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Ford Newsletter, July-Dec. 1969
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Ford Newsletter, July-Dec. 1969
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Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers
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Department of Defense. 9/18/1947-
Aeronautics, Commercial
Banks and banking
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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
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
July 2, 1969
The surtax extension bill scheduled for passage by the House of Representa-
tives this week, does much more than continue the 10 percent surtax until December 31.
In line with President Nixon's recommendation it reduces the tax to 5 percent on
January 1 and eliminates it on June 30, 1970.
But the bill has four additional provisions: 1) It will remove 5.2 million
income tax returns from the tax rolls, almost all at or below the "poverty level,'
and bring about a reduction in taxes for another 7 million returns. Thus about 12
million returns will be lowered or eliminated. The tax reduction will become effec-
tive during calendar year 1970 when it will produce a taxpayers' saving of $625
million.
President Nixon recommended a "low income allowance" in his tax message of
April 21. This bill provides for a "low income allowance" of $1100 to be added to
the total in $600-exemptions permitted each family. Thus a family of four would pay
no tax on the first $3500 of its income. Presently such a family would be exempt
from taxes only up to $3000 of income. A single person taking standard deductions
today starts to pay an income tax at $900. Under the President-Committee's proposal,
he would be free of tax on the first $1700 of income. As Mr. Nixon stated, "The low
income allowance, if enacted by the Congress, will offer genuine tax relief to the
young, the elderly, the disadvantaged, and the handicapped."
2. The bill also calls for a one-year extension of the 7 percent manufactur-
er's automobile excise tax and a similar extension of the 10 percent tax on local and
long-distance telephone calls. These taxes will generate $540 million in revenue in
fiscal 1970. This is a continuation of existing taxes; no new taxation is involved.
3. It repeals the 7 percent investment tax credit effective April 18 but
makes provision for construction begun and for binding contracts in effect on or be-
fore that date. It was in April that President Nixon recommended this action. The
tax credit was initially approved in 1961 to stimulate investment in capital improve-
ments. Businessmen, in response to this credit and other factors, have spent almost
$400 billion on plant and equipment since 1962. Both the President and the Committee
on Ways and Means feel that the investment credit provision has fulfilled its purpose
of increasing investments during a period of slack demands and has outlived its use-
fulness as a stimulant to the economy. Its repeal will also produce tax funds to
make up for the loss of revenue due to a reduction in the surtax. The repeal is
expected to increase receipts during fiscal 1970 by $1.35 billion.
4. The bill encourages factory owners to curb air and water pollution by
allowing them to amortize the cost of new pollution control facilities over a five-
year period. Since quite often these facilities have a useful life of 10 to 20 years
or more, the usual depreciation deduction each year is relatively small. The larger
deduction provided by allowing the recovery of the taxpayer's costs over the shorter
5-year period will mean there is a greater incentive for the installation of effec-
tive pollution control equipment. We must fight pollution. The encouragement in
this bill is helpful because of the high costs of effective control and because
expenditures for pollution control generally do not result in an increase in the
profitability of a factory.
I strongly support the President's recommendations as set forth in this legis-
lation approved by the Democratic-controlled Committee on Ways and Means. All of us
would have preferred to let the surtax expire on June 30. ,But as the Committee
pointed out in its Report, the consequences of failing to extend the surtax could be
catastrophic: another budget deficit, a further hike in interest rates, price
increases and an inflationary psychology, and greater international pressure on the
dollar. Not to approve this bill means a shift from a projected surplus of $5.2
billion to a deficit of $4 billion in the unified budget for fiscal 1970. It would
mean that the projected deficit of $5.4 billion in the administrative budget would be
increased to $14.6 billion.
The tax reduction for over 12 million low-income families and individuals is
meritorious as is the anti-pollution incentive. I hope the House adopts the bill
this week.
THIRD APPROPRIATION BILL: The House approved the third of 13 regular appro-
priations last Tuesday when it passed a $14.9 billion funding bill for the indepen-
dent agencies and HUD. Over $7.7 billion goes to the Veterans Administration which
is $34 million more than the President requested. NASA's (space program) request was
cut $18.5 million but it will still get $3.69 billion. HUD's appropriation was set
at $1.6 billion or $384 million less than requested. In all the House cut the
request for funds by nearly a half billion dollars.
INTERSTATE TAXATION ACT: The House on Wednesday approved a bill establishing
national guidelines which allow interstate business to pay its share of state and
local taxes in a fair and uncomplicated manner. The bill as approved also provides
that no state can levy an income tax upon an individual who was not domiciled in that
state during the year except to the extent that he earned and derived income from
sources within the state. It also prevents taxation of the same income by more than
one state. These provisions are particularly important to servicemen and their
wives, truckers, and all those whose business requires them to travel in a number of
states and stay overnight away from home several times per year or month.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
July 9, 1969
The United States is now 193 years old. Our flag is a year younger. It was
on June 14, 1777 that the Congress adopted a resolution "that the flag of the thir-
teen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be
thirteen stars, white on a blue field." Except for growth to 50 stars, the same
design remains to this day.
On Independence Day, Flag Day, and all national holidays we can well recommend
the flying of our national emblem at our homes or places of business. I am able to
obtain for constituents in the Fifth District a flag which has been flown over the
United States Capitol. This is a new flag and is accompanied by a signed statement
certifying that the flag has flown above the Capitol. A 3x5 flag costs $2.75 while
a 5x8 flag sells for $5.50. The request should be addressed to my Washington office
with the check made out to me. There may be a slight delay in delivery as I must
purchase the flags and have them flown.
AT HOME ON THE FOURTH: It was my privilege to participate in four local
celebrations on Independence Day. I spoke at the Hollyhock Lane celebration in Grand
Rapids early Friday morning. At 10:00 I took part in the American Legion's 9th
Annual Independence Day Parade. At noon I attended the combined Fourth-of-July and
Centennial festivities at Sand Lake. Later in the day I was at Portland for the
celebration there. It was a full and delightful day.
TAX BILL APPROVED: The tax bill whose five provisions I discussed last week
was approved by the House on Monday by a vote of 210 to 205. Many of those who
opposed the legislation felt that it should be accompanied by or preceded by addi-
tional "tax reforms." But we have the word of the Congressional leadership, the
President, and the Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means that further changes
in the tax laws will be presented to the House this session. The Committee on Ways
and Means held two months of public hearings on various proposals to plug tax loop-
holes and develop a more fair tax system. It is now working in executive session to
develop legislative proposals for submission to the House. Committee leaders hope
to have these ready by the first part of August.
The surtax expired on June 30 and the Senate must still act on the legislation
To prevent confusion in connection with the withholding of the surtax, a resolution
has been passed continuing tax withholding until July 31 when it can again be
extended until Congress makes a final decision.
SULLIVAN'S BASEBALL TEAM COMMENDED: May I share with you a letter just
received from Mr. Harold E. Howland, American Consul General at Amsterdam, The
Netherlands:
"Dear Congressman Ford:
"You will recall my letter of last year commending the Sullivans Baseball Team
for its exemplary behavior and good sportsmanship here in Holland. As you know, the
team has returned this year taking part in the Haarlem Baseball International
Tournament.
"Again, they are doing a splendid job--on and off the field and we are proud
of these young Americans who are doing so much to negate the image one gets from the
antics of some collegians and other young people at Berkeley, Harvard, and Columbia
who get a disproportionate amount of international press attention.
"The Sullivans, The Berlin Bears (U.S. Army champions) and the California
Stags (a group of 24 young collegians from the area of Claremont, California) are
also doing a great job of vividly portraying the real side of our vast majority of
American youth; namely young people who are wholesome, personable, helpful and
friend-winners.
"President Nixon's telegram read at the ball park and carried throughout the
land over the Dutch national television network was warmly received and much appre-
ciated by the Dutch public.
"Thanks for your role in all of this."
CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS: We are now in fiscal year 1970 and not one of the
13 regular appropriation bills to supply funds to operate the federal government for
this year have been sent to the President for signature. Prior to the Fourth-of-July
recess the House had approved three of these bills but none had been passed by the
Senate.
To keep the government in funds, Congress adopted a continuing resolution.
Under the resolution the departments and agencies involved in the three bills passed
by the House (Agriculture, HUD, Post Office, Treasury, the Executive and Independent
Offices) may continue to spend at the 1969 rate or at the rate provided in the bill
as passed by the House, whichever is lower. For those Departments and Agencies
involved in the other 10 appropriation bills the governing factor, with a few excep-
tions, will be the 1969 rate or the amount requested by the President for 1970, which-
ever is lower.
ATTENDANCE AND VOTING RECORD: There have been 97 roll calls in the House of
Representatives this year. I have answered 92 for an attendance record of 94.8 per-
cent. But I missed only one of the 43 yea-and-nay votes on legislative business.
The remainder of the roll calls were merely to determine the presence of a quorum.
DISTRICT OFFICE: My District Representative, Gordon Vander Till, announces the
following office hours for Friday, July 11:
1:00 - 3:00
ROCKFORD
City Manager's Office
4:00 - 7:00
CEDAR SPRINGS
City Hall
RECENT VISITORS: From Grand Rapids: Mr.& Mrs. Rolland Williams; Mr.& Mrs.
Russell Ochsankehl and daughter; Mr.& Mrs. C. VanderWeele; Jim Cooper; Mr.& Mrs. Don
Campbell and daughter; Rev. Duane VanderBrug; Mr.& Mrs. David Wagner; Mr.& Mrs. David
MacAuley; Mrs. Paul Harvey, Ron and Gloria; Mr.& Mrs. Ted Karsten; Mr.& Mrs. H. Lang.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
July 16, 1969
President Nixon has recommended that an additional 4.8 million workers be
covered by unemployment insurance. These would include workers in small firms with
less than four employees, those on large farms (with four or more employees) and in
agricultural processing, employees of non-profit organizations, state hospitals and
universities, and salesmen and delivery tradesmen. Mr. Nixon would also have each
state pay 50 percent of the worker's wage in unemployment compensation (some now pay
less), and would require the states to pay benefits while the workers were enrolled
in training programs designed to increase their skills. Twenty-five states now dis-
courage retraining by denying unemployment benefits on the theory that workers in
training are not "available for work." Provisions are also suggested for the auto-
matic extension of benefits during long periods of high unemployment.
President Nixon proposed too the taxable base which in most states is now the
first $3,000 of wages be raised over a five-year period to $6,000. This would
strengthen the Unemployment Insurance Fund in each state. To further protect the
Fund, Mr. Nixon suggested that a standard based on a minimum period of 15 weeks'
employment be required as a condition of benefit eligibility, and that the practice
in two states of paying unemployment benefits to workers directly engaged in a strike
be discontinued. New York and Rhode Island now pay those on strike after a six- or
seven-week waiting period.
Our unemployment insurance system is a cooperative federal-state program. It
seems to me that the President's recommendations are sound, and that their adoption
would result in a more equitable program nation-wide.
NEIGHBORHOOD YOUTH CORPS: We have received many letters recently reflecting
the fear that the Neighborhood Youth Corps (NYC) will be abolished in Kent County.
According to the Department of Labor there is no intention to eliminate the NYC in
Grand Rapids but there is a change in emphasis being effected nation-wide.
The NYC has three types of job training programs: for youth in school, for
those out of school, and the special summer program. What is being done, nation-wide,
is a phasing out of the "out-of-school" program for those over 18 years of age. This
is being done for two reasons: other manpower training programs exist for those over
18, and the money saved by curtailing the out-of-school program will permit the NYC
to concentrate on the in-school program for youngsters 14 to 17 years of age and do
a better job in that area, as well as in the summer program.
CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS: The House of Representatives last Tuesday
approved legislation increasing the authorization for direct appropriations from
$15.5 million to $23 million for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
in Washington, D.C. This is an increase of $7.5 million which must be matched by an
equal amount from private sources.
In 1958 President Eisenhower signed into law a bill authorizing the construc-
tion of a National Cultural Center. Following the assassination of President
Kennedy, Congress renamed the Center and designated it as the principal memorial to
the late President in the Washington area. Congress has appropriated $15.5 million
and about $21 million has been received as private gifts.
The Center, located near the Lincoln Memorial, is now more than 50 percent
completed. Among other things it will contain a symphony hall, an opera house, a
larger (Eisenhower) Theater, and a smaller film theater. But the Center needs more
money to complete construction. Inflation and change orders have contributed to this
need but there were also serious errors in estimating costs.
The House could either authorize additional funds or permit the structure to
remain in its present unfinished state. Neither alternative was attractive. The
Committee on Public Works recommended $7.5 million in additional tax funds, but
pointed out emphatically: "This is the last request for public funds for the John F.
Kennedy Center which the Committee will entertain. Under no circumstances will this
present Committee at a future date give consideration in any manner, size, shape, or
form to any further funding
11
I agreed with the Committee and voted for the bill on final passage when it
was approved 210 to 162.
AT HOME: I expect to participate in the Saranac Centennial Parade on Satur-
day, July 19, and to attend the Barbecue and Rodeo at Wyoming that evening. Next
Monday, July 21, I plan to be at the "Opening Night" of the Lowell Showboat.
Last Saturday I was privileged to attend the Centennial Prayer Breakfast at
Saranac and to keep a number of appointments at my Grand Rapids office.
The Fourth-of-July schedule which I mentioned last week was marred by thunder-
storms and couldn't be carried out fully as I had hoped and predicted.
DISTRICT OFFICE: My District Representative Gordon Vander Till, announces the
following office hours for Friday, July 18:
1:00 - 3:00 LOWELL
City Council Chamber
4:30 - 7:00 LAKE ODESSA
Village Council Chamber
RECENT VISITORS: From Grand Rapids: Mr.& Mrs. Greydon Black; Mr.& Mrs. Frank
Noor and 2 children; Myra Baas; Garret Oosterhof; Mr.& Mrs. Edward Hart, Jr.; Mr.&Mrs.
Richard Nadolski; Mr.& Mrs. Peter Nickel, Dianne and Beverly; Mrs. H. Beukema; Mr.&
Mrs. Jake VanDyke and 2 girls; Mrs. Helen Vesotsky; Mrs. Peter Lemson and Pat; Mr.&
Mrs. Richard Bowen; Marie Dutmers; William Mason; Mr.& Mrs. Edward Breen; Wanda Gasco:
Mr.& Mrs. James Hollebeek; Mr.& Mrs. John Visser; Mary Drumler; Barry O'Malley; Mrs.
Willmer Collins; Betty Vredevoogd; Mr.& Mrs. Robert Blum; Mr.& Mrs. Bob Perry and
family; Mr.& Mrs. Hugh Berghouse and family; Mrs. Donald Johnson; Gayle and Eric; Mr.
& Mrs. J.DeFouw & 2 sons; Mr.& Mrs. Ray Dykstra; Mr.& Mrs. Thomas Cooper and family.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
July 23, 1969
The House of Representatives last week passed 273 to 103 a bill to renew and
expand the Appalachian Regional Development Program. I supported this bill which
also continues five other economic development regions including the Great Lakes.
WHITE HOUSE SUPPORTS TAX REFORM: The surtax extension bill is presently with
the Senate where demands are heard for extensive tax reform to be coupled with the
surtax bill. Leaders in the House, including the Chairman of the Committee on Ways
and Means, have promised a comprehensive tax reform bill this session, hopefully by
the middle of August. President Nixon has pledged his support to such legislation.
I strongly favor tax reform.
In a letter to me which I read to the House on June 30, the President said:
"As the House nears a decision on the surtax, I want to remove any vestige of doubt
as to the commitment of this Administration to prompt and meaningful tax reform.
"I first made this commitment publicly on February 6. I reaffirm it today.
"Clearly the record supports that commitment. On April 21, after less than
three months in office, this Administration submitted 16 substantive tax reforms to
the Congress. They included a minimum income tax to help insure that people with
high incomes will not fail to share the tax burden. We suggested a Low Income Allow-
ance to remove poverty-level people from the tax rolls and reduce the taxes of some
eight million others. We also recommended repeal of the seven percent investment
credit
"Important as these
reforms are, much more is needed and will be done. On
May 27 the House Ways and Means Committee published a list of tax reform measures
which it had tentatively approved. On my direction Treasury officials and staff have
been working closely with the Committee. They will continue to do SO.
"There is no reason why a far-reaching tax reform bill cannot be put before
the House of Representatives this summer. This is the announced goal of the Ways and
Means Committee; it is also the goal of this Administration
11
It should be pointed out that President Nixon is the first President in more
than 30 years who has recommended and endorsed tax reform. Also some of those now
demanding tax reform have controlled the Congress and its committees for better than
eight years. What have they been doing for all these years when they had, as now,
the power to get results.
WHO IS BLOCKING PEACE IN VIETNAM? Self-examination and self-criticism may be
a healthy exercise but to hear some Americans, one would believe that the failure to
achieve peace in Vietnam is the fault of the United States and its South Vietnamese
Allies. But let's look at the record:
1. Prior to January 20, we halted the bombing of North Vietnam and agreed to
meet at the conference table with the NLF as well as the governments of Hanoi and Saigon.
2. We remained at the table and refrained from resumption of the bombing
despite Hanoi's shelling of South Vietnamese cities, its violation of the DMZ and its
refusal to deal with the Saigon government.
3. On March 25, Thieu offered to meet with the NFL for private talks without
preconditions on a political settlement.
4. On May 14, with Thieu's support, President Nixon put forward an eight-
point plan for peace. The President ruled out a military solution, offered with-
drawal of U. S. and allied forces within 12 months under international guarantees,
and emphasized that our only objective was to secure the right of the South Vietnamese
people to determine their own future without outside interference.
5. On June 8, the President announced the withdrawal of 25,000 U. S. combat
troops. Subsequently, he expressed the hope that all combat troops could be removed
by the end of next year.
6. On Midway, both Mr. Thieu and Mr. Nixon declared their readiness to accept
any political outcome arrived at through free elections.
7. Thieu has also offered a concrete program by which free elections can be
held and the will of the South Vietnamese people can be determined.
While President Nixon works diligently for peace, what is Hanoi doing? It
negates our efforts at Paris, it violates agreements for a demilitarized zone, and it
continues an aggressive war against civilians and soldiers in South Vietnam. Let's
put the responsibility for war or peace where it belongs
on the communist
aggressors of North Vietnam.
CENSUS - 1970 and 1980: A subcommittee of the House Committee on Post Office
and Civil Service has approved legislation to set up procedures for taking the 1980
census. Because of criticism of some of the questions to be asked next year, the
subcommittee is recommending a bill which would give Congress an opportunity to
review the questions to be asked in 1980 before they are finalized and the question-
naire is sent to the printers. The bill also reduces the penalties for those who
refuse to give answers to certain questions and increases the penalties for any govern-
ment employee who divulges confidential census information.
Secretary Stans has removed or reworded some of the more objectionable ques-
tions in the 1970 census and has reduced the number of persons who will be asked to
respond to the longer census form.
DISTRICT OFFICE: My District Representative, Gordon Vander Till, will be in
the Village Council Room at PORTLAND on Friday, July 25, from 3:00 to 6:30 p.m.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
July 30, 1969
President Nixon is determined to reduce federal spending and to maintain a
balanced budget this year. He has already cut $4 billion from former President
Johnson's 1970 budget bringing the proposed spending figure down to $192.9 billion.
Last week Mr. Nixon directed the heads of all Departments and agencies to reduce
spending by an additional $3.5 billion.
This action is necessary because of increases of about $2.5 billion in expendi-
tures for such uncontrollable items as interest on the public debt, medicare, social
security, civil service retirement benefits, public assistance, and veterans' bene-
fits. The refusal of Congress to provide certain new revenues and its attitude
toward some specific expenditures can add another billion dollars net to federal
spending this year. So instead of holding expenditures to $192.9 billion, it appears
that the cost of government will go to $196.4 billion.
To maintain the lower figure, the President has ordered a further cut of $3.5
billion. Mr. Nixon said: "I would prefer that the Congress made these off-setting
cuts in programs it considers of lesser priority, when and if it votes increases over
my April budget for activities it considers essential. If it does not do so, the
duty of making such cuts clearly becomes mine."
We all applaud President Nixon's determination to hold down federal spending.
His willingness to cooperate with the taxpayers is one reason I have supported his
request for an extension of the 10 percent surtax to December 31 when it will go to
5 percent and be eliminated on June 30, 1970.
You will remember that I agreed to endorse President Johnson's demand for the
10 percent surtax only after he promised to cut government expenses by $6 billion. Mr.
Nixon will be reducing the 1970 budget by $7.5 billion. But the cooperation of Con-
gress is essential if we are to maintain a $192.9 billion budget which the President
believes "reflects a responsible fiscal policy." A bill signed into law last week
sets a spending ceiling of $191.9 billion but permits an additional $2 billion as a
cushion for expenditures in such areas as public assistance, Vietnam, medicaid, farm
price supports, and interest on the public debt.
INTERIOR DEPARTMENT APPROPRIATIONS: The House did cut $28 million from the
$1.5 billion appropriations bill for the Department of Interior and related agencies
approved last Tuesday. But even then the bill for this year exceeds that of last
year by over $10 million.
However, the net cost to the taxpayers for operating the Department and
related agencies is only about $185 million. Revenues generated by the agencies
funded in this bill will amount to $1.3 billion. The Bureau of Land Management antic-
ipates receipts of $944 million in 1970 from its mineral and oil leases. Royalties
received by the Geological Survey will total $360 million. The Forest Service
expects a timber harvest of 13 billion board feet in 1970 with receipts from sales of
about $327 million. This volume represents about one-fourth of the total timber and
40 percent of the softwood timber cut for industrial purposes annually, and is equiva-
lent to the construction of about 1.6 million average-sized homes.
NUTRITIOUS MEALS FOR NEEDY CHILDREN: The House last week approved a bill
authorizing the Secretary of Agriculture to use $100 million to provide meals for
needy children in schools or other institutions where children are gathered away from
home. This brings the total amount approved by the House for child feeding programs
in fiscal 1970 to over $858 million. It is intended that this $100 million is to be
used to feed the most needy children.
According to the Committee Report there are today approximately 32.5 million
children not participating in a school lunch program. Of these, 30 percent can be
expected to pay a reasonable full price for lunch, 60 percent need a reduced price
(on an average meal cost of 41.5¢, the government would pay 26.5) and the remaining
10 percent need free lunches.
President Nixon's request for funds to meet these needs demonstrates, as was
pointed out in debate, that his Administration is committed to putting its money
where its mouth is on feeding needy people. And as the Speaker said further,
"President Nixon's request to double funds for needy people cannot be turned into
some claim of callous attitude just for partisan purposes."
FIFTH APPROPRIATION BILL: The House passed the fifth of the 13 regular appro-
priation bills on Thursday when it approved the expenditure of $2.3 billion for
operating the Departments of State, Justice, Commerce, the Federal Judiciary, and
related agencies. In this bill the increases over 1969 spending are due primarily tr
an additional $245 million to combat crime and narcotics violations and $121 million
to take the 1970 census.
The Committee on Appropriations had recommended $200,000,000 for subsidies for
ship construction but this was stricken from the bill on a point of order that such
an expenditure had not been authorized. A majority of the Committee felt that this
item was of such importance that sufficient funds should be provided now to ensure a
proper level of ship construction. I agreed but the point of order was sustained.
DISTRICT OFFICE: My District Representative, Gordon Vander Till, will be in
the City Council Chamber at BELDING on Friday, August 1, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
RECENT VISITORS: Comstock Park: John Vallonic. Kentwood: Pam and Diane
Herrema; The Kimmels. Lowell: Craig Thurtell; Scot Jefferies; Jim Fedorowicz. Byron
Center: Marvin Klunder & son. Sparta: Mrs. Marion Denhof & Eddie. Wyoming: Mr.& Mrs.
Larry Venlet; Mr.& Mrs. Ed Willison & 6 children; Mr.& Mrs. Otis Fahl and family.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
August 6, 1969
During three days of discussion last week, the House of Representatives added
a billion dollars to the Labor-HEW Appropriation bill. President Nixon had recom-
mended a total of $16.49 billion to operate these Departments. The Committee on
Appropriations added $155.8 million but the House tacked on another $894.5 million in
floor action.
I supported the Democrat-controlled Committee and could go along with its
$156 million increase primarily in the area of additional educational services. But
I voted against the $894.5 million addition. About $291 million of this amount was
for educational spending at the elementary and secondary level, $398 million was for
"impacted school areas" which receive federal funds, because parents of children live
or work on federal property, and about $331 million was for additional assistance for
vocational education. Now, all of these are fine program, and without the added
funds they could not expand as rapidly as some would desire. But with the universal
taxpayer demand for tax relief, we must exercise restraint in the use of tax funds.
I believe the President had established a fair set of values and priorities. I
could accept the Democrat-controlled Committee's recommendation for modest increases
where its hearings had indicated that these were justified. But a billion-dollar
increase over President Nixon's request and $895 million in excess of the Committee's
recommendation only demonstrated a calloused attitude toward the. vast majority of
our citizens who are demanding tax relief.
In the debate, I pointed out that many of the same members of the House who
favored this enormous spending increase had recently voted against the surtax
extension and had voted for a $191 billion limitation on expenditures this year. I
could not help but say to these members as I did on Tuesday: "Are you not going to
provide any money in necessary taxes to pay the bills? I think you ought to be con-
sistent, I think you ought to be rational, and I think you ought to be constructive.
To take this kind of action (adding millions in federal costs) would be irrational,
confusing, and inconsistent unless you vote to provide the necessary revenue."
Deficit financing during the past eight years added $74 billion to the public debt.
Interest charges on the federal debt this year will exceed $16 billion. I opposed
the increase but did support the bill on final passage because it provides the
money for many essential services supplied by the Departments of Labor, and Health,
Education, and Welfare.
NO AID TO RIOTERS! The House specifically approved a provision of the bill
which denies any federal funds to any person actively participating in college dis-
orders on or after October 20, 1968. This would apply to students or instructors,
Aug., 1969,
and to a loan, grant, or salary. No federal tax money appropriated by this bill can
go to anyone who used force or threat of force to seize property of a college or
university, or to prevent teachers, students, or officials from engaging in their
duties or carrying on their studies. With this provision, I am sure all of us agree.
To receive such taxpayer aid is a privilege which must be respected. Under this
provision, the institutions may be penalized also if it does not take proper action
against those who foment disorder.
CHOICE OF SCHOOLS: Another provision in the bill would forbid HEW to force
busing of students, closing any school, or forcing any student to attend a school
against the choice of his parents. This does not mean that busing is to be pro-
hibited, but it does prevent HEW from using tax funds to force the busing of students.
SOCIAL DOMESTIC SPENDING: We are spending enormous sums on national defense.
But expenditures for social welfare are greater. According to a recent report the
American taxpayers in 1968 paid out over $112.4 billion for social-welfare spending.
Federal spending in that area has doubled since 1960. In that year, federal outlays
for relief, education, social insurance, and similar programs came to $25 billion.
By 1969, the sum had gone to $61 billion. This does not count a similar increase in
state and local spending in these categories, much of it mandated by federal matching
programs, from $27.3 billion to $51.4 billion.
MICHIGAN'S TAXES AND FEDERAL AID: Michigan is one of the 17 states which pays
more to the federal government for federal aid purposes than it receives in grants,
according to a late report of the Tax Foundation. For every dollar received by
Michigan in federal aid, our taxpayers have contributed $1.46.
In 1968, Michigan received in federal grants a total of $591 million. But to
obtain this, Michigan contributed in taxes for grant purposes $863 million.
The Tax Foundation points out that the federal grants-in-aid to states and
local communities have more than tripled in the past decade, going from $7 billion in
1960 to about $25 billion this fiscal year. Fastest growing programs are for medical
care, housing and community development, commerce and transportation and aid to
education. The Foundation estimates that this year about 18 per cent of the receipts
of state and local governments will come from federal aid.
DISTRICT OFFICE: My District Representative, Gordon Vander Till, will be in
the City Hall (voting room) at Ionia on Friday, August 8 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
RECENT VISITORS: From Wyoming: James Wood; Mr. & Mrs. William Baxter; Mr. &
Mrs. Deac Ellis; Mike Barr; Mr. & Mrs. Larry Root; From Rockford: Mr. & Mrs. Gordon
Knox, Cindy, Mindy, Mike; Mr. & Mrs. Jack Luidens; Sallie, Priscilla. From
Grandville: Mr. & Mrs. Gordon Schuitman; Mr. & Mrs. Gene Bilinsky; Mr. & Mrs. B.
Lewis and 2 children; L. J. Gibbs; Mr. & Mrs. R. Hoolsema and 4 children; Mimi Dice.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
August 13, 1969
The "Tax Reform Act of 1969" has been approved by the House of Representatives
and sent to the Senate. It is a highly complex piece of legislation sponsored jointly
by the Democratic Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means and the senior
Republican on the Committee. The bill runs to 368 pages and weighs 11/4 pounds. The
Committee issued a 226-page Report to explain the measure. There are 37 principal
provisions in the bill changing tax law, plugging loopholes, and reducing taxes for
many in the lower and middle income brackets.
Like all tax measures, the bill was considered under a "closed rule" which
means that no amendments except those approved by the Committee could be offered on
the floor. As a result, each Congressman had to weigh all the advantages and dis-
advantages of the bill, all the strengths and weaknesses, and determine whether he
should vote "yes" or "no." On balance it seemed to me that the measure deserved my
support and I voted for it.
SURTAX EXTENDED: The 10 percent surtax has been extended to December 31, 1969.
The House agreed to a compromise on this issue last Monday when it accepted an
amendment to the House-approved bill on unemployment insurance.
As you know, the House by a 210 to 205 vote had approved legislation to con-
tinue the 10 percent surtax to December 31 when the rate would be reduced to
5 percent until June 30, 1970, the expiration date. This legislation (H.R. 12290)
also provided for a low-income allowance, a continuation of the excise taxes on
automobiles and on telephone and telegraph service, repeal of the 7 percent invest-
ment credit, and tax encouragement for pollution control.
The Senate ignored H.R. 12290. But it took a bill (H.R. 9951) having to do
with unemployment insurance (newsletter: July 16) and tacked on an amendment extend-
ing the surtax only to December 31. This could not be done in the House which
adheres to the rule of germaneness. Any amendment considered in the House must
relate to and be relevant to the subject-matter of the bill. Not so in the Senate.
There, any amendment, no matter how irrelevant or nongermane, can be added to
legislative measures, except those relating to appropriations.
In this case the Senate took a House-approved bill on unemployment insurance
and amended it to include a provision extending the surtax to the end of this year.
Under the parliamentary situation last Monday the House had to vote to accept or
reject the Senate Amendment. Time was of the essence because as of the previous
Friday the authority to withhold the surtax from wages and salaries had expired. I
therefore urged my colleagues to accept the Senate amendment. I also pointed out
that some members had previously voted against the surtax extension because they felt
tax reform legislation must also be considered. They now had assurance that reform
would come up for a vote. It was scheduled for later in the week and the legislative
proposals of the Committee on Ways and Means for reform had been published. By a
vote of 237 to 170, the House did approve the Senate amendment continuing the 10 per-
cent surtax to December 31. The unemployment insurance bill as amended was sent to
the President for signature.
OTHER PROVISIONS APPEAR IN TAX REFORM BILL: Anticipating the Senate action in
by-passing H.R. 12290, the Committee on Ways and Means wrote into the Tax Reform bill
those provisions of the bill (H.R. 12290) already passed by the House but ignored by
the Senate. So, if the Tax Reform bill as approved by the House becomes law, the
surtax will be lowered to 5 percent on January 1 and will expire on June 30, 1970.
Likewise, the other provision of H.R. 12290 mentioned above will become effective.
But this requires Senate concurrence, and no one can predict at this time what the
final version of the tax reform bill will contain.
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION: Cutting over $346 million from the Pentagon's request,
the House of Representatives approved last week a $1.5 billion authorization bill for
military facilities such as troop and family housing, maintenance shops, roads,
laboratories, dispensaries, etc.
Included in the bill is $12.7 million for the installation of research,
development, and test facilities at the Kwajalein Island Test Site in the Pacific
for the Safeguard ABM System. The Committee on Armed Services pointed out that these
facilities would be required even if the ABM were only approved at a research and
development level rather than deployment.
Over $4.9 million in the bill is assigned for developments in Michigan. A
major portion is to go to the Army's Detroit Arsenal for a vehicle track and
suspension laboratory.
PICKET CONTROL: This bill also contains a provision making it unlawful for
anyone to picket or parade on federal property in or near the Pentagon IF by his
actions that person intends to interfere with or impede the administration of
military and defense affairs. There is nothing in the bill to prevent individuals
or groups from peacefully assembling and expressing their views. But no interference
in the conduct of our military affairs is permitted.
RECENT VISITORS: Wyoming: Harriet Laman. Grandville: Mr. & Mrs. Al
Snoeyink & 7 children. Grand Rapids: Mr. & Mrs. Charles W. Hallberg & family; Mr. &
Mrs. Don Halvorsen; Mr. & Mrs. Robert Wiersma & 6 children; Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Daverman;
Mr. & Mrs. Fred Bailey & Fred Jr.; Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Borst Jr. & 2 children; Mr. &
Mrs. John Hornbach & 3 children; Howard Schuitema & family; Leo Yonkers & family;
Debbie Snite; Mr. & Mrs. Paul Cholewin & family; Mr. & Mrs. Bill Terkeurst; Mr. & Mrs.
G. J. Knol & family; Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Helms; Mr. & Mrs. Curtis Cowles; Mr. & Mrs.
Edward Chase & family; Henry B. Davis Jr.; Mr. & Mrs. Gerard Huissen & family.
AUGUST
18
Your Washington Review
Congressman
1969
JERRY FORD
This week I will be in the Grand
Rapids Office for appointments. Both
the House and Senate are in recess
Shown above are John Reed of Lake
Each week while Congress is in ses-
until the Wednesday following Labor
Odessa and Jim Kinnebrew of Grand
sion I prepare a five-minute radio
Day. Anyone desiring to see me at
Rapids who are our "student interns"
tape for use by our stations at home.
425 Cherry Street, SE may telephone
this month. John is a student at
In this radio report I discuss cur-
456-9747 for an appointment. We are
Hope College while Jim attends Oak-
rent legislation or analyze some con-
interested in seeing those who may
land University.
troversial issue. Here is the sched-
have problems with an agency of the
The young lady pictured above is
During the summer we have had five
ule for hearing these reports:
federal government, or those who
Miss Maryellen Olman of Grand Rapids
other Fifth District students spend
Saturday: 10:10 am WJEF
wish to discuss national or inter-
who has just joined my Washington
a month in the office to obtain
11:05 am WION
national issues. Of course, anyone
staff. She is the daughter of Nor-
practical experience in government
4:55 pm WFUR
who just wants to say "Hello" is
man A. Olman, 1855 Georgetown, SE,
and to see how one congressional of-
6:10 pm
WXTO
welcome.
and a graduate of Marywood Academy
fice operates. The others, all from
Sunday:
7:00 am
WAFT
We have also scheduled the follow-
and Michigan State University where
Grand Rapids, are Miss Olive Brown
7:25 am
WGRD
ing noon speaking engagements:
she majored in community service.
(Calvin), Thomas Glasser (Michigan),
7:45 am WLAV
Monday: Grand Rapids Kiwanis Club
In August 1967, Maryellen was with
Debbie Snite (Marywood), George Ter
10:45 am
WERX
Tuesday: Wyoming Rotary Club
us as a "Student Intern." When a
Horst and Nell Ytsma (both Calvin).
2:55 pm
WOOD
Wednesday: Lowell Rotary Club
vacancy occurred recently we asked
Any college student from Kent or
Monday:
1:00 pm
WJPW
During the first session of the
her to come back as a permanent mem-
Ionia County who would like to work
91st Congress, I have answered 139
ber of the staff. Maryellen has al-
in my office next summer should
BOOKLETS AVAILABLE
so worked in an insurance office in
out of 149 roll calls for an atten-
write me by January 1.
The 1969 editions of "How Our Laws
dance record of 93.3 percent. I
Chicago and resigned her position as
a hostess for United Airlines to
FILMS TO LOAN
Are Made" and "Our American Govern-
have missed only four of the 72
yea-and-nay votes on questions be-
come to Washington.
ment: 175 Questions and Answers" are
++++++++++++
fore the House. The other roll
My Grand Rapids office has two fine
now available at my Grand Rapids and
calls were simply to determine the
We hope you will enjoy this special
Apollo films to loan. A new conser-
Washington offices. Requests will
edition of the newsletter. The next
presence of a quorum.
vation film will be ready in Sept.
be honored as long as supply lasts.
regular issue will be in September.
INCI FRONTED At GOVERNMENT (XPENSE)
QUALITY THE HALLMARK OF SESSION
TAX REFORM and tax relief are on the way.
That development overshadowed all others as the 91st Congress
took a 3-week vacation beginning August 13.
House passage of an omnibus tax reform and relief bill not
only pointed toward fairer tax treatment for all Americans, it
also promised tax cuts for nearly all our taxpayers.
The largest tax relief will go to the poor; the next largest
to the middle and upper middle class. Those with incomes of
$100,000 or more will pay more taxes. But high-income individu-
als with little income other than their salaries will get tax cuts.
With Speaker John McCormack
The tax reform and tax relief bill is only halfway through
Father Kozlowski & Calvin Jeter, Grand Rapids
Congress. The Senate must act on it--will make some changes. But
it's virtually certain the bill will survive in basically the same
form it is now.
Don't count your tax savings yet. The poor will get their
relief this year but the other reductions are spread over the next
three years.
However, there will be a tax cut for everyone next year in
any case. That's when the surtax drops from 10 per cent to five,
assuming Congress enacts a 5 per cent rate for the first half of
1970. As matters now stand, Congress, has merely made official an
extension of the surtax at 10 per cent the rest of this year.
But the additional 5 per cent surtax for first-half-1970 is
part of the tax reform and tax relief bill and almost surely will
prevail.
A QUALITY PRODUCT and not quantity has been the hallmark of
Congress this year to recess time.
Very little major legislation has cleared both houses of Con-
Majority Leader Carl Albert
Future Teachers Jan Hilton (Belding),
gress except for the 10 per cent surtax extension. Much legisla-
Martha Lutz (Grand Rapids)
tion has passed one House or the other, and so is just half way
through the mill.
The Nixon Administration scored a dramatic victory when the
Senate narrowly rejected attempts to block deployment of the Safe-
guard Anti-Ballistic Missile System. It is safe to predict that
the House will approve Safeguard by a comfortable margin.
With no House action required, the Senate early this year
approved the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. I consider this a
step toward peace.
THE BULK OF THE PRESIDENT'S program remains in committee. As
committee hearings are completed, we can expect to see a broad
range of measures reach the House and Senate floors for action.
Legislation Congress will be focusing on deals with agricul-
and Chief Justice Warren Burger
ture, airport-airways problems, crime, the draft, schools, postal
reform, pollution, welfare reform, mass transit, and job training.
and Greeting Tom VanPutten at the Hospital
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
September 15, 1969
The principal issue before the House of Representatives last week was the
constitutional amendment providing for the direct election of the President and the
Vice President. The issue was debated for more than two days, but the vote on alter-
nate proposals and final passage was put off until this week because of Senator
Dirksen's funeral.
The Committee on the Judiciary has recommended the approval of H. J. Res. 681
under which the President and Vice President would be chosen at a nationwide popular
election. If no team of candidates obtained at least 40 percent of the popular vote,
there would be a runoff election between the two pairs of candidates who received the
highest number of votes.
OBJECTIONS TO CURRENT METHOD: The need for a change in the method of electing
our President is obvious. Under the electoral college system of the Constitution,
the candidate who receives the most popular votes in each state gets all the electoral
votes. And the electoral votes determine who wins. This "winner-take-all" system
doesn't jibe with our current "one man, one vote" concept. Furthermore, in the 46
presidential elections held under the electoral college system three popular vote
losers became President (John Quincy Adams, 1824; Hayes, 1876; Harrison, 1888).
There also exists the possibility that electors will exercise their independence and
vote against the wishes of their constituents. Finally, should no team of candidates
obtain a majority of the electoral votes, the President is to be selected by the
House of Representatives. Here, voting is by states, with each state delegation
casting one vote. Alaska with one Representative and 275,000 people will have the
same vote as New York with 41 Representatives and over 18 million people. Whenever
there is a strong third-party candidate, as last year, this eventuality becomes a
real threat. The delay and political maneuvering which would result from election by
the House are inconsistent with sound policy. We cannot be satisfied with the
"winner-take-all" concept and the possibility of a House-selected President.
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS: In addition to direct election, the Committee on the
Judiciary considered three alternative plans. The district plan preserves the
electoral college but would require electors to be chosen by congressional districts
with two electors in each state running at large. Each state would have the same
number of electors as now, but only two would be elected state-wide.
The proportional plan would allocate electoral votes in each state in
accordance with the popular vote in that state. A candidate receiving 60 percent of
the popular vote would get 60 percent of the state's electoral vote.
The automatic electoral plan abolishes the office of elector but retains the
electoral votes of each state. Under this plan, the electoral votes of each state
would be automatically awarded to the candidate receiving the greatest number of
popular votes. The present system is preserved but the electors are eliminated so
there could be no independent or "faithless" elector voting.
Generally, all three of these alternate plans provide, that in the event no
candidate obtains the required number of electoral votes, the House and Senate,
meeting jointly, and with each member having one vote, would select the President.
40 PERCENT PLURALITY AND RUNOFF ELECTIONS: The Committee recommends a 40-
percent plurality for election. Some members wanted to lower this to 35 percent
while others felt it should be 45 percent. The Committee selected 40 percent as
reasonable, and as proving a sufficient national mandate. Only two Presidents in our
history have received less than 40 percent of the popular vote: John Quincy Adams
(30.54) and Abraham Lincoln (39.78). The Committee felt that any greater amount than
40 percent would encourage splinter parties and would increase the likelihood of a
runoff election.
But the Committee also felt that a runoff election should be held if no candi-
date received at least 40 percent of the popular vote. It rejected, therefore, the
proposal to have a joint session of Congress, with each member casting one vote,
choose the President if there is no 40 percent winner. If we are to have direct
elections, it should be so all the way.
ON THE ISSUE: I believe the Committee's proposal is sound and I support it.
However, if the House should adopt an alternative method, I will go along with it,
provided the substitute plan abolishes the "winner-take-all" concept and eliminates
the present method of selection by the House when there is no election by the
initial process.
PEACE CORPS CONTINUED: The House last week authorized $101.1 million to
finance the Peace Corps during fiscal 1970. This is a reduction of $900,000 from
last year, and was the amount requested by the President. The Corps expects to
reduce its number of volunteers and trainees from 12,400 to 12,000 during the year.
APOLLO 11 FILM AVAILABLE: A 16mm, color, sound film entitled, "Eagle Has
Landed," is now available at my Grand Rapids office (456-9747). This film tells the
story of the historic first landing of men on the moon. Principal emphasis is given
to activities on the lunar surface. Call the office for reservations.
DISTRICT OFFICE: My District Representative, Gordon Vander Till, will be in
the City Hall at LOWELL on Friday, September 19 from 3:00 to 5:30.
RECENT VISITORS: From Grand Rapids: Mr.& Mrs. George Roose, Jr.; Mr.& Mrs.
Jack Verstrate and Mark; Mr.& Mrs. Gerald Hoeksema, Jim, Gary, and Mary; Mr.& Mrs.
Edward Saur and son; Mr.& Mrs. Jerry Gritter; Mr.& Mrs. Louis Bomhof; Mr.& Mrs.
Gerald Polkowski and family; Joann and Fred Kline; Norbert Hruby; Daniel Pilon.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
September 22, 1969
During consideration of the electoral college reform amendment last week, the
House of Representatives defeated efforts to substitute other methods for that of
direct election of the President. The district plan lost on a teller vote 192 to 159
and on a roll call vote 245 to 162. The proportional plan was defeated 179 to 147.
As I indicated last week, I strongly endorsed direct or popular election and therefore
voted against both substitutes.
Some of those who opposed direct election did so because they felt that such a
method of electing the President will not be approved by two-thirds of the Senate or
ratified by three-fourths of the states. Thirty-eight states must ratify a constitu-
tional amendment. This means that 13 states can block ratification. It was argued
that 13 smaller states will not give up the advantage they now have in the electoral
college. It seems to me there is sufficient evidence to support a contrary view, and
in any event the House should exercise its own best judgment on the issue.
After beating down all changes in the Committee's proposal (except one of a
minor technical nature), the House voted 339 to 70 to approve the constitutional
amendment calling for the election of the President and Vice President directly by
the people without any use of electors or electoral votes. The proposal now goes to
the Senate.
STUDENT LOANS ENCOURAGED: In addition to grants and direct loans to students,
the Congress has authorized a program of government-guaranteed loans to college stu-
dents. The student gets a loan from the bank of his choice which may charge interest
up to 7 percent per year. Repayment is not required until after the student graduates
but repayment is guaranteed by the government. However, with the prime interest rate
since June at 8½ percent, some banks are refusing to take on these student loans.
This means that thousands of needy students may not be able to return to college this
year. That the program is significant is emphasized by the fact that in the year
which ended in June, there were in existence 737,656 such loans involving $669,880,405.
To solve this problem the House on Monday approved a subsidy (called a "market
allowance") up to 3 percent as determined by the Secretary of HEW to be paid by the
government to the lenders. This would encourage banks to assume these loans without
increasing the interest cost to the students. This "market allowance" would be rede-
termined every three months. During an extremely "tight money" period it could go to
3 percent. As the money market eases, the amount would go down and could reach zero.
I supported this proposal as a reasonable solution to the problem. It passed the
House 322 to 60. A conference with the Senate has been requested to work out the
final details on the legislation. I hope final action is taken as soon as possible.
U. S. POLICY IN VIETNAM: In announcing the withdrawal of 35,000 additional
troops from Vietnam, President Nixon listed what he has done since January 20 in an
effort to bring an end to the war. I believe these nine proposals, which Mr. Nixon
reiterated last week, are worthy of mention in this newsletter:
1. "We have renounced an imposed military solution.
2. "We have proposed free elections organized by Joint Commissions under
international supervision.
3. "We have offered the withdrawal of U.S. and allied forces over a 12-month
period.
4. "We have declared that we would retain no military bases.
5. "We have offered to negotiate supervised cease-fires under international
supervision to facilitate the process of mutual withdrawal.
6. "We have made clear that we would settle for the de facto removal of North
Vietnamese forces so long as there are guarantees against their return.
7. "We and the Government of South Vietnam have announced that we are prepared
to accept any political outcome which is arrived at through free elections.
8. "We are prepared to discuss the 10-point program of the other side together
with plans put forward by the other parties.
9. "In short, the only item which is not negotiable is the right of the people
of South Vietnam to determine their own future free of outside interference."
The United States stands ready to end the fighting. But as it takes two to
make war, it takes two to achieve peace. We await that essential cooperation from
North Vietnam. In the meantime President Nixon will continue to explore all other
alternatives.
ACADEMY OPPORTUNITIES: Ionia and Kent Counties are entitled to five scholar-
ships at the service academies for the class entering West Point, Annapolis, or Colo-
rado Springs next July. Any young man interested in applying should let me know by
Thursday, Sept. 25. Applications may be obtained from my Grand Rapids office at 425
Cherry Street, S.E., where the telephone number is 456-9747. Selection will be made
on the basis of a Civil Service examination to be given on Saturday, October 4.
There will be a second examination on Tuesday, November 4, for those who cannot
take the October test. Applications for this examination will be considered if
received as late as October 30.
These all-expense college scholarships with graduation into a career in the
armed services should be seriously considered by high school seniors, and other legal
residents of the 5th District who are male U.S. citizens, under 22 years of age,
unmarried, and able to pass the physical and scholastic requirements.
FILM - SO LITTLE TIME: My Grand Rapids office has for loan a 30-minute, 16mm,
color film entitled, "So Little Time." It is an outstanding example of wild bird
photography with a conservation theme. Reservations may be made by calling my Grand
Rapids office.
DISTRICT OFFICE: My District Representative, Gordon Vander Till, will be in
the Village Council Room at PORTLAND on Friday, September 26, from 3:00 to 5:30.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
September 29, 1969
The 1980 Census will include only questions approved by congressional commit-
tees if legislation passed by the House of Representatives last week becomes law. The
bill requires the Director of the Census to submit to the House and Senate Committees
on Post Office and Civil Service three years before the decennial census all questions
to be asked. Within one year the committees are to notify the Census Bureau of their
approval, rejection, or revision of the questions. The Congressional committees want
to make certain that the statistical needs of all units of government are met and that
the facts and figures needed by the private sector are obtained. But the committees
also want to be sure that no questions will be asked of individuals which trespass on
their rights of privacy. There has been considerable concern about the original 1970
questionnaire which now has been revised to eliminate some of the more objectionable
features.
But the census must provide more information than such basic facts as name,
address, birthplace and date, occupation, etc. Billions of dollars in federal funds
are distributed each year to states and local governments on the basis of social and
economic data provided by the census. Equally important are the uses made of census
data by the private sector: business, labor unions, professional, trade, or educa-
tional associations, and many others.
The bill eliminates the jail sentence for those who refuse to answer the
questions or give false information. However, fines can still be imposed. For any
employee of the Census Bureau who divulges confidential information the bill
increases the fine from $1,000 to $5,000 and the jail sentence from 2 to 5 years.
COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY: The House has approved legislation estab-
lishing a five-man Council on Environmental Quality to conduct studies and advise the
President and the Congress on air and water pollution, conservation, and related sub-
jects. The President has by Executive Order set up a Cabinet-level Environmental
Quality Council but the House felt that a legislatively established council would
have added prestige and its members would be able to devote full time to the work of
the Council. Certainly the problems of pollution and conservation are among our most
serious domestic issues.
THE WEST FRONT: My office overlooks the west front of the Capitol building.
You who have visited us know about the reinforcing beams which have been installed to
protect the area from deteriorating masonry. A recent issue of "Science and
Mechanics" magazine pictures on the cover a crumbling Capitol dome and features an
article entitled, "The Capitol is Doomed." There is general agreement that the west
front of the Capitol must be repaired and strengthened before serious damage develops.
But action has been postponed because there is no agreement on how the repairs are to
be made. Some want merely to restore the structure without altering the present
design of the building. Others insist that the only permanent solution is recon-
struction and extension of the west front.
Because of the seriousness of this situation I relied most heavily on the
advice of Mr. Mario Campioli, Assistant Architect of the U. S. Capitol since 1959 who
has the following credentials: graduate in architecture from New York University;
registered architect in New York and Virginia; member of the American Institute of
Architects; in architectural work since 1928; Director of Architecture for Colonial
Williamsburg from 1949 to 1957; member of Board of Architectural Consultants for
Georgetown since 1965.
The west central front represents the oldest part of the building and is the
only part not faced in marble. The original sandstone has to be painted periodically
and continues to deteriorate. But it does have historic and esthetic qualities.
The House of Representatives, however, has appropriated $2 million for plans
and specifications for an extension of the west front. No construction funds were
provided in the bill. The plan is to extend the center portions 44 feet, the westerly
courts 88 feet, and the connecting wings 56 feet.
This action was not taken without extended debate between advocates of restora
tion and extension. I supported extension for a number of reasons:
1. Restoration does not provide a permanent solution. Any form of restoration
will result in a makeshift job with additional work undoubtedly required
within 10 or 20 years and this would require substantial additional expendi-
tures.
2. Highly competent architects and structural engineers report that the only
way to make the Capitol completely safe and structurally sound is to extend
the building. The extensions would permanently buttress the existing walls
and supports.
3. The Assistant Architect of the Capitol who was for eight years in charge of
the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg and is at heart a "restorationist,"
recommends extension. (We are not being influenced by the non-architect
Architect of the Capitol or by any political leaders, as has been alleged.)
4. While extension may cost approximately $45 million, no one knows how much
restoration will cost. The rough estimates range from $10 to $50 million
but no builder will take the job on contract. The work would only be done
on a cost-plus basis.
5. Restoration would mean the expenditure of enormous sums without getting a
single square foot of additional working space.
6. Extension would permit construction of facilities in the Capitol which would
serve not only members, but more important the visiting public as well. Fif-
teen years ago about 1 million visitors toured the Capitol. This year the
number is expected to reach 10 million.
7. There have been many additions and changes in the Capitol since 1793. The
proposed extension of the west front will mean a limited design alteration
to the present exterior facade but there will be no substantial change in
the esthetic thrust of the facade.
DISTRICT OFFICE: My District Representative will be in the City Council Room
at BELDING on Friday, October 3 from 3:00 to 5:30.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
October 6, 1969
The major legislation considered by the House of Representatives last week was
the bill authorizing $21 billion for the purchase of military aircraft, missiles,
naval vessels, combat vehicles, and for research and development for the armed forces.
This is only a part of the defense appropriation budget which this year will total
about $78 billion. In its Report, however, the Committee on Armed Services presented
a chart (below) and said: "The figures do indicate that the military budget is not
growing at an unprecedented and alarming rate and is not swallowing up ever larger
proportions of the Federal Treasury." The facts, presented below, demonstrate that
military expenditures as a percentage of our nation's gross national product (GNP) and
of the total federal budget are declining and are less than non-military spending.
Year
GNP
Budget
% of GNP
Military as
Military
Other
Military
Other
% of Budget
1953
$355Billion
$47B
$29B
13
8
62
1960
495B
43B
51B
9
10
46
1964
612B
51B
71B
8
11
42
1970
960B
78B
118B
8
12
40
This is not to insist that cuts cannot and should not be made in the defense
budget. We must effect savings in every department of government. But these figures
are helpful in gaining a perspective on defense and non-defense spending.
At this writing the final vote on the bill has not been taken. However, tenta-
tive decisions have been made on three of the primary controversial issues in the
legislation. The bill provides $746.4 million for the Safeguard ABM. This is the
same issue which was debated for weeks in the Senate. Of the total amount, $345.5
million is for procurement of the missile and $400.9 million is for research and
development. An attempt was made to delete all funds for procurement, leaving money
only for further testing, development, and evaluation. But the House rejected this
attempt by a teller vote of 219 to 105.
The Committee recommended $481 million for the purchase of 23 C-5A jet trans-
port planes, said to be the world's largest airplane. An additional $459 million was
also included for other expenses in connection with this aircraft. An effort was made
to eliminate the $481 million for the 23 planes but this, too, was rejected by a
teller vote of 136 to 60. Some question the practicality of this plane. The C-5A
would be used by the Army, and under wartime conditions would have the capability of
delivering a 265,000 pound payload, over 3100 miles at a speed of more than 500 miles
per hour. Because of its unique landing gear, with 28 wheels, the plane can operate
from landing strips no firmer than a baseball field. Tanks, tractors, and other
vehicles can be driven into the aircraft at one end and out of the other. It is
estimated that the cost per ton-mile of service from the C-5A would be much lower
than that of other cargo planes now in use.
The House Committee recommended $3.6 billion for our navy shipbuilding program.
This is $1 billion more than was requested by the President and approved by the Senate.
An effort was also made to delete this $1 billion. Proponents of the reduction said
that it would have no effect on full funding of the new aircraft carrier or three
nuclear attack submarines. The Committee argued that the additional $1 billion is
necessary to increase the annual rate of new ship construction in order to replace the
aging ships in our fleet before we are outstripped by the technological advances of
the Soviet Navy. The bill provides for the construction of 18 warships, including a
new nuclear aircraft carrier, and 18 support ships. The House supported the Commit-
tee's position by a teller vote of 131 to 92.
All of these teller votes are expected to be confirmed in final action by the
House. The bill is expected to be approved pretty much as recommended by the
Committee.
LEGISLATION APPROVED: The House last week agreed that the VA could set
interest rates on its guaranteed or direct loans at more than 6 percent for another
two years. To require the 6 percent rate in today's financial market would dry up com-
pletely money for these loans, and veterans would get no help under these VA programs.
The VA has set the rate of 7½ percent but authority to raise the rate above 6 percent
expires shortly.
The House also passed a bill permitting employers and unions to agree on an
employer contribution to a trust fund to provide employees and their dependents with
scholarships to study at educational institutions or to establish child care centers.
The bill is permissive only; it does not require such contributions but specifically
authorizes them. Furthermore, the bill states that the refusal of an employer to bar-
gain on the establishment of such a fund shall not constitute an unfair labor practice.
The legislation was necessary to clarify the law on employer contributions to an
employee organization.
OBSCENITY LEGISLATION: The Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on
Post Office and Civil Service are holding hearings on legislation to control the dis-
tribution of pornography and obscene material. Among the bills to be considered are
those recommended by President Nixon which I have co-sponsored (newsletter: May 14).
We trust that out of these hearings will come some effective legislation.
DISTRICT OFFICE: My District Representative, Gordon Vander Till, will be at the
City Hall Voting Room in IONIA on Friday, October 10, from 3:00 to 5:30.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
October 13, 1969
The $4.5 billion public works appropriation bill was approved by the House of
Representatives on Wednesday. This was the eighth of the 13 regular appropriation
bills which must be passed each year to provide funds for governmental agencies and
programs.
President Nixon had requested $4.2 billion. The House cut $160 million from
the President's request for certain programs but added more than $440 million in
other areas. As a result the bill exceeds the President's budget by $301 million but
is still $176 million below the appropriation for last year.
The major increase was $386 million to bring to $600 million the amount for
grants to waste treatment works under the Clean Water Restoration Act. The authorize-
tion for this program is $1 billion. We have had numerous letters urging an appro-
priation this year of the full $1 billion authorization. The issue was debated vigor-
ously on Wednesday when the $1 billion amount was defeated on a teller vote of 148 to
146. President Nixon had recommended $214 million and the Committee added $386
million which was accepted by the President and approved by the House on final
passage.
The Committee recognized the concern of those who insist that it is essential
to assist the states and local communities in accelerating new construction and up-
grading of waste treatment works to eliminate the discharge of untreated or inade-
quately treated waste sewage into the nation's streams and waterways. But it also
recognized the need for continued budgetary restraint. It felt that a $600 million
program for 1970 would finance most of the sewage treatment projects ready to go this
year. As of August 31, a total of 1893 applications involving estimated federal
grants of $841 million were pending. But not all of these projects were ready to go
and the Committee felt that the $600 million plus a carryover of $65 million was
about all that could be properly used in fiscal 1970. I supported the Committee's
recommendations as reasonable. We must proceed to eliminate water pollution now but
there is little point in appropriating more money than can be properly used. Michi-
gan's share of the $600 million for this year is $24 million, an increase of $17
million above the amount of last year.
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION AUTHORIZATION: Another money bill approved by the
House last week authorized $480 million for the National Science Foundation. The
Foundation supports research in all the sciences. Its goal is to insure the continued
scientific and technological strength of our country. An authorization bill permits
the appropriation of funds and sets the upper limit of the actual appropriation which
follows.
PAYMENTS TO WIDOWS AND CHILDREN OF SERVICEMEN: The House voted last week to
increase the payments to widows of men who die in service or as the result of a
service-connected disability. The purpose of the legislation was to increase pay-
ments in line with the rise in the cost of living and to equalize benefits paid
widows in the various grades. For instance a widow of a PFC now drawing $150 a month
will get $177; a Corporal's widow will be increased from $159 to $187; Staff Sergeant
from $180 to $197. The widow of a 1st Lt. now getting $200 will receive $211 but all
officer's widows now drawing $247 or more will receive no increase. Under existing
VA law no payments, other than Social Security, are made for dependent children where
there is a surviving widow. The House-approved bill authorizes $20 per month for
each child under 18 as an addition to what the widow receives.
During debate on the bill it was reported that 35 percent of Vietnam deaths
were Army PFC's and 25 percent were Corporals. Among officers the greatest loss was
among 1st Lieutenants but this is only 3 percent of the total. The five lowest pay
grades suffered 84 percent of the combat deaths.
EDUCATION BILLS APPROVED: The House also approved unanimously two bills
relating to federal aid to education. One is to encourage improved educational pro-
grams for gifted and talented children. The House recognized that with all our em-
phasis on assisting the disadvantaged (and there is no objection to this), we must
not neglect those children who have outstanding intellectual ability or creative
talent. It was pointed out that these children can be found in the inner cities,
suburbs, and rural areas, among all kinds and types of families. But they must be
recognized and developed to the extent of their potential for the national good.
The second bill includes among the educationally handicapped children those
"with specific learning disabilities." This is clarifying legislation authorizing
research and teacher training to assist school children whose handicap is not readily
discernable but who just don't seem to be able to learn to read and write effectively.
It is estimated that 1,500,000 children or roughly 3 percent of the school population
may fall in this category.
SOCIAL SECURITY HEARINGS: The Committee on Ways and Means is scheduled to
begin consideration of social security legislation on Wednesday of this week. Admin-
istration spokesmen will present President Nixon's recommendation at that time. I
have introduced the Administration's bill but will not object to reasonable changes
involving the percentage increase or the effective date. The Committee will also
consider raising the earnings limitation and will analyze proposals relating to
welfare, medicaid, and medicare.
DISTRICT OFFICE: My District Assistant, Gordon Vander Till, will be in the
Village Council Room at SPARTA on Friday, October 17, from 3:00 to 5:30.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
October 20, 1969
Much has already been written on last week's Vietnam Moratorium. But I feel I
should summarize briefly my views:
1. Any American has the right to protest peacefully an action of his govern-
ment. The right of petition is guaranteed by the First Amendment.
2. Every responsible American prefers peace to war. President Nixon wants
peace in Vietnam. I want peace in Vietnam. America as a nation wants
peace in Vietnam.
3. Since he became President, Mr. Nixon has clearly demonstrated his dedica-
tion for peace and initiated proposals designed to achieve peace. Mr.
Nixon's specific proposals and actions were listed in my newsletters for
July 23 and September 22.
4. U. S. troops are being withdrawn from Vietnam; U. S. casualties are
down; draft calls have been restricted. Mr. Nixon has altered the course
of the war. He is de-Americanizing the conflict; more and more responsi-
bility of its own defense is being turned over to South Vietnam. Presi-
dent Nixon is phasing out U. S. troops (already 12% of those committed
by his predecessors and 20% of the U. S. combat troops) and phasing in
South Vietnamese military personnel to do the fighting.
5. In the conduct of its foreign affairs and national defense, our country
acts through the President who is the Commander-in-Chief of our armed
forces and the chief architect of our foreign policy. If he is to be
successful in dealing with foreign governments, the President must have
the support of our people.
6. I am disturbed by the view which is emerging in some quarters that unless
you actively support the Moratorium, you are not in favor of ending the
war in Vietnam. This is most unfortunate. It can divide our people,
not on the question of how to end the war but over whether or not we
support the Moratorium.
7. With some limited exceptions the Moratorium is an expression of public
desire for peace. It will not, however, do anything to convince the
enemy to negotiate a peaceful settlement. The protest could well
weaken our negotiating position at the bargaining table in Paris.
8. If there are to be protests, why not direct them against the government
of Hanoi which has brutally treated thousands of U. S. prisoners of war
or against the Soviet Union which supplies North Vietnam with about 80
percent of its war materiel?
9. The current attack on President Nixon can be likened to the football
team which attacks its own quarterback. They may vent their emotions
but they are not going to win the game.
Now I want to quote two paragraphs from the October 15 column of Jack Anderson
(the successor to Drew Pearson; not known as a conservative or a devotee of President
Nixon). Mr. Anderson wrote from Tokyo: "This column has examined documentary evi-
dence that a few rabid revolutionaries who seek to dominate the anti-war movement in
the United States are receiving instructions from Hanoi. They aren't against the war
at all; they merely are on the enemy's side. Indeed, their aim is to stir up new
'wars of liberation,' including guerrilla warfare in the streets of America, to
advance the Communist cause. Their immediate instructions are to agitate for an
unconditional withdrawal from Vietnam."
A FEDERAL PAY RAISE BILL: The House on Tuesday approved a $4.3 billion per
year pay raise for federal employees. The vote was 310 to 52. I was one of the 52.
The bill grants a raise averaging 5.4 percent, retroactive to October 1 to
some 700,000 postal employees. Under the bill all other federal employees would get
a raise of between 5 and 6 percent beginning early next year. Enactment of the bill
will add $1.5 billion to federal costs this fiscal year, none of which has been
funded by the Congress.
President Nixon in a letter to me which I read to the House, urged defeat of
the bill in its present form. He is deeply concerned with the enormous cost to all
taxpayers and the fact that Congress earlier this year imposed a $192.9 ceiling on
all federal expenditures. The President pointed out that such an enormous cost
increase without additional taxes or a postal rate increase must mean reduced federal
services and programs to the public as a whole.
In addition to these reasons I opposed the bill because it removes from the
President and the Congress authority to set federal salaries for the 3 million em-
ployees in the future. The bill establishes a Salary Commission of four persons from
the executive branch (but none designated by the President) and four persons selected
by federal employee unions. No one represents the public; no one represents the
Congress. This commission would set the rates of pay for federal employees each year
without any consideration of revenue or taxes. Under the bill as reported by the
committee, these rates would go into effect unless disapproved within 30 days by
either house of Congress. I'm glad to report that the House changed this to require
affirmative action with a recorded vote in both houses to put the commission's
recommendations into effect. This will prevent what happened this year when congres-
sional salaries were increased simply by no action in either house.
But I believe the Congress should not give up its prerogative and responsi-
bility to determine the federal salary schedule nor should it deny the Chief Execu-
tive a direct responsibility in this significant administrative duty. The best way
to handle pay and working condition problems for postal employees is through Presi-
dent Nixon's proposed postal reform plan. I want fair and equitable salaries for all
federal employees under a bill that has a chance to become law. I voted to return
the bill to committee for further consideration but this was defeated.
DOLLAR AND HALF-DOLLAR AUTHORIZED: The House approved on Wednesday a bill
authorizing a non-silver dollar and half dollar. Only a small percentage of about
1½ billion silver half dollars minted since 1963 are actually circulating. Well
over 200 million ounces of silver have already been used to mint this coin. This is
equal to the total amount of silver mined in the U. S. since 1963. It is evident
that we must either stop minting the coin or use a cupro-nickel clad material now
used in dimes and quarters. The House decided on the latter. The bill also author-
izes an Eisenhower dollar with Ike's image on the face and a design symbolic of the
Eagle of Apollo XI on the reverse side.
DISTRICT OFFICE: My District Assistant, Gordon Vander Till, will be in the
City Manager's office at ROCKFORD on Friday, October 24, from noon until 2:00 p.m.,
and in the City Hall at CEDAR SPRINGS from 3:00 to 5:30.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
October 27, 1969
The House of Representatives last week approved a housing bill which continues
and expands the federal housing program. The bill authorizes $2 billion for urban
renewal this year, $750 million for the Model Cities Program, and an additional $100
million for water and sewer grants. A number of changes in current law are made in
order to update the housing assistance provided by the federal government. Many of
the changes are technical in nature. The Committee's Report on the legislation runs
to 176 pages. The bill was considered for three days before being passed by a vote
of 339 to 9. I supported the legislation on final passage.
MINE SAFETY: The House had intended to consider a bill to strengthen the
health and safety standards for U.S. coal mines but this was put off until this week.
There is general agreement on the need for the legislation and on most of the pro-
visions of the bill recommended by the Committee. Most of the controversy centers on
two provisions. The first levies on the owner of every mine a royalty of 2¢ for each
ton of coal produced. The money collected would be used to pay for medical examina-
tions for miners and for medical research in connection with mining. Opponents
pointed out that research has been going on without this "user tax," that the royalty
would apply to all coal mining firms without regard to their method of mining or for
their past health and safety records, and that this provision would have a dampening
effect on the private research efforts of industry.
The second controversial provision sets up a system of federal benefits (work-
man's compensation) for those coal miners or their surviving widows who are disabled
as a result of coal dust pneumoconiosis (black lung disease). For over 50 years
workman's compensation has been the exclusive jurisdiction of the states. Opponents
contend this bill would federalize the program for one group of persons and be a
first step toward federalization of the entire system of workman's compensation.
Furthermore, they point out that it is unfair to grant federal benefits to miners
who became disabled because of one disease, while those disabled because of another
occupational disease or as a result of a mine accident would get state benefits which
could be smaller. And all states now provide compensation for pneumoconiosis.
SELECTIVE SERVICE CHANGES: Also scheduled for consideration last week but put
off until this week was the bill to permit the lottery selection of draftees on a
youngest-first order of call. Proposed by the President, recommended by the Demo-
cratic-controlled House Committee on Armed Services, and endorsed by the House
Republican Policy Committee, the bill is expected to be passed this week.
The "prime age group" from which draftees would be drawn would be those who
are 19 years of age and those whose deferment has expired. Men would be selected by
lottery according to the sequence in which their birthdays were drawn. If March 2 is
the first number drawn, those men who have a birthday on that date would be most sus-
ceptible to service, and so on. Thus a young man would know much better where he
stands with the draft than at present. Once he left the "prime age group" he would
not be called except in an emergency. Those deferred for college would join the
"prime age group" as soon as their deferment has expired. There would be a new
drawing of birthdates each year.
A VIETNAM REVIEW: In view of some comments by those advocating an immediate
withdrawal from Vietnam while heaping criticism on President Nixon, it may be well to
review briefly the story of our involvement in Southeast Asia:
1. The Truman Administration on May 15, 1950 announced a decision to send
economic and military assistance to Indochina following the Communist take-
over of China. In August of 1950, an American military assistance advisory
group of 35 personnel was sent to Indochina.
2. President Eisenhower continued military and economic assistance at the
levels set by his predecessor until the fall of 1953 when aid was increased
in an effort to avoid disaster in Indochina. On July 21, 1954 agreement was
reached at Geneva resulting in withdrawal of France and the establishment of
North and South Vietnam. In 1960 there were fewer than 700 U. S. military
personnel stationed in South Vietnam to train South Vietnamese forces.
3. The Kennedy Administration sent thousands of U.S. combat troops into Viet-
nam. By 1963 the number of American troops in South Vietnam had grown to
16,575 and by the end of that year, the U.S. had lost 109 killed and 486
wounded.
4. The Johnson Administration greatly increased the involvement of American
military forces. When Lyndon Johnson left office in January 1969 there were
532,500 American servicemen in Vietnam, and 30,991 Americans had been killed
in combat and 195,601 wounded.
5. President Nixon has reversed the trend. On October 16 the number of our
troops in Vietnam had been reduced to 501,900 with greater withdrawals on the
way. Draft calls for the last quarter of this year are down 30 percent com-
pared with a year ago. Battle casualties have been reduced. Mr. Nixon is
de-Americanizing the war and turning more responsibility over to South Vietnam.
Meanwhile he is working diligently to negotiate a peaceful settlement.
All of this was recognized by former Vice President Humphrey who said
recently: "I think the President is proceeding along the right path
We have only
one President at a time and I think the worst thing we can do is try to undermine
efforts of the President. I think what he (President Nixon) has done has been good..
I believe no man in this country is more desirous of bringing about an acceptable
settlement in Vietnam than the President of the U. S." The Majority Leader of the
Senate, Mike Mansfield (D-Mont.) has stated: "What the President has done is to bring
about a de-escalation of the conflict. In essence, it is a sort of cease-fire and
stand fast." The Nixon critics could well ponder these statements.
DISTRICT OFFICE: My District Assistant will be at the Village Hall at LAKE
ODESSA on Friday, October 31 from 3:00 to 5:30.
RECENT VISITORS: From Grand Rapids: Mr.& Mrs. Edward Czarnecki and Bonnie; Mr.
& Mrs. Henry Bloem and family; Mr.& Mrs. Dale Ford and Betsy; Richard Burchfield; the
James Smith family; Kathy and Mary Haughey; Mr.& Mrs. Ralph Rosema and family.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
November 3, 1969
Recently we mailed to all postal patrons in Kent and Ionia counties a public
opinion poll with nine "yes" or "no" questions on current issues, and one multiple-
choice query on Vietnam. Over 24,000 replies were received, giving us a good cross
section of opinion among citizens in the Fifth District. Here is a summary of the
results of the questionnaire expressed in percentages.
Yes
No
Unanswered
1. Should President Nixon's Family Assistance &
Workfare Program be set up in place of the
existing welfare system?
72%
16%
12%
2. Should a percentage of Federal income tax
money be shared with the cities and states
for use as they see fit?
64
29
7
3. Should Federal aid be cut off from students
disrupting college classes and administration?
90
8
2
4. Should we elect the President by direct popular
vote?
88
9
3
5. Should we amend the U. S. Constitution to give
18-year-olds the vote?
33
64
3
6. Should we create a self-supporting U. S. postal
corporation in place of the present postal system?
72
21
7
7. Should we pick draftees by random selection (lottery) ?
52
36
12
8. Should we step up space spending to put a man on
Mars?
10
87
3
9. Do you favor President Nixon's Safeguard anti-
ballistic missile system (ABM)?
42
45
13
10. What should we do about Vietnam?
A. Carry on limited military action, pursue the
peace talks in Paris.
4%
B. Follow the Nixon policy of gradually phasing out
U. S. troops and replacing them with S. Vietnamese.
50
C. Resume and expand bombing of North Vietnam.
13
D. Withdraw immediately.
22
Multiple answers 7%; unanswered 4%
It is significant that 50 percent of our folks endorse President Nixon's
Vietnam policy while only 22 percent want to withdraw immediately. An additional
four percent favor limited military action while pursuing the peace talks in Paris,
actually Nixon policy, so in effect 54 percent go along with the President. This is
important in any evaluation of President Nixon's efforts to end the war. We have
every right to assume that this expression of opinion in the Fifth District represents
the view of American citizens throughout the country. In fact, the latest nation-
wide poll suggests that 57 percent of Americans approve the manner in which Mr. Nixon
is handling his responsibilities; 24 percent disapprove while 19 percent expressed no
opinion.
It is also interesting to note how closely the vote on the Safeguard ABM in
Kent and Ionia Counties paralleled that in the U. S. Senate. The Senate approved the
President's recommendation by a vote of 51 to 49. However, the vote in the House was
270 to 93.
APPROPRIATIONS. Congress has completed action on only two of the 13 regular
appropriation bills which provide funds for running the government beginning on July 1
of each year. Most departments and agencies are operating under a "continuing resolu-
tion" which permits them generally to spend at last year's level. Because the "con-
tinuing resolution" expired on October 31st, and 11 appropriation bills were pending,
the Congress had to extend the "continuing resolution." The House acted on
this last Tuesday when it agreed to extend the expiration date to five days after the
adjournment of this session of Congress. But the House also altered the resolution
in certain respects with the net effect that the Office of Education will be able to
provide federal aid to education at a much greater rate after November 1st than
before. The final amount of federal aid to education will be set when both houses
have completed action on the Labor-HEW appropriation bill.
In the eight appropriation bills already considered by the House, the President
requested $49.5 billion; the Committee on Appropriations recommended $49.3 billion,
a net reduction of $204 million. The House in floor action made net additions of
$725 million so the eight bills approved by the House are some $523 million above
President Nixon's request.
MINE SAFETY: The House approved the coal mine and health safety act last
Wednesday. It struck from the bill the controversial 20 royalty which I mentioned
last week but retained the system of federal workman's compensation for those
disabled by black lung disease. I supported the bill on final passage when it was
approved 389 to 4.
SELECTIVE SERVICE: The House also approved the changes in the Selective Service
Act which I discussed last week. Under the bill passed by the House, the President
will be permitted to draft 19-year olds first and use the lottery system for selection
The Committee on Armed Services recommended this legislation by a 31 to 0 vote
but some members of the House wanted to open up the bill to amendments including
those relating to college deferments, conscientious objectors, assignment of troops to
Vietnam, the composition of local draft boards, and probably many more. The "rule"
submitted by the Committee on Rules restricted consideration to the immediate subject-
matter in the bill. An attempt to open up the legislation to all types of amendments
was defeated 265 to 129. I agreed with the majority that opening up the bill would
delay action on changes needed immediately and possibly result in no improvements at
all in draft legislation this session. The Committee on Armed Services intends to make
a comprehensive review of Selective Service next year.
DISTRICT OFFICE: My District Assistant will be in the Council Room at LOWELL
on Friday, November 7 from 2:30 to 5:00.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
November 10, 1969
The House of Representatives last week approved a bill authorizing $690 million
over a three-year period for improving the nation's airport and airway system. But
the legislation envisions a $5 billion program in the next 10 years.
The bill calls for airport user taxes expected to net $652 million in 1971 and
$1.4 billion by 1979. These taxes will be allocated to a special trust fund out of
which money will be appropriated to develop and improve airports and make our airways
more safe.
The revenue for the trust fund will be raised by increasing the passenger
ticket tax for domestic flights from 5 to 8 percent and placing a new $3 "head tax"
on international commercial flights beginning in the U. S. The tax on aviation fuel
will be increased and there will be a new tax on air freight and a new aircraft
registration tax. The Committee felt that it had worked out a fair division of the
burden between general (non-commercial) and commercial aviation.
The airport trust fund is not expected to be self-sustaining in the immediate
future. While Congress feels that it is fitting that the primary financial burden
should be assumed by the direct users of air traffic, it recognizes that a modern
system of airports and airways is also essential to our national defense. The Air
Force uses these facilities extensively. Supplemental monies will, therefore, be
coming from the general fund of the Treasury.
The federal aid authorized in this legislation is a substantial increase over
the amount going to our airports heretofore. In recent years the authorization has
been fixed at $75 million a year but the actual appropriation has been about $30
million a year. The annual request for federal grants are over 10 times the $30
million figure.
President Nixon recognizes the need for improving our airways, and in acting
on this legislation the Congress was carrying out his recommendations. Over the past
five years, the certified air carrier fleet has increased from about 2,079 piston air-
craft to an almost completely jet fleet of 2,586 aircraft. By 1980 it is estimated
that the domestic certified airlines will enplane 420 million passengers, almost
tripling the 1969 figure. It is predicted that by 1980 the present fleet of 124,272
general aircraft will have doubled and there will be 1,400,000 pilots compared with
600 ,000 today.
ONE-BANK HOLDING COMPANIES: Also approved last week was a bill to control
one-bank holding companies. A "holding company" is a business organization designed
primarily and solely to own, control, or hold other companies or businesses. Thus a
bank holding company may own not only a bank but also an insurance business, a travel
agency, a real estate investment firm, or any other kind of enterprise.
Since 1933 it has been federal policy to separate bank and bank-related acti-
vities from other business activities. The theory has been that to mix banking and
non-banking activities could threaten the existence of thousands of small businesses
throughout the country. In 1956 Congress prohibited any holding company owning two
or more banks from engaging in non-bank-related activities. However, one-bank
holding companies (numbering 117 and small in size) were exempted from this law.
In the last three years a significant number of large banks have converted to
one-bank holding companies. As a result of this development the Committee on Banking
and Currency recommended legislation to place one-bank holding companies under the
same law which restricts multi-bank holding companies.
The bill, H.R. 6778, as recommended, restricted these companies to activities
which are "functionally related to banking," and specifically prohibited them from
engaging in the general insurance agency business or selling mutual funds. The bill
also set the effective date at February 17, 1969, the date on which H.R. 6778 was
introduced. This means if the bill becomes law, any one-bank holding company orga-
nized after that date would be required to divest itself from its non-banking
activities.
In its deliberations on Wednesday the House decided to set the date back to
May 9, 1956, which is the date of the enactment of the original bank holding company
law. It also agreed generally to prohibit holding companies from engaging in the
business of underwriting, insurance, travel agencies, accounting, and equipment
leasing. A number of other amendments were also approved, substantially altering
the bill as recommended by the Committee.
When this happened to the bill, I felt that it should be further examined by
the Committee on Banking and Currency which could determine in detail the effect of
the amendments on the legislation. I therefore voted to recommit the bill to commit-
tee, but this was defeated 245 to 124. Because I believe we do need legislation in
this area and it was either H.R. 6778 or nothing at this time, I voted for the bill
on final passage when it was approved 351 to 24. But the Senate must still act on
the legislation and we can't predict what the final version of the bill will be.
DISTRICT OFFICE: My District Assistant, Gordon Vander Till, will be in the
Council Room at PORTLAND on Friday, November 14 from 3:00 to 5:30.
RECENT VISITORS: From Caledonia: Mr.& Mrs. M. Weber. From Rockford: Dr.& Mrs.
Robt. Byram and 2 children. From Comstock Park: Mr.& Mrs. Ralph Pike; Mr.& Mrs Ronald
Pike; Diane Barnes. From Wyoming: Mr.& Mrs. Larry Root; Mr.& Mrs. Louis Nemeth and 2
sons; Mr.& Mrs. Vossekuils and family; Mr.& Mrs. Robt. Grassmid and family. From
Grandville: Mr.& Mrs. Jack McIntyre, Jack, Brian, Don, and Tim. From Sparta: Renae
Kober. From Ionia: Mr.& Mrs. Fred Strong. From Cedar Springs: Betty Hawley; Barbara
Bull. From Grand Rapids: Mr.& Mrs. A. Slotsema, Janice, Diane; Mrs. Allan Johnson.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
November 17, 1969
The ninth of the 13 regular appropriation bills was passed by the House of
Representatives last Thursday when it approved $1.4 billion for military construction
and family housing. This amount is a reduction of $225 million below last year's
appropriation. A little over $5 million will be spent in Michigan with a major por-
tion going to the army's Detroit Arsenal, and smaller amounts to the Michigan Army
Missile Plant at Warren, K. I. Sawyer AFB at Gwinn and Wurtsmith AFB at Oscoda.
The bill contains no additional funds for construction in Vietnam during this
fiscal year. The United States has already spent a total of $1.4 billion for mili-
tary construction and housing in Vietnam. On August 31 there remained $214 million
of appropriated funds not yet spent. It is expected that these funds if needed at
all would meet our construction needs in Vietnam until July 1, 1970.
UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION: The House also passed a bill to extend and improve
the unemployment compensation system. About 58 million jobs are now protected by
this system but approximately 16.6 million jobs remain unprotected. The would
extend coverage to 4.5 million of these jobs. Positions newly covered will include
those in firms employing less than four employees (now exempt from federal law),
those working in agricultural processing plants, and employees of nonprofit organiza-
tions, state hospitals, colleges and universities.
The bill also establishes a new program to pay benefits during periods of high
unemployment to workers who exhaust their regular benefits under state law. In addi-
tion the bill prohibits the states from denying benefits to an individual who is under-
going training, with the approval of a state agency, to improve his skills or to train
for a new job. The House doesn't believe that state laws regarding availability for
work, active search for work, or refusal of suitable work (usual requirements for re-
ceiving unemployment payments) should be used to discourage an unemployed person from
entering upon a job training program that will qualify him for a new or better job.
POTATO RESEARCH AND PROMOTION: The House defeated by a vote of 198 to 171 a
bill establishing a National Potato Promotion Board to promote the sale of potatoes
and potato products and to carry on research in the use of potatoes. About $2 million
a year would have been collected by the Board for this purpose through a levy of 1c
per hundred pounds on potatoes produced.
This would have been the first government promotion program of one food
product against competing foods; in this case, rice, corn, and others. Many felt
that this was an improper use of federal governmental authority and that it would
establish a precedent for producers of other food crops to seek the same privilege of
having the government collect funds for research and promotion activities. Further-
more, the bill applied only to growers of five acres or more which meant that 94 per-
cent of the potato farmers would be excluded from the program. Many Michigan farmers
objected to the bill because our state already has a Michigan Potato Industry Council
which has many of the same responsibilities proposed in the federal legislation. I
agreed that the arguments against the bill outweighed those presented by the Committee
and voted "no."
Potatoes are a basic food in the United States. Some 310,000 farms produced
29.3 billion pounds of potatoes (488 million bushels) in 1968. The value of potato
sales at the farm averages $491 million yearly and the per capita consumption of
potatoes is about 110 pounds annually.
INTERNATIONAL BIOLOGICAL PROGRAM: The House on Wednesday approved a resolu-
tion expressing its support of the International Biological Program. This is a co-
operative 50-nation program to study the changing relations between man and his
environment. It is concerned with the problems of pollution, food resources, wilder-
ness conservation, water use, etc. These are terribly significent issues and must be
dealt with on a worldwide basis.
Novi
Miller
qalif
RE VIETNAM: On November 6 our troop strength in Vietnam totaled 490, of 700
compared with 532,500 when President Nixon took office in January. Draft calls for
the last quarter of this year amount to 29,000 compared with 41,300 for the same
period in 1968.
RE THE MORATORIUM: Columnists Rowland Evans and Robert Novak (who would not be
labeled conservatives) had a significant article on the "peace movement" last Wednes-
day. They said: "The tens of thousands of well-meaning war protesters set to con-
verge on Washington Saturday will be joining a demonstration planned since summer by
advocates of violent revolution in the U. S. who openly support Communist forces in
Vietnam
The march remains essentially a project of the far left, constituting a
tragic failure of leadership by liberal foes of the war."
AT HOME ON VETERANS DAY: It was my privilege to participate in the Veterans
Day services at Veterans Memorial Park in Grand Rapids last Tuesday morning. At noon
I met with the Downtown Lions Club. Later I did a half-hour interview for a local TV
station and attended a "25-year club" reception at a downtown store. That evening I
spoke at the Kent County Pharmaceutical Association's Honor Banquet.
DISTRICT OFFICE: My District Assistant will be in the City Hall at BELDING on
Friday, November 21 from 3:00 to 5:30.
RECENT VISITORS: From Grand Rapids: Robert Swartz, Tim and Dale; Mr.& Mrs .D.
Lidgard and family; Mr.& Mrs. R. Posthuma, Ron, Ric, Randy and Lynae; Rev.& Mrs. M.
Zylstra and family; Kenneth McPhail; Mr.& Mrs. Harold Schuhman and family; Mr.& Mrs.
Thomas Price and family; Carol Boynton; Rev. Charles Jansen; Dr.& Mrs. Hoyt and family;
Gertrude Sporte; Mr.& Mrs. C. Tiggleman; Mr.& Mrs. Robert Portwood and Vicki; Mr. &
Mrs. James Flanagan, Mary, Linda and Beth; Mrs. Crystal Mack; Harold Newman.
rulyyoum.,In
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
November 24, 1969
Fifty million dollars for development loans was cut from the foreign aid bill
by the House of Representatives last week but $54 million was added for aircraft for
the Republic of China. The Administration had requested an authorization of $2.6
billion. The Committee on Foreign Affairs recommended $2.19 billion and this was
within $43 million of the amount finally approved by the House As you know, I have
always endorsed our mutual security program as an essential element in our own
national defense, but through the years I have also supported reductions in the
dollar amounts spent on the program.
In 1948-49, Congress authorized $6.9 billion for economic assistance; in 1963
this was down to $3 billion, and in 1968 to $2.2 billion. Last year $2.5 billion was
requested; $1.6 billion was authorized, and $1.4 billion actually appropriated. The
bill approved last week was an authorization, setting the upper limit for spending.
The actual appropriation, yet to be made, will undoubtedly be lower.
But less than half of our foreign aid programs are included in this bill. The
total proposed for 1970 amounts to about $4.5 billion which is 2.3 percent of the
federal budget and less than one-half of 1 percent of our gross national product (GNP).
The Committee on Foreign Affairs reported that "the U.S. now provides about
half of free world development assistance in absolute terms-but the share of other
free world countries is growing. In fact, many other countries devote a larger
share of their GNP to foreign aid than the United States, and many provide assistance
on easier terms than we do." The Committee went on to say: "Today's AID program
does not send money abroad--it sends U.S. goods and services. The result of this
tied procurement policy is that all AID's dollars remain in this country to purchase
American goods or to pay U.S. companies, universities, and other private groups for
American technical and professional services to carry out projects overseas." The
major items purchased here for use abroad are fertilizer, industrial machinery,
chemicals, and motor vehicles.
Our largest technical assistance programs are in India, Brazil, Laos, Nigeria,
Thailand, Pakistan, Afghanistan, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Our military assis-
tance is designed to improve the defenses of those nations bordering communist
countries. Most of our military assistance goes to Greece, Turkey, the Republic of
China, and Korea. In 1963 Congress appropriated $1.7 billion for military assis-
tance; the amount in this bill is down to $450 million.
SUPERSONIC TRANSPORTATION: The future of the Supersonic Transport aircraft
was a major issue when the House considered the $6.6 billion Department of Transpor-
tation appropriation bill last Tuesday. The Committee recommended and the House
approved $95.9 million for continuation of the development of the SST.
I agreed with those who argued for the appropriation. Other nations (Soviet
Union, Britain, France) are building supersonic passenger aircraft and their planes
are being test flown right now the U.S. is several years behind. Development of an
American SST is important to our foreign trade and balance of payments. Right now
the U.S. manufactures over 80 percent of the jet aircraft sold throughout the world.
In order to maintain our leadership and protect our balance of payments we must pro-
duce a SST. The undertaking is too costly for private industry alone; government
help is needed, at least for the next several years. We have already appropriated
$623 million for the SST and it is estimated that $662 million more will be required.
To stop now could mean a loss of the $623 million.
The contract with the private interests provides for royalty payments to the
government. If the manufacturers sell 300 SST aircraft, these payments to the govern
ment will equal the government's investment. If 500 are sold, the U.S. Treasury will
gain an additional $1 billion. The sale of 500 over a 13-year period is not con-
sidered an unreasonable goal.
The Congress is concerned with sonic boom which can disturb people and destroy
property. None of the SST's will fly at supersonic speeds over populated land areas.
Proponents of the SST pointed out that research in sonic boom is continuing and per-
haps someday it can be eliminated. But they agreed that this would not be in the
foreseeable future or for the SST aircraft now under development.
Conservationists will be pleased to know that this appropriation bill bans any
federal funds for the proposed 39-square-mile jet airport in Florida until it has
been shown the airport will have no adverse effect on the Everglades or on the wild-
life in the area.
AMMUNITION RESTRICTION REPEALED: Sportsmen will be pleased to know that both
the House and the Senate have approved legislation eliminating the requirement for
bookkeeping in connection with the sales of rifle and shotgun ammunition. No longer
will it be necessary for the seller to record the name, address, and other informa-
tion about the purchaser. It was generally agreed that this provision of the 1968
gun control law was no deterrent to crime, expensive to administer, and was burden-
some and distasteful to dealers, hunters, and other sportsmen. There is no change in
the law relating to the sale of pistol and revolver ammunition, nor .22 caliber rim-
fire ammunition which can also be used in a pistol.
DISTRICT OFFICE: My District Assistant will be in the City Hall (Voting Room)
at IONIA on Friday, November 28 from 2:30 to 5:00.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
December 1, 1969
"The death rate on our highways, and the accompanying economic loss, is the
equivalent of wiping out, absolutely, every living and material thing in a city of
55,000 population once every year. That is intolerable." So stated the Committee on
Public Works in its report on the federal-aid highway act which was approved by the
House of Representatives last Tuesday. The Committee, which had conducted many days
of hearings on highway safety, beautification, etc., was critical of the National
Highway Safety Bureau which it said has concentrated so heavily on trying to keep
accident victims alive that it has all but forgotten its primary mission, which is to
work toward the prevention of accidents in the first place. I am sure that this has
been the observation of many of us when we are shown all the "safety gadgets" on a
new car. These are fine but we must be more concerned with preventing automobile
accidents which are killing 55,000 persons each year.
It is also interesting to note that the committee concluded: "We do not know
whether driver education is actually as valuable an aid to accident reduction as has
popularly been believed.' The Committee is not now suggesting that driver education
be downgraded as a safety standard but it did say that "the driver education program
today is pretty much what it has been for a long time, and it is entirely likely that
something very different may be required."
The House agreed to a Committee reduction in highway beautification funds from
$30 million to $1.5 million. The latter is for administrative expenses only; there
are to be no funds for billboard and junkyard control, and for landscaping and scenic
enhancement. The Democratic-controlled Committee found that the administration of
the Highway Beautification Act of 1965 has "created problems, costs and hardships for
both governments and citizens that are entirely out of harmony with the social philo-
sophy underlying the act itself." While there is little opposition to its basic pur-
pose, efforts "to achieve practical, effective and equitable results under the act,
with few exceptions
have been unsuccessful."
LEGISLATIVE CURBS TO OBSCENE MATERIALS: We continue to receive letters from
Fifth District residents objecting to the delivery of obscene mailings to their homes
and supporting S.1077. I endorsed consideration of this bill in the newsletter of
April 23; it is presently pending with the Criminal Law Subcommittee of the Senate
Committee on the Judiciary. The bill would prevent any federal court from overruling
a state or federal jury which has found a book, film, or any such article to be obscene.
Both the House Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Post Office and
Civil Service are currently considering other legislation designed to curb the distri-
bution of offensive materials of an obscene nature. Included are three bills recom-
mended by President Nixon which I am co-sponsoring and which were described in detail
in my May 14th newsletter.
The Committee on the Judiciary has before it about 175 bills, some, of course,
similar or identical. The Committee is expected to recommend some sort of legislation
next session. The Post Office Committee has completed extensive hearings and may
incorporate legislation on obscenity in the postal reform bill on which it is now
working. Prompt action by the Congress is essential for the protection of our
families.
CANCER RESEARCH: We have also been receiving a number of protests on the
action of the House in what appears to be a reduction in the appropriation for cancer
research from $185 million in 1969 to $180.7 million for fiscal 1970. The House
Committee on Appropriations recommended this action because last year the Congress
appropriated $185 million for cancer research and only $175.5 was actually expended.
Furthermore, on July 1, 1969 (beginning of fiscal year 1970) there was on hand for
cancer research $125 million, appropriated during 1969 and in prior years, but not
yet expended. In other words this year the total available for cancer research will
be $180.7 million plus the carry over of $125 million for a total of $305.7 million
which is far more than has been available in the past years for cancer research. In
addition, this change when considered with other committee action reflects a desire
to provide more and better medical care through the training of doctors, dentists,
and nurses. For example, the same appropriation bill, increases federal aid for "health
manpower" (training of professionals) from $172 million in 1969 to $218 million in
1970. This same bill increases federal aid for medical school construction from $92
million last year to $126 million for fiscal 1970.
SUMMER JOBS: Young people interested in a summer job with the federal govern-
ment should get a copy of Civil Service Announcement No. 414 from their local post
office, or by calling my Grand Rapids office at 456-9747, or by writing me at H-230,
The Capitol.
There are a limited number of opportunities for such summer employment in
Washington and throughout the country. It is recommended that interested students
apply early. The first examination will be held on January 10 for those who apply by
December 5. Other examinations will be given in February and March. No application
will be accepted after February 4, 1970.
DISTRICT OFFICE: My District Assistant will be in the Council Room at SPARTA
on Friday, December 5 from 3:00 to 5:30.
RECENT VISITORS: From Grand Rapids: Bill Rockwell; Sue Dressel; Tom Briggs;
Mr.& Mrs. Tom Draisma and 3 daughters; Mrs. L. Alland; W. Steenland; Charles Porter;
Paul Phillips; Jack Boonstra; Larry Popski; Everett VanSlyke; N. Weinheimer; Steve
Eastwood; Mr.& Mrs. Allan Ronda, Jack and Ingrid; Mr.& Mrs. Mel Teets, Jeff, Jim, Billy.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
December 8, 1969
HOUSE BACKS NIXON ON VIET NEGOTIATIONS
By a resounding vote of 333 to 55, the House of Representatives last Tuesday
told the world it is solidly behind President Nixon's efforts to negotiate a just
peace in Vietnam.
The action was highly significant although it was purely a House action and does
not involve the Senate.
Most importantly, it strengthened the President's hand at the Paris peace talks.
In adopting the resolution, the House told the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong
that elected representatives speaking for the vast majority of the American people
were united behind the President in his attempts to negotiate "a just peace" in
Vietnam.
The resolution endorsed free elections in Vietnam, declared the willingness of
the United States to abide by the results of that election, and urged North Vietnam
to abide by the 1949 Geneva Convention rules regarding prisoners of war.
I was tremendously pleased by House adoption of the Vietnam resolution in
support of President Nixon because it transcended partisanship. Rep. James Wright,
Democrat of Texas, was the chief sponsor of the resolution. I worked closely with
him and helped to draft the resolution. It did not emanate from the White House.
This resolution was truly a bipartisan product. It should prove helpful in
convincing the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong that they have nothing to gain by
stalling the negotiations in Paris.
ANTI-POVERTY DEBATE CALLED OFF
House Democratic leaders last Wednesday postponed a scheduled debate on legisla-
tion which would have extended the anti-poverty program for two years.
This was done on a last-minute basis at the request of Rep. Carl Perkins, D-Ky.,
chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee. It meant that the House was
suddenly idled for at least two days despite the fact that little time remains this
year to complete work on vital legislation.
Perkins postponed House consideration of the anti-poverty bill reported by his
committee because it was apparent to him and others that the House would reject the
committee bill in favor of a substitute bill proposed by three Republicans and three
Democrats. Rep. William H. Ayres, R-Ohio, is the chief sponsor of the substitute.
The committee billwould extend the present anti-poverty program for two years
under an annual appropriations ceiling of $2.2 billion--$295 million more per year
than President Nixon requested.
The substitute would strengthen the role of the states in the anti-poverty
program, provide cash payments to bring the incomes of servicemen's families up to
official poverty levels and explore whether similar payments should be made to
persons 65 or over whose income is below the poverty level. Under this two-year
extension, the annual appropriation could be no higher than $2 billion.
I am supporting the substitute bill despite the fact it is opposed by Office of
Economic Opportunity (0E0) director Donald Rumsfeld. I am doing so because the sub-
stitute bill carries out the New Federalism concept of giving the states a larger say
in the total governmental process. It will also make for a better anti-poverty
program.
Opponents of the substitute bill are saying it will cripple the anti-poverty
program. This charge is absurd. The bill simply offers each state the opportunity
to develop a coordinated anti-poverty program. The substitute bill would decrease
the power of regional OEO offices and increase the state role, but leave final
authority with the OEO director.
* * *
LETTERS HAVE been coming into my office at the rate of about 25 a day about the
alleged indiscriminate killing of South Vietnamese civilians by American G.I.'s at
Song My Village.
The entire affair was a tragedy. No American approves of wanton killing. One
of the tragic aspects of the incident is that the North Vietnamese are making propa-
ganda capital of the alleged massacre.
Americans and the peoples of other Free World nations should not be taken in by
this propaganda campaign. It is ridiculous to assume that all American G.I.'s are
being "brutalized" by the Vietnam War. After all, thousands of them have taken part
in a great variety of humanitarian projects in South Vietnam, extending from the
building of new schools to befriending South Vietnamese children. At the same time,
we should keep in mind the multitude of atrocities committed by the Communists in
South Vietnam, most notably the slaughter of 3,000 South Vietnamese civilians in the
city of Hue. This is cited not in an attempt to justify the alleged massacre at
Song My but to keep the entire picture in proper perspective.
Under no circumstances do I condone what was allegedly done at Song My, but I
believe it is vital that any Americans charged in connection with the incident should
be given a prompt and fair trial. That will not be possible if the public prejudges
them.
* * *
DISTRICT OFFICE: My District Assistant will be in the City Manager's Office at
ROCKFORD on Friday, December 12 from 12:00 to 2:00 and in the Council Room at CEDAR
SPRINGS from 3:00 to 5:30.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
December 15, 1969
THE HOUSE "GETS CRACKING"
In a single week's time, the House passed the last two of the 13 regular appro-
priations bills and sent them to the Senate, approved the House-Senate compromise
version of the State, Justice, Commerce and Judiciary Appropriations Bill, acted on
extension of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and took up extension of the anti-poverty
program.
The House approved a defense appropriations bill that was heavily cut in commit-
tee. The total for fiscal 1970 was put at $69,960,000,000--$5.3 billion less than
President Nixon estimated last April and nearly $7.8 billion under former President
Johnson's estimate of last January. In the intervening months, however, Defense
Secretary Laird had announced defense spending cuts totalling $3 billion.
There were attempts by some House members to make deeper cuts than the $5.3
billion reduction recommended by the Appropriations Committee. These moves were
rejected. They included an attempt to eliminate $779.4 million for initial deploy-
ment of the Safeguard missile defense system.
Approved reductions included a $2 million cut made possible by President Nixon's
decision to take this country out of the biological warfare field and to ban first-
use of chemical weapons.
As you know, the United States and the Soviet Union now are engaged in prelimi-
nary strategic arms limitation (SALT) talks. These talks in themselves will have no
immediate impact on the fiscal 1970 defense budget. However, if a safe and meaning-
ful limitation on strategic weapons is agreed to, this will affect our defense budget
in future years.
Meantime, the House has voted funds to assure us a reasonable military posture,
including $7.5 billion for strategic weapons such as the new Minuteman III intercon-
tinental ballistic missile, superhard missile silos, conversion of six more Fleet
Ballistic missile submarines to the multiple-warhead Poseidon missile, and develop-
ment of an advanced manned strategic aircraft.
FOREIGN AID: The House approved the smallest foreign aid money bill in the his-
tory of the program--$1.6 billion. This was roughly $1 billion less than President
Nixon asked. The vote was 200 to 195, and the outcome was in doubt until the last
moment. I voted for the bill on final passage because I believe that, in principle,
the foreign aid program is in the best interests of the Nation. I have consistently
voted to cut the amount of Presidential requests for foreign aid, but I believe that
if the program is properly administered it promotes world peace.
One very significant point about the fiscal 1970 foreign aid bill is that it con-
tains funds to Vietnamize the Vietnam War--the phaseout of U. S. combat troops and
the phasing in of South Vietnamese forces. I strongly support the President's pro-
gram for getting us out of Vietnam, so I found this a compelling reason to vote for
the 1970 foreign aid bill.
EAST-WEST TRADE: The House refused to accept a Senate provision liberalizing
trade with Communist countries and sent the legislation back to the Senate with the
controversial provision knocked out. The vote was 238 to 157 to reject a conference
committee report containing the Senate provision. I voted to reject.
VOTING RIGHTS ACT OF 1965: Whether or not to extend the Voting Rights Act with--
out change plunged the House into a big battle that crossed party lines. I led a
successful fight for changes sought by the Nixon Administration.
Under the present Voting Rights Act, Federal registrars are sent into states
where less than 50 per cent of the population of voting age are registered or less
than 50 per cent actually voted in the 1964 Presidential election. Under this
formula, the present Act applies only to six Southern states and part of a seventh.
The Act further prohibits these states from making any changes in their election laws
without approval of the U. S. district court for the District of Columbia.
The Administration voting rights bill would equally apply to all 50 states, not
just six or seven. It would eliminate the ban on changes in election laws but would
empower the U. S. Attorney General to go after any state making an election law
change designed to interfere with anyone's voting rights.
The Administration voting rights bill contains a highly important provision to
which far too little attention has been paid. This provision gives the right to vote
for President and Vice-President to an estimated 5½ million Americans who are disen-
franchised every four years simply because they moved to another state before the
election. The Administration bill lays down a uniform residency rule for voting in
Presidential elections. It makes eligible anyone who lived in a state as of Sept. 1
immediately preceding the election. The committee bill rejected by the House did not
include this provision, which greatly benefits the mobile Americans of today.
The Administration bill would protect all the gains made in the South under the
Voting Rights Act of 1965 and would extend the same protection against voting rights
discrimination to people in all the other states.
After listening to all the arguments pro and con on the Administration measure,
the House approved the nationwide voting rights bill on a 208 to 205 roll call vote.
DISTRICT OFFICE: My District Assistant will be in the Village Council Chamber
at LAKE ODESSA on Friday, December 19, from 2:30 to 5 p.m.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
December 22, 1969
Social Security beneficiaries will receive a 15 percent increase in their
April, 1970 checks with payments retroactive to January 1. Both the House and Senate
have approved this increase which is expected to be incorporated in the Tax Reform
bill.
Last Monday the House unanimously agreed to the proposal which will mean that
the average benefit paid to a retired worker will be increased from around $100 to
$116 a month. The average paid to an aged couple will go from approximately $170 to
$196 a month.
About 25 million beneficiaries, nearly one out of every eight people in the
country, will be affected by this increase. The additional payment from the trust
funds for calendar year 1970 will amount to about $3.8 billion. One of the reasons
the House unanimously agreed to a 15 percent increase was the assurance that such a
boost was actuarially sound, that the new benefits could be paid without endangering
the trust funds and without raising social security taxes on employers, employees and
self-employed persons. The House was told that during calendar year 1970 contribu-
tions to the Social Security Trust Funds would total $34.5 billion while payments and
administrative expenses would come to $32.5 billion. It is significant to note, too,
that during that year the trust funds will earn $1.6 billion in interest and that the
balance on December 31, 1970 will be $37 billion.
The increase in Social Security benefits was also voted because of the 9.1 per
cent rise in the cost of living since the last benefit increase in February 1968.
There was some reluctance on the part of the Committee on Ways and Means to recommend
a simple increase in benefits while withholding action on other badly needed and over-
due improvements in the social security program. But the Committee assured the House
that further consideration of the social security program will be the first order of
business for the Committee when Congress reconvenes in January. At that time it will
consider President Nixon's recommendations relative to automatically adjusting bene-
fits in the future to cost-of=living increases, increasing the amount of income that
can be earned without losing benefits, increasing a widow's benefit from 821/2 percent
to 100 percent of her husband's benefits, and many other changes that will improve
the equity, administration, and financial soundness of the social security program.
A WORD FROM VIETNAM: Recently I wrote all military personnel from Kent and
Ionia Counties serving in Vietnam to extend to them the season's greetings. I wantto
share with you a reply received from a Lance Corporal in the Marine Corps. He wrote:
"I was honored to receive your letter wishing me season's greetings. I wish to
thank you sincerely for writing.
"I take heart in the thought of the people back home backing us. As I read the
papers I sometimes wonder, I hope you will not take offense if I state my mind.
"I believe in the United States and I am proud to serve in the forces which pro-
tect our way of life. It is not easy to be so far from home. I left my wife and fam-
ily to be here. I left willingly though because I believe in what we're doing here.
I do not think I am the exception but the rule for my generation. It is often the
minority who is taken as the representative for the whole, those few who take the easy
way out of responsibility. I am not, what is referred to in the Marine Corps as a
'lifer,' but merely one man who believes in his country and is willing to fight for it."
ON THE 1970 DRAFT BY LOTTERY: Our mail indicates that there is some concern
and confusion relative to the possibilities of draft registrants being inducted under
the lottery system. There have been reports that those in the last third of the num-
bers drawn would be safe from induction, although the official White House release
said only that they had a "relatively low probability" of being drafted. Now the
State Selective Service Directors for Michigan and other states are warning that all
1-A's may be needed, regardless of their lottery number. These warnings were made
primarily because hundreds of potential draftees with low sequence numbers were get-
ting rid of their student deferments or withdrawing their applications for reserve
service in the expectation that none in the lower third would be called. Under the
new law and regulations, if not called in their "vulnerable year," they would be free
from further induction.
Last week I was told by high authority in the Defense Department that it would
be "unwise for any draft eligible registrant to assume that he is certain not to be
reached for induction in 1970 simply because of his draft sequence number." Even
though President Nixon and Secretary of Defense Laird have announced a 10% reduction
in "draft calls" (25,000 less in 1970) because of a reduction in U. S. forces in
Vietnam, no absolute assurance can be given today that any young man in 1-A will not
be inducted by December 31, 1970. There are just too many variable factors. But we
have assurance from our State Director that he is "going to make the lottery system
work in Michigan the way it is supposed to work," and to me this means those in the
third category have a "relatively low probability."
AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST: We have about 700 copies of a 1970 pictorial calendar
for distribution. A request addressed to me at 425 Cherry St. S.E. Grand Rapids or
to H-230, The Capitol, Washington, will be honored as long as the supply lasts.
Our entire allotment of the 1969 Yearbook of Agriculture has been distributed
as a result of the announcement in the public press. But my Grand Rapids office has
about 50 copies of the 1966 Yearbook entitled, "Protecting Our Food."
NEXT ISSUE--NEXT YEAR: This is the final issue of "Your Washington Review"
this year. We will be back after Congress reconvenes in January.