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Ford Newsletter, Jan.-Apr. 1968
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Ford Newsletter, Jan.-Apr. 1968
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This file contains material relating to Lyndon Johnson.
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Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers
Newsletters
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Agriculture
Civil disobedience
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
IONIA
Congressman
5
JERRY FORD
January 31, 1968
The Second Session of the 90th Congress has convened. On January 17 the
President presented his message on the State of the Union. Shortly thereafter the
Committee on Ways and Means held two days of hearings on Mr. Johnson's demand for a
federal tax increase.
It is evident that President Johnson has misinterpreted the mood of the country
as far as taxes and federal spending are concerned. For every letter we receive in
support of his surtax there are 101 pleading for tax relief and a reduction in
government spending. From Grand Rapids this comment: "Is it true Congress is going
to pass a bill for some tax to pay for our war in Vietnam? If this is true, what are
we supposed to live on? I gross $81 weekly, bring home $60. Am already in poverty
class, and am seriously wondering how long it will be before our pay is split 50-50
with the government." A father in Grandville writes: 'Be realistic and vote no
on this tax increase! Have some regard and consideration for the ordinary, hard-
working man who really will suffer from any more taxes."
From Belding comes this suggestion: "For some time now, say the past 20 years,
many of us have seen our take-home pay decreasing at a very fast pace through taxes
in one form or another. So why not give our state and federal governments all our
income and in turn let them send our children to school and college, pay our insurance,
buy our cars, and pay the utility and grocery bills. If we tax our laboring man much
more, this will happen." "
A resident of Alto writes: "I am asking you to do all possible to block the
President's proposed tax increase. I have five children and am only making $600 per
month. With all the local taxes, state taxes, and federal taxes, I seem to have
trouble feeding and clothing my children."
And then from Northern Michigan: "We are hoping that enough courageous souls
will stand firm on this tax increase. Government expenses can and should be cut."
From New York: "LBJ has got to stop spending money that he doesn't have. The
working people have just so much to live on and he has us all taxed beyond reason."
From California: "Why should the government under the dictation of the greatest
spender in our national history be allowed to run wild with no check placed upon him?'
All American citizens can be thankful that there is a Congress to check on the
President. Incidentally, on January 16 the national debt reached $349 billion. This
is an increase of $20 billion over one year ago. The President does need further
checking.
BREAKDOWN IN LAW AND ORDER: The most vigorous applause in the State of the
Union message came when Mr. Johnson said, know that the American people have
had enough of rising crime and lawlessness. This is so true. Crime in recent years
has grown six times as fast as the population. All of us are disturbed. But then
the President went on to say that "the front line headquarters against crime is in
the home, in the church, in the city hall and county courthouse and state house - not
in the far-removed national capital of Washington." If by this, Mr. Johnson meant to
infer that the major responsibility for the present breakdown in law and order is to
be placed everywhere but in Washington, he certainly misunderstands the views of the
American people. The American people know that what is said and done by national
leaders in Washington does have an effect on law and order. Our Vice-President has
said in a speech in New Orleans that he has enough spark left in him "to lead a
mighty good revolt" under certain conditions. Our highest courts have freed criminals
on new legal technicalities and made it extremely difficult for law-enforcement
officials at every level to do an effective job for the protection of law-abiding
citizens. The Attorney General has banned the use of modern investigative techniques.
The President himself vetoed some constructive crime legislation for the District of
Columbia a year ago and then last month reluctantly signed a modified bill designed
to improve law enforcement in the nation's capital.
Last spring Attorney General Clark amazingly said, "there is no wave of crime
in the country." As the Chairman of the Republican Task Force on Crime observed,
"That he (Mr. Clark) should say this is part of the crime problem in this country.
Indeed it is, with a 16 percent increase in nationwide crime in 1967. Leadership
comes from the top. Top leaders in the federal government in Washington must recog-
nize their responsibility. They must learn that their attitudes, words, and actions
either build up or break down respect for law and order.
THE COPPER STRIKE AND BALANCE OF PAYMENTS: The Department of Commerce esti-
mates that the net loss in the balance of payments accreditable to the 7-month copper
strike will reach $200 million by the end of this month. The strike began in July
and now involves 40,000 workers. Because of President Johnson's proposal to restrict
the travel of Americans outside this hemisphere and to reduce U. S. investments
abroad, this terrific deficit in our balance of payments is highly significant. In
normal times the net monthly balance-of-payment deficit on copper is about $18 million.
But during last November, because of the strike, the deficit reached $61.5 million.
A huge number of American tourists would have to travel abroad to spend this much in
one month.
LINCOLN FILM: My Grand Rapids office has available for use by any interested
group a 16mm color film entitled, "A Tribute to Lincoln." Made at Lincoln Memorial
and non-partisan in nature it presents the full text or excerpts from Lincoln's major
addresses. Reservations for use of the film may be made by calling 456-9747.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
February 7, 1968
A "Truth-In-Lending" bill was approved by the house of Representatives last
Thursday. The bill does not set interest rates or carrying charges for installment
credit, but it does require full disclosure of these to the buyer and in any adver-
tisement relative to credit terms, It aims to establish a uniform method for dis-
closing credit information and calls for the inclusion of all charges in the computa-
tion of the applicable percentage rate. Stated in simplest terms, the bill requires
the lender or the seller to express all interest and service charges in terms of the
annual cost to the borrower or purchaser. For example, instead of saying the credit
charges are 1.5 percent per month, he must indicate 18 percent per year.
As recommended by the Committee the bill exempted from disclosure all trans-
actions involving financial charges of $10 or less. This would have exempted many
credit purchases up to $100. The House eliminated this exemption and the bill as
passed requires disclosure of all charges on all credit sales.
There was considerable discussion of the Committee's special treatment of
"revolving charge accounts" used by some retailers. Under this plan, the buyer is
generally given 30 or 60 days to pay without interest or carrying charges. The Com-
mittee felt that it is too difficult to compute accurately in advance the carrying
charges on these snort-term "revolving charge accounts. Because of this difficulty
the Committee decided that retailers using the revolving account could express their
charges as so much per month. But the House voted to remove this provision and to
require uniform disclosure. Loan sharles syndicate with
The House also adopted an amendment proposed by Republicans stripes. making it a federal
crime
criminal offense for anyone engaged in interstate commerce to lend money at rates of
interest illegal under the laws of the state where the transaction takes place. This
was to help get at the "loan sharks" and organized crime operating in this area.
THE 1969 BUDGET: During the next fiscal year, beginning July 1, President
Johnson wants to spend more than $182.8 billion; he wants to lend $3.3 billion for a
total outlay in tax money of $186 billion. This is Twanty on $11 billion increase in ex-
penditures over the current year.
It is evident that the Johnson Administration still refuses to heed the tax-
payers' demands for expenditure restraint at the federal level. As you know, we in
the minority have been urging a reduction in non-essential federal expenditures in
every department and agency of government. As a result we are often condemned for
being negative, for being "aginers," for being concerned primarily with protecting
the "haves" and with being without compassion for the "havenots."
It was good therefore to hear the Democratic Chairman of the Appropriations
Committee say, "When we are in an inflationary period; when the budget is heavily in
the red; when we are at war; when foreign holders of dollars threaten to foreclose on
our shrinking gold supply if we do not act with great prudence and restraint, the
duty of economy just is not debatable; it is clearly imperative." The Democratic
Chairman went on to say, "Hold the line at the present level - make do with what we
have. Reject the unnecessary. Defer the desirable. Minimize the essential. All it
takes is good old-fashioned will - and a majority vote."
I agree 100 percent. At a minimum we must reduce the budget by 10 to 11
billion dollars, thus holding 1969 spending to this year's level. We in the minority
will help the Chairman get his majority vote. But his Democratic colleagues, at
least some of them, must back him up in committee and on the floor. If they do, we
can restrain the President's incredible expenditure proposals.
THE JOHNSON BUDGETS: The 1965 budget was the first one for which Mr. Johnson
was fully responsible. In that year $103 million went for defense costs in Vietnam
and $96.4 billion for other government expenses in the administrative budget. In
1969 the comparable figures in the administrative budget are $25.7 billion for
Vietnam and $121.5 billion for other expenses. This means that in four years, other
government spending has increased practically as much as the cost of the war in
Vietnam. (Actually, only $506 million less.) On a percentage basis, non-Vietnam
spending increased by 26 percent from 1965 to 1969. It is apparent that during this
period when Vietnam defense costs were going up, no significant effort was made by
the President to hold down other government spending.
Between 1965 and 1969 Mr. Johnson added 454,747 more full-time permanent
federal employees to the civilian payroll. This is an increase of 20.4 percent and
brings the total number of federal employees to 2,687,500.
WILL $186 BILLION BE ENOUGH? Based on past experience, we have every reason to
fear that the President will not be able to live within his estimated $186 billion
budget. We can expect he will be asking for more funds as we go into 1969. In 1966,
Mr. Johnson spent $10.4 billion more than his initial estimate. In 1967, the spread
between the original and the final estimate was again $10 billion. For this fiscal
year (1968), the President has already revised his estimate upward by $4 billion and
the year is only half over. In other words, budget figures as originally submitted
have not been accurate and these errors do add to the "credibility gap" between the
President and the people.
RECENT VISITORS: From Grand Rapids: Mr.& Mrs. J.O. Rathbun, Debra, Barbie,
Tim, Tom, and Terry; Sandee Dooley; Leonard Anderson; Lawrence Leigh; Marilyn Metcalf;
Craig Black; Allen Dahme, Mrs. Allen Hunting, Allen, Jim, and Anne; Mr.& Mrs. Lee
Mulnix. From Lake Odessa: Mr.J. Childs. From Byron Center: Mr.& Mrs. F. VanderMoere.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
February 14, 1968
The life of the Export-Import Bank, an agency of the U. S. government, was
extended for five years and its lending and guarantee authority increased from $9
billion to $13.5 billion in action taken by the House of Representatives last Wednes-
day. This Bank assists in the financing of U. S. exports by making direct loans to
overseas buyers of American goods and services, and by guaranteeing and insuring
export credit transactions. It promotes export sales, and is paying yearly Avidends
of $50 million to the U. S. Treasury on a relatively small investment of tax money.
There was no objection to extending the life of the Bank but WE did try unsuc-
essfully to hold its lending authority to $12.5 billion. Major controversy revolved
about the Bank's authority to assist communist countries and nations trading with
North Vietnam. The bill as approved by the House bars all transactions with communist
countries. Transactions with non-communist nations can continue, even though their
rivate shippers or traders may deal with North Vietnam. However, if the government
of a non-communist country officially endorses and encourages this trade, Export-Impoit
Bank assistance to that country would be prohibited. The Senate bill contained dif-
ferent provisions, so the legislation will go to conference for further consideration.
THE PRESIDENT'S TRAVEL TAX: The Committee on Ways and Means has under con-
sideration the President's proposals for restricting travel abroad. Administration
spokesmen in support of the measures have been heard. Next week the Committee will
hear representatives of the public.
Mr. Johnson has proposed a 5-percent tax on air and water transportation. He
also wants to place a graduated tax on travelers outside the Western Hemisphere. The
first $7 spent each day would be exempt. But Americans abroad who spent between $7
and $15 per day would be taxed 15 percent. All spending over $15 daily would be
taxed at the rate of 30 percent.
Those close to the Committee see little opposition to the transportation tax,
especially when it is noted that revenues from this tax will be used to stimulate
foreign travel in the United States. But the Committee does see numerous problems in
the graduated travel tax. No one can predict at this time what the Committee's final
recommendation will be but some modification of the President's proposals is expected.
Exempted from the travel tax under the President's plan are those remaining
abroad for more than 120 days in connection with their business, profession, or
education, those who establish residence outside the United States, and "all U. S.
Government travel." This last exemption must be closely analyzed by the Committee.
Certainly the U. S. Government can be expected to set an example in self-restraint in
an area in which it seeks to restrict its citizens. We do understand that the Presi-
dent has directed all agencies to reduce official travel overseas to a minimum and I
believe the Congress should do likewise.
We recognize the seriousness of our balance-of-payments crisis and must be
prepared to meet it. The Congress may impose some limitations on foreign travel.
But these restrictions cannot be a substitute for a vigorous effort by the President
and the Congress to reduce federal expenditures at home and abroad.
POST OFFICE POLITICS: For three days last week the House Subcommittee on
Postal Operations held public hearings on proposals to remove the Post Office Depart-
ment from politics. One approach retains the Presidential appointment and Senate
confirmation of postmasters but eliminates political recommendations. It provides
penalties for those who seek or give political endorsement. This approach would en-
courage promotion to the postmastership from among qualified career postal employees.
Another approach eliminates Senate confirmation and would permit the Post-
master General to name postmasters from among qualified career employees or on the
basis of an open competitive examination.
I favor any proposal which eliminates political considerations and provides
for promotion within the post office on the basis of merit.
A FEDERAL ANTI-RIOT ACT: Last July the House approved a Republican-sponsored
bill to make it a federal criminal offense to travel in interstate commerce with the
intention of inciting to riot. Known as H. R. 421, it is presently pending in the
Senate. I discussed this legislation in my newsletters of July 19 and 26, 1967.
Last Wednesday in his message on crime, Mr. Johnson proposed what he called a
"new law," the Federal Anti-Riot Act of 1968. Its main provision is identical to
H. R. 421 which was passed by the House on July 19, 1967 without Administration
support. Actually, five Democratic congressmen from Michigan voted against it. We
are pleased that President Johnson now recognizes the merits of this measure. We
trust he will use his influence to obtain Senate approval of H. R. 421.
We endorse Mr. Johnson's proposals to strengthen the gambling laws and his
recommendations to prohibit the advertisement, mailing, and shipping of motor vehicle
master keys and information and devices from which such keys can be made. Many of
his other proposals to control crime have been suggested by Republicans and merit
favorable consideration by the Congress. We are glad to have White House support
for some of the anti-crime proposals that are needed to combat the rising national
crime rate.
RECENT VISITORS: From Grand Rapids: E. S. Thompson, Jim Hanink, David
Haughey, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Kosakoski, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond C. Sasak.
Your Washington Review
Congressman
5
JERRY FORD
ns
February 21, 1968
The first play to be seen at Ford's
We have in my Grand Rapids office
Theatre since Lincoln's death was
(425 Cherry St., SE) a 16mm film en-
2
presented on his birthday this year.
titled, "A Tribute to Lincoln,"
Following the assassination the The
available to any group wishing to
atre was closed. Eventually it be-
show it. The film is in color, 15
came an office building, and in more
minutes in length, and was made at
recent years a museum. Now the The-
the Lincoln Memorial. The picture
atre has been reconstructed as it
below was taken at the time.
was in 1865. Visitors may see the
The film is non-partisan in nature
building as Lincoln saw it, and the-
and consists of excerpts from the
atrical productions are being sche-
Emancipation Proclamation and the
duled. On opening night, "John
Second Inaugural, and the full text
Brown's Body" by S. T. Benet was
of the Gettysburg Address.
5
presented.
The readings are done by Senator
Prior to February 12, dedication
Everett Dirksen, Senator Thruston
ceremonies were held and, as Minor-
Morton, and Rep. Paul Findley of
ity Leader, I was asked to partici-
Illinois.
pate. In the picture below I am
Reservations for use of the film
speaking from the stage. The Presi-
may be made by calling my Grand
dent's box is at the upper level.
Rapids office, GL6-9747. Of course,
The Theatre has seats for 750.
there is no charge for its use.
1. Presenting trophy
6. Betty presents Michi-
to - outstanding Boy Scout
- beans (from c. M. Runci
at the Trinity Mathodist
man. Lowell) to members of the
Church in Grand Rapide, Feb. 10.
International Club at the Capi-
tol.
2, Crowning the at the Sparts
Rodeo.
7. Conferring with my brother Tom,
State Legislator, at my desk in
3. Answering the President's State
Washington.
of the Union Manage.
8. Visiting with Lt. Gov. William
4. We meet the press.
Milliken at the Kent County Republi-
COR Fienic.
3. Our Mike (right) and teamstes
receive football trophing C.
IONIA COUNTY SOIL SURVEY AVAILABLE
9. Preparing . TV report on the Capi-
Williams High School. Alexandria.
tol steps for ... in Grand Rapids.
The Department of Agriculture has completed and made available a "Soil
FOR PARENTS
Survey" of Ionia County. This in . comprehensive and detailed report of
FOR STUDENTS
Please let - know if you want .
nearly 200 pages, supplemented by 96 double-paged charte. Paper-bound,
We have limited quantities of the
copy of any of these booklets:
the book messures 9 by 12 inches and 1a h iach thick.
following publications which will be
sent upon request as long as our
1. Prenatal Care
The charts were made from aerial photographs and portray the type of
supply laste:
2. Infant Care
soil in every part of the county. The Department points out that the
1. The U. S. Constitution
Survey contains "information that can be applied is managing farms and
3. Your Child from to 6
woodlands; in selecring sites for roads, ponds, buildings, or other
2. Our Capital
4. Your Child from 6 to 12
structures: and in appraining the value of tracts of land for agricul-
3. Our Flag
ture, industry, or recreation.
These hooklets run from 85 to 98
4. New Our Lews Are Made
pages and are prepared by the De-
Requests for copies of the Survey may be made to my Grand Rapida
partment of HEW.
office or by writing - at the House of Representatives, Washington,
3. Pord's Thestre (2-page pamphlet)
D. c. The book will be mailed from Weshington.
]
-
-
90TH CONGRESS
2D SESSION
H. J. RES. 1063
SAVE OUR LAKE
CRIME WAR AID ON WAY
"Save Our Lake" should become a
There is good reason to believe
rallying cry for our state and the
Congress will provide weapons this
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
three others bordering on Lake Mich-
year for an all-out assault on this
FEBRUARY 7, 1968
igan.
Nation's crime wave.
Mr. GERALD R. FORD introduced the following joint resolution; which was
There is perhaps no greater prob-
Best evidence of this is the over-
referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs
lem facing Michigan than that of
whelming margin by which the House
cleaning up our Lake.
recently adopted a Republican pro-
For this reason I issued a state-
posal to bring federal forces to
ment late last year calling atten-
bear on loan-sharking operations.
JOINT RESOLUTION
tion to a four-state conference ar-
The GOP move to make the lending
Ed Barnes (right) of Grand Rapids
ranged by Secretary of the Interior
of money at illegally high rates a
To declare the policy of the United States with respect to its
is helping in my office this winter
Udall to speed the cleanup of all of
federal crime is aimed at shutting
territorial sea.
under a special program offered by
Lake Michigan.
off a principal source of the funds
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives
MSU where he is a student. Ed is
To get some idea of how serious the
flowing to crime syndicates.
1
studying the work of the Joint Eco-
Lake Michigan pollution problem is
Almost unanimously approved by the
nomic Committee but has time to
just consider a recent report in the
House, the GOP anti-loansharking
I have joined a number of Congress-
assist in my office on a part-time,
Saturday Evening Post. The article-
legislation will not become law un-
men in introducing legislation to ex
non-paid basis. He is the son of Mr.
stated that Lake Michigan has been
less accepted by the Senate.
tend the territorial waters of the
and Mrs. Edwin Barnes of 675 Manhat-
so abused by Chicago and the indus-
It has generally been lost sight
U. S. to more than the traditional
tan Street, S.E.
trial cities of Indiana and western
of but the House already last year
three miles with respect to those
Arlen Erdahl (center), a member of
Michigan at its south end that con-
passed a bill providing dollar help
countries which claim control over
servationists estimate it will take
for local and state law enforcement
the seas beyond that distance from
the Minnesota State Legislature, is
in Washington under an American Po-
500 years for the Lake to recover--
and for police training and crime
their shores. The passage of this
if it is helped.
detection research. Republicans took
legislation would mean that those
litical Science Fellowship. He will
be with us for four months, also at
I am determined that Lake Michigan
a very strong hand in shaping that
nations claiming up to 12 miles
no cost to the government. We appre-
gets all the help it needs to become
bill. If the Senate will act quickly
(such as North Korea and the Soviet
ciate the assistance of Ed and Arlen
a living, useful, beautiful body of
and pass an equally strong bill, law
Union) would be required to respect
and trust that the experience is
water once more. I intend to support
enforcement help for our states and
our control over the oceans up to 12
all necessary and feasible federal
local communities soon will be on
miles from our shores. It is only
valuable to them.
During the summer we plan to have
actions to solve Lake Michigan pol-
the way.
fair that we operate in a reciprocal
a number of college students from
lution problems in cooperation with
The President has sent Congress a
manner on this issue which came into
the 5th District with us as "In-
state and local governments and pri-
Crime Message which calls for anti-
focus again because of the PUEBLO.
terns."
vate industry.
riot legislation as well as other
A bill which I have introduced in
Republicans strongly supported the
action. Unfortunately, Attorney Gen-
the past five Congresses would re-
1966 Clean Waters Restoration Act,
eral Clark has since said he places
quire all railroad cars to be equip-
which provides federal dollar help
a low priority on the anti-riot move.
ped with reflectors or luminous ma-
When Congress adjourned for the
for sewage treatment plants, water
Republicans sponsored an anti-riot
terial so they can be seen more read
Lincoln Recess on Feb. 8, I had
purification studies and waste
bill last year, and the House over-
ily at night. The ICC endorses this
completed 19 years and 1 month of
treatment. Now we are urging a 20
whelmingly approved it. We attach a
proposal but the Department of Com-
service to the 5th District.
per cent tax credit to help finance
high priority to anti-riot control.
merce takes a dim view of it. The
During that period I answered
industrial pollution controls.
I hope the President will actively
House Committee has taken no action
4500 roll calls out of a total of
Michigan and other states agree on
get behind this and other specific
on the bill. I believe that acci-
4944 for an attendance record of
major steps needed to save Lake Mich
anti-crime remedies already endorsed
dents at dark crossings could be
90.9 percent.
igan. Now we must work out details
by House Republicans and their Task
avoided and lives saved by the adop-
on time-tables for remedial action.
Force on Crime.
tion of this safety measure.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
February 28, 1968
You and I cannot exchange our paper money for gold. But citizens of most
foreign nations can demand and receive gold for their U.S. paper dollars by purchasing
gold on the foreign gold markets. Our government and our citizens have been spending
enormous sums abroad; foreign nations have been spending less here so we have an
ifavorable balance of payments. Foreigners therefore have billions of dollars with
which to indirectly demand our gold.
At the end of 1967 our total gold reserves stood at $12.1 billion. But $10.7
illion of this is, under present law, frozen as a 25-percent reserve against our
paper money. In other words, right now the paper dollars you have are backed or
"covered" by gold in an amount equal to 25 percent of their value.
The President asked Congress to remove this 25-percent gold backing or cover
so that more gold would be available for meeting any foreign demands and for main-
taining the value of the U. S. dollar at $35 per ounce of gold. Actually, the
Federal Reserve Board already has the authority under a waiver procedure to make use
of the gold in the 25-percent reserve should a gold crisis occur. Furthermore,
lifting the gold cover will not solve the problem. It simply postpones the day of
reckoning. As the Republican Policy Committee stated: "Seven years of Democratic
spendthrift policies have reduced this country from a fiscal strong-man into a hat-
in-hand supplicant whose currency is dependent upon the restraint and forbearance of
others. World confidence in the dollar has been shaken and the internatio 1 mone-
tary system is in serious trouble.
It is evident that the drain on our gold is not the cause of the dollar's
difficulties but the result. The cause of the doubts about the dollar is the Adminis-
tration's easy money policy, high deficits, and increasing inflation.
I voted against removal of the gold cover last Wednesday in order to encourage
the President to adopt those policies which will strengthen our balance of payments
abroad and make more responsible our fiscal policies at home. But unfortunately the
bill was approved 199 to 190.
TO BAR MAILING OF MASTER KEYS FOR AUTOMOBILES: The House has approved legisla-
tion to halt the mailing of keys which will unlock the door or ignition switches of
more than one automobile. Advertisements in nationally circulated magazines have
ffered for sale master keys which enable anyone to unlock and start the motor of any
make of car in the United States manufactured from 1955 to the present. The bill
(H.R.14935) bars such keys from the mails unless they are being sent to certain autho-
rized persons including locksmiths, car dealers, and operators of parking facilities.
The bill was unanimously recommended by the Committee on Post Office and Civil
Service and approved by a voice vote. It was pointed out on the floor of the House
that automobile theft is the third most serious crime in our country in terms of mag-
nitude. In 1967, there were over 650,000 automobiles stolen, resulting in direct
financial loss of over $140 million. About 100,000 of these cars were involved in
serious accidents. Sixteen percent of all auto thefts resulted from the use of a
key, and over half of the locked cars that were stolen were taken with the use of a
master key.
JOB CORPS CENTERS CLOSED: Sixteen Job Corps Centers, including the one at
Battle Creek, are being closed. Congress appropriated the full amount requested by
the President for the Job Corps program, but the President has cut $10 million from
the $295 million made available by Congress. The closing of the 16 Centers means
that a capital investment of $24 million will start going down the drain.
Republicans in their criticism of the war on poverty, did NOT advocate the
closing of these training facilities. House Republicans urged a gradual phasing-over
of existing Job Corps Centers to regional training facilities to be operated in con-
junction with technical institutes and area vocational schools with increased in-
volvement of state, local, and private resources.
Rep. Charles Goodell, one of the senior Republican members of the Committee on
Education and Labor, characterized the closing of these Centers as "another shocking
example of short-sighted, planless, and wasteful administration of the poverty pro-
gram." He points out that "OEO's own cost figures are an admission of gross errors
in the planning of Job Corps Centers. Rather than converting these Centers to a more
realistic approach that would serve enrollees more effectively, the Administration
has chosen to close 16 Centers. Some of these Centers had just opened. $1,265,210
was expended on the Swiftbird, S. D. Center which never opened at all."
Rep. Goodell said further: "When you add in the capital investments in these
Centers to date you get a clear picture of the price the American taxpayers have paid
for the mass-produced Job Corps Centers without adequate planning and foresight. The
average cost per enrollee per year in the 16 centers being closed will be $11,270."
The average cost for providing a college education in a public institution is less
than $3,000 per year per student.
Rep. Goodell emphasizes that while Congress supplied the money requested, "the
President has squeezed all existing programs for money to start new, untested pro-
grams that were never specially considered by Congress." I agree with Mr. Goodell's
conclusion that "we need to work toward a utilization of facilities that have already
been established without arbitrarily closing them and wasting the $24 million we have
already invested."
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
March 6, 1968
The House acted Thursday to continue until December 31, 1969 the existing 7-
percent manufacturers excise tax on passenger automobiles and the 10-percent tax on
telephone service.
These taxes are scheduled to be reduced beginning April 1st. Continuing them
will result in Treasury revenue of $306 million this year and $2.6 billion in fiscal
1969. In light of a predicted deficit of over $20 billion for both this year and
next year, I supported a continuation of the present excise taxes.
FEDERAL JURY SELECTION: Legislation was approved last week to insure that
jurors in federal courts would be drawn from a fair and representative cross-section
of the community. It provides that prospective jurors be selected at random from
voter lists. For instance, every 20th or 50th name would be chosen. But to insure
competence, the bill, S.989, provides certain physical, educational, and moral standards
and gives judges further power to eliminate incompetents. Illiterates, the infirm,
those accused of a crime or who have been convicted of a felony are barred from jury
service. Also ineligible are those who have not lived in their community for at
least a year.
The purpose of the bill is to provide competent juries that represent a cross-
section of the community. It was designed to eliminate the charge that in some judi-
cial districts a person could be tried by a "blue ribbon jury of the elite" rather
than by his peers.
ARTS AND HUMANITIES AUTHORIZATION: Common sense prevailed and $123.8 million
of the taxpayers funds were saved when the House last Tuesday extended for one year
the Arts and Humanities Act. The bill as presented called for an authorization of
$55 million in fiscal 1969 and an additional $80 million in 1970. The bill as ap-
proved allows an appropriation of $11.2 million for 1969 only. This amount is equal
to the funds provided this year. I voted for the cuts and then supported the $11.2
million authorization when it was approved on final passage by a vote of 272 to 123.
The Arts and Humanities Act sets up two National Endowments, one for the arts,
another for the humanities. Financial grants are made to institutions and individuals
to promote activities in these cultural areas. For instance, grants of $1,000 each
were given to 77 young artists to enable them to visit art centers, museums, etc., to
enrich their cultural experience; early this year a $200,000 federal grant was an-
nounced to help sagging Broadway shows which the agency felt would succeed if kept
open long enough. Such activities and other programs under this legislation may be
desirable, but they create very definitely the "non-essential expenditures" which I
believe must be reduced or eliminated until the federal budget is balanced. The bill
as approved requires that all future grants go to institutions or to projects with
none being awarded directly to individuals.
POPULAR ELECTION OF THE PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT: I join those who favor
a constitutional amendment calling for the direct election of the president and vice
president. This has been recommended by the American Bar Association and other dis-
tinguished authorities.
The Bar Association proposal requires the candidates for president and vice
president (who would run as a team) to obtain at least 40 percent of the popular vote.
If no team received at least 40 percent of the votes there would be a national runoff
election between the two top candidates. Personally, I believe this percentage
should be greater, at least 45 percent and possibly 50.1 percent. But in any event,
I think it is time to eliminate the archaic system under which the candidate who
receives most of the popular votes in a state gets all its electoral votes - and the
electoral votes rather than the popular votes determine the wirner.
WAR ON POVERTY IN DETROIT: A Special Committee of the Michigan House of Repre-
sentatives has just issued a report on the "Examination of the War on Poverty" in
Derreit. The Committee Chairman (Rep. James Del Rio of Detroit) is a Democrat. The
Committee is composed of a majority of Democrats. Its comments on Page 5 are there-
fore especially significant.
This Democratic-controlled committee said: "One of the most serious frauds
one can commit upon the poor is to promise something you do not or cannot deliver.
The receipts and disbursements for 1965-1966 and 1966-1967 fiscal years reveal the
same picture. There is so little mcney left for the poor after salaries and fixed
overhead that one can no longer refer to this fact as 80 iviegularity - one must call
it what it is - a fraud." This is the evaulation of Uncle Sam's poverty program in
Detroit by Democratic Chairman Del Rio and his committee.
Page 5 of the Report goes on to quote a report by the U. S. Senate Committee
on Labor and Public Welfare (also Democratic controlled) on its finding on the poverty
program in Detroit. The Senate Committee said: "Under the beneficent wing of city
government the poverty program has become a bureaucracy which helps the people it
employs rather than the poor."
It was this sort of thing Republicans were trying to remedy last fall when we
offered our alternatives to the program of waste developed by Mr. Johnson's war on
poverty.
RECENT VISITORS: From Grand Rapids: Miss Margaret Kenison; Mr.& Mrs. David
Crawford; Marilyn Smith; Gerald Dunn; David Cleary; Lt. Lawrence Thon; Ensign David
Runnells; Mr.& Mrs. John Kwekel; Samuel Corl; Russell Blake. From Sparta: Steve
Quay; Mr.& Mrs. Lyle Anderson and Marge. From Belding: Berniece Parker. From
Saranac: Mr.& Mrs. Earl Cady; Mr.& Mrs. Leroy Dausman. From Ada: Mrs. Willard Combs.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
5
IONIA
JERRY FORD
March 13, 1968
The House of Representatives has approved legislation providing penalties for
those who use interstate telephone lines to make obscene, abusive, or harassing tele-
phone calls. This bill (S.375) will be a supplement to the statutes in each of the
50 states which already have a law to meet this problem, Under existing state stat-
utes 1,105 persons were convicted in 1967 of making calls of this type. During that
same year the Bell Telephone System received 641,821 complaints about obscene or
abusive calls.
Nothing is more disgusting than to answer the telephone only to be met with a
tirade of oaths, obscenities, and threats. Wothing is more disturbing than to answer
the phone only to have the caller hang up without a word. Of course, the telephone
company cannot help unless there is a complaint. During the discussion of this legis-
lation it was pointed out that many individuals do not complain because they are
unaware that techniques and equipment have been developed to identify the persons
making the calls. Two of these methods were demonstrated to the congressional com-
mittee. Others are available but were not demonstrated because widespread knowledge
of them would limit their effectiveness. None of these techniques requires monitoring
the content of the conversations on the calling or called person's line.
CHILDREN'S FOOD PROGRAM: A bill to expand the school lunch program was
approved unanimously last Tuesday. Under present law federal assistance is provided
the states to carry on school lunch programs at reduced costs. Because of the nutri-
tional needs among pre-school children and for others during the summer months when
school is not in session, the new bill extends the program to day-care centers,
settlement houses, summer camps, and other child-care institutions.
The bill also puts on a permanent basis the pilot school breakfast program.
Both rural and urban schools in 49 states have been participating in this experimenta
program. According to the Committee, "Dozens of reports have been received from
school officials enthusiastically noting a sharp decline in tardiness and marked
increase in the attention span of students in schools which have the pilot breakfast
program." All these programs are directed at areas in which poor economic conditions
exist and in which there are high concentrations of working mothers.
RADIO INTERFERENCE: The House is expected to pass this week a bill to permit
the Federal Communications Commission to establish regulations to eliminate from the
market faulty electronic devices which cause radio interference. Devices which may
cause radio interference include electric garage door opemers, certain electronic
toys, ultrasonic cleaners, welders, etc. The regulations would be applicable to the
manufacture and sale of these items and would help manufacturers to know what stan-
dards are necessary to prevent interference.
DOUBLE JEOPARDY IN VIETNAM: I have written both the Secretary of Defense and
Secretary of the Army to protest the involuntary return to Vietnam of any member of
the armed forces who has already served there for at least 12 months.
We have had a number of inquiries about the practice of sending back to the
combat zone in Vietnam men who have been there, have seen action, and have even been
wounded. I see no justification for such double duty. As I stated to the Secretaries:
"With the number of men we have under arms, it seems to me that sufficient replace-
ments can and should be trained so that no man who has completed at least a year in
Vietnam is compelled to return." Such a policy would not affect volunteers who
desire to extend their tour of duty or who wish to return to Vietnam.
FEDERAL AID TO THE POOR: Federal aid to the poor from all agencies this year
totals $24.6 billion. In 1963 the amount was $12.5 billion or about 50% less. In
1960 the figure was $9.5 billion. The budget request for the next fiscal year totals
$27.7 billion in federal aid to the poor. These facts were presented to the House
recently by Rep. George Mahon, Democratic Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations.
Mr. Mahon said he released this information "in an effort to lend some focus to the
fiscal implications and dimensions of the recommendations in the Report of the Presi-
dent's Commission on Civil Disorders (Riots).
The Chairman also reported that federal outlays for health rose from $4.1
billion in 1961 to $13.9 billion in 1968. For education, training, and related pro-
grams the increase was from $3.3 billion to $11.6 billion. Federal aid to urban
areas went from $7.5 billion in 1961 to $19.2 billion this year. These are sizable
amounts and sizable increases which we cannot ignore in any consideration of the tax-
payer's responsibility in social service.
A RECORD FEDERAL DEBT: According to the Daily Statement of the U.S. Treasury,
our national debt reached a new high of $355 billion on February 28. This is an
increase of $27 billion over exactly one year ago.
With Uncle Sam paying interest charges at an average of 4.36 percent per year,
the interest payment on today's debt comes to about $15 billion annually. Only
defense, and health, education and welfare exceed interest charges as the most costly
items in our federal budget.
RECENT VISITORS: From Grand Rapids: Norman Jones; Marty Hamstra; Mr. & Mrs.
Ron Rozema; Mrs. Louise Esch; Mrs. Lois Palmer; Jim Setchfield; Steven Cribley; Mr.&
Mrs. Robert Cueni; Douglas Fasner; James Witzel; Connie Himelick; Karen Wilcox; Janet
Sweeney; Randall Schlegel; Thomas Deane, Jr. From Alto: David VanHeyningen; Linda
Kingsland. From Ada: Nancy Rae; Jim Vekasi.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
5
IONIA
JERRY FORD
March 20, 1968
The Civil Rights Bill with an "open housing" provision may be acted upon by
the House of Representatives this week or next. The Senate amended a bill already
passed by the House (H.R. 2516) to include the housing and other provisions. An
attempt was made last week to seek House approval without an opportunity for adequate
discussion and without permitting the House to even consider any changes in the Senat
proposal. "Open Housing" is far too important to be disposed of in this cursory
manner. I, therefore, joined those who insisted upon more thorough consideration by
the House through a House-Senate conference which is the normal way of working out a
compromise.
CIVIL RIGHTS--SENATE AGREES WITH HOUSE: The civil rights bill approved by the
Senate last Monday contains two provisions similar to those already passed by the
House. The first prescribes penalties for interfering with the rights of another
person to vote, to secure employment, to attend school or college, to use the facili-
ties of interstate commerce, or to enjoy what we generally call a citizen's civil
rights. Both the House and Senate versions contain peralties (fines and imprisonment)
for violation of this provision. I supported the bill when it passed the House by a
vote of 326 to 93.
The Senate's bill also contained a section somewhat similar, but not identical,
H.R. 421 which was sponsored by Republicans and passed by the House on July 19,
1967. This section makes it a federal criminal offense to go from one state to an-
other with the intention of inciting a riot or attempting to organize or encourage
any act of violence in furtherance of a riot. I also supported this House bill when
it was approved 347 to 70.
CIVIL RIGHTS--SENATE ADDS OPEN HOUSING: The Senate added to the House bill a
controversial open housing provision. It prohibits discrimination on the basis of
race, religion, color, or national origin in the sale or rental of a dwelling. But
if and when the law becomes fully effective there are significant exceptions. The
law will not apply to the sale or rental of a single-family house where the owner
does not use in any manner the services of a real estate broker or agent, and the
owner does not advertise in a manner to indicate any preference based on race, color,
religion, or national origin. However, those who oppose this legislation contend
that if a home-owner posts a notice that he wants to sublet his home for the summer
he may reject for any or no reason the first person who approaches him unless such
person is of a different race, religion, color, or national origin. Opponents base
this view on the assumption that even an oral statement indicating racial or reli-
gious preferences would subject a family to the penalties of the law. Some real
estate brokers also contend that this provision "discriminates" against them.
Also exempted from the provisions of the law are owners who rent not more than
three single-family houses, and owners of one-to-four family apartments, one of which
is owner-occupied.
But any owner of a single-family home or a small apartment could lose his exemp-
tion under the law by employing a broker, by improperly advertising so as to indicate
racial preferences, or by selling more than one house within any 24-month period.
ENFORCEMENT PROVISIONS: Any offended party may file a complaint with the Sec-
retary of Housing and Urban Development who has authority only to work out programs
of voluntary compliance. But if this is unsuccessful the offended party may go into
a federal district court to seek an injunction or other court order. The court may
award to the plaintiff actual damages and not more than $1000 punitive damages to-
gether with court costs and reasonable attorney fees. The complainant (plaintiff)
has the burden of establishing proof of discrimination, and it is to be noted that
there are no federal criminal penalties for violation of the law.
RIOT CONTROL: Another part of the bill (Title X) provides heavy fines or im-
prisonment for those who interfere with any fireman or law enforcement officer in the
lawful performance of his official duties during a civil disorder. This Title also
prohibits the manufacture or transportation of any firearms or explosive devices to
be used in a riot or civil disorder, and provides penalties for those who teach
others how to use these items in a riot.
VETERANS' PENSION BILL SENT TO PRESIDENT
The Senate last week approved with-
out change a bill (H.R. 12555) passed by the House in December liberalizing veterans'
non-service-connected pensions. The President's signature will mean an increase in
veterans' benefits for 1,170,743 pensioners and will permit payment of a pension for
the first time to 10,275 veterans or their dependents because of increases in overall
maximum income limitations. The bill will maintain 213,386 pensioners at their
present rate.
The bill changes the method of determining a VA pension. It also grants
pro-
tection against loss of any VA pension through 1969 because of an increase in social
security benefits.
IONIA COUNTY SOIL SURVEY: The Department of Agriculture has completed and made
available a "Soil Survey" of Ionia County. This is a comprehensive report of nearly
200 pages, supplemented by 96 double-paged charts. Paper-bound, the book measures 9x
12 inches and is 1/2 inch thick. The charts are made from aerial photographs and por-
tray the soil in every part of the County. Requests for copies of the Survey may be
made to my Grand Rapids office (GL6-9747), or by writing to me at H-230 The Capitol.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
March 27, 1968
The House Committee on Rules has postponed until April 9 its vote on a resolu-
tion bringing the Senate-approved civil rights bill, including an open housing provi-
sion, to the House floor. The House on August 16, 1967 passed a civil rights worker
protection measure, a bill which did not contain an open housing provision.
The Rules Committee action means that in all likelihood the House will not act
on civil rights legislation until after April 9. I hope the House will act before
the Easter Recess.
Normal procedure when the House and Senate pass two widely varying bills involv
ing the same subject is to send the two measures to a conference committee made up of
selected members of the two legislative bodies. This is the course I favor in con-
nection with the two civil rights bills. I have stated publicly that I want good
civil rights legislation passed in this session of the Congress and that I favor an
open housing provision.
However, the House Democratic Leadership is seeking in the resolution now
before the Rules Committee to force the House to accept the Senate-approved civil
rights bill without any opportunity to shape the final provisions.
I hope the House will reject this move, which calls upon the House to rubber-
stamp after from one to four hours of debate a bill which the Senate spent nearly
Forty days debating and amending.
I personally favor sending the House and Senate civil rights bills to con-
ference, where the House will have a say in the final version of this legislation.
This is the only responsible way to legislate.
THE GOLD CRISIS: The Republican Coordinating Committee, of which I am a
nember, has pointed out that the necessity of revising our international gold system
came about entirely from mismanagement of our domestic financial and economic affairs
by the Johnson Administration. The Committee stated: "If the new two-price struc-
ture for gold is to become the means of transition to a durable international mone-
tary system
the President must proceed at once to restore credibility and confi-
dence in the fiscal practices of our government. People around the world must
again be persuaded that it is better to hold dollars than gold."
The Committee went on to say: "The Administration must put into effect at
once the sizable cuts in spending for which the Congress and the Republican Party
have been calling. It is urgently necessary for the President to come forth with
meaningful specific proposals for major reductions in non-essential government
spending. Until he does, there can be no expectation that the Congress and the
American people will accept a tax increase. The budget must be brought close to
balance and the deficit in our international payments must be sharply reduced if we
are to restore faith in the dollar and avoid another crisis."
ASSIGNMENT OF ONLY SONS: We receive many inquiries from parents of young men
who are the only sons or last male members of their families. They want to know
whether these sons are exempt from involuntary service in the Army. Generally, the
answer is "No, the young man is not exempt from selective service."
But there is a provision governing "sole-surviving sons." Under the selective
service law a "sole-surviving son" is the last remaining son in a family that has
already lost one of its members as a direct result of service in the armed forces.
In other words, his immediate family has already lost a father, son, or possibly a
daughter, from injury or disease incurred while in the armed forces. The "sole-
surviving son" is exempt under the selective service law. The Army will discharge
upon request any enlisted man who becomes a "sole-surviving son" after his induction
because of a death in his family. Or the soldier may remain in the Army but upon
request be assigned to duty outside a combat area.
Two members of the same family will not be assigned to duty in Vietnam under
current Army policy. If one member is serving there in any of the armed services,
another will not be sent provided, of course, he informs his commanding officer of
the situation and makes the request.
WITH THE COMMITTEES: The Committee on Ways and Means has been considering in
executive session the President's proposals to restrict travel abroad by Americans.
It is generally agreed that the President's recommendation will be substantially
modified if a bill is reported by the Committee.
Presently the possession of LSD and other hallucinogenic drugs for sale or
distribution is a federal offense. The Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce is
considering a bill which will impose penalties for possession of these drugs for
personal use. There is a difference of opinion as to whether there should be any such
penalty or whether it should be a misdemeanor or a felony.
FOR THE ASKING: Five booklets of interest to parents are available from my
Grand Rapids office (GL 6-9747) or by writing me at H-230, the Capitol. You may
request any one or all of the booklets: Prenatal Care; Infant Care; Your Child
from 1 to 6; Your Child from 6 to 12; and, The Adolescent.
RECENT VISITORS: From Wyoming: Terri Burnham; Mr.& Mrs. J. Vredevoogd and
Evelyn. From Grand Rapids: Paul Kravitz; John Saylor; Mr.& Mrs. A. Stumler; John
VandenBerg; Mr.& Mrs. Arthur Nicholas; Mr.& Mrs. R. Judd, Jr.; Ellen Davidson; Tim
DeVoogd; William Halliday, Jr.; Hilary Snell. From Rockford: Leonard Weller.
From Caledonia: Wesley Huyser; Elton R. Smith. From Ionia: Truman Cerney.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
YONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
April 3, 1968
The Committee on the Judiciary has approved and reported to the House a bill
which calls for the celebration of five holidays on Monday. They are Washington's
Birthday (third Monday in February); Memorial Day (last Monday in May) ; Labor Day
(first Monday in September); Columbus Day (second Monday in October) ; and Veterans
Day (fourth Monday in October), New Year's Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day,
and Christmas would remain on the traditional dates. You will note that Columbus Day
would join the list of legal public holidays under this legislation, H.R. 15951.
VA HOUSING AMENDMENTS By a vote of 366 to 12, the House approved legislation
to make it easier for a veteran to obtain a VA-guaranteed home loan. The bill
(H.R. 10477) increases the amount that the VA may guarantee on a home loan from
$7,500 to $12,500. It also permits a veteran to have his loan guaranteed even though
he may pay more for his home than the VA-appraised value. However, the VA guarantee
will not exceed the VA appraisal. Under existing law, a veteran may not obtain a VA
guarantee of his loan if the price he pays is greater than the appraisal. This works
a real hardship on many veterans who have contracted to pay a small amount over the
VA appraisal.
The bill also gives the Administrator of Veterans Affairs discretion to set
the interest rate at whatever level he finds it necessary to meet loan market demands.
Under present law the interest rate may not exceed 6 percent. This means that in
many instances veterans cannot find a lender who will make a loan at the VA-guaranteed
rate. He gets no loan. The VA reports that at the end of February the interest rate
on conventional loans was 6.73 percent for new homes and 6.78 percent for existing
homes in contrast to the top limit of 6 percent on VA-guaranteed loans.
Among those endorsing legislation to provide a flexible interest rate were the
American Legion, VFW, and the Disabled American Veterans.
The veterans' housing program in the past 24 years has assisted belfed more than 7
million veterans obtain financing on loans valued at more than $70 billion. The loss
on veterans' loans has been less than the conventional rate loss. Under this program
these 7 million veterans have always paid the going market interest rate.
AGRICULTURAL FAIR PRACTICES: The House approved last Monday a bill to protect
farm producers (farmers, ranchers, orchardists) from discrimination by buyers of their
products because of the producer's membership in a cooperative or a marketing associa
tion. Testimony has shown that in some areas certain purchasers of vegetables
refused to buy from given producers in the community who were members of a local
cooperative, but would purchase from an individual member or farmer if he would forego
his membership in the cooperative. This bill, H.R. 13541, strikes at intimidation,
coercion, or discrimination which might be used against a producer through refusal to
purchase his goods if he is a member of a cooperative association.
The bill was passed 232 to 90. Every Michigan Republican present (10) voted
"yes." Every Michigan Democrat present (5) voted "no."
AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS: In discussing the bill mentioned above, the Democratic
dominated Committee on Agriculture 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 marketplaces dropped to the lowest level in 33 years
in relation to the rest of the economy
Based upon data for the first half of
1967, the national income shows an increase of 221 percent while farm income is down
13 percent. This condition cannot continue
Broke farmers cannot continue to
produce our present abundance, much less increase production. Our whole food supply
will be endangered if we do not restore to agriculture, prices which will enable
farmers to stay in business and produce abundantly."
That is the judgment of a Democratic committee on the situation as it now
exists on the farm after more than 30 years of Democratic farm legislation and
administration.
REPUBLICANS ENDORSE CODE OF ETHICS: The House Republican Policy Committee, of
which I am a member, has endorsed the Code of Official Conduct recommended by the
Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. This would require members, officers, and
principal employees of the House to divulge any substantial interest in a company
doing business with the federal government or subject to federal regulation. Outside
income beyond a minimum amount would also have to be declared. These same individuals
would be required to list the fair market value and income derived from personally-
held securities. However, this specific information would be held in confidence
unless the Committee finds it necessary to make it public as part of an official
investigation.
The Code of Ethics also lays down rules on the acceptance of gifts, hono-
rariums, campaign contributions, and other outside compensation. The Republican
Policy Committee in endorsing these rules stated: "Public confidence in the legisla-
tive process and in the integrity of the members, officers and employees of Congress
must be maintained and strengthened." It went on to say that the proposed code
"avoids undue restriction and provides procedural safeguards (and) would establish
a well-organized and reasonable set of standards of conduct
"
Under the proposal
the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct would become a permanent standing
committee with authority to enforce the Code of Ethics.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
April 10, 1968
All Americans will unite behind President Johnson in his efforts to bring
about an honorable settlement of the Vietnam conflict. It seems to me that in his
Sunday evening address to the nation, Mr. Johnson announced a major policy decision
of great importance to the American people and to the world--namely, that it does not
make sense for the United States to greatly increase its troop commitment in Vietnam.
I applaud that decision. I think it is sound. I think it reflects a realization by
the President that any future increases in allied strength in Vietnam should come
from South Vietnamese manpower. I endorse that view. You will remember that from
the beginning I have stated my opposition to getting bogged down in an extended and
massive land war in the jungles of Southeast Asia (newsletters of January 26, 1966 and
August 16, 1967).
You may be certain that I will continue to support every effort by the Presi-
dent to achieve a prompt, just, and secure peace in Vietnam.
CURBING OBSCENE MAILINGS: Beginning next Sunday all of us will have a new
weapon to use against the mailers of obscene material. Under Public Law 90-206, if
you or a member of your family receive any advertisement which you determine is
"erotically arousing or sexually provocative," you may ask your local postmaster to
order the mailer to remove your name or the names of your children from his mailing
list. In contacting the postmaster, you should furnish him with the offending
circular and the envelope and state in writing that you find the material "arousing
and provocative." After determining that proper procedure has been followed, the
Post Office Department will order the mailer to remove your name from the mailing
list within 30 days.
If this is not done and you receive further mailings, you should supply the
local postmaster with the same information as before. The Post Office Department
will then take over, and working with the Department of Justice and the Federal
District Court, will obtain a court order against further mailings to you. If the
smut peddler continues to annoy you with his mailings, he will be subject to a
citation for contempt of court and punished accordingly.
Local post offices will soon have instruction booklets and forms for submit-
ting complaints. Many of you have written to me about the offensive advertisements
which are mailed to your homes. I sincerely hope that anyone who receives obscene
material in the future will make use of this new weapon provided by the Congress.
PESTICIDES AND WILDLIFE: The House last Monday approved a bill to continue
for three more years research in pesticides and their effect on wildlife. Studies
have been going on since 1958 to determine the amounts, concentrations, and chemical
compositions of pesticides which may be harmful to fish and other wildlife. The bill
also requires that information on how a given pesticide can be used to prevent or
minimize injury to fish and wildlife must be printed on the label of each package of
the chemical. I supported the legislation when it was passed by a vote of 333 to 25.
DRUG CONTROL TO JUSTICE DEPARTMENT: The House last Tuesday refused to dis-
approve a presidential reorganization plan involving the administration of the drug
laws. The plan calls for combining the Treasury Department's Bureau of Narcotics
which enforces the narcotic and marijuana laws with HEW's Bureau of Drug Abuse Con-
trol which enforces the laws concerning such items as pep pills, goof balls, and LSD
into one "Bureau of Drugs and Dangerous Drugs" which is to be in the Department of
Justice. Combining the two bureaus has some merit. But the Republican Task Force on
Crime raised serious questions as to whether the new combined agency should be in the
Justice Department. It pointed out that both bureaus are heavily engaged in regula-
tory functions involving legitimate drug manufacturers and pharmacists while the
Justice Department is a prosecuting and law enforcement agency. Also the bureaus work
in close connection with the scientific and educational resources of H.E.W. The Task
Force also felt that more study must be given to the overall problems involved inclu-
ding "the effect of concentrating too much authority and discretion under one Federal
official--a 'Mr. Big' [the Attorney General] who could thereby forge an all-powerful
national police force." I shared this view and voted against the reorganization
plan. However, the House voted 200 to 190 to permit it to go into effect.
CODE OF ETHICS ADOPTED: On Wednesday the House voted 405 to 1 to approve the
code of ethics for members, officers, and top staff assistants which I mentioned last
week. The Committee on Standards of Official Conduct was made a permanent, standing
committee to investigate allegations of misconduct and to interpret and enforce the
code of ethics.
TRAVEL TAX: The House approved on Thursday a bill imposing a 5 percent tax on
airline tickets abroad and reducing from $100 to $10 (until October 16, 1969) the
value of goods which may be brought back by American tourists duty free. There is a
5 percent tax on airline tickets for travel within the United States. Certainly, if
our citizens who travel within the U. S. are to pay a 5 percent tax, those who travel
overseas should pay an equal amount. The President's unwise proposal to tax the daily
expenditures abroad by Americans was not included in the bill.
RECENT VISITORS: From Lowell: Mr.& Mrs. Donald McPherson. From Wyoming: Mr.
& Mrs. Tim Wildeboer, Ron Higgins. From Grand Rapids: Judith Helder; Mr.& Mrs. Larr
Inman; Mr.& Mrs. E. Krook; Randy Bytwerk; Mr.& Mrs. Gerald Bristols, Harry Nyberg; Mr.
& Mrs. Silas Albert; Keith Clinton; Mr.& Mrs. Jack Kellogg; Paul Harvey; Dr. and Mrs.
Harvey Bratt; Mr.& Mrs. Ronald Day; Mrs. John Gogulski; Wallace Norgrove.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
April 17, 1968
The Civil Rights Act of 1968, with its controversial "open housing" provision,
was approved by the House of Representatives last Wednesday and sent to the President
In line with previously announced intentions, I voted to send the bill to a House-
Senate conference but when that failed I supported the legislation on final passage.
The vote to send the bill to conference came on a procedural motion. To send a
bill to conference means to refer it to a joint committee of Senators and Representa-
tives who are to iron out the differences between the bill as passed by the House and
the Senate, and bring it back for further consideration and approval by both houses.
To send to conference does NOT mean to kill the bill, as some have charged. The Civil
Rights Bill (H.R.2516) passed by the House on August 16, 1967, contained one subject
described on 6 pages. The same bill as amended and passed by the Senate contained 10
titles and ran to 50 pages. Under such circumstances, it was the normal and proper
procedure to send the bill to conference. For example, the bill passed by the House
on February 29 to extend the excise taxes on telephone service and automobiles was
amended by the Senate to include the controversial 10% surtax. That bill was sent to
conference promptly, and rightly SO. The Civil Rights Bill with its controversial
open housing section should also have been sent to conference--not to kill the bill
but to continue the legislative process in the proper and time-tested manner.
Furthermore, neither house should be expected to rubber-stamp the action of
the other on any significant issue. Our constitutional system provides for a two-
house legislature specifically to have one check on the other. This cannot be done
properly by simply voting "yes" or "no" without adequate discussion on a major change
in a bill. By sending the bill to conference the House would have had an opportunity
to amend, refine, and improve the legislation under conditions permitting adequate
consideration.
I did think there were provisions in the Senate bill of 50 pages which needed
amending, refining, and improving. Many of these were technical. But there are
sections in the bill which have broad practical application. These-sections needed
further review and clarification. Referring the bill to conference would have per-
mitted the House through its conferees to do this. But on the procedural motion the
House voted 229 to 195 to bypass the conference in this instance.
FOR THE BILL: You may now properly ask: "Congressman Ford, why then did you
vote for the Civil Rights Bill on final passage?"
The question before the House was the approval or disapproval of the entire
bill. I did have reservations on some portions of the bill. But I was obligated to
look at the legislation in its entirety and to determine whether its strengths out-
weighed its weaknesses. On balance, it seemed to me that the desirable provisions of
the bill were greater and more significant than the undesirable ones.
Title I imposes fines up to $10,000 or imprisonment of not more than 5 years,
or both, for those who use the facilities of interstate commerce (travel, mail, tele-
phone, radio, TV) with the intention of inciting or encouraging a riot. A specific
bill with similar but not identical provisions had been approved last year by the House
but no action was taken on it by the Senate. We now have this needed legislation in
the Civil Rights Act of 1968. Title I also prescribes penalties for interfering with
the rights of another person to vote, to secure employment, to attend school or col-
lege, to use the facilities of interstate commerce, or to enjoy other civil rights.
This too had been previously approved by the House in separate legislation.
Title X provides heavy fines or imprisonment for those who interfere with any
fireman or law enforcement officer in the lawful performance of his official duties
during a civil disorder. This Title also prohibits the manufacture or transportation
of any firearms or explosive devices to be used in a civil disorder, and provides
penalties for those who teach others how to use these items in a riot. These are
sound legislative concepts and should become law.
The open housing section prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, reli-
gion, color, or national origin in the sale or rental of a dwelling. However, exemp-
ted from the law are single-family homes when the owner does not use the services of a
real estate agent and does not advertise in a manner to indicate preference based on
race, color, religion, or national origin. Also exempted under similar circumstances
are owners who rent not more than three single-family houses, and owners of one-to-
four family apartments, one of which is owner-occupied. The bill provides no
criminal penalties; enforcement is through civil action. But this is a step toward a
solution to a basic social problem. And of course, we do have state and local laws
on this subject and in many areas such local ordinances and state laws are stronger.
FROM THE MAIL BAG: Last week the mail was literally delivered to my office by
the bagsful. During the first four days of last week I received about 19,000 pieces
of mail, in addition to hundreds of telegrams, practically all on "open housing."
Correspondence came from all over the nation with about 98 out of 100 against the
"open housing" provisions of the Civil Rights Bill. Previously, we had been receiving
about 500 letters daily and were answering out-of-district correspondence with a mimeo-
graphed letter. But when five bags of mail arrived last Monday we gave up on replying
to other than 5th District correspondence. But every letter has to be opened and read.
We have enlisted some local volunteers to help with this task. The letters and tele-
grams from Kent and Ionia Counties have been running about 50-50 on "open housing."
[Easter Recess: no newsletter next week]