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Ford Newsletter, Jan.-Apr. 1958
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Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers
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Department of Defense. 9/18/1947-
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This document scanned from Box D2 of the Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
January 15, 1958
The second session of the 85th Congress opened on Tuesday but the highlight of
the week was President Eisenhower's State of the Union Speech on Thursday. I was
particularly impressed with the President's emphasis on a positive program for waging
total peace. It was reassuring to have his appraisal of our present military strength
and the job that has to be done to maintain superiority over the Soviet Union. But
it is most significant that he challenged the Soviets to work with us toward a
solution of the basic problem of world peace.
The message was a factual, non-partisan appraisal of the problems we face
because of Soviet threats. The speech forcefully suggests an 8-point program to
meet the challenge. and insure our security and stability.
First of all, Ike called for an end to any harmful inter-service rivalries
and announced that he will soon make specific recommendations for reorganization of
the Department of Defense to obtain the most efficient and economical direction of
our military power. In this age of total, nuclear warfare it is becoming increasingly
difficult to departmentalize functions and missions of the various services. New
weapons and methods of warfare necessitate a reallignment in organization; total war
requires unified-direction and 100 per cent cooperation. It must be pointed out
that the present organizational structure of the Department of Defense is based on
laws enacted by Congress in the last 11 years. Ike will urge changes but Congress
must act affirmatively.
To guarantee the security of the nation at the present time, the President
called for a speed-up in the development and production of the most modern weapons
and for improvement in all types of defensive and retaliatory action. He made it
clear that any potential attacker would face the prospect of total annihilation. We
in the Congress must respond by authorizing every needed improvement and by providing
the essential funds required-for an adequate defense in the world as it exists today.
I am sure that Sputnik and the Intercontinental missile has destroyed the last
vestage of isolationism in our country. The ICBM and missile-launching submarines
remove from us any protective significance of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Our
military bases must be far-flung and we must have strong allies all around the world.
We must continue to strengthen our Mutual Security program which has enabled our
friends to grow strong militarily and economically and which has provided us with a
ring- of steel- around the iron curtain in the form of over 250 military bases.
The President also called for an extension of our mutual trade agreements. We
and our allies still prefer "trade, not aid," and we must expand our world trade
if we are to continue to expand our own domestic economy.
In his fifth point, the President recognized the obvious truth that scientific
knowledge and accomplishment know no national boundary lines. For our own selfish
interests, the Congress must authorize the exchange of appropriate scientific and
technical information with friendly countries.
The President acknowledged that we have problems in the area of education and
research and has presented a four-year, billion dollar program to improve teacher
quality and student opportunities. While there is no question that additional funds
are needed, I don't think we can solve all our problems in the field of education
simply by spending more money. The use to which these additional funds are put
and the source from which they should come must be carefully studied. As Mr.
Eisenhower pointed out, to complete the job will require hard work on the part of
all and as he said, "perhaps most important of all--the student himself, with his
bag of books and his homework." Or, as another has written, what we undoubtedly need
is, "more readin', writin', and 'rithmetic, and less rockin', rollin', and swingin'.
Mr. Eisenhower has not discarded his fundamental belief in a balanced budget.
Every effort will be made to keep expenditures within income during fiscal year
1959. This may require some severe reductions in non-defense and in less essential
defense items, and we must apply "stern tests of priority" if the tax burden is not
to be increased. None of us want to see a complete swing from the "spirit of
eccnomy" of 1957 to a "spree of spending" in 1958. As a member of the Committee on
Appropriations, I intend to scrutinize each and every budget item and to judge
them by a stern test of priority.
But most important of all, any defense program or preparation for war must be
considered fundamentally as a necessary evil, far from the kind of world situation
we desire. We must never let any nation or people feel that the United States will
not talk over an international problem nor undertake discussions which will make for
better understanding between peoples. It is true this must be done from a position
of strength, but we must be willing to talk and to cooperate. So, Mr. Eisenhower
called for "Works of Peace" and invited the Soviet people to join with us in a
great work of and for humanity. Cur long-term program and guiding principles are
understanding, cooperation, disarmament, peace. For these we must continue to
strive.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
January 22, 1958
The first appropriation bill of the second session of the 85th Congress is being con-
sidered by the House of Representatives this week. It is the request of the President for
an additional $1.26 billion for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending June
30. This action is necessary to some extent to repair the damage done by the Congress last
summer when it reduced President Eisenhower's budget request for military funds by $1.2
billion. Dollarwise, the President is now in effect asking for funds to make up for the
House and Senate cutbacks of last session. Interestingly enough those who were so anxious
to cut the military budget last June are extremely quiet this January.
The primary emphasis in the first appropriation bill of the session is the mainten-
ance of our military superiority over the Soviet Union. It will put the Strategic Air Com-
mand on a more alert basis and improve its state of readiness. New bases will be construc-
ted to provide for further dispersal of big bomber units and tanker refueling units will be
relocated farther north. About $90 million is allocated to four Air Force Bases in Michi-
gan which are a vital part of the Strategic Air Command's retaliation "knock-out" punch.
These additional, essential funds will provide a powerful stimulant for our missile
program. Millions will be spent not only for research and development, but also for the
actual procurement of missiles and ground equipment. While much of this money will go to
the Air Force, over $100 million will be expended to expedite the production of the Army's
"Jupiter," a liquid-propellant IRBM, which will be manufactured by the Chrysler Corporation
in Michigan. This means that Chrysler in our state will expand its labor force from 4500
to 9000 within the next 12 months.
The Navy Department will receive an additional $350 million from this Supplemental, a
substantial part of which will go for construction of nuclear-powered submarines equipped
with Polaris Ballistic Missiles. The Polaris is a 1500-mile missile which can be fired
from a submerged submarine. Many authorities insist that in the long run this development
of the A-Submarine-Polaris combination will be the best missile program for the United
States. It will combine secrecy and surprise, mobility and speed, with an accurate and
effective destructive weapon.
THE BUDGET MESSAGE: Last week President Eisenhower presented the Congress with a
sound, balanced budget which will meet our military and our domestic needs without any
increase in Federal Taxes. The budget always reflects the most pressing national problems
and illustrates changes in emphasis and in our collective thinking. In the next fiscal
year, 64 percent of our expenditures will be for our own national security. But the change
in emphasis is most striking. There is hardly a production model aircraft to be purchased
by the Air Force with 1959 funds that was included in its 1955 program. All new fighters
and bombers will have supersonic speeds, capable of launching air-to-surface or air-to-air
missiles and will carry nuclear weapons. For the total missile program, about 90 percent
of the money to be spent in fiscal 1959 is for weapons which were not in production in
operational quantities in 1955.
With over $16 billion budgeted for civil benefits (labor and welfare, commerce and
housing, veterans services and benefits, agriculture and natural resources), the President
is making recommendation to reduce some of these programs and to transfer greater responsi-
bility from the Federal level to State and local governments, and to private enterprise.
Ike pointed out that it is not only necessary to curtail some Federal activity, but that
"the continued strength of our federal system also depends upon reinforcing the administra-
tive and fiscal ability of the states to carry out their responsibilities.
THE DEBT LIMIT: Many of us are disappointed that it was necessary for the Administra-
tion to seek a temporary increase in the statutory debt limit. While personally I would
like to see the figure remain at 275 billion, the urgency for action in increasing our
military power and the necessity of giving the Treasury Department adequate leeway in the
management of our fiscal affairs will probably force us to make this temporary change in
the debt limit. President Eisenhower has consistently demonstrated a deep sense of fiscal
responsibility and only the realities of the times prompt this emergency and temporary in-
crease in the debt limit.
AGRICULTURAL MESSAGE: The President's message on Agriculture pointed out some encour-
aging facts and made some controversial recommendations. Prices received by farmers on
the average are running 3 percent above those of a year ago; 75 percent of our farms are
owned by those who operate them (the highest percentage on record), and the total debt of
our farm people equals only 11 per cent of total assets as compared with 19 per cent before
World War II.
The President would terminate the short-term Acreage Reserve Program of the Soil Bank
and strengthen the long-term Conservation Reserve. While in Kent County there were 311
agreements on the 1957 crop in the Soil Bank, this has fallen to 63 for the 1958 crop. This
is in line with the general trend throughout the country. The President would shift the
emphasis of the Soil Bank away from the Acreage Reserve, which is aimed at reducing surplus
of particular crops to the longer-term Conservation Reserve, aimed at overall production
adjustment.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
January 30, 1958
On December 18th the Secretary of Agriculture announced that effective April 1, the
Federal price support on dairy products would be reduced from 83 per cent to 75 percent
of parity. This will have the effect of lowering the support price for 3.95 (butterfat
content) manufacturing milk from $3.25 to about $3.02 per hundred. The President further
recommended in his special message on Agriculture that the Secretary be authorized to cut
Federal supports to as far as 60 percent of parity which today would mean about $2.37 for
the 3.95 milk.
Repercussions from this action and recommendation are now being felt in many Cong-
ressmen's offices including our own. It is obvious that there will be a powerful demand
that Congress do something, and four alternatives seem to present themselves. We can
let the Secretary's order stand by taking no action whatsoever; the Congress may adopt the
President's recommendation in which case there may be further reductions in price supports,
or the Congress may pass some stop-gap legislation nullifying the Secretary's milk order
and maintaining the support price at $3.25.
There is one other possibility and that is to move in a new direction with a view to
getting the Federal Government out of the dairy business. Legislation has been introduced
to establish a "self-help" dairy stabilization program. This plan, which has the backing
of the National Milk Producers Federation, would shift the problem of dairy product sur-
pluses from the government to the producers. A 15-member Dairy Stabilization Board, ap-
pointed by the President from nominees selected by dairy farmers, would support milk and
butterfat prices at a minimum figure to insure efficient and sufficient production. This
Board would buy and sell dairy products in order to stabilize the price in much the same
manner as the Department of Agriculture does at the present time. It would have the re-
sponsibility of disposing of any surplus domestically or on the world market. But the
essential difference is this: the program would be financed by an assessment of about
25¢ per hundredweight on producers of milk. The cost of the program would not be borne by
the Federal taxpayers but rather by the producers themselves. It is proposed that there
be a penalty fee on those who produce a surplus, and it is contended that this plan would
save the government $300 million a year. Incidentally, the legislation calls for a refer-
endum of milk producers before the program could become effective.
While neither this specific bill nor the "self-help" idea in general may be the an-
swer to the "farm problem, 11 I think it is noteworthy that we do have a constructive alter-
native to the present system and that in this case the National Milk Producers Federation
is advocating a plan which shifts the responsibility for dairy product surpluses from the
Government to the producers. I believe the Congress should give serious consideration to
this "self-help" concept, not only for dairy products but for all major agricultural com-
modities.
CONGRESS AND THE MILITARY: Since General James Gavin announced his intention to re-
sign, there has been much speculation as to reasons, and the President and those in charge
of the Department of Defense have been blamed in varying degrees for the loss of an out-
standing military leader. I was impressed, therefore, to learn from a responsible source
that Congress must share the responsibility for this loss. It was reported that "General
Gavin says privately he expects a 'couple of generals and a slew of colonels' to resign
from the Army very soon. The reason: They, too, are fed up with 'hot and cold running'
Congresses which one year slash military funds, the next, demand to know why the U: S. lags
in Defense."
As you may recall, in the last session of the Congress President Eisenhower's National
Defense budget was slashed $1.2 billion by the House and Senate. Now in this session of
the Congress many who spearheaded that effort to "meat-axe" the budget for the Army, Navy,
and Air Force are critical of our military readiness.
THE PUBLIC AND THE ARMY: Frequently we hear criticism of how the Army places its
draftees and/or enlistees. The popular picture is of a highly talented individual, that
would unmistakably find success in the civilian world, pushing a broom in his barracks as
permanent detail man.
I was pleased, therefore, to receive a letter last week from a father in the Fifth
District complimenting the Army in this regard. The father wrote: "Incidentally, I sus-
pect that you receive considerable complaints and criticisms on the Army's handling and
assigning of draftees. In (his son's) case, both he and I feel that the Army has done a
good job for him. His M. S. U. degree is in Sociology, Psychology, Personnel Counseling,
and the Army has him working in a psychiatric clinic, doing exactly what he studied for.
He. feels that he is doing a worthwhile job for the Army and getting excellent training for
his future civilian job, both at the same time. In short, this is a compliment rather
than a criticism of the Army." We sent the letter to the Secretary of the Army, Wilbur
Brucker of Michigan.
RECENT VISITORS: From Holland: Wendell Miles; from Spring Lake: Charles E. Hiker;
from Grand Haven: Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Stearns; from Grand Rapids: Grant Harrison,
Henry Greene, Ralph Johnson, John Carlson, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Gentry, Thomas K. Cushman,
John Vander Ark, Robert Howlett, Major F. B. Clark, and Mrs. and Mrs. Hugo B. Hammerslag;
from Grandville: Jane Mac Eachron.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
February 6, 1958
During the past week my committee on Defense Department appropriations has been meet-
ing 4 to 5 hours each day with an imposing array of witnesses on behalf of Ike's $40 bil-
lion budget for the Armed Forces. The list of those urging Congress to support adequate
funds for the Army, Navy, and Air Force was headed by Secretary of Defense Mc Elroy, Gen-
eral Twining, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mr. Allen Dulles, Director of the
Central Intelligence Agency, the heads of Army, Navy, and Air Force intelligence, and Mr.
Nelson Rockefeller, chief author of the Rockefeller Report on "International Security: the
Military Aspect."
THE OFFICE: Since reporting to you a week ago there have come to my office copies of
three special Presidential messages, approximately 280 letters, and one box of Louisiana
Yams. The Presidential messages are a challenge for constructive legislative action; the
letters provide an opportunity to assist and explain, while the yams represent a bit of
Louisiana boasting made real in a material way.
Rep. T. A. Thompson of Louisiana, who had these sweetpotatoes distributed to each of-
fice reported in the Congressional Record that "our Louisiana yam is a sweetpotato, but the
appellation of yam is applied to the scientifically developed sweetpotato which can be
grown to perfection only in certain soil-rich areas of our state." The Ford family enjoyed
the treat so we won't quarrel with the speech -- especially since we grow no sweetpotatoes
in Michigan.
In speaking of potatoes I should report that on Tuesday of this week free potato soup
was served in the House restaurant through arrangements by Rep. Carroll Kearns of New Jer-
sey who wants to make this delicacy a permanent item on the menu along with our famous
Michigan bean soup.
EDUCATION: The President's message on Education emphasized the national security re-
quirements of our educational system and called for an expansion of the activities of the
National Science Foundation and of the programs of the Department. The Keynote of the Ad-
ministration's approach is a method of cooperative action with state and local governments,
and private enterprise aimed at improving instruction and encouraging more students to
specialize especially in science, mathematics, and foreign languages. President Eisenhower
made clear that this is an emergency program in which the Federal Government is to assist,
not control or supplant, present efforts in this direction. The Congress will analyze the
specific proposals, but it is too early to predict what final action will result.
LABOR - MANAGEMENT: In order to curb some of the abuses brought to light by the Mc
Clellan Senate Committee, the President sent to Congress his recommendations for remedial
legislation in the area of labor-management relations. These recommendations have been
turned over to the respective House and Senate Committees and some action may be expected
this session.
RECIPROCAL TRADE: The Trade Agreements Act expires on June 30th and the President
has asked for a five-year extension. If our own domestic economy is to remain healthy we
must continue to expand our world markets, reduce international trade barriers, and meet
the threat of Soviet economic penetration. It goes without saying that our domestic in-
dustries must be protected by "peril point" and "escape clause" provisions.
CORRESPONDENCE: Our correspondence last week covered a wide range of subject-matter
with a number of letters on H. R. 8002 (the accrued expenditures budget bill) and H. R.
8308 (to provide for humane slaughtering of livestock), and H. R. 4662 (to make some edu-
cational expenses of teachers a deductible item for income tax purposes). We have also
heard from some dairy farmers on the proposed reduction in dairy price supports.
IN OTHER COMMITTEES: The Committee on the Judiciary tabled bills to designate 15
special days on the calendar. Included were "Friendship Day," "Indian Day," and "Shut-In's
Day"
The same committee is holding hearings on bills to strengthen Federal laws against
the dissemination of obscene literature
The Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries
is studying legislation to require a qualified pilot on larger merchant vessels on the
Great Lakes and to clarify the regulations on preventing collisions on the Great Lakes
and connecting waters to be sure that the rules apply to foreign vessels -- both bills are
looking to the completion of the St. Lawrence Seaway.
ON THE FLOOR: The House voted approval of a $1.26 billion supplemental appropriations
bill for national defense and agreed to raising the public debt limit from $275 billion to
280 billion
H. R. 8381 was passed to correct unintended benefits and hardships and to
make technical amendments in the Internal Revenue Code
The Reverend Dr. Bernard Bras-
kamp, Chaplain of the House, was complimented for initiating a practice of prefacing his
prayers at the opening of each session of the House with some words from the Scripture.
AGRICULTURAL YE RBOOKS: I have on hand about 175 copies of the Agricultural Yearbook
for 1957 entitled "Soils," along with limited sup lies of the 1956 book ("Diseases of Ani-
mals"), the 1955 book ("Water"), and the 1954 Yearbook entitled "Marketing." If you can
use one or more of these, please let me know at: 351 House Office Building, Washington,
D. C.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
February 13, 1958
"Explorer is now circling the globe at 18,000 mph and it is reported that there may
be as many as two dozen American satellites in space before this year is over. While at
this writing "Vanguard" is yet to be launched, our situation is strengthened and encoura-
ging. Scientific information of vital significance is being gathered and the propaganda
value of the Soviet satellites has been materially decreased.
Public officials and news commentators have pointed out many of the implications of
this success. I want to add but one comment: We have heard much criticism of rivalry a-
mong the military services, the duplication of effort, and the lack of cooperation between
the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Without condoning any unjustifiable examples of these, I
think that in the field of research and development it becomes obvious that healthy compe-
tition may be highly productive. When we are breaking into a new and untested area of de-
velopment there are often a number of avenues of approach. With the Army, Navy, and Air
Force each attacking the problem in a different manner we may get at the answer more quick-
ly. If one approach proves fruitless, another may be successful. "Explorer" came out of
just this sort of situation. How would we feel today if all our "eggs" had been in the
"Vanguard basket?" In this instance, America is far better off that there was competition
between the Army and Navy.
But once the answer has been found or the best solution determined, one would expect
a totally coordinated effort to carry the program forward for the best interests of the
country as a whole.
PAID TELEVISION: Recently we received a number of letters opposing subscription tele-
vision. A neighboring office of a Congressman from a southern state had over 5,000 letters
on this in the past two weeks. This present interest is generated by the announcement that
the Federal Communications Commission is considering the authorization of a three-year tri-
al of subscription television in about 20 metropolitan areas that have at least four TV
stations. In each of these communities only one station would be experimenting with paid
TV, however.
Many objections have been raised to this proposal and legislation has been introduced
to prohibit paid TV in the home.
The House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce has held extensive hearings
on the subject to determine whether FCC has the power to authorize paid TV, whether the
law is broad enough to control such a system, and whether paid TV should be prohibited.
The prospects of subscription TV point out that there is no truth to the charge that
every set owner will be required to pay for the programs he now sees free. FCC has stated
that it does not intend to permit, during the trial period or any other time, anything
which would destroy the free programs sponsored by advertisers. Subscription programs
would be available to those who are willing to pay for the type of special programs to be
offered by the new system.
In an executive session last Thursday the House Committee adopted a resolution stating
that the "public interest would not be served by the granting of authorizations for sub-
scription television operations as contemplated by the FCC," and that the Commission should
not act until the Congress has specifically empowered it to permit paid TV.
In reply to the letters we have received I have stated that I am opposed to any plan
which will eliminate free television in the home, and that I will support any legislation
recommended by the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce which will insure to all
TV owners and viewers the system of free television we now enjoy.
HUMANE SLAUGHT ERING: The House took action last Tuesday on an issue which has been
on the legislative shelf for some years, humane slaughtering of livestock. The bill as
passed is a compromise developed by the Committee on Agriculture which stated that it had
adopted "a middle course between a number of irreconcilable points of views" and that the
bill "js probably not entirely satisfactory to any of the protagonists in this matter."
The bill, H. R. 8308, establishes a national policy that livestock should be slaugh-
tered in the most humane practicable manner. Under its terms, beginning on January 1, 1960,
the Federal Government will buy its meat and livestock products only from processors whose
methods of slaughter are found by the Secretary of Agriculture to be the most humane prac-
ticable. The bill is now before the Senate for action.
WOOL IMPORT DUTY SUSPENDED: The second major legislative item of the past week was
a bill to suspend for three years the import duty (tax) on certain coarse wools used in
the manufacture of rugs and carpets. The bill, H. R. 2151, was designed to provide our
domestic carpet industry with sources of raw supplies so that it may compete on an equal
basis with the increasing imports of foreign-made carpets. The Committee on Ways and Means
pointed out that the domestic carpet industry is faced with a squeeze which has placed it
in an adverse position competitively because it cannot obtain economically the raw vote
which it needs to compete, and, on the other hand, it is faced with mounting competition
from imported carpets. The bill was adopted by a vote of 250 to 129 with Your Congressman
voting in the affirmative.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
February 20, 1958
While back home last week I was not surprised to find a general deep concern over
the unemployment situation and the shortened work week. A year ago we heard much about
"economy in Government" and the 072 billion budget. Today our people are raising ques-
tions about the economy of the country and what can be done to meet the hardships which
result when family income is temporarily lessened or stopped.
On Lincoln's birthday, President Eisenhower issued a statement on this problem and
said that "all of us are deeply concerned, but from the best advice I can get I be-
lieve that we have had most of our bad news on the unemployment front. I am convinced
that we are not facing a prolonged downswing in activity. Every indication is that March
will commence to see the start of a pickup in job opportunities."
Mr. Eisenhower also stated it is the firm policy of the Government to foster economic
recovery in every sound way. Ike's policy has been high-lighted by a number of specific
programs which have produced and will continue to produce widely beneficial effects on our
economy.
Various steps have been taken or recommended to stimulate the housing industry.
While new housing units are currently being started at the rate of nearly 1 million per
year, the FHA has lowered its minimum required downpayments and rescinded its rule that
closing costs be paid in cash. Additional funds amounting to $177 million have been re-
leased for military housing and other Federal programs.
The Federal Reserve authorities have reduced the discount rates and have increased
the availability of credit, steps which should help promote a higher level of home con-
struction and building generally. Any increase in the rate of home construction will es-
pecially have encouraging results in western Michigan's furniture and appliance industries.
HIGHWAYS: The Federal-aid highway program is providing jobs throughout the United
States in construction and the supplying of material. Federal expenditures for highway
construction in this fiscal year will equal $1,771 million with the amount increasing to
$2,382 million in the fiscal year which begins July lst. The funds apportioned to the
State of Michigan in fiscal year 1957 were $70.4 million with an increase to $90.3 million
in 1958, and $102 million earmarked to our State for fiscal '59. By December 31, 1957
Michigan had obligated 54 percent of its fiscal 158 federal funds for use on the interstate
highway system (90 - 10 matching) and 51 percent of the Federal money for the primary,
secondary, and urban road system (50 - 50 matching).
it this writing there is available for Lichigan 70.9 million in Federal highway
money for new projects not yet selected by the State and submitted to the Federal Highway
Administrator for initial approval. There is an additional amount of $61.8 million avail-
able for Michigan highway projects which have had initial approval and for which the State
is presently preparing plans, cost estimates, and acquiring rights of way for final auth-
orization. This makes a total of $139 million of Federal money apportioned to Michigan
but not yet obligated for expenditure. While there is no danger that Michigan will lose
this allotment of Federal money, it does appear that this is one area in which the State
could accelerate its activity to increase employment.
URBAN RENEWAL: At the end of fiscal year 1957 there were 178 projects underway to
eliminate slums and blighted areas. By June 30 of this year that number will be 258, and
on June 30, 1959 it is estimated that 353 projects will be underway or completed. Your
Congressman is working to expedite approval of the Grand Rapids plan.
DEFENSE CONTRACTS: The Department of Defense will increase its expenditures for
goods, materials, and construction by $5.8 billion in the calendar year 1958 over 1957.
Contracts placed in 1957 totaled 17.8 billion while those in 1958 will amount to $23.6
billion. These new defense contracts will result in increased employment in the industrial
plants of Kent and Ottawa counties.
OTHER HELPS: Federal expenditures for other public works will increase from $1,290
million in fiscal 1957 to $1,970 million in 1959. These will include money for hospitals,
schools, and other government buildings.
It is evident that the Federal Government is assuming a major responsibility in the
recovery of our economy. As your Representative in the Congress, I will continue to do
all I can to support these sound programs and to encourage such new ones as may appear
desirable.
SWEET POTATOES: One can never be too careful with his facts when he has such dis-
cerning readers as the "Washington Review" enjoys. While I double-checked with the De-
partment of Agriculture before writing recently that "we grow no sweet potatoes in Michi-
gan," I was taken to task by two readers. One in Zeeland wrote, "I have raised sweet po-
tatoes in my garden for about 4 or 5 years -- about a bushel a year." Another from Nunica
reported, "Please do not say we don't grow sweet potatoes in your district because I grew
enough for a couple of meals in our garden last year. However, the plants came from Vir-
ginia P. S. They didn't get very big."
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
February 27, 1958
The really big news out of Washington at this writing is not politics but the wea-
ther. We shared in the snow (up to 18 inches around the Ford home) and the cold (0° early
Monday morning).
To add to the difficulties (and all a Congressman's problems are not legislative)
the thermostat on our furnace at home went out-of-order and the temperature indoors also
fell rapidly. We did get that fixed eventually and then found that the battery in the car
was dead and that snow plows just don't come by the house. To top it off little Steve
(21 months) developed a high fever and an upset stomach, and the Doctor thought possibly
he had appendicitis. (He didn't.)
A breakdown in transportation kept thousands of government employees home for two
days and closed the Washington schools for three. By Thursday, however, the sun shown
brightly, the snow shrunk, and the Government was again in full operation.
PINE SHOOT MOTH: In adopting the 1959 Appropriation bill for the Department of In-
terior and related agencies last week, the House of Representatives approved the expendi-
ture of approximately $25,000 for continuing the research in control and eradication of
the European Pine Shoot Moth. This amount was included in the budget for forest insect re-
search and will be spent largely in the experimental work which has been going on since
April 1956 in Ottawa County. Two years ago I was successful in my plea to the Congress
for funds to undertake the essential task of determining a method for controlling an in-
sect which was causing irreparable damage to thousands of pine trees in Michigan. The
forestry entomologists have had appreciable success in the past two years, but the work
must continue if the data already accumulated is to bear practical results.
OTTAWA'S SOIL BANK PROBLEM: Because Ottawa County was declared a "commercial corn
area" after the closing date for signing wheat acreage contracts, many farmers find them-
selves in a position of having to restrict their corn acreage to 60 percent of their nor-
mal crop in order to draw benefits under the Soil Bank Act. This restriction on corn was
not a part of the contract. It appears, therefore, that the Government has "changed the
rules after the game started."
I have tried to convince the Department of Agriculture that it should straighten this
out within the framework of the law. Having been informed that this was legally imposs-
ible, I introduced two bills to correct the situation. One bill applies only to Ottawa
County while the other covers 38 counties in the country which find themselves in a simi-
lar predicament.
Last week I appeared twice before the House Committee on Agriculture in support of
these bills to point out the necessity of prompt action to eliminate an obvious injustice.
The Committee was most receptive and cooperative. I'm confident it will report some re-
medial legislation and I hope we can obtain House and Senate action in time to be of prac-
tical value to the farmers of Ottawa County.
VETERANS' LAW: The House has approved H. R. 9700 which consolidates into one act all
of the laws administered by the Veterans' Administration. Containing 421 pages with a
41-page comprehensive index, this is the first complete codification of Veterans' laws in
our history. The enactment of this bill will be of great assistance to all veterans and
to those who advise them on their rights, priviliges, and benefits.
/ITH THE COMMITTEES: Education and Labor is receiving testimony on scholarships,
loans, work-study programs, and various other aids to education
Post, Office and Civil
Service continues its hearings on bills relating to salary increases for postal workers
and classified employees
Ways and Means is holding hearings on the reciprocal trade a-
greement:
Veterans' Affairs continued its inquiry into fund-raising campaigns by or in
behalf of veterans' organizations
The Committee on Foreign Affairs is receiving reports
on the military assistance program.
OUR NATION'S ECONOMY: I have tremendous faith in America as a strong, prosperous,
and productive nation. The prophets of doom and gloom who would steer us into a reces-
sion, are undercutting America's future. For it is certainly true that psychological
factors play a major part in economic flucuations. Our economic way of life is based on
mutual trust at the present and a strong confidence in the future. It is possible to
talk and think ourselves into a slump. Personally, I'm impressed by a 9 percent increase
in our population since January 1, 1953 and a 26 percent increase in personal income be-
tween 1952 and 1957.
The national average family income in 1952 was $3,890; today it is $4,800, an increase
of 23 percent. The average weekly earnings of manufacturing workers in 1957 was $82.46,
an increase of 21 percent over 1952. Sixty percent of American homes are now owner-occu-
pied. This is a huge increase over 1950.
The United States has made tremendous economic and material progress. We are now on
the threshold of the greatest era of scientific advancement in our history and I don't
want to "sell America short. II With work, understanding, ingenuity, and faith we will con-
tinue to make progress. Every segment of our economy, including the Federal Government,
must share in the responsibility and our leaders in business, labor and politics must ap-
proach the problems today and in the future affirmatively.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
March 6, 1958
In consideration of the Second Supplemental Appropriations bill last week I was
able to make one small but successful move for reduction in Federal expenditures. The
General Services Administration wanted to pay four consultants $100 per day plus ex-
penses to represent the Federal Government at hearings before the Federal Communications
Commission and various State regulatory agencies on matters involving public utility
rates for services rendered Uncle Sam. The Department of Defense has been employing out-
standing consultants on missiles and satellites for some time at $50 per day plus ex-
penses, which amount seems fully adequate and satisfactory.
My motion in the Committee on Appropriations to cut the figure from $100 to $50
lost by a vote of 19 to 19. However, when I offered the amendment on the floor of the
House it was accepted unanimously after the spokesman for the Committee agreed to accept
it. I hope the Senate will agree with my amendment to cut in half the per diem rates
for these consultants. It is difficult to see why public utility experts should be paid
twice as much as top missile and satellite scientists.
EXCISE TAX ON AUTOMOBILES: Your Congressman has joined the 11 other Republican Re-
presentatives from Michigan in requesting a meeting with Secretary of the Treasury Robert
B. Anderson to discuss economic conditions in our State. Among the subjects to be con-
sidered is a proposal to repeal or reduce the 10 percent federal excise tax on automotive
products. According to some authorities the total (state and federal) tax on a new
$2500 car in 1956 - 57 amounted to $599.
In the letter to Secretary Anderson we pointed out that an estimated 320,000 per-
sons are out of work, largely because of a 25 percent decline in automotive production.
We asked for this conference after receiving a Resolution adopted by the State Legisla-
ture urging repeal of the excise tax on automobiles.
ONION FUTURES: The Committee on Rules has approved for floor debate, and at this
date the House may have acted on, legislation to prohibit trading in onion futures. Al-
though the bill considered was H. R. 376 (Mrs. Pfost of Idaho) it was identical to my
bill, H. R. 1933.
For the past few years the onion growers, shippers, and processors in Ottawa County
and western Michigan have been complaining that there should be legislation to control
the manipulations and wild fluctuations in onion futures. Many have demonstrated that
the onion market was weakened and that they suffered severe monetary loss because
of
activities of speculators on the mercantile exchange.
Through my efforts and those of others representing the onion-producing areas this
legislation has moved along. It is my hope that I can soon report that we have been
successful in the House and that things look encouraging in the Senate. We want to
protect our onion growers and do away with any benefits which may be going to the spec-
ulators.
SOIL BANK: Legislation to help the farmers in Ottawa County who signed a wheat
acreage agreement only to find that added restrictions were later placed on their corn
acreage has moved to the floor of the House. I hope that we will be able to get a bill
to the President in time to correct the error which affects quite a number of Ottawa
farmers.
I was somewhat surprised to learn recently that 368 farmers in Ottawa County have
signed up for the wheat acreage reserve in an amount of $123,000. The corn acreage
reserve program has attracted 568 farmers who are eligible to receive $272,000 in Soil
Bank payments.
The House of Representatives in passing the Second Supplemental Appropriation bill
last week granted an additional $250 million to the Department of Agriculture. This
added to the $500 million already approved for the 1958 Soil Bank payments will enable
the Department to meet all its obligations under the Soil Bank program. The bill, which
supplies funds to meet payments on agreements already made, now goes to the Senate.
WHOLESALE MARKETING FACILITIES: Another legislative item of special interest to
the Fifth District is scheduled for House consideration this week. H. R. 4504 (similar
to my bill, H. R. 3623) would provide the same kind of mortgage insurance now in use by
the FHA for financing the construction of public market facilities. The Grand Rapids
Food Market Authority has indicated that this legislation is urgently needed if it is
to complete its plans for a modern and adequate public market for the Grand Rapids area.
The passage of H. R. 4504 and the construction of the market facility will benefit far-
mers and consumers alike and is in keeping with our free enterprise system in that it
involves no direct loans or grants by the Federal Government.
OBSCENE LIT RATURE: Three bills have recently been reported out of the House Com-
mittee on the Judiciary regarding the distribution of obscene material in the mails. One
of ese, H. R. 3033, is aimed specifically at penalizing those engaged in the mailing
of obscene literature to minors by imposing a $5,000 fine or 5 years imprisonment (with
a second offense punishable by $10,000 or 10 years).
From time to time I have had letters from constituents--and back home even visitors
to my office-who were deeply concerned over this matter, both for the sake of their own
children and children everywhere. I will support 100 percent any legislation that has
as its direct purpose the curtailment of the distribution of obscene literature.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
March 13, 1958
Your Congressman recently was appointed one of 13 members of a newly established
"Select Committee on Astronautics and Space Exploration" of the House of Representatives.
Parenthetically and ironically, the day on which the Speaker announced his appointments,
the Army launched its second satellite which at this writing has gone off into the wild
blue yonder, alone and unknown. This, I hope, is not to be taken as an evil omen for
the "Select Committee."
The Committee will be delving into all aspects and problems relating to the explor-
ation of outer space and will consider all legislation having to do with that subject, in-
cluding the decision as to whether the civilian or military officials in the federal gov-
ernment should guide and direct "outer space" programs for Uncle Sam.
Your Congressman was one of two selected for this new committee from the House Commit-
tee on Appropriations. Having worked on budget problems and programs for missiles and
satellites for the past six years as a member of the Defense Department subcommittee on
appropriations I will have considerable background experience which should be helpful in
this new and additional assignment. Fortunately I am familiar with some of the technical
terms and problems connected with astronautics which, according to Webster is "the science
which treats of the possibility of traveling through interplanetary space."
H. R. 8002: The House of Representatives spent more than two days last week debating
a bill as technical as it is controversial. This bill, known as H. R. 8002, would change
the method by which about one third of the Federal budget is presented and approved.
During the debate such terms as "accrued expenditure," "contract authority, " and "un-
expended balances" were tossed about as were "obligational authority,' and "carryover bal-
ances. " The point at issue was whether a bookkeeping system recommended by the Hoover
Commission and the House Committee on Governmental Operations should be adopted for use by
the Federal Government.
Forty of the 50 members of the Committee on Appropriations, both Democrats and Repub-
licans, announced their opposition to the proposal and argued for the existing procedures
plus greater authority to rescind and transfer unneeded funds.
In view of this opposition and in spite of the fact that strong support had been built
up throughout the country for the plan outlined in the bill, its proponents accepted an
amendment substituting for the original bill entirely new language, but retaining the or
iginal number, H. R. 8002. As one of the most respected members of the House stated, "We
have nothing left now but a naked number. If No hearings had been held on the substitute
amendment nor was it shown that the original bill or the substitute would result in any
savings or any greater efficiency. In fact there was more evidence produced to indicate
the proposed legislation would hamstring the national defense program and add to the cost
of running the government.
Very simply, the original proposal would legalize "installment buying" by the Federal
Government. Instead of appropriating at one time the total amount needed for a major pro-
ject, the Congress would appropriate only such an amount as could be expended in one year.
The results would be confusing, would not indicate the true nature of the cost of major
projects, and would delude our citizens into thinking that the Government was saving the
tax payers' money.
The substitute proposal eliminated the "installment buying" provisions but is tragi-
cally weak in that it will give the Congress less, not more, control over spending by the
Department of Defense.
While I have consistently supported the recommendations of the Hoover Commission, I
can only conclude that either proposal will result in a budgetary hodge-podge. Further-
more, the enactment of either will prevent the Army, Navy, and Air Force from meeting em-
ergency problems in research and the procurement of military hardware.
THE CAPITOL BUILDING: The building which houses the Congress is now in the news
along with the Congress. Shall we or shall we not extend the central portion of the East
front of the Capitol by adding 32 feet for office space, expanded restaurant facilities,
and corridors?
For many years some highly respected architects have insisted that the East Front must
be extended to complete the design of the building which was altered when the dome was
added in Lincoln's time. They have said that while the dome is structurally sound it ap-
pears to rest partially on the front portico. In addition to the practical needs for more
working space in the Capitol it is alleged that an extension is needed to satisfy "eye
appeal."
Furthermore, while the Senate and House wings are of marble, the older central por-
tion of the building is faced with sandstone and has to be painted periodically. During
its lifetime the interior has received over 30 coats of paint and some think that one of
these days, due to its own weight, the paint may all fall off. The proposed addition
will provide a marble exterior.
In the Legislative Appropriation bill for 1956 funds were provided for this work.
Plans have now been completed, but as the day to begin work approaches vigorous opposition
to the project mounts. Opponents want no alteration which will change the view of the
building whose cornerstone was laid by George Washington in 1793 and whose forecourt has
been the setting of the inaugurations of Presidents since Andrew Jackson. They also point
to the price-tag, and present competent architects who maintain that the Capitol does not
need an architectural face-lifting.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
March 20, 1958
My Committee on Astronautics and Space Exploration has held its initial or organiza-
tional meetings and will soon move into hearings on the many problems facing the Congress
and our Nation in this New Age. In the months ahead all of us will be seeing more and
more evidence of U. S. satellites, but with these technical developments come a multitude
of problems. It is certain before too long that U. S. scientists will have us probing
and probably hitting the moon. It is the responsibility of this committee and the Cong-
ress to analyze the effects of such advancements from a long-range and overall point of
view.
EMPLOYMENT AND GOVERNMENT: We in government are concerned that unemployment in mid-
February stood at 5,173,000. This number represents 7.7 percent of the nation's labor
forces or about the same percentage as were unemployed during the winter of 1949-50.
While Michigan followed the national average in 1949-50, today about 11.4 percent of our
people are out of work. This is largely due to the fact that our State is closely assoc-
iated with the automotive industry.
Some leaders, both in and out of government, are advocating a "crash program" of
public works and increased defense spending. Others recommend a $5 billion cut in Federal
taxes as the means for reviving the economy.
It is true that Uncle Sam can go on a wild spending spree, and at the same time the
Congress could slash Federal taxes recklessly. But we know, from our experience in the
Great Depression of the 1930's, that uncontrolled increase in government spending is no
road to a stable and prosperous economy. In 1938, after years of unbalanced budgets and
increased Federal spending, there were still 10 million people unemployed. And at that
time the labor force totaled 54.6 million while today the figure stands at 67 million.
Moreover, a huge reduction in Federal revenue can only lead to deficit financing, a greater
public debt, and a strong tendency to fiscal irresponsibility.
I do think that we should speed up activity on those public works projects, including
the highway program, for which the planning is about complete, the need well-established,
and which could be under way in a comparatively short time. This would be a sound approach
and would give that temporary boost which the economy appears to need right now.
I also feel that any tax reduction should be on a selective basis, and that at this
particular time any tax legislation should be considered largely with a view to halting
the economic recession. As an example, I am urging the elimination or reduction of the
excise tax on automobiles. Such action would give the automotive industry a necessary
"shot-in-the-arm" and go a long way in relieving the unemployment situation in Michigan.
It is important to realize that by a selective approach to tax reduction the immediate
loss of revenue to the federal treasury would be relatively small but the benefits to the
economy could be significant.
A sound and responsible approach to remedies for the recession must recognize the
problem of limiting the stimulus to what is needed and retaining a tax structure that can
quickly restore a balanced budget when business recovers.
WHAT ABOUT STATE AND LOCAL TAXES: Will a Federal tax reduction be of any benefit as
a "pump-priming" device if State and local governments continue to increase their tax
levies? This question was raised recently by one of my constituents and must be seriously
considered if the purpose of tax reduction is to stimulate business by putting more pur-
chasing power in the hands of consumers. As you know, the Michigan State Legislature is
wrestling with its budget and a state income tax has been mentioned. The State of Mary-
land just last week increased the state income tax and the sales tax by 50 percent. Numer-
ous local governmental units are increasing their taxes. If this continues it would appear
to destroy any advantage that might result from a Federal tax reduction. If a Federal tax
cut is to stimulate business it must be accompanied by a successful effort by state and
local governments in holding the line on taxes or likewise making reductions.
SADLAK-HERLONG BILL: Rep. Sadlak of Connecticut and Rep. Herlong of Florida have
introduced a fairly detailed bill outlining one approach to a reduction in the Federal in-
come tax. I have received many letters endorsing the Sadlak-Herlong bill but none of them
have indicated the fervor and pessimism of a friend who last week wrote, "The Sadlak-Her-
long Bill is aptly named. It is sadly lacking and will be herlong time in passing."
CHERRY BLOSSOMS: Washington's Cherry Blossom Festival this year is scheduled for
March 25 - 30, but whether the 600 cherry trees around the Tidal Basin will cooperate by
being in full bloom at that time is problematical. At this writing Washington is again
covered with a blanket of snow but we know that with Spring, Easter, and the cherry blossoms
thousands of visitors will be in the Capital. We extend to all from the Fifth District a
sincere invitation to write, telephone, or personally call at our office (351 House Office
Building; telephone # CApitol 4-3121, extension 3831) so we may be helpful in every possible
way.
SENIOR CLASSES: We are especially eager to know when our high school senior classes
or other school groups are going to be in Washington. It is always a real pleasure to meet
the students, and if it is desired we are in a good position to help plan their activities
in the Nation's Capital.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
March 27, 1958
The House of Representatives by two overwhelming roll call votes (375 - 20 and 377 -
16) last Wednesday commended President Eisenhower and the executive agencies for the
action which they have taken in accelerating the military and civil construction programs
as a means of stimulating employment. In adopting Senate Concurrent Resolutions 68 and
69, recommended by Majority Leader John McCormack and reported by the Committee on Armed
Services and the Committee on Public Works, the House recognized the sound and construc-
tive steps already taken by the Administration to move forward rapidly with the needed
construction projects for which substantial appropriations had previously been made. The
House also recommended that all military and civil construction projects for which funds
have been appropriated should be developed speedily in order to help reduce unemployment
and to make available those projects which are vital to our national defense.
I supported these Resolutions wholeheartedly. They are specifically in line with
my statement of last week that "we should speed up activity on those public works pro-
jects
for which the planning is about complete, the need well-established, and which
could be under way in a comparatively short time."
The Department of Defense is planning to spend between February 1 and June 30, 1958
the sum of $1,715 million for general military construction plus $57 million for the con-
struction of Reserve facilities. About $500 million worth of military housing will be
constructed during that period making a total expenditure of $2,272 million for the five
months.
The Army is going ahead with the production in Michigan of the Jupiter and Redstone
missiles. While the Chrysler plant near Detroit has the prime contract there are about
1625 sub-contracts for the Redstone missile and 738 of these went to Michigan. Out of
the 350 sub-contracts on the Jupiter, 215 will directly benefit Michigan labor and in-
dustry.
On the same day the House complimented the Administration, Secretary of the Army
Brucker announced that the Army would let contracts for approximately $100,000,000 worth
of military trucks and trailers within the next 30 days. Nearly all of this work will
be placed in the states of Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. The pur-
chase of these critically needed vehicles is in line with the good and sound program of
modernizing the Army and will at the same time help to relieve the unemployment situation.
FARM PRICE SUPPORTS: The House of Representatives by a record vote of 210 to 172
adopted a Joint Resolution to postpone for a marketing year or season any reduction in all
farm support prices or acreage allotments. On final passage I opposed this measure but
prior to final passage I supported a motion to prevent reductions in support prices for
dairy products for a period of not more than one year. During that period Congress would
have an opportunity to correct any inequities now existing in the law and could provide a
new and improved program that will more adequately solve the problem of surpluses and sup-
ports. Furthermore, the announced price support reduction would have a greater effect on
dairy supports than on any other commodity.
But I do not think that it is sound to freeze arbitrarily the support price at last
year's level for cotton, tobacco, peanuts, wheat, corn, rice, and other commodities. The
Secretary of Agriculture should have some flexibility in setting the support price in order
to help control surpluses. For example, by this Resolution the government must support
the production of grain sorghum at the same level as last year when production doubled.
Should production triple this year the same price support must be maintained, and that
would drain millions from the Federal Treasury. If this Resolution becomes law agricul-
tural surpluses and taxpayer costs will be substantially increased.
LET'S SPEED UP TAX REFUNDS: A speed-up in getting to income taxpayers the refunds
to which they are entitled is one certain method of expanding consumer purchasing and
stimulating business. I have written the Secretary of the Treasury urging that the Inter-
nil Revenue Bureau be authorized and instructed to accelerate the payment of these refunds.
Inst year over $3,315,000,000 was refunded to 34,125,607 individual income taxpayers. The
average refund for that year amounted to $94.
We have no reason to believe that the number or the amount will be less for this year.
I am sure that the expeditious funneling back into the economy at this time of over $3 bil-
lion would have a healthy and stimulating effect on present conditions. The Internal Rev-
enue Service could do this by assigning additional personnel to the task temporarily, by
postponing certain elements in the processing, and by cutting the red tape generally.
VANGUARD AND ST. PATRICK: I so much enjoyed Rep. Hugh Scott's remarks on the House
floor March 17th that I'm quoting in full his message: "I know that Secretary of the Navy
Tom Gates, a fellow Pennsylvanian, must be enormously gratified today, and I extend my
congratulations to him and to all of the Navy on the successful orbiting of the Vanguard.
The day on which we commemorate the driving of the snakes out of Ireland by St. Patrick we
have succeeded in driving the bugs out of Vanguard.
"Russia now has one satellite in the air, the only one which is loyal to her; we have
two Russia has 13 satellites, all on the ground, all disloyal, all striving for freedom.
She has one dead dog in the air, and that is not the only thing that is dead in Russia;
freedom, too, is dead in Russia."
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
April 3, 1958
The House of Representatives has approved the 14 billion Department of Agriculture
appropriation bill for the fiscal year beginning July 1st which contains a number of items
of interest such as the funds for Agricultural Research Service. This organization which
has the job of finding more uses for our farm products and more economical methods of com-
modity production, will have a budget of over 58 million. It is interesting to point out
that research funds for the Department of Agriculture have increased 77 percent since
1952. Research in agriculture will pay big dividends just as it has on satellites and
missiles.
The Soil Conservation Service is another excellent program which has many enthusiast-
ic friends in Kent and Ottawa Counties. The SCS conservation operations budget for next
year will be almost ;75 million. The House Committee on Appropriations increased funds
for this program to assure sufficient soil conservation technicians to staff existing SCS
districts properly and provide technical assistance to the 70 new districts which will be
established in 1958 and 1959. All our citizens benefit when constructive conservation
practices are followed on our farms.
AGRICULTU.RL LEGISLATION: The Senate Committee on Agriculture has concluded a week
of hearings on the House-approved bill to prohibit trading in onion futures on the Commod-
ity exchanges. Nearly a score of onion growers from western Michigan testified at the
hearings.
On March 27th the Congress concluded action on a conference report on H. R. 10843
which will correct the unfair situation involving certain Ottawa County farmers and re-
sulting from the designation of that county as a commercial corn area. When this legis-
lation becomes law those farmers who signed wheat acreage agreements will not be required
to comply with the 1958 corn allotments in order to collect soil bank payments. The des-
ignation of Ottawa as the "new corn county" came after such wheat contracts had been
signed. I have written the White House urging Presidential approval of this bill. It
will correct an inequity but not cut out those farmers who have signed the corn acreage
agreement.
OBSCENE INT TIAL: Recent mail has indicated a marked interest in H. R. 6239, a bill
to provide fines or imprisonment for those who use the mails for delivering obscene or
crime-inciting matter. This bill has been approved by a subcommittee and is awaiting ac-
tion by the full Committee on the Judiciary.
I recently wrote Chairman Emanuel Celler to say that this legislation had not only
my personal endorsement but also the support of the people of the Fifth District. In
my letter I urged that the bill's provisions be enlarged to include shipments in inter-
state commerce by other means than through the mails. If the power of the Federal Gov-
ernment is to be most effective in halting the flow of obscene and crime-inciting publi-
cations, the shipment in interstate commerce by any means of transportation must be regu-
lated.
In his reply, Chairman Celler stated that the full Committee will consider an amend-
ment along that line. He also expressed the hope that the Committee would act on this
bill before the Easter recess. This is good news and you may be certain that I will con-
tinue to give 100 percent support to this needed and worthwhile legislation.
SCHOL STIC INCOGNITION: I VCS extremely pleased to learn that two of the four boys
from the Fifth District at the U. S. Military Academy at West Point were "on the Dean's
list" for the first semester just concluded. This means that these cadets ranked within
the upper 30 percent of their class in all academic subjects and had no subject average
less than 2.200 out of a possible 3.000. The honored cadets are David Mac Aulay of Grand
Rapids and Rodney A. Bartholomew of Hunica.
The announcement of the National Science Foundation issued in March revealed that
four men from Kent and Ottawa Counties had received Foundation fellowships for the next
academic year. Two will take advanced work in mathematics, one in chemistry, and the
other in physics. They are Hard Bouwsma, Alex Dragt, and Frederic Nelson of Grand Rapids,
and Ronald Hamelink of Holland. Congratulations!
ITH THE COMMITTES: The Committee on Foreign Affairs continues its hearings on
the Nutual Security Program
Post Office and Civil Service resumed hearings on legis-
lation providing for recognition of organizations of postal and other Federal employees
Ways and Heans has just concluded public hearings on the bill to extend for five years
the President's authority to enter into reciprocal trade agreements
Banking and Curren-
cy has been preparing its recommendations on S. 1451, the Financial Institutions Act
The Committee on Education and Labor has been receiving testimony on a Federal scholarship
loan program and other proposals relating to Federal aid to education.
III SING: It was interesting for me to note that last Thursday the House of Repre-
sentatives filled only 24 pages of the Congressional Record in a discussion of the bill
appropriating nearly 3 billion for the Departments of Labor and Health, Education, and
elfare, but then used 19 pages to debate a bill to authorize the erection of a "Freedom
all" monument near irlington National Cemetery. Incidentally, the appropriation bill was
approved by a voice vote while it took a roll call to defeat the authorization of the mon-
unent.
ENTR RECESS: Congress will be in recess from Good Friday through the week follow-
ing Easter. I will be in the District from April 8th to the 11th.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
April 10, 1958
President Eisenhower has submitted a bold and surprisingly far-reaching proposal for
the reorganization of the Department of Defense. Ike has definitely "grabbed the ball" and
assumed the leadership in suggesting ways and means to improve the operations of the Deferse
establishment.
The President's reorganization plan, because it is so comprehensive, naturally steps
on 2 good many well-established prerogatives of the Congress and the three branches of the
Armed Forces. As a result the proposed legislation may have some rough sledding both in
the House and Senate and in its implementation in the Pentagon.
In my opinion the President has responded to the demand of our citizens for an improve-
ment in the effectiveness of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The burden is now on the Con-
gress and the Armed Forces to respond. No one expects 100 percent concurrence with the
White House proposal (I have several reservations myself) but it is a good blueprint from
which the Congress can build a stronger, more economical and efficient Department of De-
fense.
TO THE LOCN: Our program for outer space exploration definitely includes a trip to
the moon. While it will be some time before we can land a man on the moon, an instrument-
carrying rocket may make the journey much sooner than most of us expect, possibly before
the end of the year.
The most difficult type of shot at the moon involves a safe landing and a safe return
to earth. Before this happens, however, we will undoubtedly complete a good landing with
no return planned and do some "probing" of the moon by circling around it or crash-landing
on it.
There are those who raise serious questions as to the necessity and wisdom of this
type of exploration and ask whether the results will be worth the costs. I suppose this
work is 2 simple continuation and extension of man's search into the unknown which began
centuries ago. But more important, our national defense and security is being tied more
and more closely to space weapons, and ve must be prepared to use space to defend ourselves.
Scientific investigations must always go forward and space offers one more area for expand-
ed research. And whether we like it or not, our national prestige is involved and this be-
comes extremely significant in a time of "cold war."
The President has recommended the establishment of a new National Aeronautics and
Space Agency to conduct research projects and to coordinate our program of scientific earth
satellites and space exploration. The Agency will cooperate with the Department of Defense
which will retain its responsibility for activities associated with military operations.
Legislation to authorize the Agency is presently before my Committee on Astronautics and
Space Exploration. I'm confident the Congress will approve this sound proposal.
HIGHWAY BILLBOARDS: The Highway Act of 1958 including a provision for the regulation
of outdoor advertising on new interstate highways was approved by the House of Representa-
tives last Thursday. The Congress declared it "to be in the public interest to encourage
and assist the states to control the use of and to improve areas" along the Interstate
System "by controlling the erection and maintenance of outdoor advertising signs." The
adoption and enforcement of such a policy is left to the separate states. Those states
which agree to regulate such signs within 660 feet of the new highway will receive an ad-
ditional 1/2 of 1 percent of Federal aid funds for constructing the highway or a total of
90 1/2 percent.
PROCUREMENT CONFERENCE: Representatives of the Department of Defense and Commerce
will be in Grand Rapids on Friday, April 18 to meet with labor, industrial, and civic
leaders to discuss procurement requirements of the Federal government. Special attention
will be given to the government needs in the area of missiles, and to the ways and means
of bringing additional work into the Grand Rapids area. The meeting is scheduled to begin
at 11:00 A. M. at the Manger (Rowe) Hotel and is open to any interested person.
FOLKS FROM HOME: While the cherry blossoms have been disappointingly late this Spring,
we are happy to report that there has been no dearth of visitors from home during the past
week. Last Monday 40 persons signed our guest book in the office, a record for one day's
activity.
Byron Center Community School's senior class was the first high school group to greet
us here this Spring and we have also met the senior class from Rockford. Two groups of
college students representing both Hope and Calvin were in the office for extended confer-
ences. These college students were in Washington attending a conference of the Association
of International Relations Clubs.
AFTER THE EASTER RECESS: The House and Senate reconvene April 14th. The legislative
agenda will be jammed with the remaining appropriation bills and a number of important con-
troversial legislative proposals. So far the House has approved 6 out of 13 appropriation
bills. The remainder must be finished and sent to the Senate by June if final action is
to be taken before the start of the new fiscal year which begins July 1st, Also on the
schedule is Statehood for Alaska and Hawaii, tax revision, unemployment benefit extension,
Defense Department reorganization and "space" legislation.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
April 17, 1958
During the Easter recess while your Congressman was in Kent and Ottawa counties, my
Washington office remained opened as usual to handle correspondence, and telephone and per-
sonal calls. We received a great number of cards urging legislation to end job discrimin-
ation against workers over 40 years of age, and a comparable number in opposition to any
appropriation which would enable the Federal government to take over the property of the
National Grange headquarters in Washington for a new public building.
In an appropriation bill approved March 27 the House of Representatives denied the
use of any Federal funds to prepare plans and specifications for any Federal building to
be located on the Grange property.
To those urging "Jobs After 40" I pointed out that because of Congressional action a
year or so ago there is no maximum age limit for persons taking Civil Service examinations
for Federal employment. In addition my replies stated that to refuse employment to compet-
ent workers simply because they are over 40 is wasteful and unsound indeed.
The House Committee on the Judiciary has before it a number of bills which would pro-
hibit a Government contractor or supplier from imposing any maximum age requirement in
the hiring of employees. I feel that the Committee should schedule hearings and take af-
firmative action on this legislation.
AT THE WHITE HOUSE: President Eisenhower has signed into law the bill which corrects
the injustice which certain Ottawa County farmers suffered when that County was designated
a commercial corn area. Under the provisions of the new law, farmers who signed a wheat
acreage agreement last fall will not be obligated to restrict their 1958 corn acreage in
order to draw soil bank payments on their wheat contract. The injustice arose when the op-
erations of the Soil Bank Act added a new requirement for eligibility for these payments
after the contracts had been signed. This problem was originally brought to my attention
by a visitor to my Mobile Office at Borculo and I have been working toward a solution since
last October. Fortunately the remedial legislation was enacted in time to be of practical
benefit this Spring.
IN MEMORIUM: An unknown serviceman of World War II and another of the Korean conflict
will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery on Hemorial Day, May 31, in special ceremonies
in which it is contemplated the President of the United States will participate. Recent
visitors to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier have seen the two crypts being constructed in
the plaza floor between the present tomb and the amphitheatre. These will contain the re-
mains of two Unknowns now being selected. By an act of Congress the service men and women
of World Mar II and of the Korean Conflict are to share honors with those of World War I
in the national memorial at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
On May 28th a U. S. Destroyer, accompanied by a coast guard cutter, will come up the
Potomac River to the Naval Gun Factory in Washington where the Navy will turn over to the
Army in a brief ceremony the remains of the two unknown servicemen. These will be taken
by automobile to the Rotunda of the U. S. Capitol where the two Unknowns will lie in state
from Mednesday noon until Friday noon.
This will be the first double funeral ever to be held in the Capitol and for the event
the Army is constructing a catafalque, identical to the one which has been used on 13 oc-
casions since it was built for the funeral of President Lincoln. Incidentally, the origin-
al catafalque, which will also be used, is stored two floors directly below the Rotunda
in a room intended as the tomb of George and Martha Washington.
The public will be able to pay its respects in the Rotunda and to present floral tri-
butes there.
Shortly after noon on Memorial Day a procession will leave the Capitol and travel
down Constitution Avenue to Arlington Cemetery. Guns on the Washington monument grounds
will fire a salute every minute and a uniformed guard will be stationed along the Avenue.
The Unknowns will be transported on horse-drawn caissons and teams of horses are now being
trained for this responsibility.
Admission to the Amphitheatre for the burial service at 3:00 will be by ticket only.
In order to represent all combat areas of World Var II there will be two pre-select-
ions. The Commanding General of the U. S. Army in Europe will select one Unknown from the
13 American military cemeteries in Europe and North Africa to represent the trans-Atlantic
phase of the Mar. The Commander, Far East Air Forces, will select a representative for
the trans-Pacific area from two cemeteries, one in Hawaii and the other in the Philippines.
The Navy will bring these selections to a point off the coast of Norfolk along with
the representative of the Korean conflict, who will have been chosen by the Commanding
General, U. S. Army, Pacific.
The choice between the two Unknowns of World Var II will be made on May 26 aboard the
cruiser, USS Canberra. The one not selected will be buried at sea in the time-honored
tradition of the Navy.
FOR DISTRIBUTION: I have in my office a limited supply of à Committee Report entitled
"International Cooperation Administration Replies to Criticism of the Foreign Aid Program,"
and also a small supply of a pamphlet entitled "Introduction to Outer Space," prepared by
the President's Science Advisory Committee. Let me know if you would like a copy, and I
will be glad to send it to you.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
April 24, 1958
Congressmen have returned from the hinterlands; the Tidal Basin is outlined with
Japanese cherry blossoms in full bloom, and my Committee on Astronautics and Space Ex-
ploration has been holding extensive public hearings.
The Fifth District of Michigan is the subject of special attention in the April
21st issue of Newsweek magazine which carries a comprehensive report on the activities
of Your Congressman during the Easter recess. I found a sober and serious concern
among our people about the economic situation but no indications of panic or hysteria.
Surprisingly, too, I found no strong support among a majority of the folks I talked
with for a substantial tax cut. There seemed to be approval for certain selective
types of tax reduction, specifically in the area of excise taxes.
The brilliant forsythia, and the magnificent magnolia have joined the delicate
cherry blossoms as harbingers of summer which seems to have burst upon us, driving away
an extraordinary winter-spring. This year the Cherry Blossoms did not appear as sched-
uled by Festival officials (March 25 - 30), and the National Park Service warns that
"it is impossible to make an accurate prediction on the blooming date of the cherry
trees, earlier than 10 days prior to their bursting into full bloom" (April 16).
The first of these Japanese Cherry trees was planted on March 27, 1912 by Mrs.
William Howard Taft, wife of the President, who with Dr. Jokichi Takamine, the Japanese
chemist, famous as the discoverer of Adrenalin, was most instrumental in having the
city of Tokyo make a gift of trees to the United States. Today about 600 cherry trees
are maintained around the Tidal Basin, and their beauty in the Spring is cherished by
thousands.
Dr. Wernher von Braun, the Army's missile expert, was the first of a number of
brillient scientists, and military and civilian leaders to appear before the special
House Committee on Space in the course of its initial hearings. Among many other
things, von Braun defended a certain amount of inter-service competition in research
and development. He said it was wise to develop both the Army Jupiter and the Air
Force Thor IRBil's. The missiles are not identical as to guidance systems, nose cone,
and ground control systems. In fact they are quite different in these respects, and
it is good insurance to develop both in case we run into trouble on one of them in
actual field deployment. Even at the present stage of development it is impossible
to say which missile is better, he reported.
Other witnesses before the Space Committee have been General Gavin, Dr. Dryden,
head of NACA, General Putt of Air Force research, Dr. York of the Department of Defense,
Dr. Herkle of the Atomic Energy Commission, and Admiral Rickover.
The Committee's most important responsibility at the moment is to act on the
request of President Eisenhower for the establishment of a new National Aeronautics and
Space Agency to carry on research and to coordinate our "space" activities. Legisla-
tion to accomplish this has been introduced by the Chairman of the Select Committee,
Rep. John Lic Cormack, majority leader of the House, and seems to have general bi-parti-
san support.
The new Agency would supercede and take over the responsibilities of the present
National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics. The authorization of this new agency along
with the establishment in the House of Representatives and the Senate of the Select
Committees on Astronautics and Space Exploration points up the significance of the new
problems which the dawn of the Space Age brings. The Administration and the Congress
are joining in their efforts to gather the benefits of this new Lge for the service of
mankind in the future.
LEGISLATIVE CORRESPONDEICE: Recently we have received a number of letters urging
consideration of Rep. Forand's bill, H. R. 9467. This would amend the Social Security
Act to increase the benefits under the old-age and survivor's insurance program and
extend the earning ceiling for social security taxes from $4200 to $6000 a year. It
would also provide insurance against the cost of hospital, nursing home, and surgical
care for those covered by Social Security, and otherwise liberalize the program. The
bill has been pending with the Committee on Ways and Means since August 27, 1957. No
action has been taken on the measure and as yet none has been scheduled.
We have also had correspondence from teachers and others interested in Federal
aid to education in support of H. R. 10763, a bill introduced by Rep. Lee Metcalf.
Under the terms of this proposal the United States government would make direct grants
to the States based on a contribution of $25 for each school-age child in the first
year, and rising to $100 for each child in the fourth year and each year thereafter.
The first-year cost to the U. S. Treasury would be slightly over $1 billion and the
Federal support could be used for teachers' salaries, classroom construction, and basic
equipment. This bill is with the Committee on Education and Labor which has taken no
direct action on it. I am informed, however, that the proposal may be considered along
with other federal-aid-to-education measures.