paid for the stamps and their actual value at the local grocery store.
RECENT VISITORS: From Wyoming: Richard Burchfield; Mr. and Mrs. N. Overbeek,
Bill, David, and Karen. From Lowell: Mr. and Mrs. Allan Tolle, Jr. From Sparta:
Mrs. Roger Landheer. From Alto: Richard E. Posthumus. From Belding: Mr. and Mrs.
Albert Honson. From Grandville: Melvin Cooke, Jr. From Grand Rapids: Betty
Zieliski; Mr. and Mrs. Louis Cantile and family; Mr. and Mrs. William Schruer and
family; Mrs. Jeannette Sprik, Miss Laurie Sprik; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ronan; Dr. and
Mrs. B. H. Siebers and family; Mrs. J. Minnaar; Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Glovick and Paul;
Mr. and Mrs. Robert DeYoung and family; Dr. and Mrs. Luther Carpenter; Mr. and Mrs.
Gerald Knol, Bernard, Harry, Jacky, and Bobby; Mr. and Mrs. Ed Linnan and Debbie;
Evelyn Cinder; Mr. and Mrs. Tom Roach and Mary Kay; Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Staal and
family; Mr. and Mrs. Henry Jonker, Dan and Carol.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
August 7, 1968
The various farm support programs were extended through the 1970 crop year in
action taken by the House of Representatives last Wednesday. The programs covering
such commodities as wheat, feed grains, cotton, and wool are now scheduled to expire
December 31, 1969. The Johnson Administration has asked that the subsidy programs be
made permanent. The Senate has approved a four-year extension. The Democratic-
controlled House Committee on Agriculture took the position that "a one-year exten-
sion will give the new Congress and the new administration adequate time to enact
amendments to the present program or to develop alternatives that will improve the
economic status of American agriculture." The Republican Policy Committee endorsed
this position.
But the House did vote 230 to 160 to place a $20,000 limit on payments to any
one producer in a given year beginning with the 1970 crop. Michigan Congressmen were
practically unanimous in supporting this limitation; only one of the 19 voted "no."
On final passage of the bill the Michigan delegation split 13 to 6 with the
majority in opposition. I voted for the one-year extension with the $20,000 ceiling
only to give the new Administration an opportunity to submit a better solution to the
farm problem in the early days of the next Congress. I announced that I would not
vote for any extension which exceeds one year. This was to make clear to the Senate-
House conferees who will be considering the legislation that I will not support any
compromise which calls for a greater extension of present programs.
FOOD STAMP LEGISLATION: The House also acted on the food stamp bill last week,
agreeing to a four-year, no-limit authorization. If this measure becomes law, it
will mean that the program will continue for four more years without further con-
gressional review and that availability of funds will be determined only in the
appropriation bill. On February 6 Ionia County requested that it be designated as
an eligible area. According to the Department of Agriculture, Ionia County will be
included in the program this fall if sufficient funds are available.
POST OFFICE EXEMPTED: Both the House and Senate have approved a bill to exempt
the Post Office Department from the employment limitation required in the tax
increase-expenditure reduction compromise recently enacted into law. In order to get
the 10 percent surtax through Congress, the President had to agree to cut $6 billion
in federal expenditures this year. To help achieve this saving, the compromise agree-
ment called for a reduction in federal employment to the July 1966 level. This was
to be achieved by filling only three out of each four normal resignations and re-
tirements.
Proponents of the Post Office exemption said that unless the law was changed
the Department would be forced to cut its employment by 30,780 workers while being
required this year to process about 84 billion pieces of mail compared with 75.6 bil-
lion pieces in 1966. As you know the Postmaster General threatened to eliminate
Saturday mail deliveries and to close certain post offices unless the Department was
granted an exemption.
However, those who opposed the exemption (and this is important) pointed out
that there was no requirement in the Revenue and Expenditure Control Act that each
and every Department of government reduce personnel. It was overall federal employ-
ment that was to be cut back. If the Post Office needed more men, they could be
hired -- with reductions made in other agencies in a manner which would have the
least disturbing effect on public service. The mandatory reduction in employment
did not require the removal or firing of a single federal employee. Full discretion
was given to the President as to which agencies were to be effected by the reduction
in force. Instead of threatening to reduce postal services the Johnson Administra-
tion could have taken on the more difficult task of establishing priorities and mak-
ing reductions in less essential areas.
And we should not forget that the Congress and the President had agreed to
cut federal spending and federal employment in exchange for the 10 percent surtax.
The taxpayers are now feeling the tax increase; they have every right to expect the
President to keep his part of the bargain. They also have the right to expect con-
tinuation of regular mail delivery and improved postal service.
FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT: Let me quote from a statement issued last Wednesday by
the Democratic-controlled Joint Committee on Reduction in Federal Expenditure: "Ex-
exutive Agencies of the federal government reported civilian employment in the month
of June totaling 3,026,376. This was a net increase of 95,350 as compared with em-
ployment reported in the preceding month of May. This is the highest employment
level since November 1945.' We can well ask whether the Johnson-Humphrey Administra-
tion has any intention of cutting down on federal employment or the taxpayers'
burden.
ATTENDANCE RECORD: Through August 1, I answered 282 roll calls out of the
304 taken this session. This puts my attendance record for this year at 92.7 per-
cent.
IN RECESS: Because of the Congressional recess the next issue of "Your Wash-
ington Review" will reach you in September. The House is scheduled to reconvene on
September 4.
RECENT VISITORS: From Wyoming: Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Holwerda and 3 children;
Mr. and Mrs. Duane Becker, Gary and Kim; Mr. and Mrs. Fred J. Eardley. From Byron
Center: Dr. and Mrs. Earl Kik and family. From Portland: Mr. and Mrs. Don Crandall.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
TWO
WEEKS
AT
HOME
During the two weeks between the national conventions I plan an eight-stop
mobile office tour of our congressional district.
My "office on main street" will be open from 2:30 until 6:00 p.m. on the days
indicated below. I am also maintaining office hours from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. in my
Eastbrook office in Grand Rapids. No appointment is necessary and all are welcome
at either the Mobile Office or at Eastbrook. We will be pleased to discuss issues
before the Congress or any personal problem involving the Federal Government.
In addition, I have scheduled a number of noon and evening engagements, all of
which are mentioned in the schedule below:
TUESDAY, AUGUST 13
Noon:
Rockford Rotary
Mobile Office: ROCKFORD (Don's Pharmacy)
Evening:
Sparta Lions
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14
9:00-11:00
Eastbrook Office
Noon:
Ionia Rotary
Mobile Office:
CEDAR SPRINGS (Main and Ash Streets)
Evening:
Kent County Convention
THURSDAY, AUGUST 15
9:00-11:00
Eastbrook Office
Noon:
Grand Rapids Rotary
Mobile Office:
SPARTA (Village Parking Lot on E. Division)
Evening:
West Walker Sportsmen's Club
FRIDAY, AUGUST 16
9:00-11:00
Eastbrook Office
Noon:
Grand Rapids Roundtable
Mobile Office: CALEDONIA (Wenger's Standard Service)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17
Rockford Quasquicentennial
(Over, please)
MONDAY, AUGUST 19
9:00-11:00
Eastbrook Office
Noon:
Belding Rotary
Mobile Office: LOWELL (City Hall)
Evening:
Lowell Showboat
TUESDAY, AUGUST 20
9:00-11:00
Eastbrook Office
Noon:
Wyoming Rotary
Mobile Office: LAKE ODESSA (Village Parking Lot)
Evening:
Standale Lions
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21
9:00-11:00
Eastbrook Office
Noon:
Cedar Springs Rotary
Mobile Office: IONIA (Main Street; front of Penney Store)
THURSDAY, AUGUST 22
10:00
Dedication: Belding Senior Citizens Home
Noon:
Comstock Park Rotary
Mobile Office: BELDING (City Hall)
Evening:
Lyon-Muir Civic Club (Muir Village Park)
FRIDAY, AUGUST 23
9:00-11:00
Eastbrook Office
#####
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
September 18, 1968
Since my last newsletter the primary election has been held and the two
national political conventions have come and gone. During the time between the
Republican and Democratic Conventions I spent two weeks in Kent and Ionia Counties,
and now Congress has reconvened.
I want to express my appreciation to all those who endorsed my record at the
August 6th Primary. And it was wonderful to meet so many of you at my Eastbrook
office and in the Mobile Office and at my numerous speaking engagements in the two
weeks between conventions.
REDWOOD PARK: Last Thursday the House approved the final version of the bill
establishing a Redwood National Park. The Park will contain 58,000 acres including
28,101 acres of privately owned timber land on which timber cutting will stop as soon
as the President signs the bill.
FOREIGN MILITARY SALES: On Tuesday the House approved a bill permitting the
President to sell up to $816 million worth of military hardware and services to
friendly countries to help provide for their own defense. The bill also authorizes
$296 million to finance credit sales to be paid within 10 years. Three Republican-
sponsored amendments were adopted: to forbid credit sales to countries with oppres-
sive military dictatorships, to cut off sales to any country which seizes U. S.
fishing vessels more than 12 miles off its shore, and to prohibit the sale of sophis-
ticated weapons to less-developed countries which cannot afford them.
PEAR MARKETING ORDER DEFEATED: A proposal to authorize federal pear market-
ing orders for canned or frozen pears was defeated in the House last Monday. The
Republican-led opposition showed that these marketing orders would mean higher prices
for the consumers and more federal control over the production of another food item.
Furthermore, processors would be bound by, and have to pay for the administration of,
rules and regulations over which they had no control.
If approved this legislation would have permitted grower associations working
with the federal government to regulate what, when, and how much a canner could pur-
chase for processing. He could be told what grades he could buy, and in what amounts
from which growers. There also would have been a "check-off" of funds to be used for
research and promotion and advertising SO that people would eat more pears.
SURTAX AND SPENDING CUTS: To get the 10 percent surtax, the Johnson-Humphrey
Administration agreed to a $6 billion expenditure reduction this year. Most of us
who voted for the tax increase did so because of the spending cut agreement. But as
you know the Democratic Administration now insists it can't make the cuts and has
already gotten the Congress to exempt the Post Office Department, FAA traffic con-
trollers, TVA employees, and others from the personnel reduction features of the law.
The President also wants to exempt from the expenditure control agreement the
$14.5 billion Commodity Credit Corporation. The CCC pays for the farm price support
programs for wheat, feed grains, and cotton. It is true that once the Secretary of
Agriculture has announced the level at which these commodities will be supported by
the taxpayers, the expenditures become somewhat uncontrollable. But the Secretary
has broad discretion in setting the support price (subsidy). Costs of these programs
have varied as much as $1 billion or more from one year to the next.
It is widely rumored here that before November 5, the Secretary of Agriculture
will announce a vastly expanded program, with some non-agriculture connotations. It
is essential, therefore, that the Congress maintain its spending restraints on the
Secretary and the President. The American people are paying the President's 10 per-
cent surtax; he must keep his part of the bargain by cutting $6 billion in federal
expenditures.
FARM SUBSIDY PAYMENTS: You will remember I reported in the last newsletter
that the House had placed a $20,000 limitation on farm subsidy payments to any one
farmer in a single year beginning in 1970. Based on 1967 payments this limitation
would reduce farm subsidy costs by over $209 million in 1970.
During 1967 farm subsidy payments of $20,000 or more were made to 9,952 farms.
The total payments of over $20,000 amounted to more than $408 million. It is inter-
esting to note that Texas led all the states in these super-payments: nearly $100
million going to 2975 farms. Next came California with $67 million divided among
1094 farms, all getting $20,000 or more. Mississippi received $63 million in 1440
payments. The figures show that 89 percent of the farmers getting over $20,000 live
in the 15 "cotton" states and that they get 89 percent of the dollars paid out in
these super-payments.
In contrast, only five payments in excess of $20,000 were made in Michigan:
two each in Lenawee and Saginaw Counties, and one in Monroe County. There were 12
states in which no farmer received over $20,000 in payments.
ACADEMY OPPORTUNITIES: Applications are being received from young men in Kent
and Ionia Counties who are interested in appointments to the service academies. We
have two appointments to West Point and to Colorado Springs, and one to Annapolis.
Selections will be based on the results of a Civil Service examination to be given on
October 5 and November 9. Applications and additional information may be obtained by
contacting my Grand Rapids office (425 Cherry Street, S.E.; telephone GL 6-9747) or
by writing me at H-230 The Capitol, Washington, D.C.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
September 25, 1968
The House of Representatives spent nearly eight hours last Tuesday considering
private bills which usually are disposed of in a relatively short time. The main
item of contention was an "omnibus claims bill" composed of 15 bills which had pre-
viously been refused passage under the normal, unanimous consent procedure of the
"private calendar. " These involved claims for money by private parties against the
government. Of the 15 bills (or titles in the omnibus bill) eight were passed and
seven defeated. There were seven roll call votes on these 15 titles; each roll call
takes about 25 minutes. This was the first time since 1952 that the House had con-
sidered an omnibus claims bill.
The House also acted on 64 other private bills. Included in those approved
was my bill authorizing a Kent County family to adopt its third Korean orphan.
NO TAXPAYER AID TO UNRULY STUDENTS: House-Senate Conferees agreed to deny
federal educational grants and loans to students who are convicted of the "use of
force, disruption or seizure of property" at any college or university. Aid could
also be denied if a student "willfully refused to obey a lawful regulation" of the
college. Both the Senate and the House are expected to approve this provision.
CLARIFIES A COURT DECISION: By unanimous consent the House approved legisla-
tion specifically authorizing postal inspectors to serve warrants and subpoenas and
to make arrests in the enforcement of the postal laws. A recent decision by the U.S.
Court of Appeals left in doubt whether postal inspectors had federal authority to
perform these duties. The Court held that the validity of an arrest by an inspector
must be judged by state law since there is no federal authority. This was a new
twist - and had to be straightened out.
The bill passed by the House gives postal inspectors full authority under
federal law to arrest those who steal from the mails, send fraudulent or obscene
matter through the mail, or violate other postal laws.
OVERRULES THE COURT: The House last Monday also approved legislation to over-
rule a decision of the Court of Appeals. By a narrow interpretation of the National
Stolen Property Act, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals had decided that no federal
crime was involved when signatures on traveler's checks were forged. As a result,
the Justice Department could not prosecute a large number of cases involving
traveler's checks with forged countersignatures. And there has been a drastic
increase in losses due to crimes of this sort.
The bill sent to the President on Monday makes it a federal crime to take from
one state to another, with fraudulent intent, any traveler's check with a forged
countersignature. It was pointed out in debate that the petty thief who steals these
securities is generally not a forger. He goes to some known criminal, skilled in the
art of forgery, who forges the checks, and thus there is created a traffic in these
securities.
FOR TRAINING THE HANDICAPPED: The House has passed and sent to the Senate a
bill to establish model and demonstration projects for aiding handicapped children at
an early (pre-school) age. Authorities agree that early detection and treatment of a
physical, mental, or emotional handicapped child is extremely important. The bill
would set up 75 to 100 model programs to discover the best methods for: helping the
child at the earliest age, involving the parents in the training programs, and ac-
quainting the community with the problems and potential of its handicapped children.
The bill authorizes $1 million for these purposes this year and $10 and $12
million for the next two years. We are told that it costs about $2500 per year to
institutionalize a handicapped child. Any educational program which will help such
a child eventually to earn up to as much as $1500 a year under sheltered conditions
can mean a great deal to the individual and to all of us.
COMMISSION ON NEGRO HISTORY AND CULTURE: A third bill approved on Monday
under suspension of the rules (a procedure which requires a 2/3's majority for
passage) sets up an 11-member Commission composed of authorities on Negro history and
culture to study all proposals to create a better understanding and knowledge of this
subject. The Commission is to make a report on its findings and recommendations to
the President end to the Congress within 12 months.
CONSTRUCTION SAFETY ACT: The House defeated under suspension of the rules a
bill to establish health and safety standards in any construction project which is
federally financed or federally assisted. Congressmen are not opposed to safe prac-
tices in construction work, but there were no legislative guidelines for these stan-
dards. Determination of the standards and their administration remained with the
Executive Branch with no right of judicial review. This means that any person who
contended he was unjustly penalized under the Act could not appeal to the courts for
relief. It was felt by many that there were other defects in the bill which might
have been corrected by amendments. But under "Suspension of the Rules," no amendments
can be offered and members must vote "yes" or "no" on the bill as presented. The vote
in the House was 197 in favor to 136 opposed, but the bill was defeated as a 2/3's
vote is required under "suspension."
RECENT VISITORS: From Grand Rapids: Mr.& Mrs. Martin Stob and daughter; Mr.&
Mrs. Robert Dykstra; Mr.& Mrs. Thomas Dykstra; Mrs. Patricia Geistert and David; Mr.
& Mrs. Harry Start, Barbara and Melanie; Tom Kain; John Crawford II; Mr.& Mrs. R.
DeBok and two children; Mrs. Wm. Potrafke, Beth and Claudia; Louise Yost; Mr.& Mrs.L.
Collins; Mr.& Mrs. Harold Atkinson and Elizabeth; Mr.& Mrs. John Barendse and two
daughters; Nancy Wasilewski; Claudette Baranowski; Mr.& Mrs. Charles Garvey; Mr.& Mrs.
Sherwin VanKlompenberg and family; Mr.& Mrs. Walter Werkhoven.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
October 2, 1968
The final versions (conference reports) of the farm subsidy bill and the food
stamp bill were approved by the House of Representatives last Wednesday. The existing
agricultural program will be extended through the crop-year 1970 as proposed by the
House. This will give the new Administration and the new Congress sufficient time to
develop alternatives to current programs. The Senate had approved a four-year exten-
sion. The Senate conferees agreed to the one-year period but flatly rejected the
House-approved limit of $20,000 in subsidy payments to any one farmer in one year.
This provision was, therefore, not in the final compromise version of the bill which
was approved 189 to 172. I supported the Conference Report, not because I agreed with
all its provisions, or the lack of them, but because the new Administration (Republi-
can or Democrat) should have time to work out new proposals and farmers must have
time to make adjustments in their plans.
In the Food Stamp Bill, the Senate had knocked out the provision approved by
the House denying food stamps to college students or strikers who become eligible only
because they are college students or are on strike. The Democratic-controlled Com-
mittee on Agriculture originally recommending the inclusion of this provision, had
said: "In view of the original intent and purposes of the food stamp program, the
acute need to stretch the funds of government to reach as many of the needy as pos-
sible and the adequacy of other resources, public and private, to help students and
participants in industrial disagreements, the Committee voted to prohibit the use of
stamps either to aid education or to support industrial disputes."
An effort was made in the House last Wednesday to retain this provision and to
instruct the House Conferees to return to Conference and insist upon the House posi-
tion. It was pointed out that "the food stamp program was designed to assist families
on welfare, the unemployable, the aged, the blind, the disabled, and mothers with
dependent children. The legitimate needs of these needy persons cannot be adequately
met if the program's limited funds are spread too thin by including strikers and
college students. Neither should the federal government take sides in a labor dispute
by helping finance a strike. "
The House had originally approved the bill with this restriction by a vote of
315 to 83. I voted to insist upon the House position but we lost 158 to 187. The
Conference Report was then accepted by a vote of 245 to 98. I voted for the final
version as recommended by the Conferees.
FOREIGN AID CUT: Congress has reduced President Johnson's request of $2.9
billion for foreign assistance to $1.6 billion. This is a cut of $1.3 billion. It
must be pointed out, however, that this particular "foreign aid" bill is dealing with
but a little more than one-third of the total foreign aid programs for which the
President has requested funds. There are 21 separate programs involving interna-
tional activities for which there are budget requests totaling $10.8 billion.
Most of you know that in the past I have supported our mutual security activi-
ties. But I have also supported the recent congressional reductions in the dollar
amounts. I endorse the cuts made in the program this year.
Because of the money being used this year out of previous appropriations
(unexpended balances), the $1.3 billion cut will result in a reduction of only about
$237 million in actual expenditures out of the new appropriation. These annual cuts
in appropriations, however, do help reduce the unexpended balances. Last year's cut
in funds resulted in a reduction of $700 million in the unexpended balance at the end
of fiscal year 1968.
It is evident that the American people are fatigued and frustrated with the
cost of foreign assistance, its lack of effectiveness in some cases, the many
instances of mismanagement, and the lack of real effort on the part of beneficiaries.
We must reduce the dollar expenditures to help alleviate our balance-of-payments defi-
cit, and to help reduce the burden on our taxpayers. Cutbacks are specifically justi-
fied because of our enormous war expenditures in Vietnam. Our allies in the free
world must assume a greater responsibility in combating communist expansion and in
assisting the developing countries. Finally, the new administration in January will
and should have the opportunity to review the entire concept of foreign aid. It
should have the freedom necessary to establish new priorities and new programs,
unencumbered by old, unproductive projects which too often are strangling our assis-
tance efforts.
CONGRESSIONAL REFORM: Republicans in the House have been urging consideration
of the Senate-approved congressional reform bill which has been bottled up in the
Committee on Rules where the Democrats have a majority of 10 to 5.
Among other things, this bill provides for: open committee meetings and public
disclosure of committee votes (committee decisions are now made in many instances in
closed executive sessions) ; open hearings of the Appropriations Committees in both the
House and the Senate (all House Committee meetings are now closed to the public); man-
datory roll call votes on all appropriation bills (bills involving billions of tax
dollars may now be approved by a voice vote); removal of postmasters and rural mail
carriers from the patronage system (these federal employees now must have political
clearance from the political party in control of the Executive Branch); live tele-
casting and broadcasting of committee hearings (presently prohibited in the House)
and increased regulation of lobbying activities.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
October 9, 1968
Final action was taken in the House of Representatives last Thursday on the
Vocational Education Act and the Labor and HEW Appropriation bill. At this writing
the Senate has just passed the Defense Appropriation bill and has taken up the Foreign
Aid Appropriation bill. These are the last of the 13 regular money bills which must
be approved by Congress each year to provide funds for operating the government. It
is expected that there will also be one more supplemental appropriation bill to cover
additional funds needed by various agencies and not previously provided.
EQUAL TIME ON AIR: The law requires any radio or television station which
permits a candidate for public office to use its facilities to give equal opportuni-
ties to all other candidates. This is a good and equitable provision. It applies to
both free and paid radio or TV time except regular news coverage. But if this pro-
vision (Section 315 of the Communications Act of 1934) remains in effect the presi-
dential and vice-presidential candidates of all the minor and splinter parties would
be entitled to broadcast opportunities equal to those afforded Democrats and Republi-
cans. The networks and stations would then be discouraged from donating time or
reducing rates for the two major candidates.
The time for the 1960 Nixon-Kennedy debates was donated as a public service.
During that year the provisions of Section 315 were suspended. Otherwise, in the var-
ious states 14 presidential candidates could have demanded free equal time. On this
year's ballot in Michigan there are six candidates for president and vice-president.
On May 29 the Senate approved a resolution suspending Section 315 for the 1968
presidential campaign but left it up to the networks or the stations to give or refuse
to give time to the presidential and vice-presidential candidates. It was assumed
that the networks would offer time only to the Democratic and Republican candidates.
The House committee amended the bill to make it apply also to Mr. Wallace and to
require the networks or stations to offer to all three an opportunity to appear on the
same program. The House committee bill is different from the Senate version. If the
House follows its committee recommendation there must still be a reconciliation with
the Senate version. The legislation is scheduled for consideration this week.
MAILING OF MASTER KEYS: Legislation has been sent to the President which would
prohibit the mailing of automobile keys designed to fit the locks or switches of two
or more cars. The bill also prohibits the mailing of any advertisement for the sale
of these master keys. The Postmaster General is authorized to exempt certain parties
such as locksmiths, motor vehicle dealers, and employees of parking facilities.
The bill was designed to halt the ease with which potential car thieves could
obtain master keys. During 1967 there were more than 650,000 auto thefts in the U.S.
SOME HOME DATES: This week Saturday I'm planning to participate in the Red
Flannel Day festivities at Cedar Springs. That same evening I'm scheduled to speak
at Eastminster Church.
There are indications that Congressional adjournment will come this week. In
any event, next week I will be meeting with three luncheon clubs: Grand Rapids Down-
town Kiwanis on Monday; Grand Rapids Lions on Tuesday, and Grand Rapids South Kiwanis
on Wednesday. On Monday evening I will meet with the Elfun Society and on Saturday
evening I will be helping our Latvian friends in Grand Rapids celebrate Latvia's 50th
Independence Day anniversary.
TELEPHONE TALKS: During the past few weeks I have made four talks to groups
in Grand Rapids by long distance telephone. Because of the extended session of the
Congress it was impossible to keep the appointment in person. But by use of a public
address speaker attached to the telephone line, I talked from the House floor or my
office to the Association of Accountants, the Mayflower Congregational Church supper,
the meeting at Creston High sponsored by the Shawnee Park School for the Oral Deaf,
and the Grand Rapids Ministerial Association. Those in attendance tell me that this
arrangement worked out fine.
I would be pleased to cooperate with any group in a telephone address when my
personal appearance at home is prevented by my duties in the Capital.
ATTENDANCE RECORD: Through October 4 I have answered 332 out of 368 roll
calls this session, for an attendance record of 90.2 percent. I have missed only 20
out of 214 yea-and-nay votes.
NEXT NEWSLETTER IN JANUARY: This is the last newsletter for this session of
the Congress which may adjourn this week. Our next issue will be mailed after the
91st Congress convenes in January.
If your address on the newsletter envelope is not correct, please let me know.
If there is someone who would like to receive "Your Washington Review," we will be
happy to have his name and address.
ACADEMIES: Applications will continue to be received through October at my
Grand Rapids and Washington offices from those young men in the Fifth District who
wish to be considered for appointment to one of the service academies. November 9 is
the final opportunity to write the Civil Service examination from which selections
are made.
RECENT VISITORS: From Rockford: Mr.& Mrs. Frank Evans; Mr.& Mrs. Roger
Wolthuis and family; From Wyoming: Mr.& Mrs. Fred Eardley; Mr.& Mrs. Henry Vanden
Broek and family; Mr.& Mrs. Herman Johnson; Mr.& Mrs. William Franks and two sons;
Mrs. Maynard Dood; Mr.& Mrs. Alfred Gelderloos. From Grandville: John Brewer; Mr.&
Mrs. J.Jannereth and family; Mr.& Mrs. David Streelman; Mr.& Mrs. Louis Dykstra and two
daughters. From Ada: Mr.& Mrs. Cornelius Plantinga. From Byron Center: Mr.& Mrs.
Roger Gritter and four children. From Comstock Park: Mr.& Mrs. Richard Krupp; Mr.
Martin Buth. From Sparta: Mr.& Mrs. Melvin Barclay. From Grand Rapids: Gloria
Hodyna, Judy Witkoski; Mr.& Mrs. Jelle Sterk and 2 daughters; Mrs. Fred Dykstra.