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Ford Press Releases - Congress, 1967
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The original documents are located in Box D6, folder "Ford Press Releases - Congress,
1967" 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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 D6 of The Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 1967
STATEMENT BY REP. GERALD R. FORD, R-MICH.
House Republicans may be foreclosed today from offering their proposal for
proper handling of the Adam Clayton Powell matter. For that reason it is important
that the rationale of the Republican position and the procedure involved in dealing
with the Powell case on the House floor be thoroughly understood.
The first vote on the Powell matter will be rocedural. It will be a vote on
"the previous question. It probably will be a vote on shutting out all amendments
initially, and simply voting on a motion to seat Mr. Powell with the possibility of
an investigation after the fact.
The Republican leadership believes it would be wrong to deal with the Powell
seating in either arbitrary or after-the-fact fashion--and an overwhelming number of
House Republican members agree
We do not feel that House members should be required to vote on the Powell
seating question until such time as special committee or Ethics committee makes a
repor on the matter five weeks hence. We therefore will seek to vote down the
previous question and immediately open the matter up to amendment. If he previous
question is voted down and amendments are thus made possible, I will offer an
amendment which would deny Mr. Powell his seat pending the five-week investigation.
The House would be in a mach better position to cast its vote after such a study.
The Powell case raises questions involving the integrity of the U. S. House of
Representatives and even justice for Mr. Howell. We can best resolve those questions
by congressional investigation. We certainly should not duck them.
The charges made against Mr. Powell place the entire matter of a code of ethics
for all House members before Congress and the Nation.
The Powell case clearly points up the need for the House to establish a new
Committee on Ethics now that the subcommittee headed by Mr. Hays of Ohio has gone out
of existence. Such a committee would look at the overall operations of all committee
chairmen, of the committees themselves, and at the activities of all House members.
If House members other than Mr. Powell are guilty of any wrongdoing, then the House
should take corrective action in all such cases.
If the Democratic leadership restricts the current look at House ethics to Mr.
FORD
Powell, it will be shirking its responsibility to the Congress and to the Nation.
LIBRARY
# # # #
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 1967
STATEMENT BY REP. GERALD R. FORD, R-MICH.
House Republicans may be foreclosed today from offering their proposal for
proper handling of the Adam Clayton Powell matter. For that reason it is important
that the rationale of the Republican position and the procedure involved in dealing
with the Powell case on the House floor be thoroughly understood.
The first vote on the Powell matter will be procedural. It will be a vote on
"the previous question." It probably will be a vote on shutting out all amendments
initially, and simply voting on a motion to seat Mr. Powell with the possibility of
an investigation after the fact.
The Republican leadership believes it would be wrong to deal with the Powell
seating in either arbitrary or after-the-fact fashion--and an overwhelming number of
House Republican members agree
We do not feel that House members should be required to vote on the Powell
seating question until such news a special committee or Ethics committee makes a
report on the matter five weeks hence, We therefore will seek to vote down the
previous question and immediately open the matter up to amendment. If the previous
question is voted down and amendments are thus made possible, I will offer an
amendment which would deny Mr. Powell his seat pending the five-week investigation.
The House would be in a much better position to cast its vote after such a study.
The Powell case raises questions involving the integrity of the U. S. House of
Representatives and even justice for Mr. Powell. We can best resolve those questions
by congressional investigation. We certainly should not duck them.
The charges made against Mr. Powell place the entire matter of a code of ethics
for all House members before Congress and the Nation.
The Powell case clearly points up the need for the House to establish a new
Committee on Ethics now that the subcommittee headed by Mr. Hays of Ohio has gone out
of existence. Such a committee would look at the overall operations of all committee
chairmen, of the committees themselves, and at the activities of all House members.
If House members other than Mr. Powell are guilty of any wrongdoing, then the House
should take corrective action in all such cases.
If the Democratic leadership restricts the current look at House ethics to Mr.
Powell, it will be shirking its responsibility to the Congress and to the Nation.
#####
Re: Cramer apptime
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 25, 1967
Rep. Gerald R. Ford, (R-Mich.) House Minority Leader, today announced that
Rep. William C. Cramer (R-Fla.) was appointed a member of the Joint Republican
Leadership of the House and Senate and as such he will also be a member of the
National Republican Coordinating Committee.
Ford said that Cramer's service to the party as well as his proven valuable
leadership ability prompted these major appointments. Ford also said that Cramer
was elected to retain his ranking minority position on the House Public Works
Committee but that he relinquished his seat on the Judiciary Committee because
of the added responsibility of his new Leadership cepacity and his desire to make
a position available to the many new members. As a general rule, members of the
Leadership are precluded from serving as the ranking minority member of a major
committee such as Public Works. Ford said that an exception to this rule was made
in Cramer's case because of his expert knowledge in public works matters and because
of Cramer's belief that his position on Public Works is of continuing fignificance
to the State of Florida.
Ford also emphasized that the added GOP membership on the Public Works
Committee increased Cramer's responsibility on that Committee. The Republicans now
have 15 members on Public Works contrasted to only eleven last session.
Said Ford: am delighted to announce that Congressman Bill Cramer has been
officially appointed a member of the Joint Republican Leadership of the House and
Senate as well as a member of the National Republican Coordinating Committee.
Bill Cramer's past service has demonstrated his ability to serve as a member of
the highest Republican councils.
"I am confident that he will make a significant contribution to the formula-
tion of national policy both in and out of the Congress," Ford said.
The Republican Coordinating Committee is presided over by the Chairman of the
Republican National Committee, Ray Bliss. Its membership includes former President
Eisenhower as well as former Republican presidential nominees.
Sen. Everett M. Dirksen and Rep. Gerald R. Ford represent the Joint House and
Senate Leadership on the Coordinating Committee along with other members of the
Joint Leadership.
Representatives of the Republican Governors Association are also on the Committee.
The Joint Senate and House Leadership, to which Cramer has also been appointed,
formulates GOP policy in the Congress.
# #
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 25, 1967
Rep. Gerald R. Ford, (R-Mich.) House Minority Leader, today announced that
Rep. William C. Cramer (R-Fla.) was appointed a member of the Joint Republican
Leadership of the House and Senate and as such he will also be a member of the
National Republican Coordinating Committee.
Ford said that Cramer's service to the party as well as his proven valuable
leadership ability prompted these major appointments. Ford also said that Cramer
was elected to retain his ranking minority position on the House Public Works
Committee but that he relinquished his seat on the Judiciary Committee because
of the added responsibility of his new Leadership cepacity and his desire to make
a position available to the many new members. As a general rule, members of the
Leadership are precluded from serving as the ranking minority member of a major
committee such as Public Works. Ford said that an exception to this rule was made
in Cramer's case because of his expert knowledge in public works matters and because
of Cramer's belief that his position on Public Works is of continuing significance
to the State of Florida.
Ford also emphasized that the added GOP membership on the Public Works
Committee increased Cramer's responsibility on that Committee. The Republicans now
have 15 members on Public Works contrasted to only eleven last session.
Said Ford: "I am delighted to announce that Congressman Bill Cramer has been
officially appointed a member of the Joint Republican Leadership of the House and
Senate as well as a member of the National Republican Coordinating Committee.
Bill Cramer's past service has demonstrated his ability to serve as a member of
the highest Republican councils.
"I am confident that he will make a significant contribution to the formula-
tion of national policy both in and out of the Congress," Ford said.
The Republican Coordinating Committee is presided over by the Chairman of the
Republican National Committee, Ray Bliss. Its membership includes former President
Eisenhower as well as former Republican presidential nominees.
Sen. Everett M. Dirksen and Rep. Gerald R. Ford represent the Joint House and
Senate Leadership on the Coordinating Committee along with other members of the
Joint Leadership.
Representatives of the Republican Governors Association are also on the Committee
The Joint Senate and House Leadership, to which Cramer has also been appointed,
formulates GOP policy in the Congress.
# # #
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
FOR RELEASE AT 11 A.M.
WED., FEB. 8, 1967
STATEMENT BY REP. GERALD R. FORD, R-MICH.
Three weeks have passed since Senator Dirksen and I gave our Republican Appraisal
of the State of the Union. We have been very gratified by the news coverage and
thoughtful editorial treatment it has received, and by the interest in a positive
Republican program which our mail reflects.
In many of the comments I read the idea was expressed that our Republican
proposals had much merit IF they were actually incorporated into legislation. Now,
as 187 Republicans in the House are about to go home to their districts and around
the country for Lincoln Day meetings, people will surely ask us: Well, what have you
done about all those good ideas you proposed in your State of the Union program?
Our researchers tell us there were 39 points in our domestic State of the Union
appraisal which require specific legislative action. They also report that two-thirds
of these positive, constructive Republican goals already have been reflected in bills
introduced in the first month of this 90th Congress.
Republican bills listed in the background memo attached cover these 26 subject
areas, but the list is by no means exhaustive since in many cases numerous other
Republicans have introduced identical or similar bills. I have introduced some of
them myself.
I think starting the legislative ball rolling on two-thirds of our positive
Republican proposals within the first month of the Congress is a pretty good record
to take back to the people who elected us last November. During the 18 years I have
been a Member of the House, I can't remember a harder-working or more businesslike
group of Republicans; and if we get any kind of cooperation from the Democratic
majority, we are going to write many of these proposals into law.
The big difference between this Congress and the last one is that the normal
legislative process has been restored. This will mean better government for all
Americans. Last year laws were passed without full hearings and with only scant floor
debate--the people sensed this and stopped that steamroller cold.
By giving you this run-down of Republican bills implementing two-thirds of our
domestic State of the Union proposals--26 out of 39 legislative goals--I don't mean to
say they all have the 100% endorsement of all House Republicans or of the Republican
leadership. The details will be ironed out in the normal process. The House Republi-
can Policy Committee, however, has acted on two of the most urgent items--an Election
Reform Law and a House Ethics Committee.
REPUBLICAN BILLS INTRODUCED - 90TH CONGRESS
1. Tax Sharing (HR 784-Laird; HR 4070-Goodell)
2. National Commission on Urban Living (HR 3155-Quie)
3. Tax Credits for Higher Education Costs (HR 781-Laird)
4. Increase Earnings Limit for Social Security Recipients (HR 297-Bolton)
5. Eight Percent Increase in Benefits Retroactive to Jan. 1 )
)
(HR 31-Byrnes)
6. Increase Social Security Benefits with Living Costs
)
7. Increase Benefits for Veterans and Widows (HR 1307-Saylor)
8. Human Investment Act (HR 4574-Curtis)
9. Hoover-Type Commission (HR 69-Mathias-M.D.)
10. Merit System for Postmasters (HR 425-Cunningham)
11. Fair Farm Prices in Market Place (H. Con. Res. 96-Dole)
12. House Ethics Committee (H. Con. Res. 42-Reid, N.Y.; H. Res. 71-May)
13. Minority-Controlled Investigating Committee (H. Res. 52-Dwyer; HR 873-Michel)
14. Clean Elections Law (HR 806-Lipscomb; HR 631-Goodell)
15. Repeal Long Amendment (HR 465-Davis)
16. Citizens' Rights Act (HR 421-Cramer)
17. Blue Ribbon Commission on Defense (H. J. Res. 2-Lipscomb)
18. Independent Maritime Agency (HR 841-Maillard)
19. Congressional Reorganization (HR 2925-Curtis)
20. Tax Credit for State-Local Taxes (HR 1047-Poff)
21. Strengthen Reserves and National Guard, Draft Revisions (HR 422-Curtis)
22. Electoral College Reform (H. J. Res. 40-Davis)
23. Block Grants for Education (HR 308-Brock)
24. Opportunity Crusade (Goodell)
25. Repeal Participation Sales (Goodell)
26. Restore Investment Tax Credit (Goodell)
(NOTE: This list is far from complete. In many instances, identical or similar
bills have been introduced by numerous other Republican members. The somewhat
arbitrary selection is intended only to show the general subject areas which have
been implemented by Republican-sponsored bills.)
# # #
U. S. HOUSE
OF REPRESENTATIVES
REPUBLICAN POLICY
COMMITTEE
REP. JOHN J. RHODES, (R.-ARIZ.) CHAIRMAN
140 CANNON HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
TELEPHONE 225-6168
10
8 February 1967
The House Republican Policy Committee urges the immediate establishment
of a select Committee on Standards and Conduct.
This Committee should be composed of twelve Members divided evenly between
the Majority and Minority parties. It should be empowered to recommend rules
and regulations that it deems necessary to ensure proper standards of conduct
by Members and by officers and employees of the House. It should have the
authority to investigate alleged breaches of conduct, recommend appropriate
action and report violations of law to the proper Federal and State úthorities.
In the closing hours of the 89th Congress, a select Committee on Standards
and Conduct was established. This was an important first step. NOW, without
further delay, this Committee should be reestablished.
Over the past few years, a handful of highly publicized allegations of
misconduct against a few Members of Congress and a few employees have cast a
dark cloud over the entire Contress. As long as this House does not have an
effective body that can investigate and resolve allegations of misconduct, the
American people will continue to have serious questions regarding the integrity
of the Members and their ability or willingness to ferret out those who are
guilty of misconduct. Moreover, until such time as a Committee on Standards
and Conduct is created and a code of ethics and standards of conduct are estab-
lished, proceedings that are brought against an individual or a Member may be
subject to attack on the basis that they are "witch hunts" or politically
inspired.
Justice for those accused as well as the ever mounting public demand
for the highest standards of personal conduct makes imperative the immediate
establishment of an effective Committee on Standards and Conduct. We urge the
Democratic Leadership to schedule this legislation without further delay.
IIIII
U. S. HOUSE
OF REPRESENTATIVES
REPUBLICAN POLICY
COMMITTEE
REP. JOHN J. RHODES, (R.-ARIZ.) CHAIRMAN
140 CANNON HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
TELEPHONE 225-6168
10
8 February 1967
The House Republican Policy Committee urges the immediate establishment
of a select Committee on Standards and Conduct.
This Committee should be composed of twelve Members divided evenly between
the Majority and Minority parties. It should be empowered to recommend rules
and regulations that it deams necessary to ensure proper standards of conduct
by Members and by officers and employees of the House. It should have the
authority to investigate alleged breaches of conduct, recommend appropriate
action and report violations of law to the proper Federal and State authorities.
In the closing hours of the 89th Congress, a select Committee on Standards
and Conduct was established. This was an important first step. Now, without
further delay, this Committee should be reestablished.
Over the past few years, a handful of highly publicized allegations of
misconduct against a few embers of Congress and a few employees have cast a
dark cloud over the entire Congress. As long as this House does not have an
effective body that can investigate and resolve allegations of misconduct, the
American people will continue to have serious questions regarding the integrity
of the Members and their ability or willingness to ferret out those who are
guilty of misconduct. Moreover, until such time as a Committee on Standards
and Conduct is created and a code of ethics and standards of conduct are estab-
lished, proceedings that are brought against an individual or a Member may he
subject to attack on the basis that they are "witch hunts or politically
inspired.
Justice for those accused as well as the ever mounting public demand
for the highest standards of personal conduct makes imperative the immediate
establishment of an effective Committee on Standards and Conduct. We urge the
Democratic Leadership to schedule this legislation without further delay.
U. S. HOUSE
OF REPRESENTATIVES
REPUBLICAN POLICY
COMMITTEE
REP. JOHN J. RHODES, (R.-ARIZ.) CHAIRMAN
140 CANNON HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
TELEPHONE 225-6168
10
8 February 1967
The House Republican Policy Committee urces the immediate consideration and
enactment of the Election Reform Act of 1967 which has been sponsored and introduced
by the Republican Members.
With each new disclosure at the recent Bobby Baker trial, the need for Election
Reform legislation has been reemphasized and underlined. There is today a crisis of
confidence with respect to campaign contributions. Election Reform legislation must
be enacted well in advance of the 1968 election.
In the last Congress, the Republican Policy Committee adopted a statement
urging the enactment of this legislation. The Republican Leadership introduced a bill
that would modify and improve the Administration measure and the Republican Members
of the House Administration Committee did everything in their power to get a meaning-
ful and workable bill reported. As a result of their efforts, a bill that incorporate
the major provisions of the Republican measure was reported by a Subcommittee. At the
following meeting of the full committee, all Republican Members were present and ready
to vote to report the bill for immediate Floor consideration. Unfortunately, the
Democratic members would not join the Republicans so for that session of Congress,
this important measure died.
The Election Reform Act of 1967 includes the following Republican proposals'
1. A five-member bipartisan Federal Elections Commission is established to
receive reports and statements regarding campaign contributions and expenditures.
2. The Commission has been granted full and complete authority to enforce the
provisions of the Act through appropriate investigation and audit. It is also author-
ized to make reports and statements available for public inspection and to prepare and
publish summaries and reports.
3. Every candidate, and every political committee that accepts contributions
or make expenditures of $1,000 or more in any calendar year, is required to report
all contributions and expenditures.
4. Donations of more than $5,000 to any one candidate or committee in any
single year are prohibited.
5. The present meaningless ceiling on total contributions to and expenditures
by political committees is removed.
6. Campaign contributions by organizations or associations financially
supported by a corporation, trade association or labor organization are prohibited.
7. Conventions, primaries and party caucuses have been placed under the
reporting and disclosure provisions of the bill.
8. The disclosure of gifts or honorariums is required of candidates for the
House and Senate as well as incumbents.
The appropriate studies regarding election reform have been completed.
Detailed hearings have been held. The need for the legislation has been established.
A good bill was reported in the last Congress. The time for legislative action has
arrived. We urge the Democratic Leadership to schedule the Election Reform Act as
one of the first pieces of legislation to receive Floor consideration.
February 23, 1967
U. S. HOUSE
OF
REPRESENTATIVES
REPUBLICAN POLICY COMMITTEE
REP. JOHN T. RHODES, (R.-ARIZ.) CHAIRMAN
140 CANNON HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
TELEPHONE 225-6168
10
REPUBLICAN POLICY COMMITTEE STATEMENT ON REORGANIZATION OF THE
EXECUTIVE BRANCH AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW HOOVER COMMISSION
Now, without further delay, an in-depth study of the Federal Government's
bureaucratic sprawl must be undertaken. The House Republican Policy Committee urges
the immediate consideration and enactment of legislation sponsored and introduced by
Republican Members that would establish a Commission on the Organization of the
Executive Branch of the Government.
There is today an administrative crisis within the Executive Branch of
the Federal Government. Hastily enacted and of en times competing programs have
been stacked one upon another until it is impossible for State and local governments
to know what is available for what purpose or even where to go for specific inform-
ation. For example, Five agencies o the Federal Government are presently involved
in administering Federal programs for community water supply, sewers and sewage
treatment facilities. There are more than 260 Federal programs bearing on poverty
problems that are administered by 16 separate departments and agencies.
Since 1960, as reflected by the following chart, the number of Federal
employees has increased by 13% and the Federal payroll by almost 50%:
Federal Civilian Employment
Year
Total Civilian Employment
Payroll (billions of $'s)
1960
2,386,345
$ 12.63
1961
2,372,445
13.648
1962
2,443,808
14.296
1963
2,493,374
15.347
1964
2,488,365
16.205
1965
2,479,489
17.239
1966
2,818,015
18.706
The run-away nature of the increase in Federal civilian employment was
starkly dramatized by the actual results of a recent Presidential cutback order. In
December 1965, President Johnson ordered a 1% cut (25,000 employees) to be achieved
(over)
by June 30, 1966. However, as of June 30, 1966, the number of employees had risen
by 192,000 instead of being reduced by 25,000.
In 1947, the Republican 80th Congress established the first Hoover
Commission. In 1953, the Republican 83rd Congress established the second Hoover
Commission. These Commissions contributed markedly to the ability of the Congress
and the agencies themselves to improve efficiency and to eliminate duplication of
Executive functions. Unfortunately, since the second Hoover Commission completed
its work in 1955, there has been no overall study of the mushrooming agencies and
departments of the Federal Government.
In recent years there has been a flood of poorly coordinated and often
times conflicting statements and directives from the various Executive Departments
and Agencies. The lack of communication and the absence of clear-cut lines of author
ity have, in certain instances, lead to embarrassing confusion, damaging contradic-
tions and an apparent paralysis at the policy-making level of government. A new
Commission could survey this problem and suggest ways to restore order, improve
communications and coordinate decisions.
We believe that a major revision and reform of the Executive Branch is
absolutely essential. Old departments and agencies that were created and organized
to meet the problems of the first half of the 20th century should be carefully
studied. It may be that certain agencies and departments should be phased-out or
combined in order to achieve maximum efficiency at a minimum cost. However, changes
of this type must be made on the basis of careful and thorough studies that are
conducted well above partisan politics and inter-agency power fights. A sporadic
or a piece-meal reorganization could mean more rather than fewer problems.
A Commission on the Organization of the Executive Branch of the government
could provide the thoughtful and careful reorganization that is so desperately needed
If the Commission had been in operation during the 89th Congress pursuant to the
recommendations of the Policy Committee and the Republican Members of the House of
Representatives, the establishment of the Department of Housing and Urban Development
and the Department of Transportation could have been an integral part of a general
Executive Branch reorganization rather than just two isolated regroupings. Moreover,
the Johnson-Humphrey Administration's proposed merger of the Commerce and Labor
Departments could now be considered within the framework of an overall study and
broad recommendations rather than on the basis of quickly-garnered facts and surface
appraisals.
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
FOR RELEASE UPON DELIVERY
REMARKS BY MINORITY LEADER GERALD R. FORD, R-MICH., ON HOUSE FLOOR, MARCH 9, 1967.
Mr. Speaker, on two occasions, after much deliberation and full debate of a
quality and caliber that has rarely been surpassed during my years in this body, the
House voted by very substantial majorities to exclude a Member-elect from a seat in
this Congress. On January 10, opening day, we voted 364 to 64 in effect to exclude
the Member-elect temporarily, while a select committee examined the law and the facts
and afforded him an opportunity to respond to the allegations against him; and on
March 1, by a roll call of 307 to 116, we voted finally to exclude the Member-elect
and declare the seat vacant.
I do not propose to replow that ground. Whatever may have been the views of
each of us on these questions, and I am ware every member had opportunity to express
them, the House acted in an orderly and lawful manner with full cognizance of its
rules and traditions to carry its responsibility under the Constitution All of
us were extremely conscious, I am certain, of the grave Consti ional issues
involved and the several opinions and precedents bearing upon these fundamental
rights and duties were fully and expertly argued. Then the House worked its will
which is, in the absence of a national referendum, the closest approximation to the
will of all the people which exists under our form of representative Republic.
Therefore I submit, Mr. Speaker, that the difficult and complex case which has
thus far dominated this first session of the 90th Congress has moved on to higher
and historic ground. On January 10 many of us argued that the House must be firm
and fair to the Member-elect, Mr. Powell. Today I say that the House of Representa-
tives must be firm and fair to itself and to future members of this, the greatest
forum for the voice of democracy in all the world. The integrity of the House must
be preserved, protected and defended from without as well as from within. And only
we, who have the honor to serve here, can do this.
I am advised that, as was anticipated, the former Member who was excluded from
this body temporarily and permanently by majorities of the magnitude of six to one
and three to one has now challenged our action in the United States Court for the
District of Columbia. It is, of course, the right of every citizen to seek redress
of grievances, real or not, in the courts. But the question now is, what shall this
House do about it?
(MORE)
-2-
Mr. Speaker, in government as well as in engineering, the most solid and steady
structure rests upon three equal bases. The framers of our Constitution, having
behind them the experience of the Roman Republic and of the British parliamentary
evolution, as well as their colonial governments and the Articles of Confederation,
wisely wrote into the Constitution the permanent and inviolable separation of Federal
power among the co-equal legislative, executive and judicial branches. It is worth
passing note that the Congress was established in the first Article.
While, in general, legislative power is shared by the House and the Senate,
and limits are placed upon it both by Executive powers and Judicial precedents, the
two legislative bodies have internal organizational powers that are separate and
specific and are not, in my judgment, subject to any superior power. Among these is
Article I, section 5, which provides for the censure, punishment and, by a two-thirds
vote, expulsion of a Member, and also states that "each house shall be the judge of
the elections, returns, and qualifications of its own members." In short, if this
body is the judge in these matters, there cannot be any other judge nor any higher
appeal. We did not legislate in H.Res. 1 nor H.Res. 278--we rendered a judgment.
That judgment is, in my view, final unless it is changed in the future by this House
of Representatives. Neither the Senate, within the Legislative Branch, nor any court
created by the Constitution or by the Congress in the Judicial Branch, nor any officer
of the Executive Branch, has any jurisdiction here.
Mr. Speaker, I can assert without reservation that one of the most fundamental
and precious principles--perhaps the most important principle which has preserved
the liberties of our people and ensures the welfare of our posterity--is this
Constitutional provision of the separation of legislative, executive and judicial
branches. It is true that at various periods of our history one branch or another
has sought to overextend its power and authority. Every schoolboy knows how President
Andrew Jackson declared, "John Marshall has made his decision; now let him enforce
it." Nor has the Congress been guiltless. During the post-Civil War period, Rep.
Thaddeus Stevens, a member of this House, thundered at President Johnson--Andrew
Johnson- "Though the President is commander-in-chief, Congress is his commander, and
God willing, he shall obey This is not a government of kings and satraps, but
a
government of the people, and Congress is the people." But, fortunately, whenever
any one of our three independent branches of government has over-reached itself, time
and the lively conscience of the American people have redressed the balance.
After the action of the House on March 1, our present Chief Executive was asked
by the press for comment on the exclusion of Mr. Powell. His reply was exemplary and
I commend it to the attention of every member.
"No, I would have no comment on that matter," President Johnson said, "other
(MORE)
-3-
than what you have been given before--that it is a matter for the members of the
House that is reserved for them by the Constitution."
Mr. Speaker, what the chief spokesman of the Executive Branch said is, I submit,
precisely and absolutely correct. I would hope that substantially the same statement
would be made by the judicial branch in this matter. But we cannot rely on hope when
faced with such an historic challenge. The integrity of the House and of the legis-
lative branch of this government can only be defended in this instance by the House
itself, step by step as the circumstances require.
Mr. Speaker, though trained in the law, I have no intention of pleading the
Constitutional cause of the House of Representatives here today. I believe that
every member of this body, from yourself, Mr. Speaker, to the most junior new member
of the 90th Congress, regardless of his vote on the decision we have taken and
irrespective of his position in the majority or minority, has an equal stake and an
equal interest in preserving, protecting and defending the rights and privileges,
the independence and integrity of this House. I yield to no one in my love for this
House and I ask no one to yield to me.
When I urge that the House face up squarely to its duty and responsibility, to
the oath each of us has taken to support the Constitution of the United States and
its fundamental doctrine of divided powers, I do not speak selfishly or out of a
narrow desire to prove ourselves in the right. Obviously, the House is not always
right any more than the decisions of a democratic people are always right. They are
merely, as Sir Winston Churchill observed, the least often wrong of any system yet
devised.
If it is not quite true that Congress is the people, it is the closest thing
to the people that we have--particularly here in the House of Representatives. So
when we defend this House we defend the people's House. We have heard and doubtless
will continue to hear much argument as to whether we have the right to exclude a
Member-elect from this body. I submit that this question already has been pleaded
before the only court of competent jurisdiction under the Constitution, the House of
Representatives; and judgment has been passed by substantial majorities, on two
roll calls, that we do have that exclusive right and power. I believe this accords
with the intent of the Founding Fathers and the rules and precedents of the House.
This judgment has been challenged and must be vigorously and ably defended. This is
our simple duty to the past and to the future.
support the
Accordingly, Mr. Speaker, I am introducing the following resolution and urge
its prompt consideration and approval.
###
(NOT PRINTED AT GOVERNMENT EXPENSE)
10
Congressional Record
United States
of America
PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE
CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION
Vol. 113
WASHINGTON, THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 1967
No. 38
House of Representatives
"WE DEFEND THE PEOPLE'S HOUSE"
Remarks of Rep. Gerald R. Ford (R-Michigan) House Minority Leader
Mr. Speaker, as was anticipated, the
behind them the experience of the Ro-
But, fortunately, whenever any one of
former Member who was excluded from
man Republic and of the British parlia-
our three independent branches of Gov-
this body on two occasions by majorities
mentary evolution, as well as their co-
ernment has overreached itself, time and
of the magnitude of 6-to-1 and 3-to-1
lonial governments and the Articles of
the lively conscience of the American
has now challenged our action in the U.S.
Confederation, wisely wrote into the Con-
people have redressed the balance.
Court for the District of Columbia. It
stitution the permanent and inviolable
After the action of the House on
is, of course, the right of every citizen to
separation of Federal power among the
March 1, our present Chief Executive
seek redress of grievances, real or not, in
coequal legislative, executive, and judi-
was asked by the press for comment on
the courts. But the question now is, what
cial branches. It is worth passing note
the exclusion of Mr. Powell. His reply
shall this House do about it?
that the Congress was established in the
was exemplary and I commend it to the
After much deliberation and full de-
first article.
attention of every Member.
bate of a quality and caliber that has
While, in general, legislative power is
President Johnson said:
rarely been surpassed during my years in
shared by the House and the Senate,
this body, the House voted by two very
No, I would have no comment on that
and limits are placed upon it both by
matter, other than what you have been
substantial majorities to exclude a Mem-
Executive powers and judicial prece-
given before-that is a matter for the mem-
ber-elect from a seat in this Congress.
dents, the two legislative bodies have in-
bers of the House that is reserved for them
On January 10, opening day, we voted
ternal organizational powers that are
by the Constitution.
364-to-64 in effect to exclude the Mem-
separate and specific and are not, in my
ber-elect temporarily, while a select com-
Mr. Speaker, what the chief spokes-
judgment, subject to any superior power.
mittee examined the law and the facts
man of the executive branch said is, I
Among these is article I, section 5, which
and afforded him an opportunity to re-
submit, precisely and absolutely cor-
provides for the censure, punishment
spond to the allegations against him;
rect. I would hope that substantially
and, by a two-thirds vote, expulsion of a
and on March 1, by a rollcall of 307-to-
the same statement would be made by
Member, and also states that-
116, we voted finally to exclude the
the judicial branch in this matter. But
Each House shall be the judge of the elec-
Member-elect and declare the seat
we cannot rely on hope when faced with
tions, returns, and qualifications of its own
vacant.
such an historic challenge. The integrity
members.
I do not propose to replow old ground.
of the House and of the legislative branch
Whatever may have been the views of
In short, if this body is the judge in
of this Government can only be defended
each of us on these questions, and I am
these matters, there cannot be any other
in this instance by the House itself, step
sure every member had opportunity to
judge nor any higher appeal. We did
by step as the circumstances require.
express them, the House acted in an
not legislate in H.R. 1 nor in H.R. 278-
Mr. Speaker, though trained in the law,
orderly and lawful manner with full cog-
we rendered a judgment. That judg-
I have no intention of pleading the con-
nizance of its rules and traditions to
ment is, in my view, final unless it is
stitutional cause of the House of Repre-
carry out its responsibility under the
changed in the future by this House of
sentatives here today. I believe that
Constitution. All of us were extremely
Representatives. Neither the Senate,
every Member of this body, from your-
conscious, I am certain, of the grave con-
within the legislative branch, nor any
self, Mr. Speaker, to the most junior
stitutional issues involved, and the sev-
court created by the Constitution or by.
new Member of the 90th Congress, re-
eral opinions and precedents bearing
the Congress in the judicial branch nor
gardless of his vote on the decision we
upon these fundamental rights and
any officer of the executive branch, has
have taken and irrespective of his posi-
duties were fully and expertly argued.
any jurisdiction here.
tion in the majority or minority, has an
Then the House worked its will which is,
Mr. Speaker, I can assert without res-
equal stake and an equal interest in
in the absence of a national referendum,
ervation that one of the most funda-
preserving, protecting, and defending the
the closest approximation to the will of
mental and precious principles-perhaps
rights and privileges, the independence,
all the people which exists under our
the most important principle which has
and integrity of this House. I yield to
form of representative Republic.
preserved the liberties of our people and
no one in my love for this House and I
Therefore I submit, Mr. Speaker, that
insures the welfare of our posterity-is
ask no one to yield to me.
the difficult and complex case which has
this constitutional provision of the sepa-
When I urge that the House face up
thus far dominated this first session of
ration of legislative, executive, and judi-
squarely to its duty and responsibility,
the 90th Congress has moved on to high-
cial branches. It is true that at various
to the oath each of us has taken to sup-
er and historic ground. On January 10
periods of our history one branch or an-
port the Constitution of the United
many of us argued that the House must
other has sought to overextend its power
States and its fundamental doctrine of
be firm and fair to the Member-elect, Mr.
and authority. Every schoolboy knows
divided powers, I do not speak selfishly or
Powell. Today I say that the House of
how President Andrew Jackson declared:
out of a narrow desire to prove ourselves
Representatives must be firm and fair to
John Marshall has made his decision; now
in the right. Obviously, the House is not
itself and to future Members of this, the
let him enforce it.
always right any more than the decisions
greatest forum for the voice of democ-
Nor has the Congress been guiltless.
of a democratic people are always right.
racy in all the world. The integrity of
During the post-Civil War period, Repre-
They are merely, as Sir Winston Church-
the House must be preserved, protected,
sentative Thaddeus Stevens, a Member
ill observed, the least often wrong of
and defended from without as well as
of the House, thundered at President
any system yet devised.
from within. And only we, who have the
Johnson-Andrew Johnson-
If it is not quite true that Congress is
honor to serve here, can do this.
Though the President is commander-in-
the people, it is the closest thing to the
Mr. Speaker, in Government as well as
chief, Congress is his commander, and God
people that we have-particularly here
in engineering, the most solid and steady
willing, he shall obey.
This is not a
in the House of Representatives. So
structure rests upon three equal bases.
government of kings and satraps, but a gov-
when we defend this House we defend
The framers of our Constitution, having
ernment of the people, and Congress is the
the people's House. We have heard and
people.
(over)
doubtless will continue to hear much
the Constitution, the House of Repre-
and the rules and precedents of the
argument as to whether we have the
sentatives; and judgment has been
House. This judgment has been chal-
right to exclude a Member-elect from
passed by substantial majorities, on two
lenged and must be vigorously and ably
this body. I submit that this question
rollcalls, that we do have that exclusive
defended. This is our simple duty to the
already has been pleaded before the only
right and power. I believe this accords
past and to the future.
court of competent jurisdiction under
with the intent of the Founding Fathers
March 1, 1967
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD - HOUSE
1939
Mr. GERALD R. FORD. Mr. Speaker,
qualifications of members of that House, the
would be held exclusive, saying he-"was
I am extremely proud of the debate that
constitution merely enumerated a few dis-
against any recitals of qualifications in the
has taken place here today. It has done
qualifications within which the States were
Constitution. It was impossible to make a
left to act.
complete one. and a partial one would, by
great credit for the House of Representa-
"It is said to the States, you have been in
implication, tie up the hands of the legisla-
tives.
the habit of electing young men below age;
ture from supplying omissions."
Unfortunately, during the course of
you shall send us none but such as are five
Mr. Wilson took the same view, saying:
this debate, statements have been made
and twenty. Some of you have elected per-
"Besides, a partial enumeration of cases
which would indicate, if not challenged,
sons just naturalized; you shall not elect any
will disable the legislature from disquali-
that this Congress has the power to ex-
to this House who have not been some seven
fying odious and dangerous characters."
clude a Member-elect only if such Mem-
years citizens of the United States. Some-
The next day after this discussion, and
ber-elect does not satisfy the three con-
times mere sojourners or transient persons
when the clause respecting age, etc., had in
have been clothed with legislative authority.
its general sense, been informally approved,
stitutional qualifications. I do not
You shall elect none whom your laws do not
a proposed section respecting a property
believe that the historical record or the
consider as inhabitants."
qualification was discussed. Mr. Wilson said
precedents of this House support this
In pursuance of the idea in the mind of
(Madison Papers, vol. 5, p. 404) that he
conclusion. For example. the majority
the framers of the Constitution, we have the
thought "it would be best, on the whole, to
report in the Brigham H. Roberts case
peculiar words "no person shall be a Repre-
let the section go out; this particular power
dealt with this problem in great detail.
sentative who shall not have attained, etc."
would constructively exclude every other
I believe the conclusion that they
How happy indeed are these words if we
power of regulating qualifications." What
give them precisely the force and meaning
did Mr. Wilson mean if the result of the dis-
reached and the reasons for that conclu-
for which we contend. How unhappy and
cussion in which he participated on the pre-
sion are as valid and appropriate today
how misleading, how impossible, in fact, to
ceding day was to "constructively exclude
as they were then. In this report in sup-
the masters of the English language who
every other power of regulating qualifica-
port of the conclusion that Congress did
wrote them, if they were intended to ex-
tions?"
have the right to exclude, it was stated:
clude all other possible requirements or dis-
In view of the objections urged by Dick-
FIRST-ON PRINCIPLE
qualifications. We might admit such con-
inson and Wilson and their opinions as to
struction if suitable language was difficult
the construction that would result and the
As to the first proposition, what is the
to find or frame; but note how easily such
consequences thereof the conclusion seems
argument on principle? We think it will
a purpose could have been served in fewer
reasonable, if not absolutely irresistible, that
be undoubted that every legislative body has
words and with unmistakable meaning.
the change from the affirmative to the nega-
unlimited control over its own methods of
Thus, "Any person," or "a person," or "every
tive form was intentionally made, and with
organization and the qualifications or dis-
person may be a Representative who shall
the very purpose of obviating such objec-
qualifications of its members, except as spe-
have attained the age of twenty-five years,"
tions, and hence that in being negatively
cifically limited by the organic law. We do
etc.
stated it was considered by the convention
not think that this proposition needs ampli-
The provision seems to be worded de-
that the particular qualifications mentioned
fying; it is axiomatic. It is apparent that
signedly in the negative so as to prevent
would not be exclusive and would not render
every deliberative and legislative body must
the suspicion that it was intended to be
impossible the "disqualifying odious and
have supreme control over its own member-
exclusive, and SO as to prevent the applica-
dangerous characters" and would not pre-
ship, except in so far as it may be specifi-
tion of the rule, "the expression of one
vent "supplying omissions."
cally limited by a higher law; there is a dis-
thing is the exclusion of another." The im-
This section was finally reported and
tinction to be drawn between the legislative
mediately preceding clause is affirmative,
adopted in the negative form in which it
power of a legislative body and its organiz-
and says: "The electors in each State shall
now appears. The report of the committee
ing power, or those things which relate to
have the qualifications," etc. With some
seems to have been elaborately discussed.
its membership, and its control over the
show of propriety it can be claimed that
methods of performing its allotted work.
this provision is exclusive. It at least does
I believe it is also important to note
That is to be distinguished from the legis-
not have the negative form to condemn such
that on four different occasions this
lative power to be expressed in its final
construction.
House after long and careful considera-
results.
Story says (Constitution, sec. 448)
tion voted to exclude a Member-elect.
When our Constitution was framed there
"The truth is, that in order to ascertain
This is a well-established procedure, and
was practically no limit to the right and
how far an affirmative or negative proposi-
power, in these respects, of the English
it was contemplated as a possible alter-
tion excludes or implies others, we must look
Parliament. Such power is necessary to
to the nature of the provision, the sub-.
native by the resolution that I offered
the preservation of the body itself and to
ject-matter, the objects, and the scope of
and which was adopted on opening day.
the dignity of its character. In England it
the instrument. These, and these only can
It was contemplated at that time that
was at one time admissible to permit the
properly determine the rule of construction.
the nine-member committee after care-
admission into the House of Commons of
There can be no doubt that an affirmative
fully studying the facts could come back
minors, of aliens, and of persons not inhabi-
grant of powers in many cases will imply an
with one of four recommendations. The
tants of the political subdivision in which
exclusion of all others."
committee could recommend:
they were elected. To this day it is well
It is a notable fact that in the first draft
known that an inhabitant of London may
of this constitutional provision which pro-
First. That the Member-elect be ex-
be elected by a Scotch constituency, and a
vides for qualifications of Representatives
cluded.
member has been elected by more than one
in Congress, the language was affirmative and
Second. That the Member-elect be
constituency to the same Parliament.
positive, and that when it was finally pre-
seated and then expulsion proceedings be
The framers of the Constitution, familiar
sented for adoption it appeared in the form
commenced.
with these facts, proposed to prevent their
in which we now find it.
happening in this country. They knew also
The slight contemporaneous discussion in
Third. That the Member-elect be
that a similar latitude of choice had been
the Constitutional Convention was upon the
seated and disciplined.
exercised in the original colonies and in the
provision in the affirmative form. Why was
Fourth. That the Member-elect be
States of the Federation, and it was pro-
it changed in the negative? Surely not for
seated unconditionally.
posed to put a stop to it so far as Congress
the sake of euphony. And certainly not to
was concerned. A very luminous argument
make it more explicitly exclusive.
Also, as part of this resolution, the
was made on this subject by John Randolph
In the report of the committee of detail,
Member-elect was ordered to stand aside
in the House of Representatives in 1807.
submitting the first draft of the Constitu-
and not be seated pending the outcome
We quote as follows from his remarks:
tion, this section read in the affirmative and
of this investigation at the recommenda-
"If the constitution had meant (as was
as follows:
tion of the committee.
contended) to have settled the qualifications
"Every member of the House of Repre-
Therefore, the adoption of this resolu-
of members, its words would have naturally
sentatives shall be of the age of 25 years at
run thus: 'Every person who has attained
tion in and of itself asserted the right of
least; shall have been a citizen of the United
the age of twenty-five years, and been seven
States for at least three years before his
Congress to exclude a Member-elect.
years a citizen of the United States, and who
election, and shall be at the time of his
When the resolution was adopted by an
shall, when elected, be an inhabitant of the
election a resident of the State in which shall
overwhelming vote, the Member-elect
State from which he shall be chosen, shall
be chosen."
was excluded for a period of 5 weeks, and
be eligible to a seat in the House of Rep-
In the discussion Mr. Dickinson opposed
he is excluded today pending the out-
resentatives.' But so far from fixing the
the section altogether, expressly because it
come of this debate.
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 1967
STATEMENT BY HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER GERALD R. FORD, R-MICH.
The record of Congress as Easter recess begins reflects confusion in the White
House and in the Democratic Party.
President Johnson is failing to carry out the objectives he set forth in his
State of the Union Message last January 10. Where he has moved decisively, it has
been to follow up on proposals made in the Republican State of the Union Message of
January 19.
The House is exhibiting an independent-mindedness that indicates many Democrats
"got the message" from the voters last November 8 even if the President didn't. The
signs say to me that the Congress will make substantial cuts in non-defense spending
in defiance of Mr. Johnson's obvious intention to continue following a guns-and-butter
course.
Mr. Johnson spoke of Administration "mistakes" in of the Union
Message, and throughout the economy we are beginning to feel the burden of those
mistakes.
I believe it was in hope of staving off a recession that Mr. Johnson did a
flip-flop on the 7 per cent investment. tax credit, urging Congress to restore it after
it had been suspended for just five months. In urging restoration of the tax credit,
Mr. Johnson was belatedly endorsing a proposal Republicans made last January.
The President is still clinging to his proposal to raise income taxes on July 1,
despite the pronounced downturn in the economy. I predict he will either withdraw
his proposal or see it rejected by the Congress.
There are indications the Congress will be fairly tight-fisted this year in
the face of Mr. Johnson's attempts to expand his Great Society programs.
Republicans correctly read the election returns last November 8. An economy
mood prevails in the Congress--at least, in the House.
This economy-mindedness showed up on the $7.5 billion Post Office-Treasury
appropriations bill, the first appropriations bill of this session. First of all,
the Appropriations Committee cut $112 million from the President's request. Then the
House, following a Republican lead, sliced an additional $2,410,000 from an appropri-
ations bill which generally is looked upon as "uncuttable." While Republicans failed
in a move to make a 5 per cent cut in the total appropriation, the vote in support of
that across-the-board reduction was substantial.
GERALD LIBRUST
(MORE)
-2-
STATEMENT BY REP. FORD
This is a portent of major budget cuts to come. Republicans have set a goal
of $4 billion to $5 billion in reductions.
We are trying to send the deficit-ridden budget back to the President for his
suggestions on cutting it. Meantime we will go ahead on our own.
The President set no firm course for the country in January, and the flounder-
ing within the Democratic Party is evidence of this.
The President proposed a merger of the Commerce and Labor Departments and
abandoned the idea before Congress had an opportunity to assess the merits of the plan.
In January the President pledged his Great Society programs will be "made to
work effectively." I see no signs that the Democratic majority in Congress is
carrying out that VOW.
He also promised to "create a more effective partnership at all levels of
American government." We have seen nothing concrete in this connection. All we have
heard is empty rhetoric.
He talked of priorities but he has established none.
He spoke of new opportunities for Youth--chiefly expansion and strengthening
of the Head Start program. That will come with Republican support. We've been
urging it for two years.
He advanced an ambitious proposal for enlarging Social Security benefits, a
plan that was extreme and imposes a heavy payroll tax burden on the young. Ways and
Means Chairman Wilbur Mills, D-Ark., has indicated the bill that will emerge from
his committee will be closer to Republican proposals.
It appears at this point that a Select House Committee on Standards and Conduct
will be created. This is moving toward reality largely because of Republican pressure.
It is unfortunate that other House activity has been eclipsed by the Adam
Clayton Powell case. But even in this matter it was Republican leadership that
brought the kind of action demanded by the American people.
# # #
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR RELEASE ON RECEIPT--
april 6, 1967
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford, R-Mich.
I applaud the action taken by the House Rules Committee in approving creation
of a permanent Select Committee of Standards of Official Conduct for House Members.
This move is in Ine with proposal pushed by the louse Republican Leadership
for more than year and most recently advocated in the Republican State of the Union
Message of last January 19th and asstatement adopted by the House Republican Policy
Committee last February 8.
I urge that we not move as quickly as possible to establish the Committee on
Standards of Official Conducteand to arm it with powers of enforcement. Such a
committee will be worse than useless unless it is given sufficient enforcement
authority.
To be effective, the new committee must have investigative and enforcement
powers as well as the authority to recommend do the House the standards of official
conduct we wish upheld. To clothe the commit ee with lesser powers would be to
abdicate our responsibilities in this matter.
#####
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR RELEASE ON RECEIPT--
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford, R-Mich.
I applaud the action taken by the House Rules Committee in approving creation
of a permanent Select Committee on Standards of Official Conduct for House Members.
This move is in line with a proposal pushed by the House Republican Leadership
for more than a year and most recently advocated in the Republican State of the Union
Message of last January 19th and a statement adopted by the House Republican Policy
Committee last February 8.
I urge that we now move as quickly as possible to establish the Committee on
Standards of Official Conduct and to arm it with powers of enforcement. Such a
committee will be worse than useless unless it is given sufficient enforcement
authority.
To be effective, the new committee must have investigative and enforcement
powers as well as the authority to recommend to the House the standards of official
conduct we wish upheld. To clothe the committee with lesser powers would be to
abdicate our responsibilities in this matter.
#####
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 12, 1967
STATEMENT BY REP. GERALD R. FORD (R-Mich.), HOUSE MINORITY LEADER
While naturally disappointed at the margin of defeat of the Republican
candidate, Mrs. Lucille Williams, I do not think it proper at this time to
comment further on the results of yesterday's special election in the 18th
Congressional District of New York.
The suit brought by Mr. Adam Clayton Powell against the House of
Representatives is now pending on appeal before the U. S. Court of Appeals,
following last Friday's landmark decision of Federal District Judge George
L. Hart, Jr. which upheld the position I argued during debate on March 9 that
the House of Representatives, having worked its will in accordance with the
Constitution, is the final arbiter in this situation under the precious
principle of separation of powers.
Inasmuch as I am one of the named defendants in Mr. Powell's action,
presumably as the author of House Resolution 1 by which the Member-elect was
denied a seat on opening day, January 10, pending a determination of the facts
and recommendations of a Select Committee, I think it best at this juncture to
express no opinion on the Special Election and to reserve judgment on what
steps the Speaker, the Majority Leader and the other named defendants may,
on advice of counsel, decide to propose for consideration of the whole House.
####
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
-
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 12, 1967
STATEMENT BY REP. GERALD R. FORD (R-Mich.), HOUSE MINORITY LEADER
While naturally disappointed at the margin of defeat of the Republican
candidate, Mrs. Lucille Williams, I do not think it proper at this time to
comment further on the results of yesterday's special election in the 18th
Congressional District of New York.
The suit brought by Mr. Adam Clayton owell against the House of
Representatives is now pending on appeal before the U. Court of Appeals,
following last Friday's landmark decision of Federal District Judge George
L. Hart, Jr. which upheld the position I argued during debate on March 9 that
the House of Representatives, having worked its will in accordance with the
Constitution 1 the final arbiter in this situation under the precious
principle of separation powers.
Inasmuch as I am one of the named defendants in Mr. Powell's action,
presumably as the author of House Resolution 1 by which the Member-elect was
denied a seat on opening day, January 10, pending a determination of the facts
and recommendations of a Select Committee, think it best at this juncture to
express no opinion on the Special Election and to reserve judgment on what
steps the Speaker, the Majority Leader and the other named defendants may,
on advice of counsel, decide to propose for consideration of the whole House.
####
10 May 1967
IIII
minit
U. S. HOUSE
OF REPRESENTATIVES
REPUBLICAN POLICY
COMMITTEE
REP. JOHN 1. RHODES, (R.-ARIZ.) CHAIRMAN
140 CANNON HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
TELEPHONE 225-6168
10
REPUBLICAN POLICY COMMITTEE STATEMENT ON CONGRESSIONAL REORGANIZATION
The awesome problems of today and the challenges of the 70's demand an
efficient and effective Congress. Unless Congress is strengthened and new procedures
and techniques developed, there is grave danger that the historic role of Congress
as an essential check on the massive power of the Executive may be dangerously
diluted. Legislation is needed to update and modernize Congress.
During the 89th Congress, a bipartisan Joint Committee on the Organization
of Congress was established by unanimous vote of both the House and the Senate. This
committee held 41 public hearings and received the views of 199 witnesses. The
testimony together with the statements, documents and an index is set forth in 16
printed volumes totaling 2,435 pages.
On March 7, a bill was passed by the Senate which incorporated many of the
Joint Committee recommendations. This bill, S-355, is now before the House Rules
Committee. Unfortunately, there are disturbing indications that the Democratic
Leadership with a 2 to 1 majority on the House Rules Committee may take no action in
this important area. We believe there should be action.
The following major improvements are contained in this legislation:
1. The establishment of a Joint Committee on Congressional Operations
with continuing authority to study the structure and procedures of
Congress and to recommend additional reforms and changes.
2. The protection of the rights of the minority through the provision
of additional committee staff, the right to present minority views
and reports, the provision of equal time on conference reports, and
the right to schedule witnesses during at least one day of Committee
hearings.
3. The authorization of measures designed to assist Members of Congress
in the performance of their Congressional duties. Such measures would
include enlarging committee staffs, strengthening and improving the
Legislative Reference Service, and authorizing committees to employ
consultants on an interim basis in order to take advantage of expertise
in various fields of knowledge.
4. The implementation of fiscal controls and budgetary reforms that
would include a greater utilization of the General Accounting Office,
a multiple-year financial projection of programs and the updating of
the budget on June 1 of each year, and the testimony of responsible
Executive Department officials before the Appropriations Committee of
each House within 30 days after the budget is presented to Congress.
(over)
5. The appointment of postmasters and rural carriers would be divorced
from politics.
6. The establishment of a Bill of Rights for committees that would require
announcement of record votes, permit the majority to compel the filing of
a report or a bill, prohibit the use of proxies, and require the printing
of committee rules at the beginning of each session.
The Republican Members of the House of Representatives long have been inter-
ested in Congressional reform. At the outset of the 89th Congress, a task force of
the House Republicans on Congressional Reform and Minority Staffing was appointed
to study the matter of Congressional reform in depth. As a result of the work of
this task force, a book entitled "We Propose: A Modern Congress" has been published.
The conclusions and recommendations contained in this book were presented in full
to the Joint Committee and many of the recommendations of the committee stemmed from
the work of the task force.
We believe that the Lobbying Act of 1946 needs strengthening. Twenty years
of experience has exposed a number of flaws in the present provisions. However, the
Joint Committee was unable to consider this important problem in the depth and detail
that is required and which should be afforded by the appropriate legislative commit-
tee. For example, this legislation fails completely to address itself to the problem
of Executive Branch lobbying. Although the United States Code specifically prohibits
the use of appropriated monies to influence Members of Congress to favor or oppose,
by vote or otherwise, any legislation or appropriation by Congress, substantial
sums have been used for this purpose. In the past, long and detailed telegrams have
been sent by Executive Department officials to Members of Congress urging their
support of certain legislation. Similarly, long distance calls have been made and
Members have been personally canvassed regarding their intentions with respect to a
particular bill. The loophole that has been read into the present law to permit
this type of activity must be corrected.
The expenditure of funds for the carrying-on of the federal government's
activities and programs must be controlled and audited by the Congressional appro-
priation process. Under present provedures and practices, Congress has been handi-
capped and unable to fully perform its historic role in this important area. In-
formation from the Executive has frequently been confusing rather than enlightening.
Congress, limited as to staff and access to pertinent information, has been at the
mercy of the Executive Department fiscal officers. All too often, Congress has
tended to consider the President's Budget request in a perfunctory manner. This is
particularly true when the same political party controls both Congress and the White
House. Unless the Congressional budgetary process is strengthened, there is a real
danger that the fiscal power of this country will be exercised by the Executive rather
than by the Constitutionally designated representative of the people.
Under the Constitution, Congress is the First Branch of Government. It is
the central institution of the American Republic. In recent years, the enactment
of a mass of open-ended legislation that grants broad and unrestrained power to the
Executive Department has created an escalating bureaucracy that is in no way respon-
sible to the voters of the Country. To restore the balance that is needed in our
government, Congress must be revitalized.
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR RELEASE AT 6:30 p.m.--
Thursday, August 31, 1967
STATEMENT OF REP. GERALD R. FORD, HOUSE MINORITY LEADER
Placed in the Congressional Record Thursday, August 31, 1967.
At the opening of this session, January 19, 1967, Senator Dirksen and I
presented a Republican Appraisal of the State of the Union. In my domestic
portion of this presentation I outlined a 40-point program of constructive
Republican proposals for consideration of the 90th Congress. (List attached.)
Thirty of these proposals were in the area of Republican alternatives to
the tired Democratic approaches of the 1930's, reflecting philosophical and
practical political differences. Ten were in the vital area of national security,
where there is substantial agreement between knowledgeable Democrats and
Republicans on key defense committees but very wide disagreement between Congress
and the Executive Branch.
In reviewing the record of this Congress between the Lincoln's Birthday and
the Labor Day recesses, in which the bulk of the legislative workload is usually
done, Republicans can be gratified by the fact that most of our national security
proposals have received bipartisan backing and approval in the Armed Services,
Merchant Marine, Joint Atomic Energy and Appropriations committees from the whole
House of Representatives. But the President and his Secretary of Defense continue
to resist some of these recommendations, including the ever-more-urgent need to
get going on an Anti-Ballistic-Missile Defense system.
Among the 30 practical, problem-solving Republican legislative proposals
outside the defense field, the House has completed action on only eight, one of
which bears a Republican label (the Cramer Anti-Riot Bill) and one of which was
belatedly embraced by President Johnson (Restoration of the Investment Tax Credit.)
The other six House actions (though some have not passed the Senate) bear
strong Republican imprints and embody the sentiments of a great majority of our
citizens on matters deeply and directly concerning them. They are:
--Creation of a House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct,
which would never have been approved except for the insistence of
Republican members -- notably some of the 59 newly elected last
(more)
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November -- in the wake of Democratic scandals in the Powell, Dodd
and still-pending cases.
--A greatly improved and strengthened Social Security bill,
increasing benefits to help our senior citizens resist the ravagess
of "Great Society" inflation, and providing needed new direction
and constructive state control of welfare programs.
--A balanced package of crime prevention and law enforcement
legislation, including the previously mentioned anti-riot bill, a
companion bill guaranteeing Federal protection to civil rights
workers in lawful exercise of Constitutional rights, amendments to
the Law Enforcement Assistance Act strengthening the role of the
States and local governments in upgrading law enforcement as a
career, and establishing a National Institute of Law Enforcement for
the dissemination of the latest methods of police science.
--Long overdue legislation giving veterans of the Vietnam War
equal benefits with veterans of other conflicts, and increasing
benefits to veterans' widows and children to keep up with rising
costs of living.
Some progress or partial success can be reported on eight more of my
Republican State of the Union proposals, so that we have made visible strides
thus far in this session on 16 of the 30 non-defense programs.
1. Under constant pressure from Republican members, both
in committee and on the floor, the House so far has trimmed the
President's budget requests by about $4 billion, although it has
rejected additional economy efforts by the minority in many
instances. Republican efforts to have the President submit a
revised budget have been blocked, but the Administration has
admitted that its initial estimates were unrealistic.
2. The Republican principle of rejecting categorical Federal
aid, with its ever-burgeoning Washington bureaucracy and inability
to adapt to local conditions, is winning converts daily. While
our alternative of revenue sharing with the States and local
governments has not been accepted across the board, the principle
prevailed in the final House version of the Elementary and Secondary
(more)
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Education Act and the Republican-amended Law Enforcement Assistance
Act, and may still be applied to important pending legislation such
as the comprehensive Health and Poverty bills.
3. The bipartisan Clean Elections and Campaign Reform bill
(Ashmore-Goodell) now under consideration by the House Administration
committee embodies the major Republican recommendations in this
important area which demands action before the 1968 campaign year.
4. The Senate has effectively pigeonholed the Long Amendment
calling for financing of national political campaigns through a checkoff
of individual income tax dollars, which Republicans opposed.
5. Participation Sales as a devious device of deficit financing
was not repealed, as we proposed, but the Debt Ceiling bill finally
approved by the House does require honest reporting of such borrowings
in future budgets.
6. The imaginative Republican plan for home ownership by low
income Americans advanced in the Widnall-Percy bill has received
attention in both Senate and House committees and is in some danger
of being kidnapped by the Johnson Administration.
7. Our call for tax incentives to encourage reduction of air
and water pollution was partially answered by restoration of the
investment tax credit, though more action in this area is under
study by Republican task forces.
8. Although the Republican reform package for the District of
Columbia government was approved by the D. C. committee, the House
rejected it in favor of the President's reorganization plan. However,
Rep. Ancher Nelson's proposals for an elected school board and a
delegate in the House of Representatives may yet win separate con-
sideration.
There remain 14 of my 30 January 19 State of the Union proposals in the non-
defense domestic category, and one of the ten in the area of national security,
upon which no action has been taken by the House under its present Democratic
control.
Republicans regret that no action has been taken on their proposal for a
bipartisan, blue ribbon commission of the nation's best experts to re-examine our
short and long-range national defense posture.
(more)
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Among the most urgently-needed and possibly stalled programs are the bipartisan
Congressional Reorganization bill, which has passed the Senate, and which under
Republican recommendations would include an investigative committee controlled by
the minority party.
Others pending in the House include the Opportunity Crusade which Republicans
would substitute for the mismanaged Poverty War, and the Human Investment Act
which also seeks to enlist private enterprise in job training programs.
Nothing has been finally done by this Congress on the subject of fair and
equitable division of political time by radio and television, safeguards against
unauthorized wiretapping with defined permissive limits in the public interest,
prevention of national emergency strikes (except the stopgap action on the rail
strike), and streamlining the Executive Branch through another Hoover-type
Commission, all Republican-sponsored proposals.
Considering that we are still the minority by a 31-vote margin, I am
encouraged that Republicans in the House have been able to accomplish as much
as we have in translating the mandate of the American people last November into
actual accomplishment, both through our increased strength on committees and
on the floor. Certainly the vital legislative process has been restored in the
90th Congress and its advantages over the rubber-stamp record of the lopsided
89th Congress already are apparent. It remains obvious, however, that to really
enact a constructive Republican program it will be necessary to win a majority
in the House of Representatives next year. We are building a good record upon
which to do just that.
#####
DOMESTIC LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS IN JANUARY 1967 REPUBLICAN "STATE OF THE UNION"
(Listed in order of mention in Ford speech)
1. Restore Investment Tax Credit
23. Electoral College Reform
2. Repeal Participation Sales
24. Fair and Equitable Political Time
on TV-Radio
3. Cut Non-essential Spending;
Revise President's Budget
25. Forbid Interstate Travel to Incite
Riots
4. Tax and Revenue Sharing; Block Grants
26. Protect Lawful Civil Rights
5. National Commission on Urban
Workers
Living
27. Safeguards on Wiretapping & Eves-
6. District of Columbia Reforms
dropping
7. Tax Credits for Higher Education
28. Curb Air and Water Pollution
Costs
29. Upgrade Law Enforcement as Career
8. Improve Social Security & Increase
Benefits
30. National Institute of Law
Enforcement
9. Equalize Vietnam Veterans Benefits
10. Revamp Poverty War-Opportunity
Crusade
NATIONAL SECURITY PROPOSALS
11. Human Investment Act to Expand
31. Blue Ribbon Commission to Re-
Job Training
examine national defense policies
12. Home Ownership for Low-Income
32. Modernize U.S. Navy and Nuclear
Families
propulsion
13. Executive Branch Reforms--Hoover-type
33. Counter Threat of Enemy Missile
Commission
Submarines
14. Merit System for Postmasters
34. Revive and Rebuild American Merchant
Marine
15. Fair Farm Prices in Marketplace
35. Upgrade Independent Maritime
16. Study National Emergency Strike Laws
Administration
17. Congressional Reogranization
36. Develop Advanced Manned Strategic
Bomber
18. House Ethics Committee
37. Develop Improved Manned Inter-
19. Investigating Committee under Minority
ceptor
Control
38. Strengthen Reserve and National
20. Clean Elections & Campaign Reform
Guard
Law
39. Eliminate Inequities in Draft
21. Repeal Long Amendment for
Federal Financing of Major
40. Speed Anti-Ballistic Missile
Party Campaigns
Defense
22. $100 Tax Deduction for Political
Contributions
4 December 1967
11111
willing
U. S. HOUSE
OF
REPRESENTATIVES
REPUBLICAN POLICY COMMITTEE
REP. JOHN J. RHODES, (R.-ARIZ.) CHAIRMAN
140 CANNON HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
TELEPHONE 225-6168
10
HOUSE REPUBLICAN ACCOMPLISHMENTS - FIRST SESSION, 90TH CONGRESS
In the First Session of the 90th Congress, the Republican Members of the
House of Representatives have compiled a remarkable record of achievement and progress.
In Committee and on the House Floor, many legislative measures that update existing
programs or establish a new and sound approach to problem solving at the Federal level
have been developed or substantially improved through Republican efforts.
On January 19, 1967, the Minority Leader, Gerald R. Ford, presented the
domestic portion of the Republican Appraisal of the State of the Union. In this
Appraisal, there was presented a 40 point program of constructive Republican proposals
for consideration by the 90th Congress. Thirty of these proposals were in the area
of Republican alternatives to the tired and outdated approaches of the Johnson Admin-
istration and the Den ocratic Congressional Majority. This was admittedly ambitious
program, but it was a program that responded to the needs of the 60's and the chal-
lenges of the 70's.
Since the first of the year, the House Republican Policy Committee has held
29 meetings and adopted 30 policy statements. The discussion at these meetings and
the action taken by the Committee have played an important part in formulating sound
legislation an fostering the broadest possible public understanding of the Republican
proposals. In the 30 policy statements, the Policy Committee: (a) Recommended ten
affirmative measures to implement Republican programs; (b) Supported thirteen legis-
lative proposals that provide solutions to major problems or basic improvements in
present laws: (c) Proposed constructive changes and substantive improvements to five
key measures: and (d) Twice opposed Debt Ceiling increases that failed to deal with
nonessential spending and greater budget deficits.
In the 24 cases where a roll call vote was taken on the amendment or
position supported by the Policy Committee, 96.1 percent of the Republican Members
voting, voted in agreement with the Policy Committee. And in 18 cases, the bill or
amendment supported by the Policy Committee was Nopted by the House of Representatives.
The Policy Committee statements, and the positions that they contain, have
been addressed to the vital issues and probl ms that presently challenge this country.
They reflect hours of study and provide specific and workable suggestions for im-
proving old programs or initiating needed new legislation. They express a deter-
mination that the basic changes and improvements demanded by the American people in
the 1966 election shall be given at least a fair hearing and if at all possible,
enacted into law by this Congress.
FIGHTING INFLATION AND WILD GOVERNMENT SPENDING
The First Session of the 90th Congress has witnessed a continuing battle
by House Republicans against the spending policies of the Johnson Administration
spending policies that fed the inflationary fires, skyrocketed interest rates and
dramatically increased an already swollen budgetary deficit.
The budget for fiscal 1958 totaled $73.3 billion. Today the Federal
government is spending at an annual rate in excess of $140 billion. In the 5-year
period of the Johnson Administration, the Federal government has spent $60.487 billion
more than it has taken in. The nondefense spending by the Federal government in 1960
was $48.6 billion. The estimated nondefense spending for fiscal year 1963 is $95.6
billion. And now, the Administration's January 1967 forecast of an $8.7 billion
deficit for fiscal 1968 has been shot upward by President Johnson to a staggering
$30 to $35 billion.
The second and third installments on the grandiose Great Society programs
that were hastily enacted by President Johnson and his rubber-stamp Democratic majority
in the 89th Congress are now due. The combination of Creat Society spending and in-
creased defense expenditures has resulted in an inflationary spiral that has reached
an annual rate of 4.4% and the cost of living has risen 12.6% since January 1961.
Key interest rates are soaring out of control and may zoom to heights not reached
since the 19th Century.
Despite the seriousness of the present situation, the Johnson Administration
refused to cut back on nonessential spending and establish spending priorities. It
waited until August 3, 1967 to request a tax increase and then offered dubious prom-
ises of future frugality. Only recently has President Johnson finally faced up to
the fact that "the cruelest tax of all is the inflation tax." It was not until
November 29, 1967, eleven days after the fateful devaluation of the British pound,
that a specific plan for expenditure reduction was submitted to Congress by the
Johnson Administration.
In an effort to stem the inflationary tide, House Republicans led the
fight to cut nondefense spending. An increase in the public debt ceiling that sanc-
tioned the Johnson Administration's dangerous and irresponsible approach to Federal
spending and Budget deficits was opposed on three different occasions. On March 22,
1967 the Policy Committee urged the adoption of a Republican resolution that would
return the 1968 Budget to the President and request that he indicate the places and
amounts where he believes that reductions can be made. This resolution was pigeon-
holed by the Democratic majority. However, a Republican proposal that imposed a
$131.5 billion limitation on government spending except for added expenditures that
might be necessary for Vietnam, and could lead to a spending reduction of at least
$5 billion, was adopted by the House of Representatives on October 18, 1967. And,
as a result of Republican efforts, approximately $4 billion has been pared from the
Administration's request for new spending authority.
Republicans have made it abundantly clear that if the President is sincere
about wanting a tax increase, he must take the first step toward reestablishing his
fiscal credibility. He must cooperate in making a significant cut in the expenditure
level of this government. (See February 8, March 22, June 7 and 21 and October 18,
1967 Policy Committee Statements).
THE CRISIS IN THE CITIES
Although billions and billions of dollars have been spent by an ever
increasing Washington Bureaucracy, solutions have not been found to the many problems
that face urban America. It is interesting to note that even liberal Democrats such
as Daniel P. Moynihan, former Assistant Secretary of Labor and now Director of the
Harvard-MIT Joint Center for Urban Affairs, has stated that: "We must abandon the
notion that the nation, especially the cities of the nation, can be run from agencies
in Washington."
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The Great Society program that is built around the concept of the categorical
grants administered by huge federal bureaucracies has not delivered the goods. Waste,
inefficiency and few real results have been the rule rather than the exception. In
an effort to counter this trend, the Republican Members of Congress have advocated
a system of block grants that encourages maximum state coordination and permits the
states and localities to establish priorities and run their OWn programs with a
minimum of federal interference.
The recently enacted Comprehensive Health Act provides one of the best
examples of what can be done under the block grant approach. This Republican-sponsored
and supported Act consolidated 16 separately administered public health programs and
permitted the states to develop plans, establish priorities and coordinate local
activities. Under this approach, the priority health problems in each State and
community whether they stem from communicable disease, narcotics or rat infestation
can be identified and programs designed to combat the problems established and pro-
perly funded. The bill will provide more than $900 million for comprehensive health
grants to the various States during the next three years. (See September 19, 1967
Policy Committee Statement).
The House passed Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Assistance Act as
it was improved and perfected by Republican amendments, employs the block grant
approach. It provides maximum state and local control over law enforcement and mini-
mum federal interference. The Republican initiated and supported Air Quality Act
encourages the solution of air pollution problems on a regional basis in accordance
with air quality standards and enforcement plans developed by States. And the House
adopted Meat Inspection Act establishes a viable Federal-State cooperative meat
inspection program.
The principle of block grants also prevailed in the final House version
of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. In this legislation, a portion of the
massive educational program has been returned to State control and planning. (See
April 19 and August 2, 1967 Policy Committee Statements).
PUBLIC SAFETY - ASSISTING STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES
This year alone urban rioting has caused more than $100,000,000 in property
damage. Cities, counties and states have spent millions in overtime for police and
fire departments and calling up of National Guard units. More than 16,000 persons
have been arrested during outbreaks of violence in 67 cities, more than 3,200 injured
and 85 killed.
The current Uniform Crime Reports reveal that serious crime in the United
States increased 11 percent in 1966 when compared with 1965. All Crime Index offenses
showed substantial increases in volume. Crimes of violence were up 11 percent with
a 9 percent increase in murder, 10 percent in aggravated assault, 10 percent in
forcible rape, and 14 percent in robbery.
These statistics starkly dramatize the crisis in law enforcement in this
country. The very ability of government to maintain law and order and to provide
personal safety has been challenged as never before. Local law enforcement, criminal
justice, techniques of correction and rehabilitation must be updated and improved.
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In response to this challenge, Republican-sponsored legislation that would
impose criminal penalties upon persons traveling in or using the facilities of inter-
state commerce with the intent to incite a riot was enacted by the House of Repre-
sentatives. This legislation represents the legitimate exercise of federal power
under authority based on the Commerce Clause of the Constitution. Historically,
certain types of conduct have been prohibited by federal statute when the facilities
of interstate commerce are used. The Republican-sponsored anti-riot legislation
follows this pattern of asserting Federal authority. The provisions of the bill
supplement not supersede local law enforcement. By assuring federal jurisdiction
over out-of-state inciters, state and local authorities are assisted in keeping the
peace and protecting the public safety. (See July 12, 1967 Policy Committee State-
ment).
Republicans also supported the Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Assist-
ance Act of 1967. This legislation establishes a federal program to provide assistance
to local law enforcement agencies. Key Republican amendments offered and adopted on
the Floor of the House materially strengthened this bill. These amendments, which
were supported by the National Governor's Conference, curb the unlimited power of the
Attorney General and provide essential state coordination and control. Each state
is authorized to develop a state-wide comprehensive law enforcement plan and establish
a state agency to administer the plan. Once this plan is accepted, all federal
assistance goes to the state agency which in turn distributes the aid to local law
enforcement agencies. (See August 2, 1967 Policy Committee Statement).
ANTI-BALLISTIC MISSILE SYSTEM
On August 9, 1967 the Republican Policy Committee urged the Johnson Admin-
istration to provide the American people with an effective anti-ballistic missile
system. In calling for immediate action, the Committee noted: (a) The Soviets have
been building and deploying their ABM system for some time. (b) The Joint Chiefs of
Staff unanimously support the position that this country should now proceed to deploy.
(c) Congress has appropriated sufficient funds for this purpose. (d) The Joint
Committee on Atomic Energy has warned, "A low order of magnitude attack could possibly
be launched by the Chinese Communists against the United States by the early 1970's.
At present we do not have an effective anti-ballistic missile system which could repel
such a suicidal (for the Chinese) but nevertheless possible strike."
On September 19, 1967, the Johnson Administration finally heeded these
warnings and announced that the United States this year would start building a $5
billion missile defense system. The importance of this decision to go forward with
the establishment of a defense against missiles has been underlined by the recent
announcement that the Soviet has developed a Fractional Orbital Bombardment System
that would cut the warning time of targets in America from 15 to 3 minutes. (See
August 9, 1967 Policy Committee Statement).
S.O.S. - S.O.S. - THE AMERICAN MERCHANT MARINE
Deeply concerned that the Johnson Administration has permitted the American
Maritime Industry to drift into a major crisis, the Policy Committee issued a call
for immediate action and endorsed legislation sponsored by the Republican Members of
the Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee that would establish an independent
Maritime Administration. It is both ironic and deeply disturbing that in a period
-4-
of continued American decline the other Maritime nations of the world are building up
their merchant fleets. In 1963, the Russians constructed 115 ships while America
launched 31. Between 1959 and 1963, the American fleet increased by 20 fewer ships
than the Russians produced in the single year 1963.
In response to the Republican call to action, legislation establishing an
independent Federal Maritime Administration was enacted by the House of Representatives.
This legislation can facilitate the development of a forward-looking Maritime Program
and help to bring an end to the present period of neglect, confusion and inactivity.
Unless our shipbuilding effort is increased, our defense commitments throughout the
world will be in jeopardy. Our national survival may depend upon the shipping that
should be under construction but which the Johnson Administration has scuttled. (See
May 3 and October 11, 1967 Policy Committee Statement).
CONGRESSIONAL REFORM AND REORGANIZATION
Unless Congress is strengthened and new procedures and techniques developed,
the historic roll of Congress as an essential check on the massive power of the
Executive Branch may be dangerously diluted. The enactment of a mass of open-ended
legislation has created an escalating bureaucracy that is in no way responsible to
the voters of the country. Congress, limited as to staff and access to pertinent
information, cannot adequately audit the mass of Federal activities and programs.
A spittoon approach to the problems of a computerized society is no longer adequate.
Early in the Session, the Policy Committee advocated legislation that would update
and modernize Congress. This legislation would:
1. Establish a Joint Committee on Congressional Operations
with continuing authority to study the structure and procedures
of Congress and to recommend additional reforms and changes.
2. Protect the rights of the minority through the provision of
additional committee staff and the right to present minority
views and reports.
3. Authorize measures designed to assist Members of Congress in
the performance of their Congressional duties.
4. Implement fiscal controls and budgetary reforms that would
include a greater utilization of the General Accounting Office.
5. Establish a Bill of Rights for Congressional Committees.
The Policy Committee also urged the immediate establishment of a select
committee on Congressional Standards and Conduct which would be provided with the
authority to establish a code of ethics, investigate alleged breaches of conduct,
recommend appropriate action and report violations of law to the proper local and
State authorities. Legislation has been enacted and a code of ethics is now being
drafted. This is an important first step in recapturing the public confidence and
respect that has been lost through the highly publicized allegations of misconduct
against a few Members of Congress. (See February 8 and May 10, 1967 Policy Committee
Statements).
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EXECUTIVE REORGANIZATION
As a result of hastily enacted and often times competing programs that have
been stacked one upon another, it is impossible for State and local officials to know
what Federal programs are available for what purpose or even where to go for specific
information. Moreover, old departments and agencies created and organized to meet the
problems of the first half of the Twentieth Century are now woefully antiquated. In
order to provide a careful and thoughtful study well above partisan politics and
interagency power fights, the Policy Committee recommended the establishment of a
Commission on the Organization of the Executive Branch similar to the first and second
Hoover Commission.
This Commission would be empowered to conduct an in-depth study of the
Federal Government's bureaucratic sprawl. It could probe a War on Poverty that now
includes more than 260 Federal programs. An answer might even be found to a mush-
rooming Federal bureaucracy that defies a Presidential order to cut back by adding
192,000 employees to the rolls. Recently, the Johnson Administration has taken an
important first step by announcing that it too will recommend the establishment of a
Hoover-type Commission to help weed out obsolete government programs. (See February
23, 1967 Policy Committee Statement).
RESPONDING TO PUBLIC DEMANDS FOR CLEAN ELECTIONS
For some time, there has been general agreement that the laws dealing with
election campaigns should be revised and updated. The Federal Corrupt Practices Act
was enacted in 1925. The Hatch Act was passed 27 years ago. Recent studies such as
the 1962 Report of President Kennedy's Commission on Campaign Costs reveal that present
laws invite evasion and are filled with loopholes. Unless there is basic reform,
public confidence in the election process will be impaired.
At the start of the 90th Congress, the Policy Committee urged the House
Leadership to schedule the Election Reform Act as one of the first pieces of legis-
lation to receive Floor consideration. Thereafter, with unanimous Republican support,
an Election Reform Bill, H.R. 11233, was reported by the Subcommittee of the House
Administration Committee on June 27, 1967. This is sound legislation. Through the
incorporation of the following major Republican provisions, honest reporting of cam-
paign contributions and expenditures and streamlined enforcement procedures would be
ensured.
1. A five-member bipartisan Federal Elections Commission is established
to receive reports and statements regarding campaign contributions and expenditures.
2. The Commission has been granted full and complete authority to enforce
the provisions of the Act. It is also authorized to make reports and statements
available for public inspection and to prepare and publish summaries and reports.
3. Candidates for Federal office, and political committees supporting
such candidates, that accept contributions or make expenditures exceeding $1,000 in
any calendar year, are required to report contributions and expenditures.
4. Donations by an individual of more than $5,000 to any candidate or any
committee supporting such candidate in any calendar year are prohibited.
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5. Campaign contributions by political action committees financially sup-
ported by a corporation, trade association or labor organization are regulated.
6. Conventions, primaries and party caucuses have been placed under the
reporting and disclosure provisions of the bill.
7. The disclosure of gifts or honorariums of more than $100 is required
of candidates for the House and Senate as well as incumbents.
At a series of Committee meetings, Republican Members consistently urged
that this important legislation be reported so that it could receive early Floor
consideration. However, their efforts were met by delaying tactics and late in the
Session, the Election Reform Bill did not even appear on the Administration's list
of MUST legislation. Certainly, Congressional action cannot be delayed much longer
if this legislation is to be in effect and operative during the 1968 campaigns. It
must receive early consideration in the Second Session of Congress. The American
public demands and deserves an election process that commands respect and confidence.
SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING FOR THE UNEMPLOYED
The Republican Members of Congress have long been interested in establishing
a sound program that would solve this Nation's manpower problems by upgrading and de-
veloping the skills of our labor force. The Republican effort in this area began
with Operation Employment in 1961-62. In this study by the Republican Policy Committee,
leading authorities in the fields of education and on-the-job training were contacted
for their comments and recommendations. The results of this study were incorporated
into the Republican Proposed Manpower and Development Training Act of 1962 which was
adopted in great part and enacted into law by the 87th Congress. This Act has proven
to be an important step in a greatly expanded war on unemployment and underemployment.
For example, from August 1962 to April 1967 there were 535,000 trainees enrolled in
MDTA institutional training and 163,000 trainees enrolled in MDTA on-the-job training.
HUMAN INVESTMENT ACT
Despite the efforts that have been made under the MDTA and other costly
Federal training programs, there remain today an estimated 2.7 million Americans who
are chronically unemployed and hundreds of thousands of others who are underemployed.
In order to meet this need, the Republicans in the House of Representatives have
urged the immediate consideration of the Human Investment Act of 1967. This Act is
designed to encourage on-the-job training by private industry and skill development
by individuals. It would offer a tax credit toward certain specified expenses of
programs designed to train prospective employees and to retrain current employees
for more demanding jobs. It is a proven fact that the most effective employee trainer
in the nation is private enterprise. The Human Investment Act would encourage em-
ployers throughout this country to develop and implement additional training programs
that will equip thousands and thousands of individuals to cash in on the job oppor-
tunities that will be provided by the many technological changes and advances that
are being developed and implemented by American industry.
-7-
HELPING THOSE ON WELFARE
One of the most perplexing problems facing this country today is the welfare
problem. We have second and third generation welfare families. Their business is
welfare and the payments are so good that they cannot afford to go to work. A way
must be found to get these individuals trained, into private employment and off the
welfare rolls.
An important first step in the solution of this terribly complicated problem
has been taken by the House of Representatives during this session of Congress. The
House-adopted Social Security Act Amendments make a number of important changes in the
program that provides Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC). In the last 10
years, this program has grown from 646,000 families that included 2.4 million recip-
ients to 1.2 million families and nearly 5 million recipients. It is estimated that
the amount of Federal funds allocated to this program will increase from $1.46 billion
to $1.84 billion over the next five years unless constructive and concerted action is
taken. In order to reduce the AFDC rolls by restoring more families to employment and
self-reliance, the States would be required to:
1. Establish a program for each AFDC adult or older child not
attending school which would equip them for work and place
them in a job.
2. Establish community work and training programs throughout
the State by July 1, 1969.
3. Provide that protective payments and vendor payments be made
where appropriate to protect the welfare of children.
4. Furnish day-care services and other services to make it
possible for adult members of the family to take training
and employment.
5. Have an earnings exemption to provide incentives for work
by AFDC recipients.
(See August 16, 1967 Policy Committee Statement).
UPDATING SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS
During the 89th Congress and again in the January Republican State of the
Union Message, the Republican Leadership in the House of Representatives called for
an immediate increase in social security benefits. Due to the Great Society inflation,
many of our elderly citizens have been faced with a serious situation. Last year
alone, the cost of living rose 3.3 percent. Cash benefits fell 7 percentage points
behind the consumer price index. It is unfortunate that the Administration delayed
action on this legislation for so long. There are nearly 40 million retired Americans
who do not enjoy the benefit of rising wages and income to cope with rising prices.
The Republican supported Social Security Bill that has been adopted by
the House, provides an across-the-board increase of 12 1/2 percent, increases the
amount an individual may earn and still get full benefits, strengthens the benefit
formula and improves the health insurance benefits.
-8-
Under the provisions of this bill, the amount that a person may earn and
still get his benefits would be increased from $1,500 to $1,680 and the amount to
which the $1 for $2 reduction would apply, would range from $1,680 to $2,880 a year.
The amount a person may earn in one month would be increased from $125 to $140. Also,
the number of days of hospitalization would be increased from 90 to 120 days. A
patient would be permitted to submit his itemized bill directly to the insurance
carrier for payment. And a physician no longer would be required to certify that a
patient requires hospitalization at the time he enters or that a patient requires
hospital out-patient services. (See August 16, 1967 Policy Committee Statements).
IMPROVING FEDERAL AND STATE MEAT INSPECTION
The Republican-supported Meat Inspection Act, establishes a cooperative
Federal-State inspection system under which the Federal government assists the States
in meeting their responsibilities to provide high quality meat inspection. Federal
cooperation and assistance to the States includes program planning and technical and
laboratory assistance as well as financial aid up to 50% of the total cost of the
State program.
The prohibition against counterfeiting, forgery and other unauthorized use
of official certificates, labels, and marking devices is clarified. The authority
of the Department of Agriculture to regulate the marking, labeling and packaging
of carcasses, meats and meat food products is clearly defined. The same standards
that apply to meat and meat products produced and processed within the United States
is extended to imported meat.
This legislation does not preempt the jurisdiction of the States over intra-
state commerce. An amendment that would have virtually eliminated State inspection
programs and assigned the responsibility of State and local health protection, at an
additional annual cost of $31.2 million, to the Federal government was rejected.
Under the provisions of this Act, a viable Federal-State cooperative meat
inspection program is established. New protection is afforded to the consumer. This
legislation strengthens and improves a meat packing and processing industry that has
$16 billion in annual gross sales and that provides $13 billion in yearly sales of
livestock to the American farmer. (See October 31, 1967 Policy Committee Statement).
LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF OUR AIR HAS A HIGH PRIORITY
The Republican-supported Air Quality Act of 1967 encourages the solution
of air pollution problems on a regional basis in accordance with air quality standards
and enforcement plans developed by the States. It provides $428 million over a three
year period for air control research, studies, planning and grants to States and air
pollution agencies.
Air pollution is no longer just a threat, it is a present menace to the
health and well-being of the American people. Approximately 130 million tons of
pollutants are discharged annually into the nation's atmosphere, an average of 1,400
pounds for each American. This pollution is a by-product of our highly developed
economy. It stems from the rising number of motor vehicles, and from the trend toward
-9-
urbanization which concentrates the highest levels of pollution in the most populated
areas. Economic and mechanical progress has meant the deterioration of our precious
air supply. Smog, damage to health and property, and even death have resulted from
the pollution of our air.
For some time, the Pepublican Party has recognized that steps must be taken
to improve this nation's knowledge and technical capability to meet the air pollution
problem. In his 1955 State of the Union Address, President Eisenhower urged the
enactment of air pollution legislation. With the support of Republicans of both Houses
of Congress, the first legislation in this field was enacted by the 84th Congress.
The Air Quality Act materially strengthens and improves this basic legislation. (See
October 25, 1967 Policy Committee Statement).
REPUBLICAN POLICY COMMITTEE STATEMENTS AND FLOOR VOTES
1. Feb. 8, 1967 - Adopted a statement urging the immediate consideration and enactment
of the ELECTION REFORM ACT OF 1967 which has been sponsored and introduced by
Republican Members. This Act would establish a five-member bipartisan Federal
Elections Commission which would receive, investigate and audit campaign contri-
butions and expenditure reports and statements.
2. Feb. 8, 1967 - Adopted a statement urging the immediate establishment of a Select
Committee on STANDARDS & CONDUCT. This twelve-member Committee would be empowered
to recommend rules and regulations to insure proper standards of conduct by
Members and officers and employees of the House. Also, it would have the authority
to investigate alleged breaches of conduct, recommend appropriate action and
report violations of law to the proper Federal and State authorities.
YEA
NAY
NOT VOTING
PERCENTAGE
H.Res. 418 (April 13, 1967)
Final Passage:
175
0
12
100.0%
3. Feb. 8, 1967 - Opposed H.R. 4573 which would raise the DEBT CEILING to $336
billion without making certain basic budgetary reforms. Urged the adoption of an
amendment which would include as a part of the public debt, participation certif-
icates sold as full faith and credit obligations. Also, urged the adoption of an
amendment which would permit the Secretary of Treasury to save as much as $50
million in annual interest payments by issuing up to $6 billion long-term Treasury
obligations on the same interest basis as short-term obligations.
YEA
NAY
NOT VOTING
PERCENTAGE
Motion to Recommit:
153
23
11
86.9%
Final Passage:
2
173
12
98.8%
-10-
4. Feb. 23, 1967 - Adopted a statement urging the immediate consideration and enact-
ment of legislation sponsored and introduced by Republican Members that would
establish a Commission on the REORGANIZATION OF THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH OF THE
GOVERNMENT (new Hoover Commission).
5. Mar. 8, 1967 - Adopted a statement urging the immediate consideration of legis-
lation introduced by Republican Members that would eliminate political favoritism
and insure the recognition and promotion of able and experienced career POSTAL
EMPLOYEES.
6. Mar. 15, 1967 - Adopted a statement urging the immediate consideration of THE
HUMAN INVESTMENT ACT OF 1967. This Republican-sponsored legislation would en-
courage American business to invest in our number one resource - the American
working man and woman. It would stimulate the initiation and expansion of job
training and retraining programs by providing a tax credit for certain expenses
of such programs.
7. Mar. 22, 1967 - Commended the Republican Members of the Joint Economic Committee
for their excellent analysis and review of the 1967 ECONOMIC REPORT OF THE
PRESIDENT. Urged the enactment of a Republican Resolution that would return the
1968 Budget to the President and request that he indicate the places and amounts
where he believes substantial reductions may be made.
8. Apr. 5, 1967 - Urged the updating and revision of the COPYRIGHT LAW, H.R. 2512.
This law would insure that authors receive the encouragement they need to create
and the remuneration they deserve for their creations.
YEA
NAY
NOT VOTING
PERCENTAGE
Final Passage:
182
1
4
99.4%
9. Apr. 5, 1967 - Urged the creation of a bipartisan Congressional Committee on
CAPTIVE NATIONS. There is an obligation to promote the enjoyment of human rights
and fundamental freedoms wherever they may be denied or threatened. If we are to
consider building bridges to the East, such an effort should start with the
people in the Captive Nations.
10. Apr. 19, 1967 - Urged basic reforms in the ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION ACT.
Under the present law, Federal support intended to improve Elementary and Second-
ary Education has been used to undermine State and local initiative and respon-
sibility. Urged an amendment to provide block grants to the States for education-
al purposes. Such grants would replace the multiplicity of categorical grant-in-
aid programs now in operation.
YEA
NAY
NOT VOTING
PERCENTAGE
Block Grant Amendment:
154
26
7
85.5%
11. Apr. 26, 1967 - Adopted a statement regarding CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING which
noted that the establishment of precise criteria for Congressional Redistricting
is a matter for Congress. If Congress does not establish guidelines for the
States to follow, the districts in 22 States or 297 Congressional districts may
be ruled invalid. H.R. 2508 would provide Congressional standards for the States
to follow in the establishment of districts for the election of representatives
-11-
to Congress.
YEA
NAY
NOT VOTING
PERCENTAGE
Motion to Recommit:
158
3
26
98.1%
Final Passage:
141
15
31
90.3%
12. May 3, 1967 - Urged the prompt enactment of legislation to prohibit the deliber-
ate and defiant DESECRATION OF THE AMERICAN FLAG.
YEA
NAY
NOT VOTING
PERCENTAGE
H.R. 10480
Final Passage:
175
0
12
100.0%
13. May 3, 1967 - Adopted a statement that warns of a national crisis in the AMERICAN
MARITIME INDUSTRY that has been triggered by the neglect, confusion and general
inability of the Johnson-Humphrey Administration to meet the mounting maritime
problem. Urged the revitalization and modernization of our shipbuilding industry
so that the demands of the future can be met. Called for the development of a
meaningful maritime policy that will incorporate a forward-looking ship replace-
ment program.
14. May 10, 1967 - Adopted a statement which urged prompt action on the CONGRESSIONAL
REORGANIZATION LEGISLATION - S.355. The awesome problems of today and the chal-
lenges of the 70's demand an efficient and effective Congress. Unless Congress
is strengthened, there is grave danger that the historic role of Congress as an
essential check on the massive power of the Executive may be dangerously diluted.
15. May 24, 1967 - Adopted a statement supporting the MILITARY SELECTIVE SERVICE ACT
OF 1967 - S.1432. This legislation updates and improves the present Selective
Service System in a number of important respects. It establishes uniform
criteria for future undergraduate college student deferments.
YEA
NAY
NOT VOTING
PERCENTAGE
Final Passage:
164
0
22
100.0%
16. June 7, 1967 - Adopted a statement in opposition to H.R. 10328 which would in-
crease the PUBLIC DEBT CEILING by $29 billion. Urged a cutback in nonessential
spending and honest reporting of anticipated government expenditures. This must
be done if we are to avoid a run-away economy that may lead to government control
of wages, prices and credit as well as further increases in taxes.
YEA
NAY
NOT VOTING
PERCENTAGEs
Final Passage:
0
176
11
100.0%
17. June 14, 1967 - Adopted a statement on the RAILROAD LABOR DISPUTE LEGISLATION -
H.J.RES. 559 pointing out that due to the vacillating performance of the Johnson-
Humphrey Administration, the country is faced with a tragic situation. Legis-
lation must be enacted for in this period of international tensions and war,
a chaotic nationwide railway strike cannot be permitted.
NO RECORD VOTE
-12-
18. June 21, 1967 - Opposed H.R. 10867 which would increase the borrowing authority
of the Treasury to a maximum of $365 billion. Urged the continuation of the
present $336 billion debt limit. This would be adequate to finance the govern--
ment expenditures through September 30, 1967 and would afford the Johnson-
Humphrey Administration another opportunity to review and reassess its fiscal
policies and forward to Congress up-to-date and credible information regarding
anticipated expenditures and revenues.
YEA
NAY
NOT VOTING
PERCENTAGE
Motion to Recommit:
169
10
7
94.4%
Final Passage:
0
176
10
100.0%
19. July 12, 1967 - Urged the prompt enactment of ANTI-RIOT LEGISLATION, H.R. 421.
This Republican-sponsored legislation would impose criminal penalties upon
persons traveling in or using the facilities of interstate commerce with the
intent to incite a riot.
YEA
NAY
NOT VOTING
PERCENTAGE
Final Passage:
180
4
2
97.8%
20. July 19, 1967 - Urged the House-Senate Conference on the NATIONAL AERONAUTICS
AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION AUTHORIZATION BILL to accept the key Republican amend-
ments which were adopted on the Floor of the House. These amendments reduce the
funds requested by NASA by $201.4 million, establish an independent safety panel
in NASA and require the Space Administration on its own initiative to keep
Congress fully and currently informed of problem areas in the space effort.
YEA
NAY
NOT VOTING
PERCENTAGE
Motion to Recommit:
157
20
9
88.7%
21. Aug. 2, 1967 - Adopted a statement with respect to the LAW ENFORCEMENT & CRIMINAL
JUSTICE ASSISTANCE ACT OF 1967, H.R. 5037 which urged the adoption of three key
amendments. The States must be given the authority to coordinate applications
for assistance and distribute aid to local law enforcement activities. An
appropriate allocation formula should be adopted that would limit the Attorney
General's unchecked discretion to distribute funds. A National Institute of Law
Enforcement and Criminal Justice which would be authorized to establish regional
training institutes should be established.
YEA
NAY
NOT VOTING
PERCENTAGE
Amendment that would grant
authority to States:
172
4
10
98.8%
Final Passage:
173
1
12
99.4%
22. Aug. 9, 1967 - Urged the Johnson-Humphrey Administration to provide the American
people with an effective ANTI-BALLISTIC MISSILE SYSTEM. The Joint Chiefs of
Staff unanimously support the position that this country should deploy an Anti-
Ballistic Missile System. The Joint Committee on Atomic Energy has warned, "A
low order of magnitude attack could possibly be launched by the Chinese Commun-
ists against the United States by the early 1970's."
-13-
23. Aug. 16, 1967 - Supported H.R. 12080, the SOCIAL SECURITY AMENDMENTS OF 1967.
This bill provides an across-the-board increase of 12 1/2 percent, increases the
amount an individual may earn and still get full benefits, strengthens the bene-
fit formula, improves the health insurance benefits, and requires the development
of programs under Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) that would in-
sure that individuals receiving aid would be trained to enter the labor force
as soon as possible.
YEA
NAY
NOT VOTING
PERCENTAGE
Final Passage:
182
1
3
99.4%
24. Sept. 13, 1967 - Adopted a statement with respect to the APPALACHIAN REGIONAL
DEVELOPMENT ACT AMENDMENT OF 1967 AND AMENDMENTS TO THE PUBLIC WORKS AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 1965 - S.602 which urged that the Appalachian Region be re-
tained in its present size, that the authorization be restricted to its current
amount and that the amendments to the Public Works and Economic Development Act
be deleted.
YEA
NAY
NOT VOTING
PERCENTAGE
Amendment to reduce authori-
zation by $50 million:
146
14
26
91.2%
Motion to Recommit:
143
17
26
89.3%
25. Sept. 19, 1967 - Supported the PARTNERSHIP FOR HEALTH AMENDMENTS OF 1967 -
H.P. 6418. This Republican sponsored and supported proposal provides $892
million in comprehensive health grants to the States during the next three years.
With these funds each State and locality will be able to zero in on its most
serious public health problem whether it is due to rat infestation or some
other cause.
YEA
NAY
NOT VOTING
PERCENTAGE
Final Passage:
172
4
10
97.7%
26. Oct. 11, 1967 - Supported H.R. 159 which would CREATE AN INDEPENDENT FEDERAL
MARITIME ADMINISTRATION.
YEA
NAY
NOT VOTING
PERCENTAGE
Final Passage:
162
5
19
97.0%
27. Oct. 18, 1967 -- Adopted a statement supporting a reduction of at least $5
billion in governmental expenditures. Urged that a spending ceiling be imposed
so that the anticipated Budget expenditures for fiscal year 1968 would be re-
duced from $136.5 to $131.5 billion.'
YEA
NAY
NOT VOTING
PERCENTAGE
H.J.Res. 888
Spending Ceiling Amendment
171
9
6
95.0%
-14-
28. Oct. 25, 1967 - Supported the AIR QUALITY ACT OF 1967 - S.780. This legislation
encourages the solution of air pollution problems on a regional basis in accord-
ance with air quality standards and enforcement plans developed by the States.
It provides $362.3 million over a 3-year period for air control research, studies,
planning and grants to States and air pollution agencies.
YEA
NAY
NOT VOTING
PERCENTAGE
Final Passage:
161
0
25
100.0%
29. Oct. 31, 1967 - Supported the FEDERAL MEAT INSPECTION ACT, H.R. 12144. This
legislation updates and revises the Act of March 4, 1907, the Horsemeat Act and
the Imported Meat Act into a single new statute. It broadens the present meat
inspection service by establishing a Federal-State Cooperative Meat Inspection
Program. The Department of Agriculture is provided with authority to eliminate
practices that could defraud consumers and endanger the public health.
YEA
NAY
NOT VOTING
PERCENTAGE
Final Passage:
179
1
6
99.4%
30. Nov. 8, 1967 - Urged the prompt consideration of CLEAN ELECTIONS LEGISLATION.
On June 27, 1967, a bipartisan Election REform Bill, H.R. 11233 was reported
ty a Subcommittee of the House Administration Committee. This legislation con-
tains the basic reforms advocated and supported by President Johnson and the
Republican Congressional Leadership. With the next Presidential and Congress-
ional elections less than one year away, Congressional action cannot be delayed
if this legislation is to be in effect and operative during the 1968 Campaigns.
TOTAL AVERAGE
96.1%
-15-
(NOT PRINTED AT GOVERNMENT EXPENSE)
10
Congressional Record
United States
of America
PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE
90ᵗʰ
CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION
Vol. 113
WASHINGTON, MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1967
No. 197
House of Representatives
HOUSE REPUBLICAN ACCOMPLISH-
len budgetary deficit.
ing Washington bureaucracy, solutions
MENTS-FIRST SESSION, 90TH
The budget for fiscal 1958 totaled $73.3
have not been found to the many prob-
CONGRESS
billion. Today the Federal Government
lems that face urban America. It is in-
is spending at an annual rate in excess of
teresting to note that even liberal Demo-
Mr. RHODES of Arizona. Mr. Speaker,
$140 billion. In the 5-year period of the
crats such as Daniel P. Moynihan,
in the first session of the 90th Congress,
Johnson administration, the Federal
former Assistant Secretary of Labor and
the Republican Members of the House
Government has spent $60.487 billion
now director of the Harvard-MIT Joint
of Representatives have compiled a re-
more than it has taken in. The non-
Center for Urban Affairs, has stated
markable record of achievement and
defense spending by the Federal Govern-
that:
progress. In committee and on the House
ment in 1960 was $48.6 billion. The esti-
We must abandon the notion that the na-
floor, many legislative measures that up-
mated nondefense spending for fiscal
tion, especially the cities of the nation, can
date existing programs or establish a
year 1968 is $95.6 billion. And now, the
be run from agencies in Washington.
new and sound approach to problem
administration's January 1967 forecast
The Great Society program that is
solving at the Federal level have been
of an $8.7 billion deficit for fiscal 1968
built around the concept of the categori-
developed or substantially improved
has been shot upward by President John-
cal grants administered by huge Federal
through Republican efforts.
son to a staggering $30 to $35 billion.
bureaucracies has not delivered the
On January 19, 1967, the minority
The second and third installments on
goods. Waste, inefficiency, and few real
leader, GERALD R. FORD, presented the
the grandiose Great Society programs
results have been the rule rather than
domestic portion of the Republican ap-
that were hastily enacted by President
the exception. In an effort to counter this
praisal of the state of the Union. In
Johnson and his rubberstamp Demo-
trend, the Republican Members of Con-
this appraisal, there was presented a 40-
cratic majority in the 89th Congress are
gress have advocated a system of block
point program of constructive Republi-
now due. The combination of Great So-
grants that encourages maximum State
can proposals for consideration by the
ciety spending and increased defense ex-
coordination and permits the States and
90th Congress. Thirty of these proposals
penditures has resulted in an inflationary
localities to establish priorities and run
were in the area of Republican alterna-
spiral that has reached an annual rate of
their own programs with a minimum of
tives to the tired and outdated ap-
4.4 percent and the cost of living has
Federal interference.
proaches of the Johnson administration
risen 12.6 percent since January 1961.
and the Democratic congressional ma-
Key interest rates are soaring out of con-
The recently enacted Comprehensive
jority. This was admittedly an ambitious
trol and may zoom to heights not reached
Health Act provides one of the best ex-
program, but it was a program that re-
since the 19th century.
amples of what can be done under the
sponded to the needs of the 1960's and
Despite the seriousness of the present
block grant approach. This Republican-
the challenges of the 1970's.
situation, the Johnson administration re-
sponsored and supported act consolid-
Since the first of the year, the House
fused to cut back on nonessential spend-
ated 16 separately administered public
Republican policy committee has held
ing and establish spending priorities. It
health programs and permitted the
29 meetings and adopted 30 policy state-
waited until August 3, 1967, to request a
States to develop plans, establish priori-
ments. The discussion at these meetings
tax increase and then offered dubious
ties, and coordinate local activities. Un-
and the action taken by the committee
promises of future frugality. Only re-
der this approach, the priority health
have played an important part in for-
cently has President Johnson finally
problems in each State and community
mulating sound legislation and fostering
faced up to the fact that "the cruelest
whether they stem from communicable
the broadest possible public understand-
tax of all is the inflation tax." It was not
disease, narcotics, or rat infestation can
ing of the Republican proposals. In the
until November 29, 1967, 11 days after
be identified and programs designed to
30 policy statements, the policy commit-
the fateful devaluation of the British
combat the problems established and
tee: First, recommended 10 affirmative
pound, that a specific plan for expendi-
properly funded. The bill will provide
measures to implement Republican pro-
ture reduction was submitted to Congress
more than $900 million for comprehen-
grams; second, supported 13 legislative
by the Johnson administration.
sive health grants to the various States
proposals that provide solutions to ma-
In an effort to stem the inflationary
during the next 3 years. See September
jor problems or basic improvements in
tide, House Republicans led the fight to
19, 1967, policy committee statement.
present laws; third, proposed construc-
cut nondefense spending. An increase in
The House-passed Law Enforcement
tive changes and substantive improve-
the public debt ceiling that sanctioned
and Criminal Justice Assistance Act as it
ments to five key measures; and, fourth,
the Johnson administration's dangerous
was improved and perfected by Republi-
twice opposed debt ceiling increases that
and irrespondsible approach to Federal
can amendments, employs the block
failed to deal with nonessential spending
spending and budget deficits was opposed
grant approach. It provides maximum
and greater budget deficits.
on three different occasions. On March
State and local control over law enforce-
In the 24 cases where a rollcall vote
22, 1967, the policy committee urged the
ment and minimum Federal interference.
was taken on the amendment or position
adoption of a Republican resolution that
The Republican initiated and supported
supported by the policy committee, 96.1
would return the 1968 budget to the
Air Quality Act encourages the solution
percent of the Republican Members vot-
President and request that he indicate
of air pollution problems on a regional
ing, voted in agreement with the policy
the places and amounts where he believes
basis in accordance with air quality.
committee. And in 18 cases, the bill or
that reductions can be made. This re-
standards and enforcement plans devel-
amendment supported by the policy
solution was pigeonholed by the Demo-
oped by States. And the House-adopted
committee was adopted by the House of
cratic majority. However, a Republican
Meat Inspection Act establishes a viable
Representatives.
proposal that imposed a $131.5 billion
Federal-State cooperative meat inspec-
The policy committee statements, and
limitation on Government spending ex-
tion program.
the positions that they contain, have
cept for added expenditures that might
The principle of block grants also pre-
been addressed to the vital issues and
be necessary for Vietnam, and could lead
vailed in the final House version of the
problems that presently challenge this
to a spending reduction of at least $5
Elementary and Secondary Education
country. They reflect hours of study and
billion, was adopted by the House of Rep-
Act. In this legislation, a portion of the
provide specific and workable sugges-
resentatives on October 18, 1967. And,
massive educational program has been
tions for improving old programs or
as a result of Republican efforts, ap-
returned to State control and planning.
initiating needed new legislation. They
proximately $4 billion has been pared
See April 19 and August 2, 1967, policy
express a determination that the basic
from the administration's request for
committee statements.
changes and improvements demanded by
new spending authority.
PUBLIC SAFETY-ASSISTING STATE AND LOCAL LAW
the American people in the 1966 election
Repblicans have made it abundantly
ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES
shall be given at least a fair hearing and,
clear that if the President is sincere
This year alone urban rioting has
if at all possible, enacted into law by
about wanting a tax increase, he must
caused more than $100,000,000 in prop-
this Congress.
take the first step toward reestablishing
erty dàmage. Cities, counties, and States
FIGHTING INFLATION AND WILD GOVERNMENT
his fiscal credibility. He must cooperate
have spent millions in overtime for police
SPENDING
in making a significant cut in the ex-
and fire departments and calling up of
The first-session of the 90th Congress
penditure level of this Government-
National Guard units. More than 16,000
nas witnessed a continuing battle by
see February 8, March 22, June 7 and
persons have been arrested during out-
House Republicans against the spending
21, and October 18, 1967, policy commit-
breaks of violence in 67 cities, more than
policies of the Johnson administration-
tee statements.
3,200 injured and 85 killed.
spending policies that fed the inflation-
THE CRISIS IN THE CITIES
The current "Uniform Crime Reports"
ary fires, skyrocketed interest rates and
Although billions and billions of dol-
reveal that serious crime in the United
dramatically increased an already swol-
lars have been spent by an ever-increas-
States increased 11 percent in 1966 when
compared with 1965. All crime index of-
turbing that in a period of continued
nouncing that it, too, will recommend
fenses showed substantial increases in
American decline the other maritime na-
the establishment of a Hoover-type com-
volume. Crimes of violence were up 11
tions of the world are building up their
mission to help weed out obsolete Gov-
percent with a 9-percent increase in mur-
merchant fleets. In 1963, the Russians
ernment programs-see February 23,
der, 10 percent in aggravated assault, 10
constructed 115 ships while America
1967, policy committee statement.
percent in forcible rape, and 14 percent
launched 31. Between 1959 and 1963, the
RESPONDING TO PUBLIC DEMANDS FOR CLEAN
in robbery.
American fleet increased by 20 fewer
ELECTIONS
These statistics starkly dramatize the
ships than the Russians produced in the
crisis in law enforcement in this country.
For some time, there has been general
single year 1963.
The very ability of government to main-
agreement that the laws dealing with
tain law and order and to provide per-
In response to the Republican call to
election campaigns should be revised and
sonal safety has been challenged as never
action, legislation establishing an inde-
updated. The Federal Corrupt Practices
before. Local law enforcement, criminal
pendent Federal Maritime Administra-
Act was enacted in 1925. The Hatch Act
justice, techniques of correction and re-
tion was enacted by the House of Repre-
was passed 27 years ago. Recent studies
habilitation must be updated and im-
sentatives. This legislation can facilitate
such as the 1962 Report of President
proved.
the development of a forward-looking
Kennedy's Commission on Campaign
In response to this challenge, Repub-
maritime program and help to bring an
Costs reveal that present laws invite eva-
lican-sponsored legislation that would
end to the present period of neglect, con-
sion and are filled with loopholes. Unless
impose criminal penalties upon persons
fusion, and inactivity. Unless our ship-
there is basic reform, public confidence
traveling in or using the facilities of
building effort is increased, our defense
in the election process will be impaired.
interstate commerce with the intent to
commitments throughout the world will
At the start of the 90th Congress, the
incite a riot was enacted by the House
be in jeopardy. Our national survival may
policy committee urged the House leader-
of Representatives. This legislation
depend upon the shipping that should be
ship to schedule the Election Reform Act
represents the legitimate exercise of
under construction but which the John-
as one of the first pieces of legislation to
Federal power under authority based on
son administration has scuttled-see
receive floor consideration. Thereafter,
the commerce clause of the Constitution.
May 3 and October 11, 1967, policy com-
with unanimous Republican support, an
Historically, certain types of conduct
mittee statement.
election reform bill, H.R. 11233, was re-
have been prohibited by Federal statute
CONGRESSIONAL REFORM AND REORGANIZATION
ported by the subcommittee of the House
when the facilities of interstate com-
Unless Congress is strengthened and
Administration Committee on June 27,
merce are used. The Republican-spon-
new procedures and techniques devel-
1967. This is sound legislation. Through
sored antiriot legislation follows this
oped, the historic roll of Congress as an
the incorporation of the following major
pattern of asserting Federal authority.
essential check on the massive power of
Republican provisions, honest reporting
The provisions of the bill supplement not
the executive branch may be dangerously
of campaign contributions and expendi-
supersede local law enforcement. By as-
diluted. The enactment of a mass of
tures and streamlined enforcement pro-
suring Federal jurisdiction over out-of-
open-ended legislation has created an
cedures would be insured:
state inciters, State and local authori-
escalating bureaucracy that is in no way
First. A five-member bipartisan Fed-
ties are assisted in keeping the peace
responsible to the voters of the country.
eral Elections Commission is established
and protecting the public safety. See
Congress, limited as to staff and access to
to receive reports and statements re-
July 12, 1967, policy committee state-
pertinent information, cannot adequate-
garding campaign contributions and ex-
ment.
ly audit the mass of Federal activities and
penditures.
Republicans also supported the Law
programs. A spittoon approach to the
Second. The Commission has been
Enforcement and Criminal Justice As-
problems of a computerized society is no
granted full and complete authority to
sistance Act of 1967. This legislation es-
longer adequate. Early in the session, the
enforce the provisions of the act. It is
tablishes a Federal program to provide
policy committee advocated legislation
also authorized to make reports and
assistance to local law enforcement
that would update and modernize Con-
statements available for public inspec-
agencies. Key Republican amendments
gress. This legislation would:
tion and to prepare and publish sum-
offered and adopted on the floor of the
First. Establish a Joint Committee on
maries and reports.
House materially strengthened this bill.
Congressional Operations with continu-
Third. Candidates for Federal office,
These amendments, which were sup-
ing authority to study the structure and
and political committees supporting
ported by the National Governor's Con-
procedures of Congress and to recom-
such candidates, that accept contribu-
ference, curb the unlimited power of the
mend additional reforms and changes.
tions or make expenditures exceeding
Attorney General and provide essential
Second. Protect the rights of the mi-
$1,000 in any calendar year, are required
State coordination and control. Each
,nority through the provision of addi-
to report contributions and expendi-
State is authorized to develop a state-
tional committee staff and the right to
tures.
wide comprehensive law enforcement
present minority views and reports.
Fourth. Donations by an individual of
plan and establish a State agency to
Third. Authorize measures designed to
more than $5,000 to any candidate or
administer the plan. Once this plan is
assist Members of Congress in the per-
any committee supporting such candi-
accepted, all Federal assistance goes to
formance of their congressional duties.
dates in any calendar year are pro-
the State agency which in turn distrib-
hibited
Fourth. Implement fiscal controls and
utes the aid to local law enforcement
budgetary reforms that would include a
Fifth. Campaign contributions by po-
agencies. See August 2, 1967, policy
litical action committees financially sup-
greater utilization of the General Ac-
committee statement.
ported by a corporation, trade associa-
counting Office.
tion or labor organization are regulated,
ANTIBALLISTIC MISSILE SYSTEM
Fifth. Establish a bill of rights for
Sixth. Conventions, primaries, and
On August 9, 1967, the Republican
congressional committees.
party caucuses have been placed under
policy committee urged the Johnson ad-
The policy committee also urged the
the reporting and disclosure provisions
ministration to provide the American
immediate establishment of a Select
of the bill.
people with an effective antiballistic mis-
Committee on Congressional Standards
Seventh. The disclosure of gifts or
sile system. In calling for immediate
and Conduct which would be provided
honorariums of more than $100 is re-
action, the committee noted: First, the
with the authority to establish a code of
quired of candidates for the House and
Soviets have been building and deploying
ethics, investigate alleged breaches of
Senate as well as incumbents.
their ABM system for some time. Second,
conduct, recommend appropriate action,
At a series of committee meetings, Re-
the Joint Chiefs of Staff unanimously
and report violations of law to the proper
publican Members consistently urged
support the position that this country
local and State authorities. Legislation
that this important legislation be report-
should now proceed to deploy. Third,
has been enacted and a code of ethics is
ed so that it could receive early floor con-
Congress has appropriated sufficient
now being drafted. This is an important
sideration. However, their efforts were
funds for this purpose. Fourth, the Joint
first step in recapturing the public con-
met by delaying tactics and late in the
Committee on Atomic Energy has
fidence and respect that has been lost
session, the election reform bill did not
warned:
through the highly publicized allegations
even appear on the administration's list
A low order of magnitude attack could
of misconduct against a few Members of
of must legislation. Certainly, congres-
possibly be launched by the Chinese Com-
Congress-see February 8 and May 10,
sional action cannot be delayed much
munists against the United States by the
1967, policy committee statements.
longer if this legislation is to be in effect
early 1970's. At present we do not have an
EXECUTIVE REORGANIZATION
effective anti-ballistic missile system which
and operative during the 1968 campaigns.
could repel such a suicidal (for the Chinese)
As a result of hastily enacted and
It must receive early consideration in the
but nevertheless possible strike.
oftentimes competing programs that
second session of Congress. The American
have been stacked one upon another, it
public demands and deserves an election
On September 19, 1967, the Johnson
is impossible for State and local officials
process that commands respect and con-
administration finally heeded these
to know what Federal programs are
fidence.
warnings and announced that the United
available for what purpose or even where
SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING FOR THE
States this year would start building a
to go for specific information. Moreover,
UNEMPLOYED
$5 billion missile defense system. The
old departments and agencies created
The Republican Members of Congress
importance of this decision to go forward
and organized to meet the problems of
have long been interested in establishing
with the establishment of a defense
the first half of the 20th century are now
a sound program that would solve this
against missiles has been underlined by
woefully antiquated. In order to provide
Nation's manpower problems by upgrad-
the recent announcement that the Soviet
a careful and thoughtful study well
ing and developing the skills of our labor
has developed a fractional orbital bom-
above partisan politics and interagency
force. The Republican effort in this area
bardment system that would cut the
power fights, the policy committee rec-
began with Operation Employment in
warning time of targets in America from
ommended the establishment of a Com-
1961-62. In this study by the Republican
15 to 3 minutes. See August 9, 1967, policy
mission on the Organization of the Ex-
policy committee, leading authorities in
committee statement.
ecutive Branch similar to the first and
the fields of education and on-the-job
S S-S o S-THE AMERICAN MERCHANT
second Hoover Commissions.
training were contacted for their com-
MARINE
This Commission would be empowered
ments and recommendations. The results
Deeply concerned that the Johnson ad-
to conduct an in-depth study of the Fed-
of this study were incorporated into the
ministration has permitted the American
eral Government's bureaucratic sprawl.
Republican-proposed Manpower and De-
maritime industry to drift into a major
It could probe a war on poverty that now
velopment Training Act of 1962 which
crisis, the policy committee issued a call
includes more than 260 Federal pro-
was adopted in great part and enacted
for immediate action and endorsed legis-
grams. An answer might even be found to
into law by the 87th Congress. This act
lation sponsored by the Republican
a mushrooming Federal bureaucracy that
has proven to be an important step in a
members of the Merchant Marine and
defies a Presidential order to cut back
greatly expanded war on unemployment
Fisheries Committee that would estab-
by adding 192,000 employees to the rolls.
and underemployment. For example,
lish an independent Maritime Admin-
Recently, the Johnson administration
from August 1962 to April 1967 there
istration. It is both ironic and deeply dis-
has taken an important first step by an-
were 635,000 trainees enrolled in MDTA
institutional training and 163,000 train-
ance benefits.
statement urging the immediate consid-
ees enrolled in MDTA on-the-job train-
Under the provisions of this bill, the
eration and enactment of the Election
ing.
amount that a person may earn and still
Reform Act of 1967 which has been
HUMAN INVESTMENT ACT
get his benefits would be increased from
sponsored and introduced by Republican
Despite the efforts that have been made
$1,500 to $1,680 and the amount to which
Members. This act would establish a
under the MDTA and other costly Fed-
the $1 for $2 reduction would apply,
five-member bipartisan Federal Elec-
eral training programs, there remain to-
would range from $1,680 to $2,880 a year.
tions Commission which would receive,
day an estimated 2.7 million Americans
The amount a person may earn in 1
investigate, and audit campaign contri-
who are chronically unemployed and
month would be increased from $125 to
butions and expenditure reports and
hundreds of thousands of others who are
$140. Also, the number of days of hos-
statements.
underemployed. In order to meet this
pitalization would be increased from 90
Second. February 8, 1967: Adopted a
need, the Republicans in the House of
to 120 days. A patient would be per-
statement urging the immediate estab-
Representatives have urged the immedi-
mitted to submit his itemized bill directly
lishment of a Select Committee on
ate consideration of the Human Invest-
to the insurance carrier for payment.
Standards and Conduct. This 12-member
ment Act of 1967. This act is designed to
And a physician no longer would be re-
committee would be empowered to rec-
encourage on-the-job training by private
quired to certify that a patient requires
ommend rules and regulations to insure
industry and skill development by indi-
hospitalization at the time he enters or
proper standards of conduct by Mem-
viduals. It would offer a tax credit to-
that a patient requires hospital outpa-
bers and officers and employees of the
ward certain specified expenses of pro-
tient services. See August 16, 1967, pol-
House. Also, it would have the authority
grams designed to train prospective em-
icy committee statements.
to investigate alleged breaches of con-
ployees and to retrain current employees
IMPROVING FEDERAL AND STATE MEAT
duct, recommend appropriate action and
INSPECTION
for more demanding jobs. It is a proven
report violations of law to the proper
fact that the most effective employee
The Republican-supported Meat In-
Federal and State authorities.
trainer in the Nation is private enter-
spection Act, establishes a cooperative
H. Res. 418 (Apr. 13, 1967), final passage:
prise. The Human Investment Act would
Federal-State inspection system under
Yea
175
encourage employers throughout this
which the Federal Government assists
Nay
0
country to develop and implement addi-
the States in meeting their responsibi-
Not voting
12
tional training programs that will equip
lities to provide high quality meat in-
Percentage
100
thousands and thousands of individuals
spection. Federal cooperation and assist-
Third. February 8, 1967: Opposed H.R.
to cash in on the job opportunities that
ance to the States includes program
4573 which would raise the debt ceiling
will be provided by the many technolog-
planning and technical and laboratory
to $336 billion without making certain
ical changes and advances that are being
assistance as well as financial aid up to
basic budgetary reforms. Urged the adop-
developed and implemented by Ameri-
50 percent of the total cost of the State
tion of an amendment which would in-
can industry.
program.
clude as a part of the public debt par-
HELPING THOSE ON WELFARE
The prohibition against counterfeiting,
ticipation certificates sold as full faith
forgery, and other unauthorized use of
One of the most perplexing problems
and credit obligations. Also, urged the
official certificates, labels, and marking
facing this country today is the welfare
adoption of an amendment which would
devices is clarified. The authority of the
problem. We have second and third gen-
permit the Secretary of the Treasury to
Department of Agriculture to regulate
eration welfare families. Their business
save as much as $50 million in annual
the marking, labeling and packaging of
is welfare and the payments are so good
interest payments by issuing up to $6
carcasses, meats, and meat food products
that they cannot afford to go to work. A
is clearly defined. The same standards,
billion long-term Treasury obligations
way must be found to get these indi-
that apply to meat and meat products
on the same interest basis as short-term
viduals trained, into private employment
produced and processed within the Unit-
obligations.
and off the welfare rolls.
ed States is extended to imported meat.
Motion to recommit:
An important first step in the solution
This legislation does not preempt the
Yea
153
of this terribly complicated problem has
jurisdiction of the States over intrastate
Nay
23
been taken by the House of Representa-
Not voting
11
commerce. An amendmemnt that would
tives during this session of Congress. The
Percentage
86.9
have virtually eliminated State inspec-
House-adopted Social Security Act
tion programs and assigned the responsi-
Final passage:
amendments make a number of impor-
Yea
2
bility of State and local health protection,
Nay
173
tant changes in the program that pro-
at an additional annual cost of $31.2 mil-
Not voting
12
vides aid to families with dependent
lion, to the Federal Government was re-
Percentage
98.8
children-AFDC. In the last 10 years, this
jected.
program has grown from 646,000 fami-
Under the provisions of this act, a
Fourth. February 23, 1967: Adopted a
lies that included 2.4 million recipients
viable Federal-State cooperative meat
statement urging the immediate consid-
to 1.2 million families and nearly 5 mil-
inspection program is established. New
eration and enactment of legislation
lion recipients. It is estimated that the
protection is afforded to the consumer.
sponsored and introduced by Republican
amount of Federal funds allocated to this
This legislation strengthens and improves
Members that would establish a Com-
program will increase from $1.46 billion
a meat packing and processing industry
mission on the Reorganization of the
to $1.84 billion over the next 5 years
that has $16 billion in annual gross sales
Executive Branch of the Government-
unless constructive and concerted action
and that provides $13 billion in yearly
new Hoover Commission.
is taken. In order to reduce the AFDC
sales of livestock to the American farm-
Fifth. March 8, 1967: Adopted a state-
rolls by restoring more families to em-
ment urging the immediate considera-
er-see October 31, 1967, policy commit-
ployment and self-reliance, the States
tee statement.
tion of legislation introduced by Repub-
would be required to:
lican Members that would eliminate
LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF OUR
First. Establish a program for each
political favoritism and insure the rec-
AIR HAS A HIGH PRIORITY
AFDC adult or older child not attend-
I
ognition and promotion of able and ex-
The Republican-supported Air Quality
ing school which would equip them for
perienced career postal employees.
Act of 1967 encourages the solution of air
work and place them in a job.
Sixth. March 15, 1967: Adopted a
pollution problems on a regional basis in
Second. Establish community work
statement urging the immediate consid-
accordance with air quality standards
and training programs throughout the
eration of the Human Investment Act
and enforcement plans developed by the
State by July 1, 1969.
of 1967. This Republican-sponsored leg-
Third. Provide that protective pay-
States. It provides $428 million over a
islation would encourage American busi-
ments and vendor payments be made
3-year period for air control research,
ness to invest in our No. 1 resource-the
where appropriate to protect the welfare
studies, planning and grants to States
American working man and woman. It
of children.
and air pollution agencies.
would stimulate the initiation and ex-
Fourth. Furnish day-care services and
Air pollution is no longer just a threat,
pansion of job training and retraining
It is a present menace to the health and
other services to make it possible for
programs by providing a tax credit for
adult members of the family to take
well-being of the American people. Ap-
certain expensese of such programs.
proximately 130 million tons of pollutants
training and employment.
Seventh. March 22, 1967: Commended
are discharged annually into the Nation's
Fifth. Have an earnings exemption to
the Republican members of the Joint
atmosphere, an average of 1,400 pounds
provide incentives for work by AFDC
Economic Committee for their excellent
for each American. This pollution is a
recipients.
analysis and review of the 1967 Eco-
byproduct of our highly developed econ-
See August 16, 1967, policy committee
nomic Report of the President. Urged
omy. It stems from the rising number of
statement.
the enactment of a Republican resolu-
motor vehicles, and from the trend
tion that would return the 1968 budget
UPDATING SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS
toward urbanization which concentrates
to the President and request that he in-
During the 89th Congress and again
the highest levels of pollution in the most
dicate the places and amounts where he
in the January Republican state of the
populated areas. Economic and mechani-
believes substantial reductions may be
Union message, the Republican leader-
cal progress has meant the deterioration
made.
ship in the House of Representatives
of our precious air supply. Smog, dam-
Eighth. April 5, 1967: Urged the up-
called for an immediate increase in so-
age to health and property, and even
dating and revision of the copyright
cial security benefits. Due to the Great
death have resulted from the pollution
law, H.R. 2512. This law would insure
Society inflation, many of our elderly
of our air.
that authors receive the encourage-
citizens have been faced with a serious
For some time, the Republican Party
ment they need to create and the re-
situation. Last year alone, the cost of
has recognized that steps must be taken
muneration they deserve for their crea-
living rose 3.3 percent. Cash benefits fell
to improve this Nation's knowledge and
tions.
7 percentage points behind the Consumer
technical capability to meet the air pol-
Final passage:
Price Index. It is unfortunate that the
lution problem. In his 1955 state of the
Yea
182
administration delayed action on this
Union address, President Eisenhower
Nay
1
legislation for so long. There are nearly
urged the enactment of air pollution
Not voting
4
40 million retired Americans who do not
legislation. With the support of Repub-
Percentage
99.
enjoy the benefit of rising wages and in-
licans of both Houses of Congress, the
Ninth. April 5, 1967: Urged the crea-
come to cope with rising prices.
first legislation in this field was enacted
tion of a bipartisan Congressional Com-
The Republican-supported social secu-
by the 84th Congress. The Air Quality Act
mittee on Captive Nations. There is an
rity bill that has been adopted by the
materially strengthens and improves this
obligation to promote the enjoyment of
House, provides an across-the-board in-
basic legislation. See October 25, 1967,
human rights and fundamental free-
crease by 12½ percent, increases the
policy committee statement.
doms wherever they may be denied or
amount an individual may earn and still
REPUBLICAN POLICY COMMITTEE STATEMENTS
threatened. If we are to consider build-
get full benefits, strengthens the benefit
AND FLOOR VOTES
ing bridges to the East, such an effort
formula and improves the health insur-
First. February 8, 1967: Adopted a
should start with the people in the
captive nations.
record vote.
Twenty-fourth. September 13, 1967:
Tenth. April 19, 1967: Urged basic re-
Eighteenth. June 21, 1967: Opposed
Adopted a statement with respect to the
forms in the Elementary and Secondary
H.R. 10867 which would increase the bor-
Appalachian Regional Development Act
Education Act. Under the present law,
rowing authority of the Treasury to a
Amendment of 1967 and Amendments to
Federal support intended to improve
maximum of $365 billion. Urged the con-
the Public Works and Economic Develop-
elementary and secondary education has
tinuation of the present $336 billion debt
ment Act of 1965, S. 602, which urged
been used to undermine State and local
limit. This would be adequate to finance
that the Appalachian region be retained
initiative and responsibility. Urged an
the Government expenditures through
in its present size, that the authorization
amendment to provide block grants to
September 30, 1967, and would afford the
be restricted to its current amount and
the States for educational purposes. Such
Johnson-Humphrey administration an-
that the amendments to the Public
grants would replace the multiplicity of
other opportunity to review and reassess
Works and Economic Development Act
categorical grant-in-aid programs now
its fiscal policies and forward to Congress
be deleted.
in operation.
up-to-date and credible information re-
Amendment to reduce authorization by
Block grant amendment:
garding anticipated expenditures and
$50 million:
Yea
154
revenues.
Yea
146
Nay
26
Nay
14
Not voting
Motion to recommit:
7
Yea
169
Not voting
26
Percentage
85.
Nay
10
Percentage
91.2
Eleventh. April 26, 1967: Adopted a
Not voting
7
Motion to recommit:
statement regarding congressional redis-
Percentage
94.4
Yea
143
tricting which noted that the establish-
Final passage:
Nay
17
ment of precise criteria for congressional
Yea
0
Not voting
26
redistricting is a matter for Congress. If
Nay
176
Percentage
89.3
Congress does not establish guidelines
Not voting
10
for the State to follow, the districts in 22
Percentage
100
Twenty-fifth. September 19, 1967:
States or 297 congressional districts may
Nineteenth. July 12, 1967: Urged the
Supported the Partnership for Health
be ruled invalid. H.R. 2508 would provide
prompt enactment of antiriot legislation,
Amendments of 1967-H.R. 6418. This
congressional standards for the State to
H.R. 421. This Republican-sponsored leg-
Republican sponsored and supported
follow in the establishment of districts
islation would impose criminal penalties
proposal provides $892 million in com-
for the election of representatives to Con-
upon persons traveling in or using the
prehensive health grants to the States
gress.
facilities of interstate commerce with the
during the next 3 years. With these funds
Motion to recommit:
intent to incite a riot.
each State and locality will be able to
Yea
158
Final passage:
zero in on its most serious public health
Nay
3
Yea
180
Not voting
26
problem whether it is due to rat infesta-
Nay
4
Percentage
98.1
Not voting
2
tion or some other cause.
Final passage:
Percentage
97.8
Final Passage:
Yea
141
Yea
172
Nay
15
Twentieth. July 19, 1967: Urged the
Nay
4
Not voting
31
House-Senate conference on the National
Not voting
10
Percentage
90.3
Aeronautics and Space Administration
Percentage
97.7
Twelfth. May 3, 1967: Urged the
authorization bill to accept the key Re-
publican amendments which were
Twenty-sixth. October 11, 1967: Sup-
prompt enactment of legislation to pro-
hibit the deliberate and defiant desecra-
adopted on the floor of the House. These
ported H.R. 159 which would create an
amendments reduce the funds requested
independent Federal Maritime Adminis-
tion of the American flag.
by NASA by $201.4 million, establish an
tration.
H.R. 10480 final passage:
independent safety panel in NASA and
Final Passage:
Yea
175
0
require the Space Administration on its
Yea
162
Nay
Not voting
12
own initiative to keep Congress fully and
Nay
5
Not voting
19
Percentage
100
currently informed of problem areas 111
Percentage
97
the space effort.
Thirteenth. May 3, 1967: Adopted a
Motion to recommit:
Twenty-seventh. October 18, 1967:
statement that warns of a national crisis
Yea
157
Adopted a statement supporting a reduc-
in the American maritime industry that
Nay
20
tion of at least $5 billion in governmental
has been triggered by the neglect, con-
Not voting
9
expenditures. Urged that a spending ceil-
fusion, and general inability of the John-
Percentage
88.7
ing be imposed so that the anticipated
son-Humphrey administration to meet
Twenty-first. August 2, 1967: Adopted
Budget expenditures for fiscal year 1968
the mounting maritime problem. Urged
a statement with respect to the Law En-
would be reduced from $136.5 to $131.5
the revitalization and modernization of
-forcement and Criminal Justice Assist-
billion.
our shipbuilding industry so that the de-
ance Act of 1967, H.R. 5037 which urged
H.J. Res. 888-Spending ceiling amend-
mands of the future can be met. Called
the adoption of three key amendments.
ment:
for the development of a meaningful
Yea
171
The States must be given the authority
maritime policy that will incorporate a
Nay
9
to coordinate applications for assistance
Not voting
6
forward-looking ship replacement pro-
and distribute aid to local law enforce-
Percentage
95
gram.
Fourteenth. May 10, 1967: Adopted a
ment activities. An appropriate alloca-
Twenty-eighth. October 25, 1967: Sup-
statement which urged prompt action on
tion formula should be adopted that
ported the Air Quality Act of 1967, S.
the congressional reorganization legisla-
would limit the Attornev General's un-
780. This legislation encourages the solu-
tion, S. 355. The awesome problems of
checked discretion to distribute funds.
tion of air pollution problems on a re-
today and the challenges of the 1970's
A National Institute of Law Enforcement
gional basis in accordance with air qual-
demand an efficient and effective Con-
and Criminal Justice which would be au-
ity standards and enforcement plans de-
gress. Unless Congress is strengthened,
thorized to establish regional training
veloped by the States. It provides $362.3
there is grave danger that the historic
institutes should be established.
million over a 3-year period for air con-
role of Congress as an essential check on
Amendment that would grant author-
trol research, studies, planning, and
the massive power of the Executive may
ity to States:
grants to States and air pollution
Yea
172
be dangerously diluted.
4
agencies.
Nay
Fifteenth. May 24, 1967: Adopted a
Not voting
10
Final passage:
statement supporting the Military Selec-
Percentage
98.8
Yea
161
Nay
0
tive Service Act of 1967, S. 1432. This
Final passage:
Not voting
25
legislation updates and improves the
Yea
173
Percentage
100. 0
present Selective Service System in a
Nay
1
number of important respects. It estab-
Not voting
12
Twenty-ninth. October 31, 1967: Sup-
lishes uniform criteria for future under-
Percentage
99. 4
ported the Federal Meat Inspection Act,
graduate college student deferments.
H.R. 12144. This legislation updates and
Twenty-second. August 9, 1967: Urged
Final passage:
revises the act of March 4, 1907, the
the Johnson-Humphrey administration
Yea
164
Horsemeat Act and the Imported Meat
to provide the American people with an
Nay
0
22
effective antiballistic missile system. The
Act into a single new statute. It broadens
Not voting
the present meat inspection service by
Percentage
100
Joint Chiefs of Staff unanimously sup-
port the position that this country should
establishing a Federal-State cooperative
Sixteenth. June 7. 1967: Adopted a
meat inspection program. The Depart-
deploy an antiballistic missile system.
statement in opposition to H.R. 10328
The Joint Committee on Atomic Energy
ment of Agriculture is provided with au-
which would increase the public debt
thority to eliminate practices that could
has warned:
ceiling by $29 billion. Urged a cutback in
defraud consumers and endanger the
A low order of magnitude attack could
nonessential spending and honest report-
public health.
possibly be launched by the Chinese Com-
ing of anticipated Government expendi-
munist against the United States by the
Final passage:
tures. This must be done if we are tc
early 1970's.
Yea
179
Nay
1
avoid a runaway economy that may lead
Twenty-third. August 16, 1967: Sup-
Not voting
6
to Government control of wages, prices,
ported H.R. 12080, the Social Security
Percentage
99.4
and credit as well as further increases in
Amendments of 1967. This bill provides
taxes.
an across-the-board increase of 12½ per-
Thirtieth. November 8, 1967: Urged the
Final passage:
cent, increases the amount an individual
prompt consideration of clean elections
Yea
0
Nay
176
may earn and still get full benefits,
legislation. On June 27, 1967, a bipartisan
Not voting
11
strengthens the benefit formula, im-
election reform bill, H.R. 11233, was re-
Percentage
proves the health insurance benefits, and
ported by a subcommittee of the House
100
Administration Committee. This legisla-
Seventeenth. June 14, 1967: Adopted a
requires the development of programs
tion contains the basic reforms advo-
statement on the railroad labor dispute
under Aid to Families with Dependent
legislation, House Joint Resolution 559,
Children-AFDC-that would insure
cated and supported by President John-
that individuals receiving aid would be
son and the Republican congressional
pointing out that due to the vacillating
trained to enter the labor force as soon
leadership. With the next presidential
performance of the Johnson-Humphrey
and congressional elections less than 1
administration, the country is faced with
as possible.
year away, congressional action cannot
a tragic situation. Legislation must be en-
Final passage:
acted, for in this period of international
Yea
182
be delayed if this legislation is to be in
Nay
1
effect and operative during the 1968 cam-
tensions and war, a chaotic nationwide
Not voting
8
paigns.
Percent
railway strike cannot be permitted. No
Percentage
99. Total average
90.1
FOR THE SENATE:
FOR THE HOUSE
Everett M. Dirksen
THE REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP
OF REPRESENTATIVES:
of Illinois
Gerald R. Ford
Thomas H. Kuchel
OF THE CONGRESS
of Michigan
of California
Leslie C. Arends
Bourke B. Hickenlooper
of Illinois
of Iowa
Melvin R. Laird
Margaret Chase Smith
of Wisconsin
of Maine
Press Release
John J. Rhodes
George Murphy
of Arizona
of California
H. Allen Smith
Milton R. Young
of California
of North Dakota
Bob Wilson
Hugh Scott
of California
of Pennsylvania
Issued following a
Charles E. Goodell
Leadership meeting
of New York
PRESIDING:
Richard H. Poff
of Virginia
The National Chairman
Ray C. Bliss
December 7, 1967
William C. Cramer
of Florida
"THE STATE OF THE CONGRESS"
RELEASE ON DELIVERY
12:30 pm. Dec.7, 1967
Statement by Senator Dirksen:
In our Appraisal of the State of the Union last January, Mr. Ford
and I, speaking on behalf of the Republicans in Congress, assessed the
situation in which we as a people then found ourselves, both at home and
abroad. We refused, in concluding that assessment, to be dismayed or to
despair. This, despite great provocation by this Administration since,
we refuse to do now.
The sole objective of the Republicans in Congress in these past
months, as over the years, has been the ver best interests of all of the
American people, at all times and on every issue. To help achieve those
best interests we have had historic demands made upon us as the party of
loyal opposition - historio because we have been faced with certain
problems unparalleled in the nation's annals, demands because they have
compelled us from time to time to make harsh and unpleasant judgments and
decisions in order that those best interests might be fully served and fully
protected.
Most importantly, we have given unhesitating support to every
requirement and need of our fighting forces in Southeast Asia and our armed
services elsewhere in the world. This we will continue to do, however
heavy the burden. Americans prepared to give their lives in conflict must
be given by us every single item of weaponry and other support they may at
any moment need - and they will be
The conduct of the conflict in iet Nam is, as under our Constitution
it must be, the full responsibility of the President in his capacity as
Commander-in-Chief. Only he has the authority, only he has the duty, only
he has the full information available for the execution of that responsibility.
Room S-124 U.S. Capitol-(202) 225-3700
(con't)
Consultant to the Leadership-John B. Fisher
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
"THE STATE OF THE CONGRESS
- 2 -
The decisions made and to be made can and must be made by him and him alone.
In order, however, that his hand may be guided and strengthened
in this, it is imperative that the most thoughtful discussion possible
continue in the Congress and among our people to this end. Let it be
emphasized anew, nevertheless, that as we search together for a solution
to Viet Nam we demonstrate our unity of purpose by conducting such discus-
sion in a fully free but a wholly orderly manner. Dissent is one thing;
disagreement by violence is quite another. Dissent we encourage and approve.
Violence, in any form and for whatever purpose, we condemn, now and hereafter.
We urge again that this Administration -- to a degree and with a
vigor not yet evident look beyond Viet Nam and consider where we shall
stand and with whom we shall sit when this conflict ceases. The Congress
and the people have seen all too little evidence of genuine effort to explore
and exploit the diplomatic opportunities available to us in this regard.
Channels of diplomacy, economic and otherwise, still remain open for our use.
The Republicans in Congress have not been concerned alone with the
war in Viet Nam. Other aspects of our foreign policy have been given
equally sharp scrutiny. We have not hesitated to recommend or to implore
an immediate re-shaping of it, whenever and wherever we have believed it
necessary in the nation's interest.
In the Middle East -- a tinderbox of appalling nature -- Republicans
have hoped for months for the adoption by the Administration of the atomic
desalinization plan placed before it some time ago by Americans of unques-
tioned ability and patriotic purpose. We are now informed by the Department
of State that this extraordinary project -- which might well change the
entire atmosphere in the eastern Mediterranean -- is "not politically
feasible". This we cannot believe. The proposal represents a thoughtful,
practical instrument for peace without parallel in recent years. It might
well provide the means of achieving political and economic stability in
the Middle East. As Americans, we urge the retrieval and adoption of that
proposal and its implementation at the earliest possible time.
In the American people's interest, we have continued to hold the
line against a unilateral "building of bridges" with the Communist nations
of the world. It is neither sensible nor safe to strengthen in the
(con't)
"THE STATE OF THE CONGRESS"
- 3 -
slightest degree the hand of an enemy which is at this moment striking down
young Americans in Viet Nam -- and in every corner of the globe conspiring
actively for the destruction of free America. Where and when, in the Senate
as in the House, we have taken this stand, we have done so for this reason
and no other. If, in the months to come, we should be given good and
convincing reason to expect otherwise of the Communists, we shall be pleased
indeed to reassess our own thinking in this somber regard.
The State of the Congress today is one of vexation and deep-seated
concern as we look about us here at home. We see an Administration wholly
blind in its belief that the enormous costs of the war in Viet Nam can and
will be borne by our people while at the same time the Administration seeks
unrestrained license to promote and finance multi-billion dollar social
programs. These have in too many instances proved valueless or dangerous
or both. Yet we are asked to support more and more such projects stamped
out in the same socialistic mint.
At this very moment the international air is filled with conversation
and concern regarding the "defense of the dollar" now that the British
pound has been devalued. The record is crystal-clear that the socialistic
experiments and experience of Great Britain in recent years have been the
primary reason for the near collapse of her economy. A continuation and
multiplication of the so-called Great Society's experiments could bring
identical results here. Socialism and a sound economy simply will not mix.
Despite our nation's enormous resources our economy cannot long stand such
abuse.
Let me make it quite clear, as we have done repeatedly, that ours
is not and has not been opposiion for its own sake. The legislative record
in both the Senate and the House is studded with Republican proposals for
meeting our urban and other domestic needs, proposals which have found
their counterparts in the programs of Republican Governors from coast to
coast. The Congressional Record and the nation's news media have documented
these regularly. Mr. Ford and the House Republican Policy Committee have
recently provided the press and the public with a detailed and comprehensive
review of House Republican accomplishments thus far in this session of the
Congress. I shall, within a few days, present an equally thorough report
of the efforts and achievements of the Republicans in the Senate.
(con't )
"THE STATE OF THE CONGRESS"
- 4 -
In summary, we Republicans in Congress have directed our efforts
at home and abroad to making the most of our people's tax dollars in the
achieving of maximum defense and sound economic progress. The mere spending
of additional billions -- which seems to be this Administration's only
talent -- will not, without sound economic planning, fully competent
management and plain, old-fashioned horse sense, solve the fearful problems
we face. Such a policy can achieve nothing but a total erosion of our
people's confidence in their leadership and of their faith in our country's
future.
In the months ahead, as in these months past, the Republicans
in the Senate as in the House, will continue to hew to these policies
and principles, convinced that the elections of 1966 gave us just this
mandate, confident that the elections of 1968 will confirm it.
In the words of a latter-day Englishman, not of the socialistic
breed: "Give us the tools and we'll finish the job".
"THE STATE OF THE CONGRESS"
STATEMENT BY REPRESENTATIVE GERALD R. FORD
New direction -- new ideas -- new vigor. These the Republican
Minority in the House have contributed in marked degree in this first
session of the 90th Congress. Our chief interest and concern has been not
only the best possible defense of the nation, the full support of our fighting
forces in Southeast Asia and the cutting-back of reckless, wasteful non-
essential Federal expenditure. Our equal interest and concern has been what
lies ahead of us as a people -- what course our government will take -- or
be forced to take -- in the years immediately ahead.
Last January, in offering my domestic Appraisal of the State of the
Union, I listed, on behalf of the Republicans in the House, 40 specific
recommendations for action. These were not merely alternatives to proposals
made by others. They were, in greater part, specific program proposals.
30 of these were purely domestic in nature; 10 related to our national
defense. As of this date, in the House, we have made visible and heartening
progress with 24 of these. This has resulted in great part from 96%
Republican solidarity on roll call votes in support of House Policy Committee
positions. As a Minority, we consider this a good record and we intend
to improve upon it in the months ahead.
The heart and core of our united Republican effort has been the sharp
cutting-back of Federal expenditures for non-essential purposes. Our position
in this has not changed. And we are not convinced by belated promises of
this Administration to take action in this direction. Our original and
continuing position was and is that Federal expenditures should be reduced
not less than 5 billion dollars in this fiscal year. We know that it can
be done, if the Administration truly wishes it.
In the course of these debt-propelled Sixties, Federal spending has
run wild. This Administration has shown no concern whatever as to the
crushing burden its socialistic policies and programs have placed upon our
people. And for this Administration to use the war in Viet Nam as an excuse
is unfair and unworthy. While defense spending has risen by 68% since 1960,
non-defense spending has increased 97% -- from 48.6 billion in fiscal 1960
to an estimated 95.6 billion for fiscal 1968.
(con't)
"THE STATE OF THE CONGRESS"
- 6 -
Let it be recorded here and now -- as on many occasions past -- that
we Republicans are more than willing, indeed anxious, to provide for
Americans in need at home to the full extent that the nation's resources
and economy make it prudently possible. To us, the word "prudently"
means simply: with a decent, common sense regard for what we and our
children and their children can afford. The economic chaos which this
Administration's policies and practices now threaten to produce will under-
mine and destroy America just as surely as will our enemies at home and
abroad, if permitted to do so.
Consistent, in the American tradition, with our stand against govern-
ment waste and extravagance has been our effort, encouragingly successful
in this Congress, to transfer some measure of responsibility and control
of the people's affairs from Washington to our states and communities. We
are greatly heartened by our success, even though a Minority, in shifting
a sizeable number of the so-called Great Society's programs away from the
Federal bureaucracies and their categorical grants to our state and local
officials through the Republican system of block grants, These make it
possible for those at home, who know the problemsbest, to solve them with
greatest speed and effect. The Comprehensive Health Act, the Law Enforce-
ment and Criminal Justice Assistance Act. the Juvenile Deliquency
Prevention and Control Act, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act,
the Air Quality Act and the Meat Inspection Act, in their final House
versions, provide concrete examples of this new direction and approach.
Last Monday, the House Republican Policy Committee published a
detailed and comprehensive documentation of these House Republican accomplish-
ments. I commend that release to your attention and review, now and in
the months to come.
In 1966, the American people strengthened the Republican Minority
in the House with unmistakable emphasis. We interpreted those results as
a mandate to put a check-rein on this willful, wasteful Administration, to
review and, where desirable, to modify its run-away programs and projects
and to initiate proposals of our own that would restore sense and balance
to public service. We believe our record to date represents a faithful
response to that mandate for new direction -- new ideas -- new vigor.
(con't)
"STATE OF THE CONGRESS"
- 7 -
If, as I am confident we will, we continue to produce the Republican soli-
darity and good sense on major legislative items that we have thus far,
we shall have done the American people a signal service and they will know
it. Knowing it, they will, we feel certain, add to our Republican strength
by their action at the polls next year.
In summary, our objectives and our accomplishments thus far in this
Congress have been these:
(1) Full support of our armed services in Southeast Asia and else-
where throughout the world;
(2) Insistence that this Administration, to the extent that it may
still be able to do so, succeed in Viet Nam or be prepared to yield to a
Republican Administration whose new direction, new ideas and new vigor
might well offer our people and the world a more probable prospect of peace;
(3) Insistence upon the immediate establishment of a bi-partisan,
blue ribbon commission of America's best experts to re-examine our short
and long range defense posture in this time of national peril;
(4) To bring about a substantial reduction in non-essential Federal
spending and to insist upon even greater reduction -- an objective in which
we have the full and encouraging support of the distinguished Democratic
Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee;
(5) To demand that this Administration's abuse of the American
farmer cease and cease now -- and that its inflation-blind indifference to
the American consumer come to an abrupt halt;
(6) To resist, until such satisfactory further reductions have
been written into law, the Administration's proposed tax increase;
(7) To demand of this Administration whole-hearted backing of the
initiative already taken by Republicans in Congress to make our streets and
homes safe for our people;
(8) The continuing transfer of governmental authority, responsibility
and control from Washington to the states and individual communities by the
system of block grants already successfully initiated in a number of legisla-
tive areas;
(9) More and more to establish active, practical, effective co-
operation between government and the private sector, as in the Republican-
(con't)
"THE STATE OF THE CONGRESS"
- 8 -
initiated Manpower Development and Training Act of 1962 and the Republican-
proposed Human Investment Act of 1967;
(10) To continue to urge the reorganization and reform of the
Congress, in order that it might better and more swiftly serve the needs
of the American people and beyond this to assure by next year clean and
orderly elections for all Federal offices.
The record of this Democratic-controlled Congress to date is far
from impressive. Where it has succeeded in meeting our people's basic
needs, it has done so in greatest part through Minority solidarity and
singleness of purpose.
Our people deserve an effective, productive Congress. Republicans
are determined they shall have it. We are fully prepared to do everything
in our power to meet our people's fundamental needs -- in defense and
in human well-being. In so doing, we are resolved to maintain that national
economic good health required to guarantee the continuance of such services
to ourselves and our posterity.
FOR THE SENATE:
FOR THE HOUSE
Everett M. Dirksen
THE REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP
OF REPRESENTATIVES:
of Illinois
Gerald R. Ford
OF THE CONGRESS
Thomas H. Kuchel
of Michigan
of California
Leslie C. Arends
Bourke B. Hickenlooper
of Illinois
of Iowa
Melvin R. Laird
Margaret Chase Smith
of Wisconsin
of Maine
Press Release
John J. Rhodes
George Murphy
of Arizona
of California
H. Allen Smith
Milton R. Young
of California
of North Dakota
Bob Wilson
Hugh Scott
of California
of Pennsylvania
Issued following a
Charles E. Goodell
Leadership meeting
of New York
PRESIDING:
Richard H. Poff
of Virginia
The National Chairman
Ray C. Bliss
December 7, 1967
William C. Cramer
of Florida
"THE STATE OF THE CONGRESS"
RELEASE ON DELIVERY
12:30 pm. Dec.7, 1967
Statement by Senator Dirksen:
In our Appraisal of the State of the Union last January, Mr. Ford
and I, speaking on behalf of the Republicans in Congress, assessed the
situation in which we as a people then found ourselves, both at home and
abroad. We refused, in concluding that assessment, to be dismayed or to
despair. This, despite great provocation by this Administration since,
we refuse to do now.
The sole objective of the Republicans in Congress in these past
months, as over the years, has been the very best interests of all of the
American people, at all times and on every issue. To help achieve those
best interests we have had historic demands made upon us as the party of
loyal opposition -- historic because we have been faced with certain
problems unparalleled in the nation's annals, demands because they have
compelled us from time to time to make harsh and unpleasant judgments and
decisions in order that those best interests might be fully served and fully
protected.
Most importantly, we have given unhesitating support to every
requirement and need of our fighting forces in Southeast Asia and our armed
services elsewhere in the world. This we will continue to do, however
heavy the burden. Americans prepared to give their lives in conflict must
be given by us every single item of weaponry and other support they may at
any moment need -- and they will be.
The conduct of the conflict in Viet Nam is, as under our Constitution
it must be, the full responsibility of the President in his capacity as
Commander-in-Chief. Only he has the authority, only he has the duty, only
he has the full information available for the execution of that responsibility.
Room S-124 U.S. Capitol-(202) 225-3700
(con't)
Consultant to the Leadership-John B. Fisher
"THE STATE OF THE CONGRESS
- 2 -
The decisions made and to be made can and must be made by him and him alone.
In order, however, that his hand may be guided and strengthened
in this, it is imperative that the most thoughtful discussion possible
continue in the Congress and among our people to this end. Let it be
emphasized anew, nevertheless, that as we search together for a solution
to Viet Nam we demonstrate our unity of purpose by conducting such discus-
sion in a fully free but a wholly orderly manner. Dissent is one thing;
disagreement by violence is quite another. Dissent we encourage and approve.
Violence, in any form and for whatever purpose, we condemn, now and hereafter.
We urge again that this Administration -- to a degree and with a
vigor not yet evident - look beyond Viet Nam and consider where we shall
stand and with whom we shall sit when this conflict ceases. The Congress
and the people have seen all too little evidence of genuine effort to explore
and exploit the diplomatic opportunities available to us in this regard.
Channels of diplomacy, economic and otherwise, still remain open for our use.
The Republicans in Congress have not been concerned alone with the
war in Viet Nam. Other aspects of our foreign policy have been given
equally sharp scrutiny. We have not hesitated to recommend or to implore
an immediate re-shaping of it, whenever and wherever we have believed it
necessary in the nation's interest.
In the Middle East -- a tinderbox of appalling nature -- Republicans
have hoped for months for the adoption by the Administration of the atomic
desalinization plan placed before it some time ago by Americans of unques-
tioned ability and patriotic purpose. We are now informed by the Department
of State that this extraordinary project which might well change the
entire atmosphere in the eastern Mediterranean -- is "not politically
feasible". This we cannot believe. The proposal represents a thoughtful,
practical instrument for peace without parallel in recent years. It might
well provide the means of achieving political and economic stability in
the Middle East. As Americans, we urge the retrieval and adoption of that
proposal and its implementation at the earliest possible time.
In the American people's interest, we have continued to hold the
line against a unilateral "building of bridges" with the Communist nations
of the world. It is neither sensible nor safe to strengthen in the
(con't)
"THE STATE OF THE CONGRESS"
- 3 -
slightest degree the hand of an enemy which is at this moment striking down
young Americans in Viet Nam and in every corner of the globe conspiring
actively for the destruction of free America. Where and when, in the Senate
as in the House, we have taken this stand, we have done so for this reason
and no other. If, in the months to come, we should be given good and
convincing reason to expect otherwise of the Communists, we shall be pleased
indeed to reassess our own thinking in this somber regard.
The State of the Congress today is one of vexation and deep-seated
concern as we look about us here at home. We see an Administration wholly
blind in its belief that the enormous costs of the war in Viet Nam can and
will be borne by our people while at the same time the Administration seeks
unrestrained license to promote and finance multi-billion dollar social
programs. These have in too many instances proved valueless or dangerous
or both. Yet we are asked to support more and more such projects stamped
out in the same socialistic mint.
At this very moment the international air is filled with conversation
and concern regarding the "defense of the dollar" now that the British
pound has been devalued. The record is crystal-clear that the socialistic
experiments and experience of Great Britain in recent years have been the
primary reason for the near collapse of her economy. A continuation and
multiplication of the so-called Great Society's experiments could bring
identical results here. Socialism and a sound economy simply will not mix.
Despite our nation's enormous resources our economy cannot long stand such
abuse.
Let me make it quite clear, as we have done repeatedly, that ours
is not and has not been opposiion for its own sake. The legislative record
in both the Senate and the House is studded with Republican proposals for
meeting our urban and other domestic needs, proposals which have found
their counterparts in the programs of Republican Governors from coast to
coast. The Congressional Record and the nation's news media have documented
these regularly. Mr. Ford and the House Republican Policy Committee have
recently provided the press and the public with a detailed and comprehensive
review of House Republican accomplishments thus far in this session of the
Congress. I shall, within a few days, present an equally thorough report
of the efforts and achievements of the Republicans in the Senate.
(con't )
"THE STATE OF THE CONGRESS"
- 4 -
In summary, we Republicans in Congress have directed our efforts
at home and abroad to making the most of our people's tax dollars in the
achieving of maximum defense and sound economic progress. The mere spending
of additional billions -- which seems to be this Administration's only
talent -- will not, without sound economic planning, fully competent
management and plain, old-fashioned horse sense, solve the fearful problems
we face. Such a policy can achieve nothing but a total erosion of our
people's confidence in their leadership and of their faith in our country's
future.
In the months ahead, as in these months past, the Republicans
in the Senate as in the House, will continue to hew to these policies
and principles, convinced that the elections of 1966 gave us just this
mandate, confident that the elections of 1968 will confirm it.
In the words of a latter-day Englishman, not of the socialistic
breed: "Give us the tools and we'll finish the job".
"THE STATE OF THE CONGRESS"
STATEMENT BY REPRESENTATIVE GERALD R. FORD
New direction -- new ideas -- new vigor. These the Republican
Minority in the House have contributed in marked degree in this first
session of the 90th Congress. Our chief interest and concern has been not
only the best possible defense of the nation, the full support of our fighting
forces in Southeast Asia and the cutting-back of reckless, wasteful non-
essential Federal expenditure. Our equal interest and concern has been what
lies ahead of us as a people -- what course our government will take -- or
be forced to take -- in the years immediately ahead.
Last January, in offering my domestic Appraisal of the State of the
Union, I listed, on behalf of the Republicans in the House, 40 specific
recommendations for action. These were not merely alternatives to proposals
made by others. They were, in greater part, specific program proposals.
30 of these were purely domestic in nature; 10 related to our national
defense. As of this date, in the House, we have made visible and heartening
progress with 24 of these. This has resulted in great part from 96%
Republican solidarity on roll call votes in support of House Policy Committee
positions. As a Minority, we consider this a good record and we intend
to improve upon it in the months ahead.
The heart and core of our united Republican effort has been the sharp
cutting-back of Federal expenditures for non-essential purposes. Our position
in this has not changed. And we are not convinced by belated promises of
this Administration to take action in this direction. Our original and
continuing position was and is that Federal expenditures should be reduced
not less than 5 billion dollars in this fiscal year. We know that it can
be done, if the Administration truly wishes it.
In the course of these debt-propelled Sixties, Federal spending has
run wild. This Administration has shown no concern whatever as to the
crushing burden its socialistic policies and programs have placed upon our
people. And for this Administration to use the war in Viet Nam as an excuse
is unfair and unworthy. While defense spending has risen by 68% since 1960,
non-defense spending has increased 97% -- from 48.6 billion in fiscal 1960
to an estimated 95.6 billion for fiscal 1968.
(con't)
"THE STATE OF THE CONGRESS"
- 6 -
Let it be recorded here and now -- as on many occasions past -- that
we Republicans are more than willing, indeed anxious, to provide for
Americans in need at home to the full extent that the nation's resources
and economy make it prudently possible. To us, the word "prudently"
means simply: with a decent, common sense regard for what we and our
children and their children can afford. The economic chaos which this
Administration's policies and practices now threaten to produce will under-
mine and destroy America just as surely as will our enemies at home and
abroad, if permitted to do SO.
Consistent, in the American tradition, with our stand against govern-
ment waste and extravagance has been our effort, encouragingly successful
in this Congress, to transfer some measure of responsibility and control
of the people's affairs from Washington to our states and communities. We
are greatly heartened by our success, even though a Minority, in shifting
a sizeable number of the so-called Great Society's programs away from the
Federal bureaucracies and their categorical grants to our state and local
officials through the Republican system of block grants, These make it
possible for those at home, who know the problemsbest, to solve them with
greatest speed and effect. The Comprehensive Health Act, the Law Enforce-
ment and Criminal Justice Assistance Act. the Juvenile Deliquency
Prevention and Control Act, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act,
the Air Quality Act and the Meat Inspection Act, in their final House
versions, provide concrete examples of this new direction and approach.
Last Monday, the House Republican Policy Committee published a
detailed and comprehensive documentation of these House Republican accomplish-
ments. I commend that release to your attention and review, now and in
the months to come.
In 1966, the American people strengthened the Republican Minority
in the House with unmistakable emphasis. We interpreted those results as
a mandate to put a check-rein on this willful, wasteful Administration, to
review and, where desirable, to modify its run-away programs and projects
and to initiate proposals of our own that would restore sense and balance
to public service. We believe our record to date represents a faithful
response to that mandate for new direction -- new ideas -- new vigor.
(con't)
"STATE OF THE CONGRESS"
- 7 -
If, as I am confident we will, we continue to produce the Republican soli-
darity and good sense on major legislative items that we have thus far,
we shall have done the American people a signal service and they will know
it. Knowing it, they will, we feel certain, add to our Republican strength
by their action at the polls next year.
In summary, our objectives and our accomplishments thus far in this
Congress have been these:
(1) Full support of our armed services in Southeast Asia and else-
where throughout the world;
(2) Insistence that this Administration, to the extent that it may
still be able to do so, succeed in Viet Nam or be prepared to yield to a
Republican Administration whose new direction, new ideas and new vigor
might well offer our people and the world a more probable prospect of peace;
(3) Insistence upon the immediate establishment of a bi-partisan,
blue ribbon commission of America's best experts to re-examine our short
and long range defense posture in this time of national peril;
(4) To bring about a substantial reduction in non-essential Federal
spending and to insist upon even greater reduction -- an objective in which
we have the full and encouraging support of the distinguished Democratic
Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee;
(5) To demand that this Administration's abuse of the American
farmer cease and cease now -- and that its inflation-blind indifference to
the American consumer come to an abrupt halt;
(6) To resist, until such satisfactory further reductions have
been written into law, the Administration's proposed tax increase;
(7) To demand of this Administration whole-hearted backing of the
initiative already taken by Republicans in Congress to make our streets and
homes safe for our people;
(8) The continuing transfer of governmental authority, responsibility
and control from Washington to the states and individual communities by the
system of block grants already successfully initiated in a number of legisla-
tive areas;
(9) More and more to establish active, practical, effective co-
operation between government and the private sector, as in the Republican-
(con't)
"THE STATE OF THE CONGRESS"
- 8 -
initiated Manpower Development and Training Act of 1962 and the Republican-
proposed Human Investment Act of 1967;
(10) To continue to urge the reorganization and reform of the
Congress, in order that it might better and more swiftly serve the needs
of the American people and beyond this to assure by next year clean and
orderly elections for all Federal offices.
The record of this Democratic-controlled Congress to date is far
from impressive. Where it has succeeded in meeting our people's basic
needs, it has done so in greatest part through Minority solidarity and
singleness of purpose.
Our people deserve an effective, productive Congress. Republicans
are determined they shall have it. We are fully prepared to do everything
in our power to meet our people's fundamental needs -- in defense and
in human well-being. In SQ doing, we are resolved to maintain that national
economic good health required to guarantee the continuance of such services
to ourselves and our posterity.
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
-- FOR RELEASE UPON
ADJOURNMENT OF THE CONGRESS --
END-OF-SESSION STATEMENT BY REP. GERALD R. FORD, R-MICH.
The 90th Congress compiled a good record during its first year of existence.
It was constructive and productive--and, very importantly, it was responsible.
First of all, the Congress deserves a vote of taxpayer thanks for cutting
federal spending this fiscal year by $4.1 billion in an attack on inflation and high
interest rates. The Johnson-Humphrey Administration still will incur a huge
deficit, now estimated at $19.8 billion, but without a Republican-led campaign to
force spending cuts it would have been far worse.
Congress refused to go along with President Johnson's plans to increase
income tax bills by 10 per cent. That was a wise decision. Not only are the
American people already heavily burdened with taxes, but there is good reason to
believe a federal income tax increase at this time might damage the economy.
The 90th Congress passed some good legislation Republicans and Democrats
together launched a massive, regional attack on air pollution, laid the groundwork
through House action for a nationwide War on Crime revamped and extended the
Teacher Corps, greatly improved federal and state meat inspection, acted in the
House to give more responsibility and control to the states in using federal school
aid, passed a Comprehensive Health Act allowing states and local communities to use
federal funds in line with their own priorities to fight rats, communicable diseases
and drug addiction, increased Social Security benefits, sought to improve the
operation of Medicare, tightened up on Medicaid, and revised the welfare laws to
put able-bodied welfare recipients to work.
Where legislation was clearly in the national interest, Republicans joined
hands with Democrats to pass it. House Republicans succeeded in giving some pro-
grams New Direction. We fought what we thought was bad for the country.
Republicans represented a unified force in the House. In the 24 instances
where House Republican Policy stands were put to the test on a rollcall vote,
96 per cent of the Republican members present and voting supported the party
policy position. On these 24 rollcalls, the GOP position prevailed 18 times.
The Democratic majority was so divided in the House this year that I am not
surprised the President again is calling for a rubber-stamp-sized majority for
his party in the Congress.
There were, of course, areas where Congress fell short. The President should
have proposed and Congress should have approved a measure to improve our handling
of national emergency strikes. Strong anti-crime legislation, as beefed up by
House Republicans, should have been written into law this year. Election reform and
congressional reform bills pushed by Republicans should have been passed but were
sidetracked by House Democratic leaders. This should have been a Reform Congress.
But, on the whole, the 90th Congress did a good job.
###
GERALD
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
-- FOR RELEASE UPON
ADJOURNMENT OF THE CONGRESS --
END-OF-SESSION STATEMENT BY REP. GERALD R. FORD, R-MICH.
The 90th Congress compiled a good record during its first year of existence.
It was constructive and productive--and, very importantly, it was responsible.
First of all, the Congress deserves a vote of taxpayer thanks for cutting
federal spending this fiscal year by $4.1 billion in an attack on inflation and high
interest rates. The Johnson-Humphrey Administration still will incur a huge
deficit, now estimated at $19.8 billion, but without a Republican-led campaign to
force spending cuts it would have been far worse.
Congress refused to go along with President Johnson's plans to increase
income tax bills by 10 per cent. That was a wise decision. Not only are the
American people already heavily burdened with taxes, but there is good reason to
believe a federal income tax increase at this time might damage the economy.
The 90th Congress passed some good legislation. Republicans and Democrats
together launched a massive, regional attack on air pollution, laid the groundwork
through House action for a nationwide War on Crime, revamped and extended the
Teacher Corps, greatly improved federal and state meat inspection, acted in the
House to give more responsibility and control to the states in using federal school
aid, passed a Comprehensive Health Act allowing states and local communities to use
federal funds in line with their own priorities to fight rats, communicable diseases
and drug addiction, increased Social Security benefits, sought to improve the
operation of Medicare, tightened up on Medicaid, and revised the welfare laws to
put able-bodied welfare recipients to work.
Where legislation was clearly in the national interest, Republicans joined
hands with Democrats to pass it. House Republicans succeeded in giving some pro-
grams New Direction. We fought what we thought was bad for the country.
Republicans represented a unified force in the House. In the 24 instances
where House Republican Policy stands were put to the test on a rollcall vote,
96 per cent of the Republican members present and voting supported the party
policy position. On these 24 rollcalls, the GOP position prevailed 18 times.
The Democratic majority was so divided in the House this year that I am not
surprised the President again is calling for a rubber-stamp-sized majority for
his party in the Congress.
There were, of course, areas where Congress fell short. The President should
have proposed and Congress should have approved a measure to improve our handling
of national emergency strikes. Strong anti-crime legislation, as beefed up by
House Republicans, should have been written into law this year. Election reform and
congressional reform bills pushed by Republicans should have been passed but were
sidetracked by House Democratic leaders. This should have been a Reform Congress.
But, on the whole, the 90th Congress did a good job.
###