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Ford Newsletter, Oct.-Dec. 1953
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This document scanned from Box D1 of the Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
FOR RELEASE October 1, 1953
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
by Gerald R. Ford, Jr.
Now that the Eisenhower Administration has been in office eight months, it
might be well to summarize what the prospects are for a balanced federal budget
this fiscal year which ends June 30, 1954. On January 9, 1953, when former Presi-
dent Truman submitted his budget recommendations for this fiscal year, he pre-
dicted a federal deficit of about $10 billion for the 12-month period. When Pre-
sident Eisenhower, his cabinet officers and a Republican Congress took over, it
was determined that the policy of extravagant and wasteful federal spending must
stop. For the past few months the brakes have been applied, and with considerable
results. Late this spring Ike's Secretary of the Treasury, after reviewing receipts
and expenditures, forecast a deficit of $5.8 billion, a sizeable reduction from
the Truman prediction that Uncle Sam would be in the "red" an additional $10 billion
when the "books" were closed next June.
Have there been any later developments on this vital problem? Yes. In
August, after re-analyzing income and outgo, Secretary of the Treasury Humphrey
estimated the deficit for the year to be about $3.8 billion on June 30, 1954.
Quite a contrast between that figure and what former President Truman predicted.
Barring any unexpected developments there is a distinct possibility Uncle Sam can
be out of the "red" and operating in the "black" within a year. It is encouraging
to note that this prospective balancing of the cash budget will be accomplished at
the same time that the American taxpayers are to receive a reduction in their
federal taxes.
Many may wonder to what extent the Congress acted favorably on specific
legislative recommendations made by President Eisenhower. During the past session
Ike made 44 definite legislative proposals, and Congress, before adjournment, com-
pleted favorable action on 32 of them. Three Presidential proposals progressed
part way through the legislative mill without setbacks, and will be revived during
the second session which convenes January 6th. Six others received no action by
Congress but do remain on the agenda eligible for future favorable consideration.
Two of Ike's proposals--for increased postal rates, and a higher debt ceiling--
were rejected by one or more Congressional committees.
Ike's batting average with the House and Senate in the first session was ex-
cellent, and is indicative of the cooperation that exists between the White House
and Capitol Hill. Many new and important legislative proposals will be forthcoming
LIBRARY
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW Page 2
from the Chief Executive when Congress reconvenes, and I suspect the good will
and cooperation between Ike and the Congress will continue to bring about sound and
long-overdue legislative changes.
Here are some accurate, up-to-date figures on the cutback in the number of
federal employees. Cn June 30, 1953, Uncle Sam had 116,999 fewer civilian em-
ployees on his payroll than a year before. In the months ahead, as the economy
action of the last session of the Congress takes effect, the American people can
depend on even further cutbacks in those federal agencies guilty of inefficiency,
duplication and non-essentiality.
Michigan can be proud of the achievements being made by our native son,
Postmaster General Arthur Summerfield, for his efforts to give the public faster
and more efficient service. First-class mail between Washington and Chicago, or
Washington and New York is to be delivered by air instead of by rail as part of a
new experiment by the Post Office Department to give faster first-class mail service.
The Civil Aeronautics Board gave quick approval to the Post Office Department's
plan September 14th. Postmaster General Summerfield figures the experiment at the
outset will speed delivery of two million letters a day usually hauled by rail by
as much as 24 hours. Eventually some newspapers and magazines may come under the
program, which is likely to be extended to areas within 150 miles of the three
cities. If the experimental program is successful, it might be expanded to a
coast-to-coast basis.
Other moves being considered to eliminate or substantially reduce the Post
Office Department's $700,000,000 annual deficit are: (1) Replacement of the tra-
ditional mail bags by lighter, stronger, and bigger containers which will permit
mechanical handling and freighting of bulk mail, which is faster and cheaper than
manual handling. (2) Extensive use of regular bus systems for pickup and delivery
of mail in outlying areas. (3) Faster freight service between major cities.
(4) Utilization of special mail trailers, which can be easily loaded on rail flatcars
or attached to trucks for highway hauling. (5) Mechanization of letter facing and
stamp cancellation operations.
Besides acting to expedite movement of mail, the Post Office has taken a
number of steps to streamline Department functions and improve operations. Among
actions taken to date are the following: (1) Elimination of the duplicatory
weighing of magazines and newspapers by postal employees and acceptance of pub-
lisher's figures. This move will save the department an estimated $1,800,000 a year.
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW - Page 3
(2) Establishment for the first time of standards of performance for the 41,000
postmasters. (3) Modernization of the department's antiquated budget and payment
systems. (4) A revision of foreign mail rates.
FORD LIBRARY
FOR RELEASE October 8, 1953
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
By Gerald R. Ford, Jr.
The Citizens Committee for the Hoover Report, a non-partisan organization
dedicated to the task of seeing the Commission's work put into effect, has
published a report on what has been accomplished in the reorganization of your
government. Here is a summary of what has occurred on reorganization of the
federal government over the past six years. Of the 273 recommendations made by
the Hoover Commission, 196 specific suggestions (72%) have been effectuated,
either in whole or in part. Eleven additional proposals (4%) are obsolete,
duplicative, or for various reasons no longer of imp ortance. Deducting these
11 from the 77 recommendations remaining unaccomplished, there are 66 recommenda-
tions (24%) of the Hoover Commission upon which favorable action has not yet
been taken.
During the first session of the 83rd Congress, President Eisenhower
submitted 10 Reorganization Plans to the Congress and the House and Senate
approved in every case, to give Ike a 100% batting average. It is expected that
the President will follow up with other reorganization proposals for the stream-
lining of various federal agencies when Congress reconvenes, and in all likeli-
hood Ike's recommendations will be okayed.
Inasmuch as government reorganization is a never-ending process, a second
bi-partisan Hoover Commission was authorized on July 10th, by the 83rd Congress.
Senator Homer Ferguson of Michigan was the author of this bill in the Senate,
and he has been appointed to the new Commission by the Vice President. Between
the new Commission and its predecessor, there is one outstanding difference.
Whereas the first Commission confined itself to problems of organization and
management, the new Commission is fully empowered by Congress to inquire not only
as to how well a government function is performed by an existing agency, but
whether it should be performed at all. The investigating group has authority to
scrutinize an agency and determine whether or not it is unnecessarily competing
with private enterprise. The Commission will submit interim reports from time
to time with a comprehensive report to the Congress due before December 31, 1954.
Another forward step was taken by the 83rd Congress when it created a
Commission on Intergovernmental Relations. The late Senator Bob Taft was a
sponsor of this investigation. Its membership of 25 will include outstanding
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YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW - Page 2
experts on Federal, State, and Local matters and relationships. This new group
will address itself to one of the knottiest problems of government today,
namely the overlapping of Federal-State-Local functions and expenditures.
For example, there are now more than 30 grant-in-aid programs involving expen-
ditures of well over $2 billion a year. Admittedly this haphasard growth has
occurred without plan or pattern, and undoubtedly at unjustified cost to our
taxpayers. The Commission's recommendations are to be submitted to the Congress
by March 1, 1954.
*********
|
President Eisenhower's appointment of California's Governor Earl Warren
as Chief Justice of the U. S. Supreme Court has apparently met with near uni-
versal approval. The new Chief Justice will find himself confronted with
such varied and intricate issues as the constitutionality of the federal
lobbying law, the validity of the "reserve clause" in professional baseball,
and labor law litigation involving the "hiring hall" procedure.
Governor Warren is the first appointment made to the Supreme Court by
a Republican President in 21 years. The new Chief Justice, with wide legal
and administrative experience should do an excellent job in his new post.
*********
**********
The Army, Navy and Air Force are planning deeper cuts among civilian
employees to comply with the economy directives issued by Secretary of Defense
Wilson. The Navy will drop 15,000 civilian employees before July 1, 1954,
mostly in Navy Yards. The Defense Department believes the Navy's shipbuilding
program can be shifted to privately operated shipyards at a reduction in cost
and employees.
The Air Force, which was slated for an 80,000 increase in its civilian
staff under the final Truman budget, plans to cut its payroll for the re-
mainder of this year. On January 30, 1953, the Airforce had 316,000 civilian
employees. It is now down to 296,000, a cut of 20,000. The Army, on Septem-
ber 15, removed an additional 2000 from its civilian payroll. These reductions
in the federal payroll are ncessary if the budget is to be balanced and the
tax burden lightened.
********** **********
FOR RELEASE October 15, 1953
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
By Gerald R. Ford, Jr.
(Mr. Ford's note: This column was written by Frank Meyer, of Grand Haven.)
Congressman Ford has asked me to write his column this week, presenting
my observations on his office and Washington after being here a month. Normally
a teacher, I am working as a non-paid assistant on Mr. Ford's staff this year
under a grant from the Committee for the Advancement of Education.
Even though Congress is not in session the work of a Congressman continues.
I have been impressed with the number and different types of requests that come
to him. Students want copies of bills or reports. Debaters ask for material on
the debate topic. Farmers request the agricultural yearbook or bulletins. Ve-4
terans need assistance in contacting the VA. Servicemen want a transfer or a
discharge. Citizens write their views on current problems and pending legislation.
Others ask for assistance in getting a passport, in expediting the admission of
alien friends or relatives into this country, or in obtaining a government loan
for a small business. There are the pathetic notes from some unfortunates whose
problems are quite overwhelming. There is the well-written letter from an
American lady in England who wants to meet some officials of the U. S. Embassy
there so "she won't be lonely on Thanksgiving Day."
I can now assure every citizen of the Fifth District that each request
is considered most seriously, and everything possible is done to answer it favorably
and satisfactorily. But no Congressman, nor the Congress itself, has complete
power in every given situation. Sometimes requests cannot be granted. Last
Monday we received a card addressed to: "U. S. Capitol, Washington," with this
message, "Please send me all the information you have available immediately."
Fortunately the card was postmarked "Battle Creek," so we sent it to Congressman
Shafer, who represents that part of Michigan.
Moreover, I have come to feel that the office is not only doing its duty,
but that there is present a genuine desire to be helpful. The ideal of "service"
is present here.
One cannot help but marvel at the facilities that are available to American
citizens at the capital, A telephone call will bring oral answers or printed material
on practically any problem. And if no answers are available immediately, someone is
always willing to search them out. The Library of Congress is famous for this. Yes,
it will answer questions from private citizens.
The courtesy and kindness of officials and employees in the other departments
of government has amazed me. The "bureaucrats" are quite human. Wherever I've gone
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with questions for myself or for Mr. Ford, the reception has been cordial.
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW - Page 2
As I've talked to officials of the House of Representatives, specifically in
the offices of the Speaker and the Tally Clerk, mention was made of thehigh regard
in which Congressman Ford is held by these officials and his colleagues. They seem
to admire his ability and his conscientiousness.
Washington is a beautiful city. Government buildings, national monuments,
historic spots must thrill any American with the slightest appreciation for the
history and political system of his country. Every high school graduating class
should visit the capital, as many now do, as a fitting climax to a high school edu-
cation.
The presence of so many national figures impresses one with the brilliance
of our leaders but, also, with the fact that they are human beings. Having attended
Vinson's funeral, McCarthy's wedding, Warren's installation, and having watched the
President come before the American bankers, I have a little appreciation of the
physical and mental strain made by the public upon its dignitaries. The limelight
may be glorious but it must become wearisome.
With all Washington's beauty and power, it is still true that there are slums
within the shadow of the capitol. The willingness or means of attacking this problem
seem to be lacking. Some leaders say that "homerule" will help. Others see a need
of larger appropriations by Congress.
A local newspaper reports that "in a country where the crime rate is spec-
tacularly and shockingly high, Washington ranks among the worst of the great cities."
There is much interest in the problems of crime and juvenile delinquency here at
the moment with newspaper articles, conferences, and congressional investigations
giving them attention.
I was disturbed to read that 80,000 citizens of Washington and vicinity were
delinquent in their income tax payments, and that most of them were federal employees.
A personal call is being made at the homes of many of these in order to collect the tax.
The community chest cannot raise all the money it should even when it sets
its goal far below real needs. One of the reasons for this and other community
problems is that many residents of Washington do not consider themselves full citizens
of the city, often maintaining a legal residence elsewhere.
Yet, I have attended a Baptist, Brethern, and Presbyterian church, (none of
which is my own) and have been reminded of the unity there is in the Christian faith.
Everywhere there are good people working for a better world.
These are my initial impressions of the Nation's Capital, the Congress and
related problems. When my year is up there will probably be a summary or final
report.
FOR RELEASE October 22, 1953
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
Monthly the Joint House-Senate Committee on Reduction of Non-Essential Fede-
ral Expenditures releases a detailed report with an accompanying summary on the
number of employees working for Uncle Sam. The latest report for August shows that
there has been a net decline of 24,302 federal employees from the figures for the
previous month. Even with this cut-back the United States government in August
employed 2,430,412 persons, plus quite a few foreign nationals throughout the world.
This committee has done an excellent job in telling the story on payroll
trends and in rooting out undesirable employment practices. The following is an
interesting quotation from a report by this committee on the foreign national em-
ployment situation:
"The Committee report this month begins to reveal what may be regarded as
an additional category of federal employment heretofore largely undisclosed as to
number and cost.
"These employees are foreign nationals who have been working for United
States agencies abroad. Formerly they were paid from foreign currencies and credits
either owed to the United States as a result of our foreign programs and activities,
or owned by the United States as a result of collections by agencies on account.
Under prior practice these funds were spent directly by the agencies for personal
service and other purposes in addition to regular appropriations. Persons employed
with these funds in most instances were not reported because they were not paid from
appropriations for personal service.
"Measures enacted in the recent session of Congress provided that all col-
lections by federal agencies overseas on these accounts must be treated by them as
Treasury receipts available for expenditure only in pursuance to appropriations for
specific purposes. Accordingly, in the first agency reports after this action by
Congress, more than 6,000 foreign nationals previously paid from foreign currencies
and credits are being reported for the first time by the State Department, the new
Foreign Operations Administration, and U. S. Information Agency.
"There are a vast number of foreign nationals working for U. S. agencies
overseas still unreported. Most of these are working for the Army, Navy and Air
Force. Various reasons are given by the Department of Defense for not including
these employees in personnel reports to date.
"This employment of foreign nationals by Defense Department agencies will
be the subject of a subsequent report by the Joint Committee on Reduction on Non-
essential Federal Expenditures. In the course of the Committee's inquiry into the
nature of this employment still other types of personal service, not now being
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reported, are being revealed in proportions of growing importance. This also is
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW - Page 2
the subject of still further consideration by the Committee."
United States Armed Services will improve defense while cutting costs.
As part of the Republican campaign to provide the greatest amount of national
defense at the least possible cost by eliminating waste and increasing efficiency,
the military services have made a number of recent moves to curb unnecessary
spending. Here are some examples:
Under a streamlined procedure of basic training announced by the Army.
September 25, draftees will be trained as close as possible to their homes to ali-
minate unnecessary travel expense; and full uniform allowance will not be given
for five weeks. The new program recognizes the fact that trainees change in their
physical measurements during the first five weeks after induction. Therefore,
only minimum necessities will be issued to trainees at the time of induction. To
further reduce travel costs, training during the second eight-week period will
be given at the same installation as the first eight weeks' training. The Army
said, "It is anticipated that the new plan will increase the productive service of
most enlisted personnel by several weeks, and at the same time, effect 8 saving in
money and some overhead personnel."
A survey is now under way to reduce the number of civilian-type jobs in
the Defense Department which are filled by military personnel. A study is being
made of the relative cost of doing a job by civilian and military personnel and the
extent to which the defense agencies use military people in civilian jobs. Earlier
this year, a Senate subcommittee reported that more than $100 million a year could
be saved through cutting back the number of military personnel in civilian-type jobs.
Agencies were docked $1.1 million for excess buying to beat the fiscal
deadline. Budget Director Joseph Dodge announced October 1st that he is docking
current appropriations of federal agencies $1,100,000 for money they spend unneces-
sarily in June to beat the June 30 deadline on fiscal 1953 appropriations. Early
this year Dodge had issued a warning that any increase in spending during June to
keep money from reverting to the Treasury would be charged to the 1954 appropriation
of the agency involved.
During the previous administration, encrmous sums were wasted in reckless
spending by agencies near the end of a fiscal year. For example, the Air Force
bought $1,024,000 worth of fencing and sent it to a nen-existent station - just to
keep the money from going back to the Treasury.
FOR RELEASE Octob er 29th, 1953
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
by Gerald R. Ford, Jr., M. C.
At the end of every session of the Congress each member of the House of Repre-
sentatives is given by the Tally Clerk a detailed summary of his attendance and voting
record. Here is the information on my record between January 3, 1953, when the
Congress convened and August 3rd when the House and Senate adjourned.
In this seven-month period there were 71 "yea and nay" recorded votes in the
House of Representatives. I missed only one and that came on the final day of the
session when I was on my committee investigating trip to the Far East.
During this same seven-month session of the Congress, there were 52 quorum calls
where members of the House went on record as being either "present" or "absent."
On May 25th I was in Nevada attending twhe first firing of an atomic shell from an
artillary piece, a 280 num cannon. The quorum call on that date was unavoidably missed.
In other words I was "present" on 51 out of the 52 quorum calls in the 1st session
of the 83rd Congress.
Out of a total of 123 roll calls, including "yea and nay" and quorum calls, your
Congressman in 1953 missed two for a 98.4 per cent attendance record. On both oc-
casions when absent I was on official committee business.
Frequently during each session various organisations kindly invite me to attend
meetings in Michigan. Naturally I appreciate these invitations, but while Congress
is in session, it is not possible to get home for these occasions, particularly if
your Representative is to be on the job in Washington.
From time to time it is important to analyze what progress has been made by
various departments of the government under President Eisenhower and the Republican
Administration. Here is a brief summary of the results in the Department of State
under Mr. Dulles.
Secretary Dulles has greatly simplified the organization of the State Department
and made it far more efficient by separating the policy-making functions from the
details of day-to-day operations. This has permitted him to accomplish definite
results in many areas which had not been achieved when policy decisions were bogged
down in administrative red taps. In addition, Secretary of State Dulles has been
highly commended by unbiased observers for the deep moral grounds that form the basis
for his foreign policy decisions.
In Asia, where Communist aggression had made substantial headway, the new De-
partment of State has been forceful and successful. In Formosa, President Eisenhower
canceled the Truman order to have the U. S. Seventh Fleet protect the Communist
mainland from Chiang-Kai-Shek's troops. The change prevented Chinese Communist
LIBRARY
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW - Page 2
leaders from massing troops and weapons on the Korean and Indo-Chinese borders. In
Korea, the Communists buckled down to serious efforts to conclude peace negotiations
which had been stalled for nearly two years, after a warning by the U. S. that it
would have to enlarge the war if truce talks broke down once again. Two months after
the warning was given, the Communists signed the armistice. In Indo-China, there is
new hope for winning the seven-year-old war and stopping the Communist advance into
Southeast Asia. The U. S. persuaded France to send more troops and to promise inde-
pendence to certain native states and thereby encourage more Indo-Chinese nationalists
to join the fighting forces. In Japan, the two largest political parties reversed
their prior stand against rearmament and have accepted the U. S. invitation to fill
the power vacuum in Northeast Asia
Another trouble spot has been the Middle East. Seeretary Dulles' record here is
equally commendable. In Iran, there is a government friendly to the U, S. because
the U. S. refused to pay blackmail to shifty, dictatorial Premier Mohammed Mossadegh,
who was recently overthrown when the Iranian people rose to support the Shah, In
Egypt, an outbreak between Egypt and Britain which would have jeopardized the U. S.
was averted when the U. S. helped bring the two countries together in an agreement
concerning British military bases in the Suez Canal Zone.
In Europe, the Communists have been trown on the defensive. The distribution
of surplus agricultural commodities to the East Germans sparked vigorous resistance
behind the Iron Curtain. The recent elections in Western Germany were definitely pro-
American, and by supporting Chancellor Adenauer before the voting, we have a firm
and helpful friend.
By affirmative action based on sound planning, Secretary of State Dulles, in
10 months, has accomplished considerable in bolstering the position of the Free World
in its "cold war" with the atheistic dictators in the Kremlin. It is still a troubled
and controversial globe, but we are now on the right path and moving steadily forward
instead of merely marking time.
********* **********
The Department of Agriculture in order to promote a greater consumption of beef
has prepared a fine booklet entitled "Meat for Thrifty Meals." I have a number of
copies of this booklet available for free distribution. If some of the thrifty
housewives in Kent and Ottawa counties would like a few hints on how to prepare cuts
of beef in the most economical and tasty manner, write me in Washington, 321 House
Office Building, and I will send "Meat for Thrifty Meals" without delay.
FOR RELEASE November 5, 1953
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
By Gerald R. Ford, Jr., M. C.
Careful analysis of what has been going on at Panmunjon, Korea, clearly indicates
that the Communists hav e fared very badly in an effort to get the North Korean and
Chinese prisoners of war to return behind the Iron Curtain. In addition to near sero
results on the North Kereans the Communist "explainers" have been conspicously un-
successful in their persuasion talks with the Chinese. To date more than 98 per
cent have refused to return home. In fact a vast majority of the Chinese P.O.W.S are
anxious to join Chiang-Kai-Shek's Nationalist Army. It is the consensus among the
priseners that a return to a Communist-dominated China would mean slavery or death.
Contrast this! Only 22 Americans, out of over 3000, have refused to be repa-
triated. Originally there were 23 American G.I.s who desired to stay behind the
Iron Curtain, but one, a boy from West Virginia, has voluntarily changed his mind,
and is now out from under Communist domination and torture. When the final story is
told, it will unquestionably indicate that the 23 Americans along with other U.N. pri-
soners held by the Reds were literally forced by devious Communist methods to stay
behind.
The whole situation at Panmunjen has been a bitter pill for the Reds to swallow.
Obviously the Communists have suffered a severe propaganda defeat because of the high
percentage of Chinese and North Koreans who cannot be convinced to return to slavery,
and the very low percentage of United Nations prisoners who have tentatively decided
to stay behind the Iron Curtain. It will be interesting to see what the "party line"
will be to explain this failure.
During the last session of the Congress there was quite a hassle about the ade-
quacy of appropriations for the Air Force. President Eisenhower was critisized by
scmeuninformed and partisan sharpshocters for recommending a reduction in the dollars
available even though at that time the Air Force had $29 billion unexpended funds
on hand for planes, bases and personnel. It now appears that the Air Force can do
a better and more modern job with less money as Ike promised. The Air Force just
announced that quantity production has begun on high-speed jet bombers and supersenic
fighters in the Republican program to give the nation the most modern aircraft in
the world.
Production is under way on 250 Boeing B-52 heavy bembers, each powered by eight
J-57 Pratt and Whitney jet engines, and reported to be faster than any existing heavy
bomber and to have a greater range than any existing jet-powered aircraft. These
new bombers will replace the B-36, now the principal weapon of the Strategic Air
LIBRARY
Command for its retaliatory strike against any aggressor anywhere in the world. The
-2-
B-36 is considered too slow to be effective against modern jet interceptors and
against radar-aimed anti-aircraft guns. It is expected that B-36s will be converted
for use as aerial tankers to refuel jets in flight or to carry jet fighters to and
from combat areas.
Also in quantity production is the F-100 North American supersonic jet day
fighter, successor to the F-86 Sabrejet. The newer model, called the SuperSabre,
is capable of flying at the speed of sound (about 760 miles an hour at sea level) in
level flight. It is said to be probably the only jet in the world, ready for quantity
production, which can fly that fast.
Last week President Eisenhower took another step in the Republican program to
close up all possible loopholes in the Government employe loyality system. An exe-
cutive order issued October 14th permits the firing of any Federal employee who
refuses to testify on the grounds of self-incrimination before a Congressional
committee concerning alleged misconduct or disloyalty.
Discussing the President's order, Attorney General Brownell said, "In my mind,
there is no room in federal service for an employee who refuses upon the ground of
privilege (against self-incrimination) to answer a Congressional Committee's inquiry
dealing with his loyalty or other conduct effecting the nation's security. No one
denies the government employee may constitutionally claim his privilege against self-
incrimination. But on the other hand, no one has a constitutional right to a govern-
ment job.
"In reaching this opinion, I have not overlook'the fact that the loyalty and
honesty of the overwhelming majority of all government employees is beyond question.
But their good reputations and character are far better protected from unwarranted
criticism when we root out the few who are unreliable and disloyal."
The new order is an amendment to the executive order of April 27th covering
security requirements for federal employment. The original order specified seven
grounds for discharging government workers, including espionage, association with
subversives, excessive drinking and sexual perversion. The eighth specification
authorizing discharge which was added by Ike's executive order issued October 14th
reads "Refusal by the individual, upon the ground of constitutional privilege against
self-incrimination, to testify before a congressional committee regarding charges of
his alleged disloyalty or other misconduct."
FOR RELEASE November 12, 1953
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
By Gerald R. Ford, Jr.
To keep you abreast of the federal employment situation, here is the
most recent information from the Joint Congressional Committee on reduction of
Nonessential Federal Expenditures. This committee has as its chairman, Senator
Harry Byrd of Virginia. The net reduction in federal employment during the month
of Sepbember, was 29,518. As compared with September, 1952, a year ago, the
reductions in the federal payroll in twelve months totaled 172,291. According
to the committee's monthly report employment of civilians outside the continental
limits of the United States was cut back in September, 2,995. In summary it can
be said that the federal payroll is being brought down to a more realistic level
under Ike's program of economy.
The chairman of the Civil Service Commission, Philip Young, on October 23rd
announced that between May 27th and September 30th, the federal government had
fired 863 employees and forced the resignation of 593 more as security risks.
The grounds for such dismissal were disloyalty and related charges, involving
moral weakness. According to the Civil Service Commission report all but 5 of
the 1456 employees were hired before January 20, 1953, when the new Administration
took over.
The best and latest evidence why the United States should do all possible
to prevent the admission of Red China into the United Nations is the recent
report indicating that nearly 30,000 individuals including 6000 Americans died
because of ill treatment, or execution, while captives of the Chinese and North
Koreans during the Korean War. The United States has presented a detailed docu-
mentation of the war crimes committed by the Chinese and North Korean Reds. These
details come as a shock to many Americans although previous history should indi--
cate communists have no regard for humanity or liberty. The United States repre-
sentatives to the UN expect that these atrocities will get a full hearing to
illustrate to the world the full extent of the Communist war crimes. With such
factual evidence under no circumstances should Red China be permitted to "shoot
its way into the United Nations."
On November 2nd Secretary of Agriculture Benson announced the reorganization
of the Department of Agriculture would be put into effect immediately. Prior to
this there had been numerous complaints regarding the proposed change in the
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regional office set-up in the Soil Conservation Service.
Here is a direct quotation from Secretary Benson concerning SCS -
do not now and never have planned to consolidate the Soil Conservation Service
with the Agricultural Extension Service. We do not now and never have planned
to turn over to the Agricultural Extension Service any functions or activities
now carried on by the Soil Conservation Service. We do not now and never have
planned to contract with the Land-Grant Colleges for technical assistance to
the Soil Conservation Districts.
"I am fully aware of the need for conserving and improving our agriculaural
resources. The SCS will continue as a separate agency of the Department. I
am determined that it shall continue to serve farmers even better through
technical aid to Soil Conservation Districts. The Department of Agriculture
has signed a memorandum of understanding with each Soil Conservation District.
We shall continue the cooperation provided for in these memoranda.
"The watershed and flood-control projects will continue to be emphasized.
Where these projects involve more than one state, the work on them will be
coordinated. So important is this work that every effort will be made to get
under way and complete as soon as possible the previously authorized projects.
"Effective today the State offices of the Soil Conservation Service are
given greater responsibility for program formultaion and execution, and the
Regional Offices are abolished."
In addition I have had the personal assurance of the Department of Agri-
culture that farmers will be given equal if not more technical assistance by
SCS specialists under the reorganization. The new head man in the Washington
office of SCS is a highly competent career man in the service who has devoted
his lifetime to spil conservation. By abolishing the seven regional offices
and strengthening SCS staffs and services in each state an even better job
can be done in helping farmers conserve their soil.
The United States Coast Guard is a fine career for young Americans. The
1954 entrance examinations for the U. S. Coast Guard Academy will be held on
February 23 and 24th. These competitive examinations are open to men between
17 and 22 who are in good health and interested in a career as a commissioned
officer in the Coast Guard. For more information on the fine opportunity
offered young men in this service, write to the U. S. Coast Guard, Washington
25, D. C. That's the U. S. Coast Guard, Washington 25, D. C.
FOR RELEASE November 19, 1953
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
By Gerald R. Ford, Jr., M. C.
The big story during the past week has been the Harry Dexter White case.
Attorney General Herbert Brownell touched off the explosion in & speech at Chicago,
in which he stated that former President Harry S. Truman had full knowledge of an
FBI report which raised serious doubts about Mr. White's loyalty to our government.
The former President has denied the charge and has refused to honor a subpoena of
the House Un-American Activities Committee, on the grounds that his actions as
Chief Executive are beyond the scope of a congressional subpoena.
Perhaps the most interesting development in the case was the statement of
Governor James F. Byrnes of South Carolina. Governor Byrnes was Secretary of State
when the alleged action took place. Mr. Byrnes has stated unequivocally that he
knows President Truman read the report on White, and that he, the former President,
was very much surprised at its contents. Governer Byrnes has consented to file a
report on what he knows about the case or to appear before a sub-committee in
South Carolina and give the full details.
T have discussed this case with Congressman Kit Clardy of Michigan, who is a
member of the House Un-American Activities Committee. Mr. Clardy reminded me that
the White case is certainly not new. During the course of the Alger Hiss hearing,
Whittaker Chambers testified that Harry Dexter White wrote the famous "Pumpkin
Letters." Under the established rules of the Committee the Chairman has the right
to issue subpoenes where the subject has already been under investigation and call
meetings whenever he desires. Mr. Clardy stated he wholeheartedly confirms the
action taken by Chairman Harold Volde in the issuance of subpoenas to Harry Truman,
James Byrnes and the then Attorney General, Tom Clark. Mr. Clardy feels that the
American people have a right to know what action has been taken in the past, to
government of Communists or Communist sympathizers.
In view of the fact that the matter has been made public, it is my opinion that
the whole controversy should be properly aired so that all of us can know and under-
stand what took place. To use a lawyer's expression, "what we all want are the facts."
Before we can pass judgment this procedure is mandatory.
Although I feel that under the Constitution a former president can be subpoened,
it would have been wiser and more prudent for the Committee to have invited Mr.
Truman to voluntarily give his version of the affair. If he had rejected the
invitation, then it would have been in order to issue the subpoena.
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW - Page 2
One of the most important organizations established in recent years is the
Commission on Intergovernmental Relations. As the title implies, the principle
task of the new group is to ascertain the present, past, and future relations of the
various federal, state, and local governments. Federal aid, taxes, and paramoust
responsibility will be studied by the Commission.
The Chairman of the Intergovernmental Commission is Clarence E. Manion, who
wrote the outstanding book "Key to Peace." Other prominent members of the public
on the Commission are John Burton, Vice-President of Cornell University, Mrs. Clive
K. Leopold, Secretary of State of Connecticut, Charles Henderson, Mayor of Youngs-
town, Ohio, to name a few. Also on the Commission are members of the House and
Senate and the Executive Branch of the government.
The need for such a study by the Intergovernmental Commission is shown by the
growth of the federal aid programs. In 1920 the entire cost of federal aid was
$42 million. In 1952 this figure jumped to over $2 billion.
President Eisenhower, Prime Minister Churchill of Great Britain, and Premier M.
Laniel of France will meet at Bermuda between December 4th and 8th to discuss the
world situation. Let us all hope and pray that the allies are able to formulate
a plan which will be just and equitable to all the world.
The economy drive has hit the Presidential railroad car. The Presidential
pullman seems headed in the same direction as the Presidential yacht before it-
into mothballs for economy's sake. When President Eisenhower left Washington
October 14th for Defiance, Ohio, he rode in a regular Baltimore & Ohio three-
bedroom business car. Officials said this saved the government the price of ten
first-class fares, which is the charge for deadheading back to its base an empty
car used on a one-way trip. Railroads assume the cost of deadheading their own
cars, but the government has to pay when the Presidential car, formerly called the
"Ferdinand Magellan" is returned empty to Washington.
The State Department announced November 5th that in the past eight months
it has dismissed 306 employees in this country and 178 employees abroad for
security reasons.
Recent visitors to our Washington office have been Mr. and Mrs. Bud Knoll,
Mr. Paul A. Johnson, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Ervan Dornbos, Mr. Donald A. Johnson, all
10RD
of Grand Haven, and Mr. Edwin Monsma of Grand Rapids.
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FOR RELEASE November 26, 1953
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
By Gerald R, Ford, Jr., M. C.
The Harry Dexter White case has been headline stuff for several weeks, but
there are a few facts that need re-emphasis and clarification. First, everybody
involved now agrees that White was an espionage agent of the Communists. Second,
Harry Dexter White was not approved or cleared by J. Edgar Hoover for advancement
to the $17,000 position as Executive Director for the United States in the Inter-
national Monetary Fund. Third, the F. B. I. chief flatly denied that he ever
entered into any agreement to shift White from the job as Assistant Secretary of
the Treasury to one of the top positions with the International Monetary Funds
Here are J. Edgar Hoover's own words, given in testimony before the Senate Internal
Security Committee: "At no time was the F. B. I. a party to an agreement to
promote Harry Dexter White, and at no time did the F. B. I. give its approval to
such an agreement. Such an agreement on the part of the F. B. I. would have been
inconceivable." Mr. J. Edgar Hoover concluded his testimony before the Senate
Committee with this statement, "I never did at any time ask any agency to keep a
suspected subversive on its payroll to further one of our investigations."
This testimony by the head of the F. B. I. should, once and for all, knock in
a "cocked hat" the alibi that White was kept on the federal payroll to help in
further investigation of Communist spies.
The White case is an effective answer to a standard attitude of the left-
wingers toward Communists - "Leave it to the F. B. I." The White case proves that
the F. B. I. alone cannot handle the complete job of cracking down on Communists
because the F. B. I. is only a fact-finding agency. In the White case, the F. B. I.
had presented all the facts to the proper authorities, but those authorities failed
to takeaction. The F. B. I. never makes its reports public, nor does it have any
power to initiate prosecutions or throw subversives out of the government.
One of the most interesting aspects of the Harry Dexter White case are the
two letters written by Mr. Truman to White commending him for his work as a federal
employee. Immediately after Mr. Truman assertithat his administration had fired
White, James Hagerty, Press Secretary to President Eisenhower, declared, "That
statement is not true. Mr. White was not fired. He resigned."
The White House made public a letter written by Mr. Truman on April 7, 1946,
accepting White's resignation from the International Monetary Fund "with consi-
derable reluctance." The letter continued: "I know you can view with a great deal
of personal satisfaction your career in public service, crowned as it has been by
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your ceaseless efforts to make a real contribution to the stability of international
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trade through the International Bank and International Monetary Fund."
The Truman letter declared White had filled his post with distinction, and said:
"Your unfaltering efforts have been a source of great pride to me." The letter
wished White "the very best of luck" and said Mr. Truman would "feel free to call
upon you from time to time for assistance in dealing with problems we will be
continually facing in which your background and abilities made you peculiarly able
to help us."
When White left the Treasury to assume his new position with the International
Monetary Fund on May 1, 1946, Mr. Truman had written a similar letter to White,
declaring: "I am confident that in your new position you will add distinction to
your already distinguished career with the Treasury." This letter had been written
after the first F. B. I. report identifying White as a Russian spy had been in the
White House for almost six months, and the second report conclusively documenting
espionage activities had been in the White House nearly three months.
It cannot be denied that Harry Dexter White was a federal employee with consi-
derable power and influence. He entered government employment in 1934, and was
steadily promoted, until by 1945, he was, in the words of Brownell, "one of the
most important men in the United States government." He was originally hired as an
economics analyst in the office of the Secretary of the Treasury. Later he worked
as chief economics expert of the U. S. Tariff Commission, principal economics
analyst of the Treasury Department's Division of Research and Statistics; and
assistant director, and later director, of monetary research. In 1941, he became
Assistant Secretary of the Treasury.
Eight days after Pearl Harbor, in December, 1941, Secretary of the Treasury
Henry Morgenthau, Jr. gave White "full responsibility for all matters with which
the Treasury has to do having a bearing on foreign relations." On February 25, 1943,
he was given "full responsibility for Treasury's participation in all economic and
financial matters in connection with the operations of the Army and Navy and the
civilian affairs in the foreign areas in which our armed forces are operating or are
likely to operate."
White, during the Truman Administration, was the official Treasury representative
on no less than 18 inter-departmental and international bodies, including the
National Munitions Control Board, the Acheson Committee on International Relief, and
the Board of Economic Warfare. He was entrusted with the management of a $2 billion
stabilization fund. White was taken by Morgenthau on a trip to Italy and North
Africa during the war. He was the chief technical expert for the United States at
the Bretton Woods Monetary Conference in 1944, and was chief architect of the
International Monetary Fund.
FOR RELEASE December 3, 1953
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
By Gerald R. Ford, Jr., M. C.
Earlier this month the House Ways and Means subcommittee on Social Security
problems began hearings on its extensive study of social security legislation,
Congressman Carl Curtis of Nebraska is chairman of this cemmittee that has the job
of making recommendations to the Congress as a whole for the improvement of the
social security laws.
The first witness, the acting director of the Bureau of Old Age and Survivors'
Insurance, stated that 30,145 persons living in foreign countries are receiving
benefits totalling about $15.8 million this year. In view of this disclosure, Re-
presentative Curtis as chairman of the committee, said increasing payments to persons
living overseas "may create a number of problems if in light of the declared purpose
of the social security program to guard against "economie insecurity for the American
people."
Further testimony brought out that persons now living abroad become eligible
for benefits either by working in the United States at one time, or as United States
citizens, by working for American companies abroad. Some of the 30,145 foreign
beneficiaries were said to be aliens.
It was brought out in the committee hearings that payments have been discontinued
to approximately 1,500 eligible beneficiaries in Russia or other Iron Curtain
intries. The recommendation was made that the law be changed to prevent any re-
troactive payments to these persons.
The committee will have many other witnesses in the weeks ahead who will
propose numerous changes in existing law. In addition members of Congress will
forward to the committee letters from constituents who make suggestions for the
improvement in our Social Security set-up. Congressman Curtis has specifically
requested that we pass on to him and his committee these views and opinions. If
anyone has ideas on this important problem, send them to me so I can forward the
information on for the committee's benefit.
During the past session of the Congress there were 34 roll-call votes in the
House of Representatives where a representative had a clear-cut opportunity to be
recorded "for" or "against" the legislative recommendations of President Eisenhower.
According to a tally published by Congressional Quarterly, your Congressman repre-
senting Kent and Ottawa counties, voted "pro-Eisenhower" on 32 out of 34 roll-calls.
In two instances I voted against the President's recommendations. My "pro-Eisenhower
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batting average was 97 per cent.
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW - Page 2
Most citizens have no idea how much money the federal government spends each
year on various educational programs. According to a report issued by the Library
of Congress the U. S. Government in the 12 months between July 1, 1949 and June 30,
1950 spent approximately $3.5 billion on 255 separate educational programs. Included
in the various programs were veterans' training, vocational rehabilitation, school
lunches and experiment stations. S nce fiscal year 1950, Uncle Sam has expanded
its financial contribution to education through the Korean War GI bill and dollar
assistance to local schools in federally impacted defense areas.
The "Farm Journal" recently published some interesting statistics on just when
the prices on cattle dropped. According to average prices at Chicago's livestock
market, on utility cows, there was a $7.90 drop during the last nine months while
Charles Brannan was still Secretary of Agriculture under former President Truman.
In the first nine months under Secretary of Agriculture Benson there was a $3.91 drop
the price of utility COWS. During Brannan's last nine months the price on choice
steers skidded $6.92. while in the first nine months under Benson the price on choice
steers fell only $1.97.
In other words the record shows the downward slide started almost a year before
Benson took office, and most of the drop in prices on cattle actually took place
during the period that Mr. Brannan was Secretary of Agriculture.
Wendell B. Barnes, Acting Administrator of the Small Business Administration
recently announced on behalf of the SBA Loan Policy Board a revision of the Loan
Policy Statement which establishes general guides for carrying out SBA's loan acti-
vities. He states, "The revision is primarily a clarification of the previous Loan
Policy Statement issued September 16th. The revision is directed at making it
crystal clear that--except for those few categories of business which under the Act
are not eligible for loans--any small business enterprise with a good management
record and able to give reasonable assurance of repayment is eligible to apply to
SBA for a business loan.
"In approving loan applications, primary consideration will be given to the
applicant's character, credit record, and business ability. The Act also specifies
the following factors are to be considered in processing loan applications: Im-
portance of the business activity to the defense effort or essential civilian needs,
to the public interest, or to the maintenance of a well-balanced national economy."
FOR RELEASE December 10, 1953
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
By Gerald R. Ford, Jr., M. C.
It's an old but true comment that, "mighty oaks from little acorns grow." To cut
federal expenditures in an effort to balance Uncle Sam's budget and reduce taxes for
our citizens, every department, agency and commission are finding new ways to save
money. Here are just a few. The State Department is saving an estimated $40,000 a
year by putting fewer pages in passports. The Bureau of Public Roads has quit dis-
tributing expensive road maps, as the new officials of the Bureau feel that it cannot
compete with the maps given away by gasoline stations. The Department of the Interior
recently canceled its monthly magazine for employees. There was no noticeable dimi-
nution of worker enthusiasm, and the move saved $10,000 a year. The Bureau of Printing
and Engraving is saving one-third on the cost of the specially-treated paper used for
making money. It now prints bills 18 to the sheet instead of 12.
Small business is getting a greater share of defense contracts. Small business
firms received 56 per cent of all money spent by the Army on goods and services
during the fiscal year which ended last June 30, Secretary of the Army Robert T.
Stevens recently reported. Firms employing less than 500 persons were awarded
36.5 per cent of the dollar value of all prime contracts let by the Army and an esti-
mated 19 per cent of all first tier subcontracts. Dollar-wise, small business
received almost $4 billion of the total $7 1/2 billion which the Army spent for
supplies and services between July 1, 1952 and June 30, 1953. The new Secretary
Stevens predicted that the new procedures inaugurated since the Republicans took
over would raise the small firm's share still higher in this fiscal year.
With a new session of the Congress just several weeks away, January 6th to be
exact, it might be well to review some of the organization and procedure of the
House and Senate. In the months ahead the following questions may arise: Perhaps
the answers will give a better understanding of what is taking place in the Congress.
What control does a political party have over its individual Members in Congress?
The principal parties are the Democrats and Republicans, and these exercise control
by means of caucuses and conferences. Democrats hold a party caucus and may bind
the Members to vote a certain way on a bill, if two-thirds vote in favor of being
bound. Howev er, a Member may excuse himself if he has a good and sufficient reason,
such as having committed himself to a contrary position when seeking election or
FORD
on constitutional questions. The Republicans hold a party conference instead of
a caucus, and their Members cannot be bound except pertaining to matters of party
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organization.
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Who presides in the Senate? The Vice President of the United States. He is
referred to in the Senate as "Mr. President," because his title in that body is
President of the Senate. The Senate also elects a President pro-tempore, who holds
that office during the pleasure of the Senate and presides during absences of the
President until the Senate otherwise orders.
Who presides in the House? The Speaker of the House. He is nominated at a
party caucus and is elected by roll-call vote of the House. The Speaker may appoint
a Speaker pro tempore, but not for more than 3 days at a time without the consent
of the House.
What are the duties of the Speaker of the House? He presides over the House,
appoints the Chairmen to preside over the Committees of the Whole, appoints all
special or select committees, appoints conference committees, has the power of re-
cognition of Members, makes many important rulings and decisions in the House. The
Speaker may vote, but usually does not, except in case of tie. The Speaker and the
majority leader determine administration policies in the House, often confer with
the President, and are regarded as spokesmen for the administration in power.
Representative Joseph W. Martin, Jr., Republican of Massachusetts, is the Speaker
in this Congress.
What is a party leader? There is a majority leader and a minority leader. The
majority leader at this time is a Republican, Representative Charles Halleck, of
Indiana, and the minority leader is a Democrat, Representative Sam Rayburn, of
Texas. The majority leader has the more influence of course, since he has the
majority of the membership back of him. The leader is all the title implies. He
leads in party debate. In cooperation with the Speaker, he brings forward party
programs and policies. His advocacy of, or opposition to, proposed legislation
indicates the party preference. The majority leader has considerable control over
what legislative programs come up and when.
Is the majority leader, in either branch of Congress, elected by the House or
Senate? The majority leaders in both House and Senate are not officers of that
body, but of the party numerically in the majority at that time. So while each
House, under the Constitution chooses its officers, majority leaders are not selected
by the House or Senate as such but by a party caucus.
Honse
What are the duties of the whips of the House? The whips (of the majority and
minority parties) keep track of all important political legislation and endeavor
to have all members of their parties present when important measures are to be
voted upon. When the vote is likely to be close they check up, find out who is
out of the city, and advise absentees by wire of the important measures coming up.
FOR RELEASE December 17, 1953
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
By Gerald R. Ford, Jr., M.C.
President Eisenhower's historic address to the people of the whole world has
had a far-reaching and favorable impact on all but the Communist dictaters behind
the Iron Curtain. The Kremlin didn't like Ike's speech because he put it right
up to them in a straightforward and specific manner. The reply of the Russian
leaders was a typical distertion of the truth and a flagrant misinterpretation of
the President's intention. If the Kremlin really wants peace and a utilisation
of atomic development for the benefit of all mankind instead of a continuation of
the "cold or hot var," they could join with the other nations in this momenteus
plan. In centrast to the "good faith" offer of Uncle Sam we find the Communist
leaders again betraying all mankind,
All Americans have good reason to be rightfully proud of the President for
his sincere, constructive, and significant proposal. He has again exposed the
diabolical motives of the Communists. The pages of history will record that civili-
sation's hope rests with the free world under the leadership of statesmen like
Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Good news for all taxpayers. The United States Civil Service Commission reported
December 2nd that federal employment has been cut 176,000 under the Republican Ad-
ministration between January 20th and November 1st; resulting in a saving of
$665 million spread over a one-year period.
In addition the $14 billion reduction made in this year's budget by the President
and the Congress made it possible for federal tax reductions in 1954. On a per-
capita basis this cutback in federal expenditures means a saving of $87.50 for
every man, woman, and child in the United States.
In a special report to four Congressional committees including my own, Fereign
Operations Administrator Harold Stassen said economic aid to Europe, with few
exceptions, can be ended next year and that there can be a considerable reduction
in U. S. military aid to our allies. It is refreshing to find a person in charge
of a government program who volunteers a outback in expenditures and a curtailment
in a department under his control.
I 5
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The Department of Labor under its new head, James P. Mitchell, seems to be
on the right track. In the first of a series of progress reports it was indicated
that the Legal Division of the Labor Department has accomplished more in the last
three months in the administration and enforcement of labor laws than during any
comparable period. This was achieved despite 3 budget cut and 45 fewer attorneys
on the Department's payroll. The report went on to say, "there is no question but
that better and more efficient public service is being furnished at less cost to
taxpayers. Faster service is being given to labor, management, and the public,
fairly and impartially."
Oftentimes visitors to Washington ask this question. Do territorial delegates
to the U. S. Congress have the same rights and privileges as Senators and Repre-
sentatives? The answer is yes, except the delegates may not vote. The delegates
from Alaska and Hawaii and the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico, may intro-
dure bills, be assigned to committees, speak on the floor of the House, and par-
ticipate in all actions of the House, either on the floor or in committee.
The Ford family is back in Washington after an enjoyable but busy four months
in Western Michigan. Your Congressman during the recess between sessions averaged
better than two speeches per day, six days per week. I met with many organiza-
tons to give them my observations and comments on domestic and foreign affairs
and in turn learned first hand the opinions of those who live in Kent and Ottawa
counties. This information will be most helpful in the coring session of the
Congress when we will be tackling many complex and controversial issues involving
the security, the welfare, and the continued prosperity of America. Don't forget
if my office CEMI be belnful in any way at any time, please feel free to call upon
me.
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FOR RELEASE December 24, 1953
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
By Gerald R. Ford, Jr., M. C.
From all appearances it seems certain that the Social Security Act will be
broadened and strengthened during the next session of the Congress. President
Eisenhower has gone on record favoring wider coverage and more equitable treatment
for those who have retired. More recently Representative Dan Reed, Republican
Chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means, predicted his committee would
take prompt action on this legislation when Congress reconvenes.
Chairman Reed had this to say, "I believe the American people want social
security and are willing to pay for it." There are three specific changes immedia-
tely suggested by Congressman Reed and undoubtedly others will come laters First,
the Social Security law should be extended to cover approximately 10 million more
individuals"wh have been arbitrarily denied this protection in the past." Second,
an increase in the existing $25 minimum monthly retirement benefit.
Finally, and this is most important, the liberalizing of the provision which
denies retirement benefits to those between 65 and 75 years old who earn $75 or
more monthly on jobs covered by the Social Security program. A year or so ago the
"work clause limitation" was raised from $50 per month to the present $75 monthly
or $900 annual restriction. At that time the Republicans sought to make the
limitation $100 per month but the Democrat-controlled Congress pegged it at the
lower figure. With Chairman Reed and other influential members of the committee in
favor of changing this prevision it would appear that the prospects are excellent
for a change to permit retired folks to earn more without losing their social
security benefits.
What kind of luck did President Eisenhower have with the various nominations
he submitted to the Senate for confirmation during the first session of the 83rd
Congress? The record shows the Senate received 23,542 Presidential neminations and
actually none were rejected. However, 31 executive nominations were withdrawn,
although 30 of these were originally proposed by former President Truman. Ninety
two were not confirmed prior to the adjournment of Congress on August 3, 1953, but
will probably be approved promptly when the new session convenes.
FORD LIBRARY
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW Page 2
The question is often asked, could the Western Nations trust Seviet Russia if
they signed a Peace Pact. Looking over the past records the answer would appear
to be NO. According to Senate Republican Leader William F. Knowlnad the Soviet
Union between 1925 and 1950 broke 9 non-aggression pacts, 11 alliances, 3 protocels
and other agreements committing it to a position against war, and one neutrality
pact. This background of treachery should confirm President Eisenhower's warning
that the United States should demand deeds not words in any negotiations with the
Kremlin.
Among the letters received last week was one from the American Cancer Society
expressing its appreciation and approval of the action taken by the House and Senate
Committees on Appropriations in making available $20,230,000 for the National Caneer
Institute for the current fiscal year. As a member of the Committee on Apprepria-
tions I can assure you it is refreshing to receive such a communication, The
Congress is definitely interested in this vital problem. The funds annually collected
throughout the Nation from millions of generous citizens plus the appropriations
by the Congress should give our research experts the wherewithal to win the fight
against cancer.
This past week your Congressman as Chairman of the Army Committee on Appropria-
tions inspected Fort Knox, Kentucky to take a first-hand look at our armoured unit
training program. In addition I spent a full day looking over the Detreit Ordnance
District and the Army's tank and truck procurement set-up in Detroit. Beth Army
Commands are doing an excellent job in helping small business and if any small
manufacturers have problems on defense contracts they will get the maximum aid
and assistance.
The Fords, Betty, Jack, Mike and Jerry wish everyone a most Merry Christmas.
May this holiest of seasons bring to each and everyone a bounty of blessings.
FOR RELEASE December 31, 1953
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
By Gerald R. Ford, Jr., M. C.
The Capitol Hill reaction has been excellent to the recent conference
between President Eisenhower and the Republican legislative leaders in the House and
Senate. This three-day conclave undoubtedly will result in even better liaison
between the White House and the Congress in the coming session. The domestic and
international problems facing our nation are imposing and obviously there are no
"quickie" solutions. However, by solid teamwork between the President and the
Congress continued progress toward peace and prosperty can and will be achieved.
If the Democrats in the House and Senate cooperate, and they have indicated they
will, then the atmosphere is ideal for the enactment of Ike's progressive and
dynamic legislative program.
The most recent figures released by Senator Byrd's Joint Committee on
Reduction of Non-essential Federal Expenditures indicates that federal employment
was reduced by 28,697 in October. As compared with October 1952, a year ago, the
net reductions in federal jobholders in twelve months totaled 196,941. President
Eisenhower and his Republican Administration promised that Uncle Sam could do his
job more economically and more efficiently with less employees and the record indi-
cates this campaign pledge is being fulfilled.
From all indications the new session of the Congress will get down to work
more quickly than any of its recent predecessors. The House and Senate reconvene
January 6th and the next day the President will deliver his State of the Union
address to a joint session of the Congress.
One of my Democrat colleagues when he heard this announcement said to me,
"What's the hurry. Why do we have the State of the Union message so soon after we
get back?" Frankly, I think the President is absolutely right in scheduling this
important message the day after we reassemble. The Congress has plenty of work to
do and the President's report, his budget recommendations, and other proposals
should be made as early as possible. In my opinion there has never been any justi-
fication for the usual January lack of activity on Capitol Hill.
FORD
LIBRARY
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW-- Page 2
In November Uncle Sam's mail carriers, a fine group of loyal federal
employees, solicited on their own time funds for the Muscular Dystrophy campaign.
This horrible disease has baffled our medical and scientific experts and private
donations were badly needed to undertake and expand research to find the cause and
develop the cure! This naticn-wide campaign for this worthy cause by our letter
carriers has brought in almost three million dollars. My hat's off to America's
postmen for their participation in the "March for Muscular Dystrophy." This is an
excellent example of unselfish public service.
President Eisenhower said on December 16th that it is unlikely the United
States will turn over atomic weapons to its allies, at least until a war breaks
out, but he said the Atomic Energy Act must be changed to permit closer co-operation
with the allies. He said that "certain revisions of the law are necessary before
we can do anything, because you must remember that the law was passed under con-
ditions that are not even remotely resembling what they are now." The President
went on to say that if a war started, we would use atomic weapons through whatever
means would best advance the interests of the United States. If someone else
could use an atcmic weapon more advantageously in a particular place, it would be
arranged, he said.
In this important news conference devoted largely to matters involving
foreign policy and the exchange of atomic information with the North Atlantic pact
allies, Mr. Eisenhower made it plain that the proposed changes in restrictions
on atcmic information exchange would not involve knowledge regarding scientific
processes or weapons construction. In any case, the President added, no decision
in this field would be taken until Congress acts on it, and that the Joint Com-
mittee on Atomic Energy is being consulted throughout the administration's planning
on possible changes in the Atomic Energy Act.
B elieve it or not this is the 260th edition of "Your Washington Review."
When your Congressman started a weekly newsletter in January 1949 the aim was to
bring "straight-from-the-shoulder" information from Capitol Hill. I hope there
has been no deviation from this policy. Over the past 260 weeks some invaluable
helpers have filled in and for their aid and assistance I am deeply grateful.
With your approval the column will continue but if you have any suggestions or
comments, let us 'now. In the meantime, we will wrap up 1953 with best wishes
to you all from the Ford family for a happy and prosperous New Year.