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Ford Press Releases - Newsletter, 1965-1966
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Ford Press Releases - Newsletter, 1965-1966
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The original documents are located in Box D8, folder "Ford Press Releases - Newsletter,
1965-1966" of the Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. The Council donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Digitized from Box D8 of The Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
FOR RELEASE
Sept. 8, 1965
WASHINGTON- Halting the normal use of Mexican nationals as farm workers
to harvest Michigan crops is hurting Michigan farmers and hiking grocery
bills for everyone, Rep. Gerald R. Ford said today in a newsletter to
constituents.
Michigan has caught the brunt of the damage caused by the Department
of Labor blockade of Mexican nationals, Ford said, citing pickles lost
on the vines, cherries rotting on trees and the possibility of an
"alarming" drop in apple harvesting.
"Regrettably, President Johnson has preferred to cut off farm labor
supply and let farmers suffer loss of crop and income," Ford said. "And
the consumer has been hit with higher prices at the grocery store."
Ford recalled that farm authorities have warned Secretary of Labor
Wirtz that Michigan's pickle harvest is suffering because of the reduction
in Mexican national field workers.
The situation in pickle harvesting would be "very different" if
growers could use the 11,000 workers available last year, Ford said.
Turning to House action approving an agreement with Canada for
reducing tariffs on the importation of autos and automotive parts, Ford
said he endorsed the action and supported the President in this instance.
Discussing finances, Ford said the gold supply of the U.S. "has
dwindled" from $23 billion to less than $14 billion in the past eight
years. He pointed to recommendations of a Republican committee headed
by former federal budget director Maurice H. Stans calling for
"realistic reductions of government overseas economic and military
programs, and for steps to increase the return flow of dollars."
#
#
#
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
For Release
Sept. 15, 1965
WASHINGTON Halting the flow of U.S. public money to nations feeding both
the Communist war machine in North Vietnam and hostile Cuba is a
"common-sense restriction," Congressman Gerald R. Ford said today in
a message to his Fifth District constituents.
Applauding House action that slapped on the ban, Ford revealed that
"free world ships carry 45 percent of North Vietnam's seaborne imports
and 85 percent of seaborne exports."
Norway, Greece and Lebanon, each receiving U.S. handouts, are among
nations "whose ships have delivered goods" to enemy seaports this year,
Ford said.
"Great Britain no longer receives economic or military assistance
and would not be affected by the amendment" ordered by the House, Ford
explained. However, he pointed out that 44 ships flying the British
flag delivered material to North Vietnam during the first half of this year.
Ford said he favors clamping off further aid to India and Pakistan
"as long as they are at war between themselves." Strong opposition by
President Johnson and the "Democrat-dominated House" blocked adoption of
this restriction.
The House Republican leader quoted GOP members of the Appropriations
Committee as saying "the foreign aid program needs a major revamping,
and the bulk of the American people are thoroughly in accord with this
feeling.
"Our taxpayers would take a far better view of the program if they could
see that the accomplishments were more favorable to the people of the
recipient countries."
Ford called for more drastic cuts in foreign aid spending, tighter
administrative policies, and "greater cooperation" from U.S. allies
and the developing nations.
####
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
For Release
Sept. 29, 1965
WASHINGTON
--- The life insurance program adopted for all
servicemen last week was praised by Rep. Gerald R. Ford in
his latest newsletter to constituents. "It satisfies the
criticism of our insurance system for men in the armed forces
which I mentioned four weeks ago," Ford said. He stated that
he was especially concerned with the fact that under current
law the parents of an unmarried serviceman who are not dependent
on him would get no government insurance or VA benefits.
Under the billsent to the President last week all
servicemen will have $10,000 insurance coverage at a cost
to them of $2 per month. If the serviceman prefers, he can have
a $5,000 policy for $1 per month, or if he wishes, he may reject
the insurance outright. The insurance will be provided by
commercial companies under a group policy.
In his report Ford also told Fifth District constituents
that his attendance record during this session of Congress
stands at 90 percent in spite of the fact that as Minority
Leader he has been called upon to make 125 speeches in 32 states
since January.
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
For release October 6, 1965
WASHINGTON, D. C.---- The legislative road ahead for the "highway beauty"
bill is filled with ruts and potholes, Congressman Gerald R. Ford said today.
In a newsletter to his Fifth District constituents, the House Republican
Leader described the proposed law aimed at controlling billboards and
junk yards as "replete with unworkable, unwise, and unfair provisions."
While saying "all of us want our highways to be beautiful," Ford was
critical of "nine weaknesses" of the bill, which the House Committee earlier
"hastily approved at the demand of President Johnson."
In rapping the Administration-favored proposal, Ford said the bill would
give the Secretary of Commerce "authority to control some signs and not
others in the same areas."
The Secretary of Commerce "would have full authority to determine how all
unzoned property along the highway is to be used," Ford said. "There is
nothing in the bill which restricts his power to matters involving billboards
and junk yards. This is unwarranted power for a federal official over a
local problem."
The Republican leader was critical of the undetermined cost of the
program, saying "it is certain to far exceed the $320 million authorized
in the bill for 1966 and 1967."
Cautioning that "it is extremely doubtful" whether all states could comply
with the law by the 1968 deadline, Ford said at least 15 states "will have
to amend their constitutions."
In a concluding swipe at the proposed highway beauty plan, Ford said
"while the objectives of the legislation are laudable, it is obvious that this
bill, forced upon Congress by President Johnson, must be improved."
The bill was scheduled to be debated in the House this week.
#
#
#
#
#
#
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
For release
October 13, 1965
WASHINGTON,
D.C.---- Legislation adopted so far by the 89th
Congress faces a searching, bi-partisan going-over in 1966,
Rep, Gerald R. Ford (R-Mich) predicted today.
Pointing to "oversights, loopholes, and rough corners" in
public laws that sailed through Congress this year, Ford pledged
Republican cooperation in correcting "errors" and redeeming
"mistakes."
The House Republican Leader recalled that Senator Mike Mansfield
has been critical of some legislation adopted by this Congress.
Mansfield noted the volume of bills passed by Congress,
"some of them very hastily," and recommended "an assessment of
current and ultimate cost" to the taxpayers.
The Senate Majority Leader proposed that Congress next year
"spend less time on new legislation and more time correcting
oversights in legislation just passed."
Ford noted that Mansfield plans to set up committees "whose
functions it would be to tighten up the hasty enactments in general
and evaluate the degree of efficiency with which they are being
administered by the executive" branch.
"All during this session Republicans have been trying desperately
to help Democrats keep their 'oversights,' loopholes,' and 'rough
corners' at a minimum," Ford said in a newsletter to his Fifth
District constituents.
Ford added, "They (Democrats) may be assured of our complete
cooperation next year in an effort to correct the errors and redeem
mistakes of this session."
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
For release
October 20, 1965
WASHINGTON, D. C----- "More realistic" regulations governing the
Administration's "pay-your-neighbor's-rent" program are needed,
Congressman Gerald R. Ford said today.
The Republican leader reported in a newsletter to his Fifth
District constituents that the House in knocking out money sought
to operate the controversial rent subsidy plan "served notice"
that it wanted rules to be rewritten.
By a vote of 185 to 162, with some Democrats joining Republicans,
the House rebuffed the Administration.
The revolutionary housing bill signed Aug. 10 was adopted by
the House on a squeaker vote of 208 to 202. New action came when
the House made a decision against appropriating public money to
finance the program.
Ford said that the proposal as it stands "is designed not to
assist the poor but rather the 'moderate' income group."
The House rebelled at the provision allowing a person having more
than $24,000 in assets, excluding personal property, to be eligible
for rent supplements, Ford said.
With the adjournment of Congress for this session, Ford said
members of his Washington staff will expand operations of his
Grand Rapids office from Nov. 1 through the middle of December.
The House Republican leader said he hopes to "spend considerable
time" in the Fifth District despite a number of speaking engagements
which are among responsibilities of his Congressional high post.
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
For release
October 27, 1965
WASHINGTON, D. C.---- A late-hour Congressional move that temporarily
stalled a "steadily onward" march of federal control over local
education was hailed today by Rep. Gerald R. Ford.
Action that blocked spending of $36 million the first year for
a National Teacher Corps will give Congress in 1966 an opportunity
to "take another look" at the legislation that authorized the
program, Ford said.
Describing the teacher corps' proposal as "revolutionary," Ford
said "if it must go into effect, possibly some of the 'rough corners'
and 'oversights' can be remedied next year."
Ford noted that the House voted to establish the Teacher Corps
by a 226 to 152 margin and a day later switched its position by
deleting funds in the bill.
The House Republican leader was critical of the Teacher Corps
plan, which he described as amounting to "federal control" resulting
in local schools being forced to change their instructional programs
under strict rules dictated by Washington officials.
In his final newsletter to constituents this year, Ford also
announced that two staff members of his Washington office will be
in his Grand Rapids headquarters for a month and a half starting
Nov. 1.
The office will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through
Friday and until noon Saturday. Washington staffers will be in
Grand Rapids through Dec. 17.
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
For release
February 2, 1966
WASHINGTON A White House proposal to double the length of terms
for House members was swatted today by Congressman Gerald R. Ford
as a plan that would beef-up the Executive branch as a "one-man rule"
type of federal government.
The House Republican leader aid "we want our Congress to
exercise independent judgment" predicting that a four-year term
could lead in the opposite direction.
Thumping in favor of the present term system, Ford said "every
two years is not too often for a Congressman to put his record on
the line and seek the endorsement of those who elected him."
A two-year term, Ford said, helps "keep the Congressman close
to his constituents."
Taking a poke at President Johnson on another issue, Ford
predicted Congressional approval of the Administration budget in
its present form could lead to a national tax hike or "runaway
inflation."
Riddling the Administration's proposed record budget with
stinging criticism, Ford said, "I find it hard to understand how the
President can ask business and labor to avoid price and wage
increases which are measured in terms of millions of dollars when
he is increasing non-defense spending by billions,"
The Michigan Republican Congressman predicted the President's
budget will be pared by the House Appropriations Committee.
Ford made his statements ina weekly letter to Fifth District
constituents.
#####
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
For release Feb. 16, 1966
WASHINGTON President Johnson's hush-hush conduct of the Vietnam War and his
failure to tighten economic pressure on the Communist enemy heartland of Hanoi
fall short of serving the national interest, Congressman Gerald R. Ford
said today.
Free world shipping to the enemy aggressor in North Vietnam "at a time when
the United States is fighting to protect freedom" was blamed on the President
by the House Republican leader.
Referring to reports of 119 free world ships "carrying goods to and from"
the enemy last year, Ford accused the President of virtually hiding information
from the American public.
The Administration's figures on the volume of shipping to North Vietnam
"do not present the complete picture," Ford said, charging that cargo activity
may be more than double the totals contained in a report on vessel movement.
"This situation emphasizes at least two significant truths," Ford said.
"The American people are not being given the facts about Vietnam to which they
are entitled and which in no way give aid and comfort to the enemy.
"Secondly, the Johnson Administration is not using every proper and
available means for applying economic pressure on Hano1."
Ford recalled that last year the President "objected strenuously" to a
proposal that would have prohibited U.S. foreign aid from going to any country
whose merchant ships trade with North Vietnam.
"I supported that restriction," Ford said, "and I continue to urge the
President to use every means at his disposal to wage economic warfare against
North Vietnam, including cutting supply routes, be they on land or sea."
Ford made his statements in a newsletter to Fifth District constituents,
#
#
#
#
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
For release March 2, 1966
WASHINGTON
"Why the rush?" in providing a $750,000 executive mansion for
Vice President Hubert Humphrey somewhere in Washington, Congressman Gerald
R. Ford asked today.
The House Republican leader indicated he favors adequate housing for U.S.
military personnel before Congress spends taxpayer's money for an "expensive
new home" for the Vice President,
Reported to be a favored choice is a site at the Naval Observatory in
northwest Washington. Sponsors of a bill being considered by a House Public
Works subcommittee reportedly favor a "three-story, brick and stone structure,
three-car garage, with grounds properly landscaped and fenced."
Ford, who said he hopes the proposal will die in committee, asserted that
"some of our servicemen have been living in little more than barns, even in
tents" while plans are being pushed to provide a Vice Presidential executive
mansion.
Defense Secretary Robert McNamara figured in Ford's critical attack on
the "house for HHH" plan.
The Michigan Congressman recalled that McNamara has refused to use funds
already appropriated to furnish proper housing for service personnel.
In shelving the military housing appropriation, McNamara was quoted by
Ford as claiming the spending "would add to inflation."
"If this is true, why the rush for an expensive new home for the Vice
President?" Ford asked. He concluded, "This is one expenditure that can wait."
The Minority Leader's statements were included in his newsletter to
Michigan Fifth District constituents.
#
#
#