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Ford Newsletter, July-September 1967
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Ford Newsletter, July-September 1967
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Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers
Newsletters
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Panama Canal (Panama)
Agriculture
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Civil rights
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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
5
IONIA
JERRY FORD
July 5, 1967
Uncle Sam's new fiscal year opened last Saturday and only one of the 13
regular appropriation bills providing funds for fiscal 1968 had been signed into law.
Consequently the House and the Senate passed the customary "continuing resolution" to
permit government departments and agencies to continue existing projects and activi-
ties at a restricted level.
So far the House has approved 11 appropriation bills (9 regular and two supple-
mental) in which the President had requested $126.9 billion. Of this amount $83.8
billion was for defense purposes; in this area the House made reductions of $1.3
billion. Presidential requests for non-defense funds totaled $43 billion which the
House has cut by $1.6 billion.
But it is obvious that more has to be done in reducing non-essential expendi-
tures if we are to make a real dent in the latest officially-projected 1968 deficit
biller
of $11.1 billion. The alternative is more taxes for everyone. President Johnson and
his advisors already are stepping up the demands for a tax increase and for more than
a 6-percent surtax at that.
AUTHORIZATION CUT: The House did cut $309 million from the President's request
for funds for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration when it approved a
$4.7 billion authorization bill last Wednesday. The Committee had reduced the request
by $108 million and the House eliminated an additional $201 million. Because the
Senate passed a similar bill but in different form, the legislation has been sent to
conference.
TEACHER CORPS: The House voted last week to retain the Teacher Corps after
drastically altering the program to strengthen state and local control as recommended
by Republicans. Recruitment, selection, and assignment of teachers and teacher-interns
will be by the local school system under state supervision. The U. S. Office of
Education will not dictate the terms of their training or employment. There is to be
no "elite guard of federal teachers" in any school system. Even the word "National"
was removed from the title of the program now to be known as the "Teacher Corps."
The State Departments of Education will supervise the selection and assignment
of Teacher Corps "teams" which will be handled by the local school districts working
with local or nearby colleges and universities. Students in their third and fourth
year of undergraduate study as well as certified teachers will be eligible for parti-
cipation in the Corps. They are to supplement and help the regular teaching staff.
They will not supplant regular teachers. The Teacher Corps is intended to help
strengthen and expand the educational opportunities in depressed urban and rural areas.
This program will also act as one means of improving teacher training by giving
younger Corps members practical experience in the classroom.
The teacher-interns are to be paid at the lowest rate for full-time teachers
in their system, or $75 per week plus $15 per dependent, whichever is less. Local
school districts will pay at least 10 percent of the cost of services rendered, and
more if they can afford to do SO.
Mr. Johnson had presented quite a different concept of a National Teacher
Corps, an "elite guard," operated and controlled by the U. S. Office of Education.
The Committee on Education and Labor recommended, and the House approved, a Teacher
Corps which would be a local program designed and carried out by local authorities to
meet local needs. I supported the bill on final passage and voted against a motion
which would have eliminated the Teacher Corps altogether.
HIGHER EDUCATION ACT: In addition to the Teacher Corps, the Higher Education
bill provides grants to states for the purpose of attracting and qualifying teachers
and teacher aides. Many communities experiencing a severe shortage of teachers have
in their midst persons who at one time were qualified to teach. This bill provides
grants to states to assist in recruiting and training these potential teachers so they
could qualify for work in the classroom. It also makes funds available for the
training of teacher aides who could relieve teachers of many non-teaching duties and
help increase the effectiveness of the teacher in the classroom.
Teacher fellowships and other in-service training programs are included in the
legislation. Because of the increased need of college instructors, especially as the
number of junior colleges increases, the bill extends these programs to college
teachers and administrators.
RECENT VISITORS: Mr.& Mrs. Fred Rowlson, P.N. Hazlett, Mr.& Mrs. W. Carrington
and family, Suzanne Lancashire, Mr.& Mrs. Karl Olexia, Russ Chandler, Dick Oele, Mr. &
Mrs. D. Blok and family, Mayor C. Sonneveldt, Leonard Anderson, Ivan Zylstra, Carol
Apol, Arlene Warsen, Mr.& Mrs. Tom Tipi, Mr. David Lindemulder, Robert Keredig, Jack
Wiersma, Richard Silva, Rev.& Mrs. John Schaal, Mr.& Mrs. Jackson Potter and family,
Martha Haughey, Mr.& Mrs. J. Boyden and daugthers, Dr.& Mrs. J. Beaton and daughters,
Mrs. Paul Leven, Wayne Hilliher, Carol Burt, Mrs. Bruce Radder and family, Mr.& Mrs.
Wilford Peterson, Mr.& Mrs. Reno Maccardiniand family, Mr.& Mrs. Nathan Bryant and
family, Mr.& Mrs. Allen Bobroff and family, Mr.& Mrs. Louis DeJonge, Doug, Debbie and
Kristie, Stephen Ford, Mr.& Mrs. John Batts and family, Mr.& Mrs. Gordon Boozer.
NEXT NEWSLETTER ON JULY 19: Because of the Independence Day recess there will
be no issue of "Your Washington Review" next week. Betty, Susan, Steve, Jack, Mike,
and I are taking a six-day family vacation during the recess which is the only time
this summer we can all be together.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
July 19, 1967
A bill to make it a federal offense to travel from one state to another with
the intent to incite a riot is scheduled for consideration by the House of Representa-
tives today. The bill also prohibits the use of any interstate facilities, including
the mail, to organize or promote a riot or other violent civil disturbance. The
legislation is aimed at out-of-state agitators who figure in so many of the recent
local riots. It will supplement, not supercede, local law enforcement. Republicans
have been sponsoring this legislation for over a year; it is fully endorsed by the
Republican Policy Committee.
The bill (H.R. 421) will not prohibit legitimate activities by any groups or
individuals who organize or participate in lawful public demonstrations. As the
Committee Report states: "Obviously, nothing in the bill circumscribes or hinders
the objective of organized labor in a bona fide labor dispute in urging strikes."
OTHER LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITY: The House last week enacted legislation to extend
the life of the U. S. Civil Rights Commission for five years from January 31, 1968 to
January 31, 1973. I supported the bill which was passed 283 to 89. The Commission
investigates allegations of vote fraud as well as complaints of citizens that they
are denied the right to vote because of race, color, religion, or natural origin. It
also carries on a continuous study of problems in civil rights and serves as a
national clearinghouse for civil rights information.
Another bill approved by the House establishes a seven-man National Water
Commission to be appointed from outside the federal government to make a comprehensive
study of the use and management of the nation's water supply. It will be expected to
establish our future water needs and to present alternate ways to meet these needs.
The House also passed legislation which has the effect of prohibiting most
banks and savings and loan associations in New York State from selling on their
premises after April 1, 1968 lottery tickets used by the N.Y. State government as a
means of raising revenue for the state.
PANAMA CANAL: I share the deep concern of many members of Congress, both
Republican and Democrat, with the report that President Johnson has approved a treaty
with Panama that would surrender U.S. sovereignty over the Panama Canal Zone. While
the House has no jurisdiction in the ratification of treaties, it does have a respon-
sibility to safeguard the best interests of the United States.
Rep. Frances Bolton, senior Republican on the House Committee on Foreign
Affairs, has joined many others in introducing a resolution calling upon our govern-
ment to "maintain and protect its sovereign rights and jurisdiction over said (Panama)
canal and that the United States Government in no way forfeit, cede, negotiate, or
transfer any of these sovereign rights or jurisdiction to any other sovereign nation
or international organization." I endorse this resolution wholeheartedly. We must
protect our own national interest in the Canal Zone and by so doing protect the
interests of the entire free world.
The United States has made an aggregate investment in the Canal of over $4.8
billion. Seventy percent of the Canal Zone traffic either originates or terminates in
U. S. ports. The Canal is vital to the security of the United States and to the
defense of this hemisphere. Our country must maintain full and adequate control over
this essential waterway.
AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS: According to the Department of Agriculture, farmers in
Kent and Ionia Counties realized $5.5 million in income from agricultural exports
during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1966. Wheat accounted for $1.5 million of
this amount while $1.1 million worth of feed grains and $900,000 worth of fruit were
exported from 5th District farms. Other leading exports from our District were
vegetables, animal products, and dairy products.
The Department also pointed out that Agriculture exports make up and account
for one-fourth of all U. S. exports, and that the world market took the output of 78
million U. S. acres, or one acre out of every four harvested.
A TRIBUTE TO LINCOLN: We have in my Grand Rapids office (425 Cherry Street,
S.E.) a 16mm film entitled, "A Tribute to Lincoln," available to any group wishing to
show it. The film is in color, 15 minutes in length, and was made at the Lincoln
Memorial. It is non-partisan in nature and consists of excerpts from the Emancipation
proclamation and the Second Inaugural presented by Senator Thruston Morton and Rep.
Paul Findley. Senator Everett Dirksen reads the Gettysburg Address. Reservations for
use of the film may be made by calling GL 6-9747.
RECENT VISITORS: From Grand Rapids - Mr.& Mrs. Gerrit Schaafsma and four sons,
Mr.& Mrs. M. Charnley and family, Mr.& Mrs. Harold Witham and family, Geraldine Masters,
Gus Buchholz, Robert Slade, Van Pfetzing, Paul Fallon, Mr.& Mrs. Edward Groening, Mr.
& Mrs. Harry Long, Leonard Singer and Susan, Mr.& Mrs. M.Meekhof, Mr.& Mrs. Ray Powell,
Clifford Goeree, John Oshinski, Harold Troeger, Kathie Dole, Linda Sparrow, George
Savage, Dr. H. Homan, Sally Rypkema, Mr.& Mrs. Jay Bosscher, Mrs. Dick Boogaart, Jack
Williams, Mary Tell, Yvonne Houtman, Marba Perrott, Mr.& Mrs. Lester DeKoster, Mr. &
Mrs. Richard Ford and family, Mr.& Mrs. Robert LaVene and family, Susan Hamstra, Paul
DeKoster, Louis Drake, Adaline Whittier, Clarence Kuiper, Harold Tilma, Everett
Thompson family, Dr.& Mrs. Richard Wilcox, Mr.& Mrs. Waldo Kraft, Raymond Sasak, Dr. O.
Ricker, Dr. Herb Carpenter, Mrs. Charles Moll, Joel Berman, Mrs. Mary Burns, Mr.& Mrs.
Adam Kolenda and James, Mrs. John Vanderveen, Mr.& Mrs. M. Hollebeek, Norbert Grey.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
July 26, 1967
I supported President Johnson's request for legislation to halt the railroad
strike. Mr. Johnson told the House of Representatives that " Every minute and every
hour the strike continues will create ever-increasing damage to our economic well
being and America's national security
Despite the efforts of
three Boards, the
parties to this dispute have been unable to come to an agreement. In each case, the
union rejected the recommendations of the Board."
The President then reviewed the action that had been taken to avert a strike
and concluded: We are faced with a national crisis. The public interest must take
precedence over private interests
I
therefore appeal to you to act swiftly on the
proposal overwhelmingly passed by the Senate because of the urgent need to end the
work stoppage and to resolve finally the dispute in the interests of the security,
health, and safety of America."
After the Senate reaffirmed its approval of the legislation by a vote of 69 to
20, I joined 243 other members of the House last Monday in supporting President
Johnson's request. There were 148 opposition votes.
Under this bill the President will appoint a special, five-member mediation
board to work with the railroads and unions during a 90-day, no-strike, no-lock-out
period. During the first 30 days, the Board will try to get an agreement. If this
fails, the Board will hold hearings during the second 30 days on proposals made by
previous boards. If no settlement is reached by the 60th day, the Board is to present
its recommendations for a settlement to the Congress and the President. If the rail-
roads and the unions have reached no agreement by the end of 90 days, the Board's
decision will be binding on both parties until a contract settlement is reached, or
until January 1, 1969.
This legislation, therefore, could result in compulsory arbitration. I regret
the necessity for this as much as anyone. I never thought that I would ever be voting
for any form of governmental interference in the process of free collective bargaining.
But the crucial situation which had developed and the declaration of President Johnson
that this legislation was necessary, demanded prompt and effective action. And it
must also be noted that over 500,000 union members (some 80 percent of the industry)
had already agreed with management on a contract.
TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATION AND THE SUPERSONIC TRANSPORT AIRCRAFT: On Tuesday,
the House approved the first annual appropriation bill in the amount of $1.5 billion
for the new Department of Transportation. The vote was 393 to 5 after the bill had
been amended to make a 5-percent across-the-board reduction in expenditures for this
fiscal year. Republicans sponsored this economy measure as they did in connection
with other appropriation bills. This was the second one which carried; the vote was
213 to 189. All 12 Republicans from Michigan voted for the cut as did one Democrat;
five Democrats voted for higher spending, and one was absent.
An attempt was made to cut an additional $142 million from the bill by elimi-
nating that amount to help develop two prototype supersonic transport aircraft (SST).
Those who wanted to eliminate funds for the SST argued that the planes were not
economically feasible and that there were proposals for more extensive private finan-
cing which would save tax money.
Proponents of the SST pointed out that these planes carrying more than 280
passengers at speeds up to 1,800 miles an hour will be built. England, France, and
Russia are constructing them and in all instances with the help of government funds.
Our prestige and leadership is therefore an issue. But it was also emphasized that
the sale of only 300 SST's (FAA estimates a market for 550 by 1990) will insure
recoupment of the government investment and the sale of 500 will return the investment
plus interest. Although private industry is contributing millions of dollars in risk
capital, the SST is an achievement in the national interest which is simply too
expensive for any one company or business to undertake. I felt that those who favored
the committee recommendation for a $142-million contribution for the SST had the
stronger argument. But I do believe that full and prompt hearings should be held to
determine the feasibility of alternate proposals for financing this project. It would
be far better, if feasible, for the financing to be from the private sector rather
than from the federal treasury.
ANTI-RIOT BILL: The bill, which I mentioned last week, to make it a federal
offense to cross state lines with the intent to incite to riot was approved last
Wednesday by a vote of 347 to 70. All Republicans from Michigan supported the bill as
did two Democrats. But five Democrats from our state voted "no."
RECENT VISITORS: From Grand Rapids: Harold Dykstra, Thomas Creswell, Bernard
Ptak, Jr., Junior Landon, Mr. and Mrs. E. Dykstra, Clayton Farr, Joseph Lords, John
Anderson, Elsa Spoelhof, Kathy Haveman, John Stoliecki, Sr. and Jr., Mr.&Mrs. J. H.
Waldron and family, Mr.& Mrs. Robert Clark, Kathy and John, Diana Smith, Margaret
Przybysz, Shirley Cloud, Kathy Kolenda, Lloyd McConnell, Mr.& Mrs. Donald Seymour and
Mike, Mr.& Mrs. Thomas Bandyk, Thomas Hauck, Louis Capale, Mr.& Mrs. Bruce Schutz, Dr.
and Mrs. Kenneth Frieswyk, Sandy and Tom, Paul Lubert, Mr.& Mrs. M. Verwys, Ron and
Patti, Mrs. VanderStarre, Mr.& Mrs. Duane Kuik and family, Mr.& Mrs. Arnold Terpstra
and daughters. Cedar Springs: Mr.& Mrs. Glenn Geesey and two children. From
Belding: Mrs. H. J. Gilbers and Charles. From Alto: Dr. Duncan Littlefair and sons.
From Wyoming: Mr.& Mrs. W. VanderZee and family. Comstock Park: Pat Boeheim.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
August 2, 1967
Grand Rapids was and still is an All-America City. The disturbances of the
past week were the work of a tiny minority who do not represent the attitudes or the
feelings of our citizens. Grand Rapids can be proud of its constructive record in
every area of human accomplishment.
Personally, I would like to commend our local officials who handled the
situation so well. The policemen, firemen, state police and all others on the front
lines deserve our special thanks. And we are grateful for the fine cooperation
exhibited by all of our thoughtful citizens.
IN WASHINGTON: The first duty of government is to maintain order and to pro-
tect the life and property of its citizens. It was good, therefore, to hear Presi-
dent Johnson say that, "Pillage, looting, murder, and arson have nothing to do with
civil rights. They are criminal conduct." I agree with the President thoroughly.
The current riots and widespread disorder demand strong and effective action
by all law-enforcement officers. But we must also find out whether new legislation
is needed. I have therefore joined a number of other Republicans and some Democrats
in both the House and Senate in introducing a Resolution to establish a joint con-
gressional committee to investigate riots, to determine their cause and the means and
measures which must be taken to prevent them. The President's Advisory Commission is
good but we still need the congressional investigation.
THAT RAT BILL: President Johnson expressed great distress when the House
refused to approve the "Rat Extermination Act" authorizing $20 million each for this
year and next ($40 million total) to help local government destroy rats. But those
members of the House who voted against the proposal were motivated by the facts and
reason rather than by politics and emotion. They knew that in the first year the
Administration anticipated helping only a limited number of communities. The program
could at best serve only 21 percent of our people and only a little better than one-
half of 1 percent of the nation's 18,000 communities. HUD agrees that the program
would cost $6 for each citizen served.
Garbage and refuse collection are an integral part of HUD's plans for rat con-
trol. Where do we start or stop when Uncle Sam gets into the business of collecting
garbage? Furthermore, no funds would go to any community unless it had a "workable
program" approved by the Secretary of HUD. When this bill was considered only one
out of 12 communities had such programs. And the Secretary could suspend federal
assistance if any local community didn't toe the line.
All of us want to get rid of rats but the President's rat bill wouldn't do the
job. But it would mean greater federal control from Washington, a larger federal
budget, and higher federal tax requirements - all without any assurance of success.
We must also remember that the Public Health Service already is making federal funds
available to the states which can be used to establish rat control programs. Seven
states are already cooperating.
$4.6 BILLION FOR PUBLIC WORKS AND ATOMIC ENERGY: Although the taxpayers won
on two issues when the House approved the appropriation bill for public works and the
Atomic Energy Commission last Tuesday, more reductions should have been made and the
House specifically rejected a 5-percent cut on each item in the bill.
On a roll call vote, the House deleted from the bill $1.6 million to continu
planning for the controversial Dickey-Lincoln Dam and Reservoir in Maine. The
Committee had stated that "the project is economically feasible" and that it would
provide certain customers in Maine with electric power at reasonable rates. Opponents
insisted that this project would cost all federal taxpayers $375 million and at best
would contribute two percent of the power needs of New England from now until 1980.
Private power plants are now being built and will produce much more power at less
cost. Eleven Michigan Republicans and one Democrat voted for the taxpayers; two
Democrats voted for greater spending. Five of our delegation were absent and their
votes were not recorded.
There were no funds in the bill to continue planning the Lake Erie-Chio River
Canal which many of you read about in the June issue of Reader's Digest. Subcommittee
Chairman Mike Kirwan said the Committee dropped the project when "the Governor of
Pennsylvania (Republican Raymond Shafer) advised the Corps of Engineers on May 19,
1967 that the State will not provide the local cooperation required for the project."
It has been a long-established committee policy not to provide federal funds for
projects of this type when there is no assurance of local cooperation. Gov. Shafer's
action saved taxpayers millions of dollars which would have gone into this "big
ditch." I can mention that I was one of 25 members of the House who voted against
this canal when planning money was first provided in 1966.
Republicans attempted to effect further tax savings by proposing a 5-percent
reduction in each of the long list of projects scattered throughout the country.
This would have meant a further saving this year of $230 million. But we lost 239 to
166. Ten Republicans from Michigan endorsed the cut. Five Democrats and one
Republican supported the Committee's recommendation.
The $4.6 billion appropriation was then passed by a vote of 375 to 26. I was
one of the 26 because I am convinced that a 5-percent reduction could have been made
without materially affecting the national welfare or safety. Furthermore, this is one
area where even greater tax savings can be made. I do not want to see more taxes
levied on our people.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
August 9, 1967
The bad but not unexpected news came from the White House last Thursday.
President Johnson is demanding a 10-percent personal surtax as well as other increases
in federal taxes. This will mean a 10-percent increase in all personal income taxes
beginning October 1. A family of four with an income of $10,000, now ordinarily pay-
ing a tax of about $1,100 will pay an additional tax of $111.
The President spoke of a $143 billion budget and a deficit of $23.6 billion
which could go to $28 billion. This means he was talking about continued spending at
present or expanded levels. I continue to believe that federal spending can be cut
back sufficiently to avoid a tax increase. Mr. Johnson stated that the new sur-
charges, personal and corporate, will yield $6.3 billion this fiscal year, and some-
what more in fiscal 1969. The way to avoid the President's 10-percent surtax is to
reduce expenditures by $6.3 billion this year. With determination and a sincere con-
cern for those who foot the bill, Mr. Johnson could effect this saving without ma-
terially weakening essential federal services. Certainly at this point, the Presi-
dent has not made a case for an income tax increase.
THE CRIME BILL: The House debated the "Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice
Assistance Act" for two days last week but put off the final decision until this week.
The bill would provide federal assistance to state and local governments for training
law-enforcement officers and developing methods of crime prevention and control.
Republicans proposed amendments which will strengthen the authority of the states in
the administration of the program, will guarantee that some funds go to each state,
and will establish a formula for an equitable allocation of funds. In short, these
amendments would mean less federal dictation by the U.S. Attorney General and at the
same time effectively attack crime in every state. As the bill itself said, "Crime
is essentially a local problem that must be dealt with by state and local governments.
Our Amendments will maintain this principle. The Democratic leadership postponed the
vote last Thursday when it appeared we would win.
AFTER THE RIOTS: We know that the destruction, looting, and murder in the re-
cent riots was the work of a tiny minority of irresponsible persons. We also know
that thousands of innocent and responsible citizens suffered because of the riots. I
therefore joined the Michigan delegation in Congress in asking President Johnson and
Secretary Freeman to declare Detroit a major disaster area and to authorize the
emergency distribution of food there.
A number of us have introduced a resolution calling upon the President to pro-
mote voluntary Neighborhood Action Crusades in our cities. This "crusade" enlists
the aid of volunteers and the cooperation of local governments in coordinating efforts
to promote goodwill, to de-fuse tensions, and to work for solutions of neighborhood
problems. This is not a cure-all by any means, but I do think it could be the begin-
ning of a united front aimed at creating a workable tool to ease tensions.
I joined thirteen other Republicans in introducing a bill to extend federal
disaster relief to victims of riots and other civil disorders. This legislation may
be necessary because of the question of the legality of providing "disaster" aid as a
result of destruction by rioting. Emergency assistance may lawfully be provided fol-
lowing a natural disaster. Our bill permits such aid after a major riot. We do not
in any way condone mob violence but we cannot condemn the innocent victims of this
violence to a future more poverty-stricken and hopeless than their past.
This bill would make available emergency help in the form of food, clothing,
shelter, and medical supplies, also, repairs and replacement of public facilities and
services. Loans and grants would then be more readily available from HUD, the VA,
FHA, and the Small Business Administration. At this writing, emergency food distri-
bution is under way in Detroit, SBA is making some low-interest disaster loans, and
FHA has arranged to rent 70 homes to refugees from the burned-out area.
NOT BY MONEY ALONE: I say, Mr. Speaker, that there are some calculating in-
dividuals who would undertake to take advantage of the disgrace and shame into which
our nation has been led by launching a campaign for a big splurge in federal spending.
Spending is not the answer to these problems. But this does not mean that we should
abandon our efforts or scuttle worthwhile programs. They should be improved, but the
problem is not one of dollars but of discipline. Discipline, self-respect, and some
degree of law and order enforced on the local level by the local people is vital."
That quotation is not from a Republican. It was said on the floor of the House
last Monday by my good friend, the Democratic Chairman of the Committee on Appro-
priations, Representative George Mahon.
Mr. Mahon had mentioned the billions which the House had appropriated this
year for cities and for the poor: $3 billion for housing and community development
(five times the amount available in 1960), $750 million for urban renewal, $237 mil-
lion for model cities, $165 million for water and sewer grants, $235 million for
maternal and child welfare, $1.4 billion for medical research and training, $1.6 bil-
lion for elementary and secondary education, $400 million for school lunches and milk,
$300 million for the food stamp program, over $4 billion for public assistance (more
than twice the amount appropriated in 1960) to list just a few items. Chairman
Mahon then concluded his remarks by saying, "The more we have appropriated for these
programs, the more violence we have had. This refutes the idea that money alone is
the answer to this problem. To all this I can only say "Amen."
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
August 16, 1967
From the beginning of the Vietnam conflict I have insisted that the United
States should not get bogged down in a massive land war in the jungles of southeast
Asia. On December 13, 1965 I joined in the statement by the Republican Coordinating
Committee calling for the "maximum use of American conventional air and sea power
against significant military targets" and the imposition of "a Kennedy-type (sea)
quarantine on North Vietnam." We said at that time (20 months ago) that "our purpose
is to repel Communist aggression, to minimize American and Vietnamese casualties,
and to bring about a swift and secure peace."
Today we have 480,000 men in Vietnam and President Johnson plans to send out
45,000 more this year. There is no quarantine of North Vietnam. Only three out of
every 10 significant military targets in North Vietnam have been struck by U. S. air
power. Over two-thirds of the North Vietnamese military installations have never been
attacked. During 1966 American airmen flew more than 100,000 combat missions over
North Vietnam without attacking one of the significant strategic targets. But we have
suffered 87,000 casualties (12,000 dead; 75,000 wounded). Under such a policy there
is little hope for a swift and secure peace. The Johnson Administration is not
making the maximum use of our air and sea power to bring the war to a close.
As I told the House of Representatives last Tuesday evening: "The real issue
is whether we really have any hope of winning the Vietnam War in the sense of meaning-
ful and concerted military pressure that could force the enemy to the negotiating
table. If not, I can see no justification for sending one more American over there,
let alone 45,000." If President Johnson does not make effective use of our conven-
tional air power, he should send no more ground troops to Vietnam.
We in the minority have said repeatedly and we say now: "We will support the
President in every legitimate action he may take, militarily, economically, or diplo-
matically, to achieve a prompt, just, and secure peace in Vietnam." (Newsletter:
January 26, 1966) But as Commander-in-Chief of our armed forces and the chief archi-
tect of our foreign policy, Mr. Johnson must take the action. This is not a partisan
issue. As I told the House, "If bringing peace to Vietnam and bringing half-a-million
Americans home alive would ensure President Johnson's re-election by a landslide, I
would gladly pay that price."
So there is no misunderstanding let me make this clear: I am not advocating
that U. S. aircraft drop one more bomb than has been contemplated by the Johnson-
McNamara strategy. I suggest we strike these significant military targets where the
results (on a cost-effectiveness basis) will be meaningful. Under the Johnson-
McNamara strategy the war in Vietnam has been escalated by sending more and more U. S.
military manpower (approaching 500,000) while restricting our forces in their attacks
against the enemy in the north. The Johnson-McNamara strategy is widening the war the
wrong way, escalating American casualties and cost.
THE CRIME BILL: The Republican amendments to the "Law Enforcement and Criminal
Justice Assistance Act," which I mentioned last week, were approved by the House last
Tuesday. States were given control over the expenditures of anti-crime funds instead
of placing that power in the hands of the Attorney General of the United States. The
Administration's bill was also reshaped to place special emphasis on training local
police to cope with riots and situations that might lead to riots.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA GOVERNMENT REORGANIZED: The House last Wednesday approved
a plan submitted by the President for reorganizing the government of the District of
Columbia. The President's plan did not provide home rule but substituted for the 3-
man Board of Commissioners a single Executive Commissioner and a nine-man council.
The House Committee on the District of Columbia had recommended a plan keeping
the three commissioners and authorizing the appointment of a Managing Director as the
top administrative officer. The Board of Education would be elected rather than
appointed as at present.
While both plans were an improvement over the present system, it seemed to me
that the House should have followed the normal legislative procedure, debating,
amending, and improving the Committee's bill.
This would have enabled the Congress to work its will and come up with its best
possible solution, rather than simply saying "yes" or "no" to a plan submitted by the
President without having a chance to change one word.
CENSUS EVERY FIVE YEARS: A mid-decade census was approved by the House last
Thursday. It will not be as extensive as the decennial census but will provide a
complete population count and a limited number of basic questions involving unemploy-
ment and housing. Details are to be worked out by the Bureau of the Census. It is
specifically provided in the bill that information obtained in the mid-decade census
shall not be used for apportionment of the House of Representatives.
The estimated cost of the mid-decade census ranges from $70 million to $180
million. While there may be some need for this census, it seemed to me that in view
of the cost and the state of the Treasury it was one project we could postpone. I
therefore voted "no."
RECENT VISITORS: From Grand Rapids: Mr.& Mrs. James Carpenter and family,
Keith Clinton, Mrs. George Herrity, George, Cathy, Jean and Marna; Robert VanAntwerp,
Alton Cain, Harry Nuberg, Anthony Giaimo; Tom, Julie and Paul ilarvey, Wally Norgrove,
Judge & Mrs. John Letts, Mr.& Mrs. Simon Swartz and Mike, Mrs. Tourek and 5 children.
Your Washington Review
KENT
IONIA
Congressman
5
JERRY FORD
August 23, 1967
The Social Security bill providing a general benefit increase of 12½ percent
was passed by the House of Representatives last Thursday. The minimum benefit was
increased from $44 to $50 a month and the earning limitation without loss of benefits
was raised from $1500 to $1680 a year. Effective January 1, 1968 the amount of
earnings to be taxed goes from $6,600 to $7,600. Presently the rate of the social
security tax on both employer and employee is 4.4 percent with a total of 8.8 per-
cent. In 1969 this total will go to 9:6 percent, in 1971 to 10,4 percent, and in
1973 to 11.3 percent.
4.8
5.2
5.6
These are just a few of the major provisions of the 207-page bill prepared by
the Committee on Ways and Means which worked on the bill from March 1st until August
3rd. The Committee's Report on the bill, explaining its provisions, runs to 201
pages. The Committee's bill introduced by the Democrat chairman and the senior Repub-
lican had bi-partisan support. It was endorsed by the Republican Policy Committee.
The bill gained this support because the Committee had altered or rejected a
number of President Johnson's demands. He suggested a 20-percent increase in benefits
which would have required a greater increase in social security taxes. The President
also recommended changes in the taxation of social security income. The Committee's
bill makes no changes in the tax treatment of the aged.
The Committee did make certain necessary changes in the program for Aid to
Families with Dependent Children. In the last 10 years this program has grown from
646,000 families that included 2.4 million recipients to 1.2 million families and
nearly 5 million recipients. It is estimated that federal funds for this program
will increase from $1.46 billion to $1.84 billion over the next five years unless
constructive action is taken. The Committee's bill altered the present program in
order to restore more families to employment and self-reliance. I joined in the
support of this social security bill.
A CIVIL RIGHTS BILL: After two days of debate the House approved by a vote of
326 to 93 a bill making it a federal offense to interfere by force or threat of force
because of his race with anyone who is exercising his lawful rights as a citizen to
vote, use public accommodations, go to school, eat in a restaurant, travel, apply for
a job, serve on a jury, or participate in federally assisted programs. I voted for
the legislation. This bill is in some respects a complement to the anti-riot bill
passed by the House on July 19th. A number of amendments were added on the floor
including one to make it a federal crime to injure or interfere with a policeman
enforcing the provisions of this Act or trying to cope with a riot, or a fireman
fighting any fire that is the product of a civil disturbance.
COMMISSION ON OBSCENITY AND PORNOGRAPHY: We continue to receive letters of
protest from constituents who obtain through the mail obscene and obnoxious adver-
tising material. Last year the U. S. postal service received not less than 200,000
complaints, the overwhelming majority from parents who objected to advertisements
received through the mail by their children. Authorities tell us that the traffic in
pornographic materials has reached a figure in excess of 20 million pieces annually.
The House has approved the legislation, which I mentioned a few weeks ago, to
establish a special commission to study the problem and to recommend appropriate con~
stitutional means to deal with it. One of the current difficulties involves the
attitude of the Supreme Court. As was said in debate on the bill: the court is
fumbling with the problem of discerning that fine line between censorship of illicit
materials and freedom of expression." We trust that the Commission will include
among its recommendations, proposals to help resolve this constitutional issue.
MORE ON THAT RAT BILL: The nation's chief federal investigator of rats has
stated that the "rat extermination program such as Congress recently refused to fund
wouldn't work anyway." According to an article in the Los Angeles Times of August 9,
Dr. Leo Kartman of the U. S. Public Health Service, whose specialty is rat control,
said, "Rat control should be part of a real, long-term community health program."
The program should cut or eliminate the rats' food supply and deny them places to
live, he said. Dr. Kartman went on to explain that, "It may be easier to get simple
rat control programs funded, but in my opinion such programs will not succeed."
That was one of the points I stressed in this newsletter two weeks ago.
The facts and developments relating to this bill have been distorted and exag-
gerated with an element of demagoguery. I believe the Congress should follow the
advice of rat extermination experts, not politicians. The experts seek the best and
most coordinated way to get rid of rats. The politicians seek a duplication of
federal agencies, a more expensive, less effective program but primarily a political
issue.
ON MY VIETNAM STATEMENT: Our mail indicates a better than 10 to 1 agreement
with my suggestion that no more ground troops be sent to Vietnam until we make more
effective use of our conventional sea and air power there. Nearly 1000 letters,
cards, and telegrams have been received. Criticism was voiced by less than 10 percent
of the writers, some of whom want us simply to withdraw; others fear the war will be
"escalated." As I pointed out last week, I am urging no additional bombing. I just
want to strike the significant military targets with the weapons we are dropping on
relatively minor enemy targets. I object to escalating American casualties and
costs.
H # INAUGURAL IDDRESS OF
How Our Laws
Infant care
John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Are Made
PREMIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
Your Washington by Review
D
Congressman
THE
JERRY FORD
-
THE UNITED STATES
YOUR
CONSTITUTION
CHILD
August 30, 1967
Have a problem
Your Washington Rovicen -
FROM
JERRY FORD
Want to discuss an issue
or just visit?
TO °
-
/
I
I
MEET YOUR CONGRESSMAN
-
-
-
/
1
/
BYRON CENTER
Thursday, Sept. 7
LAKE
ODESSA
Tuesday, Sept. 5
11:30 A.M. to 1:30 P.M.
4:00 to 5:30 P.M.
SOME AVAILABLE MATERIAL
home owner as well as the farmer.
Office Building at 2487 84th St.
Page Memorial Building
F: This pamphlet contains the Con-
(next to Bank)
Pictured above are pamphlets and
stitution with an analytical index.
other materials which I will be
G: "Your Child from 1 to 6" is a
CALEDONIA
Thursday, Sept. 7
PORTLAND
Tuesday, Sept. 5
pleased to send upon request as long
continuation of "Infant Care."
9:00 to 11:00 A.M.
2:00 to 3:30 P.M.
as the limited supply lasts. You may
H: "Our Flag" is a 32-page pam-
Township-Village Hall
Van Buren Law Office, 242 Kent St.
call my Grand Rapids office or write
phlet giving the history and proper
me: House of Representatives, Wash-
usage of the flag of our country.
CEDAR SPRINGS
Wed., Sept. 6
ROCKFORD
Wed., Sept. 6
ington, D.C.
2:00 to 4:00 P.M.
9:30 to 11:30 A.M.
Over 10,000 copies of "Your Wash-
City Hall: Ch. of Comm. Room
Library: "The Meeting Room"
A: The 39-page booklet on "How Our
ington Review" are mailed weekly
Laws Are Made" explains in detail
while Congress is in session. Any
KENT CITY
Wed., Sept. 6
SARANAC
Tuesday, Sept. 5
the legislative process.
resident of Kent or Ionia County
4:30 to 6:30 P.M.
9:00 to 11:00 A.M.
B: By the use of 175 questions and
may have his name added to the
Township Hall
Community Building
answers, "Our American Government"
mailing list upon request. In our
provides a comprehensive study of
regular issues we discuss current
the three branches of government.
legislation and explain my posi-
REMEMBER WHEN
C: "Infant Care" is one of the
tion on various bills.
most popular government publications
Many helpful hints for new parents.
1966 YEARBOOK OF AGRICULTURE
CONGRESSMAN.
Congress adjourned by Labor Day
and we toured the Fifth District
D: We have about 100 copies of
President Kennedy's Inaugural Ad-
We also have on hand 100 copies of
JERRY
annually with our "Mobile Office."
---All of us were ten years younger.
dress printed on a 15x23½ inch pos-
the latest Yearbook of Agriculture
ter suitable for framing.
entitled, "Protecting Our Food." An
FORD'S
Picture at left was taken in 1957.
But I'll be back next week (without
E: This is a list of Department of
illustrated book of 385 pages, it in
Agriculture bulletins, many of which
MOBILE OFFICE
the trailer) and will be pleased to
cludes chapters on insect and dis-
see you at any of the eight commun-
are of interest to the housewife and
ease control, and related subjects.
ities mentioned above.
INDT PRINTED as GOVERNMENT EXPENSE
is
MY SERVICE CLUB DATES NEXT WEEK
THERE ARE THE DUTIES OF OFFICE
Tuesday Noon-
Portland Lions
Tuesday Evening- Lake Odessa Lions
Wed. Morning-
G.R. Breakfast Club
Wed. Noon-
Cedar Springs Rotary
Wed. Evening-
Kent City Lions
Addressing the House
In the Office
Joint Leadership Meeting
I'LL SEE YOU LABOR DAY
10:00 BELDING
at the Parade
1:00 COMSTOCK PARK at the Parade
We
We
do
3:30 SPARTA
at the Rodeo
meet
a
TV
Ike
film
LABOR DAY RECESS--CHANCE TO GET HOME
Both the Senate and the House of
Representatives will be in recess
FROM AN E-5 IN BIEN HOA, VIETNAM
next week. Because this year's ses-
sion is expected to run late, I am
Thank you very much for the Ameri-
planning to spend this recess at
can flag. I received the flag last
home, setting up a temporary office
week. My unit has been in the pro-
AND SOME FUN, TOO ---
in eight communities, speaking to
cess of moving from Camp Martin Cox
five service clubs, participating in
in Bear-Cat to Bien Hoa.
FUTURE
two parades, and attending one rodeo
I'm enclosing a picture of the flag
I hope anyone who would like to
and one of the battery's 175MM guns
visit with me will feel free to do
(Respect). Thank you again for your
BUT ALWAYS HOMEWORK!
so at any of the places listed on
help in getting this flag for the
the front page. I will be there to
unit and me.
help with problems involving the fed
eral government and to discuss nat-
The flag was one which had been
ional or international issues. But
flown over the U.S. Capitol. These
if you just want to say "Hello," do
are available through my office at a
come by.
cost of $2.65 for a 3x5 and $5.50
My Grand Rapids office at 425
for a 5x8. Address request to my
Cherry St., S.E., is open daily the
Washington office; make check out to
year round. Telephone: GL6-9747.
me. (The E-5 received his flag free)
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
September 6, 1967
A $2.8 billion foreign aid authorization bill was approved recently by the
House of Representatives at a session which lasted until nearly 4 o'clock in the
morning. The amount represents a $562 million reduction in the President's request.
The Committee had cut $219 million and the House sliced off another $343 million. I
voted for every reduction made by the House and then supported the bill as finally
approved. The vote on final passage was 202 to 194. This is the closest vote in
years on a foreign aid authorization bill. It indicates a growing concern about the
administration of the program.
Rep. Robert Taft, Jr. expressed the view of many of us when he said in the
Committee Report: "The objective of foreign aid, to strengthen our nation and work
toward a free and peaceful world, is clear. But the traceable relationship of present
U. S. aid policies to progress, toward or away from the goal, is not particularly
discernible. Communism, hate, confusion, ignorance, economic stagnation, and suspi-
cion remain the target to attack. But obfuscations of bureaucracy and unsubstantiated
results, plus inconclusive participation of recipient countries and of our supposed
allies, seem to multiply rather than to recede. As a result, the entire picture of
our participation in foreign aid seems a discouraging one, not unlike that of our
foreign military involvements.
"Against such a background, the choice between support or rejection of the
program as a whole is not an easy one. My unsatisfied conclusion remains that foreign
aid is a potentially valuable tool of our international policy that we cannot afford
to abandon."
APPROPRIATIONS TO DATE: The House to date has acted on 12 of the 14 regular
appropriation bills which must be approved annually to provide funds to operate the
government. In these 12 bills the House has cut the President's request by $3.8 bil-
lion. In contrast, the Senate has approved 6 of these bills and has added $188 million
to the request of the President. It has added $2.3 billion to the bills as passed by
the House. However, after House-Senate conferences, three bills involving over $9 bil-
lion have been sent to the White House with a reduction in the President's request of
$145 million. This is a cut of only 1.6 percent. I'll report later on the reductions
made in the total appropriations which will approach $130 billion for this year.
WAR AGAINST CRIME: In the past six years the population of the United States
has increased by 9 percent while crime has risen by 62 percent. The war against
crime is being lost. Senator Dirksen and I discussed this situation at the last session
of our Joint Press Conference. At that time I said: "When a Rap Brown and a Stokely
Carmichael are allowed to run loose, to threaten law-abiding Americans with injury
and death, it's time to slam the door on them and any like them--and slam it hard."
I also mentioned the legislation which we in the minority are sponsoring to
provide the Administration with the tools it needs to protect our people in their
homes, on the streets, and at their jobs. Republicans have set up a House Task Force
on Crime. The Republican Coordinating Committee is likewise working on this problem.
The 25 Republican governors are developing an "Action Plan" to provide state leader-
ship to meet the national crisis of social injustice and lawlessness.
But a Report in the Congressional Record for August 29 by a special House
Study-Group on Crime states: the Administration. has allowed the Kennedy Adminis-
tration's war on organized crime to grind to a virtual standstill. The record is
overwhelming to support this contention." The Report goes on to document the record.
THIS WEEK AT HOME: On Tuesday morning from 9:00 until 11:00 I will be at the
Saranac Community Building to visit with anyone from the Fifth District; from 2:00 to
3:30 p.m. I'll be at the VanBuren Law Office in Portland, and from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.
at the Page Memorial Building in Lake Odessa.
I'll be at the Rockford Library from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday; at the
Cedar Springs City Hall from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., and at the Kent City Township Hall
from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
On Thursday, I'd be pleased to see you at the Caledonia Township-Village Hall
from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. or at Byron Center (2487 84th St.) from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30p.m.
NO NEWSLETTER NEXT WEEK: Because of the Labor Day Recess, the next issue of
"Your Washington Review" will be dated September 20.
RECENT VISITORS: From Portland: Floyd Rice, Jr. From Ionia: Mr. & Mrs. E.
Doyle, Ralph Bartlett, William Bartlett. From Grandville: Mr.& Mrs. Leonard Russ and
3 children, Lynda Acton, Sue VanSolkema, Karilyn Frederich, Janice Hoekstra. From
Rockford: Mr.& Mrs. Ken Weaver, Annetteand Margo. From Kentwood: Mr.& Mrs. Gelmer
Bosma and sons, Carol McGillicuddy. From Sparta: Mrs. J. Hoffman and Lynda. From
Lowell: Herb Reynolds, Mr.& Mrs. Larry Wittenbach and family, Ron Wittenbach. From
Wyoming: Mr.& Mrs. Dirk Stolk and family; Wheeler Witte, Mr.& Mrs. W. VanProoyen and
3 children; Mr.& Mrs. John Dickensheets and family; Mr.& Mrs. H. VanderGalien and
family; Mr.& Mrs. Philip Sparacino and family; Mrs. J. Cruel and Kathy, Mrs. Ethel
Kerkstra and Pamela, Mrs. Merle Roming and Karen, Mrs. Robert Whip, Diana and LaVonne;
Mr.& Mrs. Paul Garvin and family, Mrs. Harold Post and family, Mr.& Mrs. S. Fisher,
Susan and Kathy; Barbara Ambrose, Mr.& Mrs. Henry Mulder and 2 daughters; Mr.& Mrs.
Ronald Snyder. From Grand Rapids: Mr.& Mrs. Edward Start, Dirk, Nancy, and Tom; Mr.
and Mrs. James Glerum, Jim and Charley; Mr.& Mrs. Marve Blandford, Matt, Dave and
Brian; Mr.& Mrs. Trauiss and Marcia; Mrs. Kathrine Shutick, Mr.& Mrs. Roger Hoffman
and family, Mr.& Mrs. James Hainer and 2 sons, Mr.& Mrs. Carl Friedrich, Mr.& Mrs.
Nelson Kuipers and family, Mr.& Mrs. Don Hoolsema and family, Mr. M. Howard Rienstra,
Mr.& Mrs. Ray Bogner, Mr.& Mrs. Douglas Bassett, Mr.& Mrs. Ken Afman, Mr.& Mrs. Robert
Chaney and family, Mr.& Mrs. Kenneth Terrell and Roberta, Mr.& Mrs. James VanWingen,
Rosemary Good, Gertrude Slingerland, Mr.& Mrs. B. Boersma and 5 daughters, Gordon
VanderTill, Mr.& Mrs. Gene Warnke and Mary, Mr.& Mrs. Laurence Bergakker, Mr.& Mrs.
Robert Tuenis, Mr.& Mrs. Jack DeVos and family, Mr.& Mrs. Ronald Weber, Mr.& Mrs. John
VanderWeide, Grace Frost, Mr.& Mrs. Edward DeYoung, Ava Haskins, Helen Bliss, Angeline
Antonopulos, Rev.& Mrs. Alvin Mulder and family; Mr.& Mrs. John Gamble, Mr.& Mrs.
Wallace Pearson and children; Anne Kamp, Gertrude Teisman, Mr.& Mrs. Norman Efting and
family, Mr.& Mrs. Charles Wilcox, Mrs. Minnie Harris, Mrs. Mary Droski, Mrs. Lorraine
Skalandis, Miss Pat Murphy, Mrs. Helen Peckham, Mrs. Arlene Groendyk, Jeanette Nunn,
Mrs. E. Brouwer, Mrs. Stanley Dole, John Wiarda, Mr.& Mrs. W. Lambert, Sara Davis.
Your Washington Review
RENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
September 20, 1967
A $69.9 billion defense appropriation was given final congressional approval
last week. This represents a $1.6 billion cut in the President's request and is
$293 million less than the 1967 appropriation. It illustrates the fact that reduc-
tions can be made in the budget recommended by the President. Cuts in federal expend-
itures can be and should be made in many areas including defense---not just in
domestic welfare programs as we are sometimes accused of proposing. We who have been
advocating reduced spending as a substitute for a tax increase know that there are
ways of saving tax dollars in every department of government.
One of the significant items under discussion was the F-111B, the proposed
Navy version of the variable wing aircraft, known as the TFX. The President had
asked for $287 million; the Congress cut this nearly in half, providing $148 million
for eight F-111B aircraft and a continuation of the research and development program.
Restrictions were placed on future procurement and for good reason. The aircraft has
not met specifications and the cost per plane has skyrocketted.
SHIP CONSTRUCTION ABROAD: A major dispute in consideration of the bill was
over the provision that no funds shall be used for the construction of any naval
vessel in foreign shipyards.' Republicans sponsored this restriction which was aimed
at the construction of ocean minesweepers in British shipyarðs. We were concerned
with developing a single source of supply outside the borders of the United States.
To do so would set a bad precedent--- bad for the economy of our country and the
health of our shipbuilding industry and for those who are employed in that industry.
Fortunately, we received excellent support in the House and our position was sus-
tained by a vote of 233 to 144.
Each of the 12 Republican Congressmen from Michigan voted to protect American
industry and workers. We were joined by one Democrat. Three Democrat members from
our state voted to build the ships abroad. Three Democrats were absent and did not
vote.
TWO BILLS ON LAW ENFORCEMENT: Two bills concerning law enforcement were ap-
proved last Monday. The first permits the District Attorney to appeal the decision
of a federal judge that certain seized property must be returned or that certain
evidence may not be used when that property or evidence forms a substantial part of
the D.A.'s case. Presently, a decision made before a criminal trial begins to re-
turn seized property or suppress evidence may not be appealed. This often means that
the D.A. must drop the charges. The bill, approved 311 to 1, was designed to make it
more difficult for the guilty to go unpunished because of legal technicalities.
The second bill, approved unanimously, provides benefits to state and local
law enforcement officers or their survivors when they are disabled or killed while
apprehending federal law violators, They would get the same benefits already autho-
rized for federal employees less any amount provided by the state or local government.
The House acted out of a spirit of fairness and in the hope that the legislation
would help to stimulate police recruitment and act as an incentive to career enlist-
ment.
THE NATIONAL DEBT: As of September 8th, the national debt stood at $336 bil-
lion. One year ago the comparable figure was $324.5. This means there has been an
increase of $11.5 billion in the public debt in the past year.
APPALACHIAN DEVELOPMENT ACT: A bill to expand the Appalachian public works
program by increasing funds beyond those requested by the President and by adding 24
new counties outside Appalachia was approved by the House last Thursday. The House
did cut $50 million from the bill before passing it by a vote of 189 to 168.
After hearing a review of past performances and knowing what it would do to the
federal budget, I voted against this expanded spending program. In the debate, one
of our Democratic colleagues who has first-hand knowledge of the situation stated,
"Let me say I have six counties in Appalachia, and it is the greatest boondoggle
which ever came down the road."
FIVE OPENINGS AT THE SERVICE ACADEMIES: Two appointments to the U.S. Military
Academy at West Point, two to the Naval Academy at Annapolis, and one to the Air
Force Academy at Colorado Springs for entrance in July, 1968, are available to young
men of Kent and Ionia Counties. Our appointments will be based on the outcome of the
open competitive Civil Service examination to be given on Saturday, November 4th.
Anyone interested in applying for an appointment may obtain further informa-
tion and an application form by calling or writing my Grand Rapids office (GL 6-9747;
425 Cherry Street S.E.) or by writing me: House of Representatives, Washington, D.C.
We also have information for those who are interested in the U.S. Coast Guard
Academy at New London, Conn., or the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York.
I hope that the opportunities for excellent training, and a career in the national
service which are offered by these five academies will be seriously considered by
many young men in the Fifth District.
RECENT VISITORS: From Grand Rapids: Jeanne and Patt Kline, Mr.&Mrs. Ken
Neitzel and 4 children, Mr.&Mrs. John Babula and 2 children, Mr.&Mrs. Russell Weigle
and 2 children, Mr.&Mrs. Jack Warner, Julie and Bruce; Mrs. F. Lisle, Mr.&Mrs.
Maynard Engebretsen, Tom and Kim; Mrs. Erwin Goll, Loretta Peretti, Mary Baumgras,
Mr.&Mrs. George Kaler, Peter Bylsma, Mr.&Mrs. Stuart Emelander and 2 sons, Mr.&Mrs.
Eawin Hibbard and Audrey; Mr.&Mrs. Fred Katsma and Randy; Mr.&Mrs. George VanNetter,
Jr. and family; Mr.&Mrs. Bob Mulvey and 3 children, Mr.&Mrs. Jack Passmore and three
children, Michael Grass, Mr.&Mrs. Frank Quinn, Nahid Raphael, Philip Buchen, Barbara
A. Yared, Rev. and Mrs. Russell McConnell, Mr.&Mrs. H.E. Hunderman and 3 children,
Mr.&Mrs. Marve Haveman, Mr.&Mrs. Roger Nederveld and family, Mary Carmody.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
September 27, 1967
The House of Representatives last Wednesday approved legislation extending and
expanding the Comprehensive Health Act. A total of $892 million was authorized over
a three-year period to assist the states in combating disease, in training personnel
in the health services, and in promoting research in this field. The House elimi-
nated from the bill a section providing "emergency grants to hospitals." This was
done largely because the provision was foreign to the main subject-matter of the bill,
had not been subjected to public hearings before the committee, and was not provided
for in the President's budget. It was felt that the hospital needs of our country
could be better met by other means than this hastily conceived proposal.
Hospital needs, however, cannot be ignored. The Hill-Burton Act already pro-
vides federal assistance for hospital construction and has done so very well for the
past 20 years. Since its inception Hill-Burton has made available over $3 billion
for building local hospitals. This year the federal contribution will be about $290
million. I have introduced a bill to permit FHA to guarantee loans to non-profit
hospitals for construction purposes. As a supplement to the Hill-Burton hospital
grant aid program, it would make more private capital available. My bill has been
well received. The Chairman of the Committee which handles the legislation has intro-
duced a similar bill. We hope some action will be taken on it during this Congress.
In 1966 on the recommendation of the President, the Congress first approved a
Comprehensive Health Services Act. Such legislation was absolutely essential because
in the past few years so many new federal health assistance programs and agencies had
been established that there was serious duplication and overlapping. In this con-
structive consolidation effort the Congress provided a program whereby the U. S.
Public Health Service could fund state-wide plans for rodent control if the state
itself felt such a program was essential and requested federal assistance. Under this
program seven states submitted state-wide plans and have been allocated funds for
state-proposed rodent control. In addition it should be pointed out that through
seven other federal agencies over $15 million from the federal treasury was spent or
authorized to be spent last year on pest and rat control programs.
In the bill approved Wednesday, the Committee had recommended $70 million to be
available this year for cooperative state plans for rodent control. Past experience
indicated such a sum was sufficient but the House added $20 million more in this cate-
gory even though the Committee and the President thought the $70 million was adequate.
I agreed. But after the amendment was approved I voted for the extension of the Com-
prehensive Health Services Act which continued Public Health Service federal assis-
tance in the amount of $892 million for the current fiscal year.
FOOD COSTS FARM PRICES: The Committee on Agriculture recently released its
latest report on its continuing study of food cost trends. In the foreword, the
Democrat Chairman of the Committee said: "From August 1966 to April 1967, agricul-
tural prices suffered their sharpest decline since the late 1920's and early 1930's.
Prices received by farmers in the market places dropped to the lowest level in 33
years, in relation to the rest of the economy
The parity ration dipped in April
to 72 percent, the lowest for any month since 1934.
"In other words, the prices received by farmers, in relation to the prices of
things they must buy to produce their crops and livestock and to live on the farm,
were in April of this year at the lowest point in 33 years
While the national
income shows an increase of 221 percent (in 1967 over 1947), farm income is down
13 percent."
The Democrat Chairman went on to say: The congestion and trouble in our
cities, in my view, can be traced in large measure to the fact that we do not pay
farmers enough for what they produce. There simply isn't enough income in the rural
areas, and in our Main Street towns that service the rural economy, to hold the
people there. They are moving to the cities
Farmers in some areas
now are
desparately in need of labor. But these farmers are so hard pressed they are not able
to pay wages that will attract workers off the relief rolls in the cities
Unless
we can way to pay fair prices for the production of food, we are headed for a
corporato-type, conglomerate agriculture that will dump thousands upon thousands of
more rural people into the cities, already beset by riots bordering upon insurrection."
RECENT VISITORS: From Wyoming: Mrs. Neal Veenendall, Tom, Craig and Jim;
Phyllis Start, Mr.& Mrs. Frank Hull, Muriel Land, Karen Fleming, Mr. &Mrs. Sidney
Coutchie, Randy and Darla; Mr.& Mrs. Stewart Hodges, Mr.& Mrs. David Royer, Glenn
Stine. From Portland: Janey Shattuck, Eileen Thompson, Edward Leik. From Belding:
Mike Kueger, Marty Kreiger, Jean Reinbordt. From Muir: Christina Thompson. From
Ionia: Sandy Horrocks, Carole McCord, Janice Hecht, Mrs. Grodi and Karen, Mr.& Mrs.
Laurence Levey. From Saranac: Susan White. From Lake Odessa: Rev.& Mrs. Lee
Palmer. From Cedar Springs: Mr.& Mrs. R.J. Remer and 2 children. From Rockford:
Robert Wills. From Grand Rapids: Linda Boone, Mr.& Mrs. Thomas Kline, Mr.& Mrs.
Felix Budnick, Ben Wilkes, Dan DeBaar, Tim DeVoogd, Mr.& Mrs. Lyle Morrison and four
daughters, Mr.& Mrs. J. Pullen, Mr.& Mrs. A.R. Cook, Carie Lanning, Tom Kain, Chris
Woodhouse, Peggy Murray, Michael Murray, Jim Kelly, Mr.& Mrs. Robert DeVries, Mr.& Mrs
Peter Parsaca, Mr.& Mrs. M. DeJonge, Sister Amanda, Mrs. Arnold Levandoski, Mr.& Mrs.
J. Oosdyke, Rev.& Mrs. Russell Horton and family, Leonard Knapp, Mr.& Mrs. VerBurg and
3 children, Mr.& Mrs. Jos. Ohren, Mr.& Mrs. John VandenBerg, Jeanette Visser, Elsie
Jansen, Janice DeLeeuw, Mr.& Mrs. H. Alden Rozema and family, Mrs. Roger Bonga and
children, Mr.& Mrs. Albert Offringa, Donald, David, and Pamela, Mr.& Mrs. Victor
Katsma, Ruth and Debbie, Mrs. L. A. Landstra, W. J. Johnson, Howard Ziel, Richard
Engstrom, Paul Garland, Margaret Dwelle, Mr.& Mrs. Ray Baxter.