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Ford Press Releases, January - May 1971
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Ford Press Releases, January - May 1971
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Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers
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U.S. House of Representatives. 3/4/1789-
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Nixon, Richard M. (Richard Milhous), 1913-1994
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The original documents are located in Box D5, folder "Ford Press Releases, January - May
1971" of the Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the Gerald R.
Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. The Council donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Digitized from Box D5 of the Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
January 14, 1971
The Republican Leadership of the House of Representatives is holding
an introductory conference for new Republican House Members of the 2nd Con-
gress this weekend at the Key Bridge Marriott Motor Hotel.
The 25 Congressmen-elect and their wives (as well as those sworn in
after the start of the 91st Congress) will confer informally with key Adminis-
tration officials and members of the Minority Leadership on organization,
procedures, legislative prospects and policy goals facing the new Congress
when it convenes January 21.
"We have found it invaluable in the past to get together with our new
Members to help them off to a good start and to help us understand their view-
points and concerns," House Republican Leader Gerald R. Ford said. "As the
minority in the next Congress with a responsibility for advancing President
Nixon's reform program we must have maximum teamwork and mutual understanding
and we are starting early to build it."
Other leaders participating in the panels Friday afternoon and Saturday
will be Republican Whip Leslie C. Arends (R-I11.), Conference Chairman John
B. Anderson (R-I11.), Policy Committee Chairman John J. Rhodes (R-Ariz.),
Rep. H. Allen Smith (R-Calif.) Ranking Republican Member of the Rules Committee,
and Senator-elect Robert A. Taft, Jr. (R-Ohio), chairman of the House Republi-
can Research Committee in the 91st Congress.
The Members-elect will also hear Executive Director John T. Calkins
and key members of the Republican Congressional Campaign Committee staff on
the importance of getting re-elected in 1972.
Wives of the House leaders will meet separately on Saturday with the
vives of the new Republican Members for a panel discussion of the duties of
a Congressional wife and the details of Washington living. Miss Nancy Hanks,
Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, will be guest speaker at the
ladies' luncheon.
Director George P. Shultz of the Office of Management and Budget and
Presidential Counsel for Congressional Relations Clark MacGregor will lead
off the White House contingent participating in the conference. Briefings
on President Nixon's foreign and domestic policies will be given by Dr. Henry
Kissinger, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs and Mr.
John Ehrlichman, Assistant to the President for Domestic Affairs.
All of the working sessions will be limited to participants but a
press briefing will be given by Rep. Ford at the close of Saturday afternoon's
conference (approximately 5:30 p.m.) in the Federal Room, which will be avail-
able as a press room from 3 p.m. on. Media coverage will be welcome at the
6:00 p.m. reception and 7:30 p.m. dinner which will conclude the Saturday pro-
gram. The dinner speaker will be the new Chairman of the Republican National
Committee who will be elected Friday.
(Members of the press who plan to cover the dinner please advise
Mr. Paul Theis, Director of Public Relations, Republican Congressional Com-
mittee, LIncoln 4-3010, as soon as possible.)
#####
GEBALOR FORD LIBRARY
m Office Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--Friday Evening, Jan. 22, 1971--
This Statement Embargoed Until Delivery of the State of the Union Message
President Nixon's State of the Union Message is a document which looks
forward, not backward.
With this message torthe Congress, the President has unveiled a visionary
course for the Nation which offers us the driving dream the American people yearn
for. Nowhere in the message is there a word of criticism or a dwelling on mistakes
past. He has extended the hand of partnership to the Congress.
In setting forth his six great goals for the 92nd Congress and the Nation,
the President envisages vast reforms in both the programs and structure of the
Federal Government--fundamental, problem-solving reforms, not patchwork.
I hope the 92nd Congress will work with the President to achieve all six of
his great goals-welfare reform, full prosperity in peacetime, the restoration of
our environment, the best possible health care for all Americans, strengthening of
our state and local governments through revenue sharing, and comple te reform of the
Federal Government through a restructuring of cabinet departments.
I applaud the President's pledge to lick cancer through a sharply increased
outlay of research funds, and I strongly favor his proposal to make $5 billion in
shared revenue available to the states and cities. I might add I hope the 92nd will
be a "Health Congress."
With his revenue sharing proposal, the President has made it clear he wants
to bring government to the people and to bring the people to the government. He wants
to make young people a part of participatory democracy and to make democracy a part
of their lives.
I believe the American people will endorse the bold course laid out by the
President. I hope their representatives in Congress will do likewise.
######
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
Distribution Press Galleries 12:45P 1/28/71 M office Copy
District media R 1/28/71
NEWS
CONGRESSMAN
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR RELEASE AT 2:00 P.M. THURSDAY--
January 28, 1971
I am deeply disappointed that Grand Rapids, Mich., has not been included
in the Railpak System by the Department of Transportation as of this time, and I
am hopeful that it will be incorporated into the routings in the future.
In a letter to me, Transportation Secretary John Volpe declared: "I will work
very hard to be sure that the most paramount of considerations will be given to
the recommendations for service between Detroit and Chicago via Grand Rapids."
The Michigan Public Service Commission strongly favors rail passenger
service linking Grand Rapids with Chicago and Detroit, and local citizens are
vigorously supporting such service. I urge that they continue their efforts on
behalf of Grand Rapids service with the thought that we may yet prevail.
Secretary Volpe has assured me that changes in Railpak routings can be made
in the future. This gives reason to hope that Grand Rapids will be included in
the Detroit-Chicago run, which is definitely a part of the new system.
The Secretary has told me: "We are very aware of the extraordinary
reputation that Grand Rapids has had throughout its tradition and history as a
furniture manufacturing center, as well as being the second largest city in
Michigan. These very factors are being analyzed by my staff and will be considered
very carefully in putting together this final system."
###
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
Distribution Full
Galliries 9:45 a.m 1/29/71
mail a.m 1/29/91
Office Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON FRIDAY--
January 29, 1971
President Nixon's fiscal 1972 budget is a carefully drawn fiscal plan which
stands out as perhaps the first Federal budget clearly designed to help promote
full employment and peacetime prosperity.
It is also a fair share budget, drafted to provide proper health care for
our citizens regardless of economic circumstance, to place an income floor under
every family in America, and to strengthen efforts to guarantee the civil rights
of all Americans.
I fully support the concept of employing the Federal budget to bring about
full prosperity in peacetime, in combination with monetary policy. It is far
better to plan a deficit aimed at achieving prosperity with price stability than to
stumble into a deficit with a blindfold on. In the one instance, we have our eyes
focused on a healthy national objective; in the other, we simply sink into
uncomprehending red ink.
It is time for an expansionary budget. We have turned the corner on
inflation. We will continue to make progress on this problem. Meantime we cannot
afford to keep a halter on the economy. Instead, we must prescribe the medicine of
stimulation.
In the human needs sector of the budget, I reaffirm my support for reform of
the scandalous welfare system and pledge my support for accelerated efforts to find
a cure for cancer and to provide all needy Americans with proper healthy care. In
combatting cancer, we must provide all the funds that can be profitably spent.
I shall also support every sound effort to restore and preserve our environ-
ment. One of the most serious shortcomings of the last Congress was its failure to
establish an Environmental Financing Authority to help communities meet their share
of water pollution control costs where necessary.
I am also pleased by the sharp increases in funding to fight street crime
and organized crime and to bring about prison reform.
I thoroughly agree with the President that the Federal grant system must be
revised. I have long favored block grants in broad problem areas, as the President
has proposed under special revenue sharing, and also general sharing of completely
untied revenue.
With regard to the Defense Department budget, I feel that deep thoughtless
cutting by the Congress would be most ill-advised. Some of our forces are lacking
in combat-readiness and must be modernized. We are confronted with the need for
technological progress. We cannot afford to take a head-in-the-sand attitude toward
our military needs. Our national defense is a matter of high priority.
Coincidental with the need to modernize our forces is the need to modernize
our military personnel policies. We must reduce our draft calls to zero and make
the transition to an all-volunteer force. The funds requested by the Defense
Department to this end would be well used.
###
GERALD FORD LIBRABY
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON FRIDAY--
January 29, 1971
President Nixon's fiscal 1972 budget is a carefully drawn fiscal plan which
stands out as perhaps the first Federal budget clearly designed to help promote
full employment and peacetime prosperity,
It is also a fair share budget. drafted Stwould to provide proper health care for
our citizens regardless of economic circumstance, to place an income floor under
every family in America, and to strengthen efforts to guarantee the civil rights
of all Americans
I fully support the concept of employing the Federal budget to bring about
full prosperity in peacetime, with newto in combination with monetary policy. It is far
better to plan a deficit aimed at achieving prosperity with price stability than to
stumble into a deficit with a blindfold on. In the one instance, we have our eyes
focused on a healthy national objective; in the other, we simply sink into
uncomprehending red ink.
It is time for an expansionary budget. We have turned the corner on
inflation. We will continue to make progress on this problem. Meantime we cannot
afford to keep a halter on the economy. Instead, we must prescribe the medicine of
stimulation. - Hoodhin 19th
In the human needs sector Dalso of the budget, I reaffirm my support for reform of
the scandalous welfare system. pledge my support for accelerated efforts to find
a cure for cancer and to provide all needy Americans with proper health care. In
combatting cancer, we must provide all the funds that can be profitably spent.
I shall also support every sound effort to restore and preserve our environ
the Reneur Environ read olate
lastyn nixon look real am mom under
ment. One of the most serious short comings of the last Congress was its failure to
stablish an Environmental Financing Authority to.help communities meet their share
The larship of water pollution Ans control costs where willcreath necessary NEw zin the Nh. stis
needed I am also pleased by the sharp increases in funding to fight street crime
and organized crime and to bring about prison reform.
I thoroughly agree with the President that the Federal grant system must be
revised. I have long favored block grants in broad problem areas, as the President
has proposed under special revenue sharing, and also general sharing of completely
untied revenue.
With regard to the Defense Department budget, I feel that deep thoughtless
cutting by the Congress would be most ill-advised. Some of our forces are lacking
in combat-readiness and must be modernized. We are confronted with the need for
technological progress. We cannot afford to take a head-in-the-sand attitude toward
our military needs. Our national defense is a matter of high priority.
Coincidental with the need to modernize our forces is the need to modernize
our military personnel policies. We must reduce our draft calls to zero and make
the transition to an all-volunteer force. The funds requested by the Defense
Department to this end would be well used.
###
Distribution: House Galliries only
11:30a.m. 1/29/71
office Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
January 29, 1971
Rep. Gerald R. Ford, R-Grand Rapids, today urged "a full and complete"
congressional investigation of the crash of a B-52 bomber in Lake Michigan near
Charlevoix last Jan. 7.
Ford made the statement in response to a plea for such an investigation
from Peter W. Steketee, chairman of the West Michågan Environmental Action
Council with headquarters in Grand Rapids.
Steketee told Ford the plane apparently was using the Consumers Power
Company nuclear power plant at Big Rock, Mich., as a practice bombing target
at the time of the crash and was flying at an extremely low level. He termed
this "an extremely dangerous practice." Steketee speculated that if a B-52
should ever crash into the power plant the result could conceivably be a spread
of radiation and could be disastrous. He urged that all such planes be routed
away from nuclear power plants.
Ford told Steketee he agrees with his demand for an investigation and
said he urged the Air Force prior to the Charlevoix crash to alter the B-52
practice run route. Ford said he had acted at the request of Consumers Power.
He said the Air Force replied that the matter was "under consideration"
and that the efforts were being made to reroute the training runs. Ford said
the Air Force attitude appeared "cooperative."
###
DERALD FORD LIBRARY
File Copy
2/7/
Suggested
Remarks by Representative Ford on President's
Environment Program)
The President's Environment Message
Mr. Speaker:
The President said on January 1 last year that the time
had come to give priority to our concerns about our environ-
ment. Together last year we made some important steps for-
ward, --setting up a strong Council on Environmental Quality
in the Executive Office to coordinate our environmental
programs and prepare new initiatives, reorganizing our
Environmental Protection
pollution control programs into a single independent Agency
under dynamic leadership, enacting comprehensive legislation
on air quality and solid wastes, establishing much needed
new National parks, and initiating a potentially very effective
enforcement of water quality under the permit authority of
the Refuse Act.
In today's Message on the Environment the President has
made crystal clear that concern about the environment is
it
to
no fad and that is our national policy/systematically
defend our environment from all assaults. Rather than
describe the fifteen or so legislative measures, the
treaties and the many executive actions involved, I will
only sketch the main categories of action proposed,
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
- 2 -
Measures to strengthen pollution control programs
--- Charges on sulfur oxides and lead to supplement
regulatory controls on air pollution
-- More effective control of water pollution through
a $12 billion financing program and strengthened
standard-setting and enforcement authorities
--- Comprehensive improvement in pesticide control
authority
-- A Federal procurement program to encourage recy-
cling of paper
Measures to control emerging problems
-- Regulation of toxic substances
-- Regulation of noise pollution
-- Controls on ocean dumping
Measures to promote environmental quality in land use
decisions
-- A new and greatly expanded open space and recreation
program, bringing parks to the people in urban areas
-- A national land use policy
-- Adjustments in our tax policy to foster our land use
goals
-- Substantial expansion of the wilderness areas
preservation system
-- Advance clearance of power plant sites
- 3 -
--- Regulation of strip mining
Further institutional improvement
Establishment of an Environmental Institute to
conduct studies and recommend policy alternatives
Steps toward a better world environment
-- Expanded international cooperation
------ A World Heritage Trust to preserve parks and areas
of unique cultural value throughout the world.
At a time when there are many issues that divide us,
I welcome so clear and strong a call to a cause that finds
broad
seveng support in both parties, all generations and all
parts of the country. I know that in my own State of
Michigan, which has been a leader in this field, the
President's Environment Message will be greeted and sup-
ported. I believe my colleagues here will find that the
President's proposals respond to deep feld needs across
the country.
With so extensive an agenda itis fortunate that this
in this Congress)
message was placed before us early) There have been
extensive advance briefings of many of the committees
concerned so I anticipate weccan get off to a fast start.
I also anticipate that we will have our own constructive
contributions to make to this program and that we will have
- 4 -
broad support from both sides of the aisle for the
President's initiatives. I believe that this will be
true not only of the familiar anti-pollution programs
included but also of such innovations as using market forces
to abate pollution (by taxes on sulfur oxides in fuel and
lead in gasoline), using government contract policy to
promote recycling, strengthening State powers over land
use to protect the environment and guide development, and
programs to head off such emerging environmental problems
as noise, pollution from toxic substances such as mercury,
and ocean dumping.
Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the President and his
colleagues on his Environment Message. They have done
their work with vision, vigor and a sensitivity to the
country's needs. I know my colleagues in this House will
respond in kind.
Galleries - 12:45P 2/3/71
mail - a.m. 2/3/71
maffice Copy
NEWS
CONGRESSMAN
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
February 3, 1971
Remarks by Rep. Gerald R. Ford on the floor of the House
MR. SPEAKER: It is time for a showdown. It is time the Congress quit
running away from the question of what to do about national emergency labor
disputes in the transportation industry.
The President has again sent the Congress his proposed Emergency Public
Interest Protection Act, which would bring the railroads and airlines under the
Taft-Hartley Act and amend Taft-Hartley to give the President three additional
options for handling national emergency labor disputes in transportation.
It is possible that none of us agrees word for word with the language of
the legislation being proposed by the President to deal with this pressing national
problem. But it is incumbent upon the Congress to give the President's proposal a
hearing and to formulate a solution.
It is a shameful shirking of responsibility for the Congress to avoid coming
to grips with the critical need for improving the Federal machinery for handling
labor disputes affecting transportation.
Action is needed--and now. The threat of another railroad strike in the
space of just a few weeks points up the urgency of the situation. The American
people should not stand for continued delay.
###
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
NEWS
CONGRESSMAN
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
February 3, 1971
Remarks by Rep. Gerald R. Ford on the floor of the House
MR. SPEAKER: It is time for a showdown. It is time the Congress quit
running away from the question of what to do about national emergency labor
disputes in the transportation industry.
The President has again sent the Congress his proposed Emergency Public
Interest Protection Act, which would bring the railroads and airlines under the
Taft-Hartley Act and amend Taft-Hartley to give the President three additional
options for handling national emergency labor disputes in transportation.
It is possible that none of us agrees word for word with the language of
the legislation being proposed by the President to deal with this pressing national
problem. But it is incumbent upon the Congress to give the President's proposal a
hearing and to formulate a solution.
It is a shameful shirking of responsibility for the Congress to avoid coming
to grips with the critical need for improving the Federal machinery for handling
labor disputes affecting transportation.
Action is needed--and now. The threat of another railroad strike in the
space of just a few weeks points up the urgency of the situation. The American
people should not stand for continued delay.
###
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
Full
Distribution
mail Halleries 2:00p 1:15 P}44/71 moffice Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
February 4, 1971
Remarks by Rep. Gerald R. Ford on the floor of the House
MR. SPEAKER: The President has laid before the Congress a compelling case
for general revenue sharing with the states and cities. His arguments are most
cogent.
What the President is proposing is a new approach to government. In a sense
it is not new. He is asking that we return to the time when the bulk of government
decisions in America were made in town meetings across the land. He is, in effect,
urging that we return to government by the people.
I realize these are strange words when addressed to the representatives of
the people, which is what all members of the U.S. House of Representatives are.
I am fond of calling this "the People's House." But the fact remains that because
the Federal Government is the all-powerful tax collector in this land we have
strayed grievously away from the principle that government should be as close as
possible to the people.
General revenue sharing affords the Congress an opportunity to come closer
to the people--to put the money and the responsibility where the problems are.
I believe that in endorsing general revenue sharing a member of Congress will
be reaffirming his faith in the local political process--and that process is the
foundation of free government, government by free men.
The alternative to general revenue sharing is the grafting of new growth
onto old Federal programs.
of the Federal bureaucracy with an approach that will usher in a new era of
I urge that we take to new paths--that we cut through the tangled undergrowth GEBALO
LIBRARY
self-government for the American people.
###
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
February 4, 1971
Remarks by Rep. Gerald R. Ford on the floor of the House
MR. SPEAKER: The President has laid before the Congress a compelling case
for general revenue sharing with the states and cities. His arguments are most
cogent.
What the President is proposing is a new approach to government. In a sense
it is not new. He is asking that we return to the time when the bulk of government
decisions in America were made in town meetings across the land. He is, in effect,
urging that we return to government by the people.
I realize these are strange words when addressed to the representatives of
the people, which is what all members of the U.S. House of Representatives are.
I am fond of calling this "the People's House." But the fact remains that because
the Federal Government is the all-powerful tax collector in this land we have
strayed grievously away from the principle that government should be as close as
possible to the people.
General revenue sharing affords the Congress an opportunity to come closer
to the people--to put the money and the responsibility where the problems are.
I believe that in endorsing general revenue sharing a member of Congress will
be reaffirming his faith in the local political process--and that process is the
foundation of free government, government by free men.
The alternative to general revenue sharing is the grafting of new growth
onto old Federal programs.
I urge that we take to new paths--that we cut through the tangled undergrowth
of the Federal bureaucracy with an approach that will usher in a new era of
LIBRARY
self-government for the American people.
###
Distribution : Full
Halleries
11:00a. a.m. 2/8/71 2/8/71 office Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
February 8, 1971
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
I strongly support the South Vietnamese incursion into Southern Laos and
President Nixon's decision to provide the South Vietnamese with the air support
they need to destroy vitally important North Vietnamese bases.
The objective of the operation is to disrupt the supply and infiltration
network of the North Vietnamese forces in Laos and thus to ensure the continued
withdrawal of U.S. forces from Vietnam. The operation by South Vietnamese forces
not only will achieve this objective but will open the door to accelerated
withdrawal of American troops from Vietnam.
Like the Cambodian venture, the incursion into Southern Laos promises to
destroy the enemy's ability to mount a major new offensive against South Vietnam,
taking us into a new monsoon season and ensuring continued success of President
Nixon's Vietnamization program.
The North Vietnamese forces and military supplies in Laos posed an increasing
threat to U.S. forces as they were being withdrawn. Their supply and infiltration
network has been used for many years to launch attacks against U.S. and South
Vietnamese forces in South Vietnam.
The territory in which this action is taking place has been subjected to
U.S. air attacks since 1965 and is therefore not a new theater of military
operations.
While the South Vietnamese incursion into Laos is a new development, the
government of Laos has candidly stated that this incursion has been forced by the
North Vietnamese. I fully agree with that view of the situation.
All Americans should applaud the determination of the South Vietnamese to
protect their own vital interests and should applaud the Laotian incursion as an
assist to U.S. withdrawal from Vietnam.
###
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
February 11, 1971
The Republican Congressional Committee each year conducts a fund raising
drive throughout the Country. From those funds the Committee makes funds
available to freshman G.O.P. Congressmen, other incumbent G.O.P. Congressmen
and non-incumbent candidates.
Because of my position as Republican leader of the House, I receive
contributions from all over the Country. When I reach the limitation set by
law, I turn such contributions over to the Republican Congressional Committee
to be used on behalf of all G.O.P. candidates for Congress. The Committee
subsequently files a report with the Clerk of the House of Representatives,
listing all donors and the amounts contributed by each.
The Republican Congressional Committee used no more money on my
behalf in the 1970 campaign than had been provided to freshmen G.O.P. Con-
gressmen in the last Congress. These freshmen were given an initial allo-
cation of $2,000, a subsequent allocation of $5,000 and $4,000 for public
relations: that is a total of $11,000.
The law does not prohibit any Congressional candidate not wishing
personally to accept a political contribution from turning that money over to
a political committee. Those funds are then controlled by that committee and
not by the individual who has turned that money over to them.
The Republican Congressional Committee's expenditures on my behalf
were made under normal procedure followed by the Committee not only in 1970
but in previous cempaigns.
I had been allocated money by the Committee in previous years -
money I had not used. So to all intents and purposes, some of the money used
by the Committee in my 1970 campaign was left over from previous allocations
to me.
I live by the letter of the Campaign laws. There is no question that these
laws are utterly unrealistic in the limits they set on campaign spending.
I have pressed since 1965 for modernization of the Federal Corrupt Practices
Act and I will continue to do so. That law was written 46 years ago and does
not take into account modern-day costs of radio and television campaigning.
Distribution wires + whoever wanted it
back in district
moffice Capy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
February 11, 1971
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
The Republican Congressional Committee each year conducts a fund-raising
drive throughout the country. From those funds the committee makes money available
to freshman GOP congressmen, other incumbent GOP congressmen, and non-incumbent
GOP congressional candidates.
Because of my position as Republican leader of the House, I receive
contributions from all over the country. When I reach the limitation set by law,
I turn such contributions over to the Republican Congressional Committee to be
used on behalf of all GOP candidates for Congress. The committee subsequently
files a report with the Clerk of the House of Representatives, listing all donors
and the amounts contributed.
The Republican Congressional Committee used no more money on my behalf in
the 1970 campaign than had been provided to freshman GOP congressmen in the last
Congress. These freshmen were given an initial allocation of $2,000, a subsequent
allocation of $5,000, and $4,000 for public relations. That is a total of
$11,000.
The law does not prohibit any congressional candidate not wishing personally
to accept a political contribution from turning that money over to a political
committee.
Those funds then are controlled by that committee and not by the individual
who has turned the money over to them.
The Republican Congressional Committee's expenditures on my behalf were
made under normal procedure followed by the committee not only in 1970 but in
previous campaigns.
I had been allocated money by the committee in previous years-money I had
not used. So to all intents and purposes some of the money used by the committee
in my 1970 campaign was left over from previous allocations to me.
I live by the letter of the campaign laws. There is no question that these
laws are utterly unrealistic in the limits they set on campaign spending. I have
pressed since 1965 for modernization of the Federal Corrupt Practices Act, and I
will continue to do so. That law was written 46 years ago and does not take inte
account modern-day costs of radio and television campaigning.
# # #
GERAL R.FORD
Some items in this folder were not digitized because it contains copyrighted
materials. Please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library for access to
these materials.
Jackson Citizen Patriot
An Independent Newspaper
Published weekday evenings and Saturday and Sunday morning
by Booth Newspapers, Inc.
HERBERT W. SPENDLOVE
G. WILLIAM HEIN
Editor
Manager
Saturday, February 13, 1971
Page 4
In Our Opinion -
Ford Within Law
On Spending Report
House Minority Leader Gerald R. than one campaign committee and
Ford has struck his hand through
thus exceed the spending limit the
that piece of federal Swiss cheese
act was Intended to enforce.
known as the Corrupt Practices
Act Now " appears someone is
Rare is the candidate, indeed.
Office Copy
NEWS
CONGRESSMAN
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
February 15, 1971
The Republican Congressional Committee each year conducts a fund-raising drive
throughout the country. From those funds the committee makes money available to
freshmam GOP congressmen, other incumbent GOP congressmen, and non-incumbent GOP
congressional candidates.
Because of my position as Republican leader of the House, I receive contribu-
tions from all over the country. When I reach the limitation set by law, I turn such
contributions over to the Republican Congressional Committee to be used on behalf of
all GOP candidates for Congress. The committee subsequently files a report with the
Clerk of the House of Representatives, listing all donors and the amounts contributed.
In fact the reporter who wrote the news article on this subject obtained his informa-
tion from the public records on file with the Clerk of the House and with the Kent
County Clerk. There was no attempt to hide anything, either by me or the Republican
Congressional Committee.
The Republican Congressional Committee used no more money on my behalf in the
1970 campaign than had been provided to freshman GOP congressmen in the last Congress.
These freshmen were given an initial allocation of $2,000, a subsequent allocation of
$5,000, and $4,000 for public relations. That is a total of $11,000.
The law does not prohibit any congressional candidate not wishing personally
to accept a political contribution from turning that money over to a political
committee.
Those funds then are controlled by that committee and not by the individual
who has turned the money over to them.
The Republican Congressional Committee's expenditures on my behalf were made
under normal procedure followed by the committee not only in 1970 but in previous
campaigns.
I had been allocated money by the committee in previous years--money I had not
used. So to all intents and purposes some of the money used by the committee in my
1970 campaign was left over from previous allocations to me.
I complied fully with all the campaign laws. There is no question that these
laws are utterly unrealistic in the limits they set on campaign spending. I have
pressed since 1965 for modernization of the Federal Corrupt Practices Act, and I will
continue to do so. That law was written 46 years ago and does not take into account
modern-day costs of radio and television campaigning.
###
Distribution: Full
Galleries 12:15p 2/22/71
may
am 2/22/71
Office Copy
NEWS
CONGRESSMAN
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-
February 22, 1971
Remarks on the Floor of the House by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
Mr. Speaker: The President has again urged action on a problem that cries
out for attention--the difficulty young people are having throughout the nation
in financing their higher education.
No qualified student should fail to go to college for lack of funds. If
we accept that statement--and I think every member of Congress does-then the
Congress should not fail to act this year on proposals to expand funding
opportunities for prospective college students.
The President's proposals in this area of difficulty make great good sense.
Under his program, Federal funds would go first and in the largest amounts to the
neediest students. But loan money would be readily available to students from
higher income families.
The creation of a National Student Loan Association has been delayed far
too long. All of us know that in many communities it is virtually impossible
for a prospective college student to get a loan from a bank. This situation must
be remedied, and the proposed National Student Loan Association appears to be the
obvious answer.
We must open higher education to all of our qualified young people. America
must truly be the land of opportunity.
###
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
February 22, 1971
Remarks on the Floor of the House by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
Mr. Speaker: The President has again urged action on a problem that cries
out for attention--the difficulty young people are having throughout the nation
in financing their higher education.
No qualified student should fail to go to college for lack of funds. If
we accept that statement--and I think every member of Congress does--then the
Congress should not fail to act this year on proposals to expand funding
opportunities for prospective college students.
The President's proposals in this area of difficulty make great good sense.
Under his program, Federal funds would go first and in the largest amounts to the
neediest students. But loan money would be readily available to students from
higher income families.
The creation of a National Student Loan Association has been delayed far
too long. All of us know that in many communities it is virtually impossible
for a prospective college student to get a loan from a bank. This situation must
be remedied, and the proposed National Student Loan Association appears to be the
obvious answer.
We must open higher education to all of our qualified young people. America
must truly be the land of opportunity.
###
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
February 23, 1971
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
The action taken by the President to dampen inflationary pressures in the
construction industry should be welcomed--not only by the American people
generally but by construction workers in particular.
Suspension of the Davis-Bacon Act will increase competition in bidding
on government projects. It will tend to hold down further rises in construction
costs. It will tend to create more work for construction workers. In the final
analysis, both the public and the construction workers will benefit.
The President is saying that the government will not have a part in
abetting inflation. He is saying that the Nixon Administration will take decisive
action as necessary to bring inflation under control.
# # #
Distribution House Halleries Only
5.00 2/23/71
Office Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
February 23, 1971
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
The action taken by the President to dampen inflationary pressures in the
construction industry should be welcomed--not only by the American people
generally but by construction workers in particular.
Suspension of the Davis-Bacon Act will increase competition in bidding
on government projects. It will tend to hold down further rises in construction
costs. It will tend to create more work for construction workers. In the final
analysis, both the public and the construction workers will benefit.
The President is saying that the government will not have a part in
abetting inflation. He is saying that the Nixon Administration will take decisive
action as necessary to bring inflation under control.
###
BERALD FORD LIBRARY
Distribution: Full
Galleries 11:10 a 2/25/71
office Copy
eur
mail
a.m. 2/25/91
NEWS
CONGRESSMAN
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON--
February 25, 1971
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
The President's second State of the World Message is an excellent exposition
of American foreign policy.
It is further testimony that President Nixon has taken the American people
into his confidence more fully than any President before him.
The section on Indochina outlines our military and diplomatic moves
directed toward peace in Southeast Asia more clearly than has ever been done before.
The President places the blame for conflict throughout Indochina precisely where
it belongs--on the Communist leaders in Hanoi.
In the section on the Middle East, the President points up the constant
danger of a U.S.-Soviet confrontation there. One of the Administration's great
accomplishments stemmed from the low-keyed manner in which the Administration
steered away from that danger during the Jordanian crisis last September.
All in all, the President's second State of the World Message is a valuable
contribution to an understanding of U.S. foreign policy-not only by the American
people but by peoples throughout the universe.
###
LIBRARY
Distribution: Full
Galleries 2:00P 3/2/71
mail pm 3/2/71
moffice Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
March 2, 1971
Remarks by Rep. Gerald R. Ford placed in the Congressional Record of March 2, 1971.
As President Nixon clearly spells out in his message received by the
Congress today, there are vital and distinct ways in which special revenue sharing
differs from block grants.
Special Revenue Sharing differs from block grants in that it would require
no matching funds, no demonstration of maintenance of effort, and no prior project
approval.
Special Revenue Sharing proposals are not a threat to the adoption of
General Revenue Sharing. Special Revenue Sharing fits in with the same philosophy
in which General Revenue Sharing is rooted--that no program or project strings
will govern the use of revenue sharing funds.
Special Revenue Sharing funds would be spent under six broad headings--law
enforcement, manpower training, urban development, rural development, transportation
and education. State and local governments would enjoy great freedom and flexibility
with the use of funds allocated for those general purposes.
The Nation has reached a critical juncture in the development of our
federal system.
Revenue sharing--general and special--represents an historic opportunity to
restore fiscal balance to the system and to markedly strengthen state and local
government. It is an act of faith in the local political process. It is sorely
needed.
###
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
Distribution : House Halliris only
12 moon 3/5/71
m Office Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
-FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
March 5, 1971
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
All Americans can feel greatly encouraged by President Nixon's remarks
Thursday night concerning the Laotian incursion by South Vietnamese troops aided
by U.S. air support.
The fact that 55 per cent of the traffic coming down the Ho Chih Minh Trail
has been halted is clear evidence of the incursion's success and proof that
taking this action was a matter of sound military strategy.
I personally believe the Laotian incursion by the South Vietnamese will
produce even more dramatic results and will unquestionably mean an acceleration
of U.S. troop withdrawals from South Vietnam.
I commend the President for his candor and the completeness of his answers
during his foreign policy press conference. He has kept every promise he has
made to the American people on Vietnam and he has taken them into his confidence.
#####
FORD LIBRARY
Distribution all daily 5ᵗʰ Diet. News media
3/8/21 Amoon air mail
Maffice Capy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON--
Friday, March 12, 1971
Rep. Gerald R. Ford last night challenged the Democratic-controlled
Congress to "ride the winds of change with the Republican Party."
Speaking at a Lincoln Day Dinner in Ionia, Ford said President Nixon
has laid before the Congress a blueprint for progress which would scrap what
has failed and have the Nation meet the needs of tomorrow in tomorrow's terms.
Ford urged that the Congress join with the President in seeking to meet
the six great goals set forth in the President's State of the Union Message--
propperity in peacetime, welfare reform, the restoration of our environment,
the best possible health care for all Americans, strengthening of State and local
government through a sharing of Federal revenue, and complete reform of the
Federal Government through an overhaul of cabinet departments.
Ford pointed to recent Presidential messages to the Congress on health
care and law enforcement and manpower revenue sharing and declared: "President
Nixon has taken dramatic new initiatives on social legislation and on the
structure of government--and the response among the people makes it clear he
has captured the imagination of the nation."
Ford said the President is asking for a chance to prove that government
can work.
He said he is seeking to do this by replacing the present "scandalous"
welfare system, by bolstering state and local governments, by overhauling job
training and job placement programs, and by sharing Federal revenue with the
states and local communities.
Said Ford: "The President wants to reform government itself--so that
instead of sliding further into musclebound ineffectiveness it can at last
deliver the services it promises and bridge the gap between promise and performance."
Ford added: "Through Federal revenue sharing, by putting the money where
the problems are, we will be returning government to the people. And, as Abraham
Lincoln so well expressed it, 'We hold to the true Republican position. In
leaving the people's business in their hands, we cannot be wrong. "
# # #
Distribution
all
An Fifth 3/16/71
District
news
midian Office Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
March 16, 1971
Rep. Gerald R. Ford, R-Mich., today introduced a Nixon Administration bill
which would clear the way for construction of hundreds of low and moderate income
housing units in Michigan and elsewhere.
Ford's bill would amend the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 to
permit companies regulated under the Act to participate in government-assisted low
and moderate income housing programs. Commerce Committee Chairman Harley O.
Staggers, D-W.Va., and Rep. William L. Springer, Ill., the committee's senior
Republican, are poised to introduce identical bills.
Enactment of Ford's Holding Company Act Amendment would allow Michigan
Consolidated Gas Company to go ahead with three low and moderate income housing
projects in Michigan. These projects would provide 538 homes at a cost of roughly
$10 million.
One of the projects consists of 150 units in Kentwood, just south of Grand
Rapids. The others are a 175-unit project in an urban renewal area of Muskegon and
213 units in Romulus, a Detroit suburb.
Said Ford: "While I have considerable interest in the overall housing needs
of the country, I am particularly interested in seeing the Kentwood project proceed.
All of the necessary local and FHA approvals have been obtained. This project will
provide 150 homes which are greatly needed in the Grand Rapids area. Very little
has been done in the area in the way of lower income housing construction."
Ford also noted that the project will provide additional employment in the
Grand Rapids area, "which is badly needed at this time."
The Grand Rapids project ultimately is expected to result in 302 homes. The
first phase of the project, 150 units, is estimated to cost $2.8 million.
Michigan Consolidated Gas Company had been building low and moderate income
housing in Michigan until the Securities and Exchange Commission ruled against such
activity on June 22, 1970.
The 1970 ruling was a reversal of an SEC ruling handed down in March 1969,
at which time the SEC authorized such activity by Michigan Consolidated Gas. After
the favorable 1969 ruling, Michigan Consolidated built 298 units in Elmwood and
134 units in Inkster, Mich.
There are housing units in Michigan that hinge on enactment of the Ford bill.
There are also housing projects in other parts of the country that are awaiting this
LIBRARI
legislation.
###
NEWS
CONGRESSMAN
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
March 16, 1971
Rep. Gerald R. Ford, R-Mich., today introduced a Nixon Administration bill
which would clear the way for construction of hundreds of low and moderate income
housing units in Michigan and elsewhere.
Ford's bill would amend the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 to
permit companies regulated under the Act to participate in government-assisted low
and moderate income housing programs. Commerce Committee Chairman Harley O.
Staggers, D-W.Va., and Rep. William L. Springer, Ill., the committee's senior
Republican, are poised to introduce identical bills.
Enactment of Ford's Holding Company Act Amendment would allow Michigan
Consolidated Gas Company to go ahead with three low and moderate income housing
projects in Michigan. These projects would provide 538 homes at a cost of roughly
$10 million.
One of the projects consists of 150 units in Kentwood, just south of Grand
Rapids. The others are a 175-unit project in an urban renewal area of Muskegon and
213 units in Romulus, a Detroit suburb.
Said Ford: "While I have considerable interest in the overall housing needs
of the country, I am particularly interested in seeing the Kentwood project proceed.
All of the necessary local and FHA approvals have been obtained. This project will
provide 150 homes which are greatly needed in the Grand Rapids area. Very little
has been done in the area in the way of lower income housing construction."
Ford also noted that the project will provide additional employment in the
Grand Rapids area, "which is badly needed at this time."
The Grand Rapids project ultimately is expected to result in 302 homes. The
first phase of the project, 150 units, is estimated to cost $2.8 million.
Michigan Consolidated Gas Company had been building low and moderate income
housing in Michigan until the Securities and Exchange Commission ruled against such
activity on June 22, 1970.
The 1970 ruling was a reversal of an SEC ruling handed down in March 1969,
at which time the SEC authorized such activity by Michigan Consolidated Gas. After
the favorable 1969 ruling, Michigan Consolidated built 298 units in Elmwood and
134 units in Inkster, Mich.
There are housing units in Michigan that hinge on enactment of the Ford bill.
There are also housing projects in other parts of the country that are awaiting this
legislation.
# # #
Wire services mhyp3-16-91
Office copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
March 16, 1971
Thomas E. Dewey was a truly outstanding American. Whatever his role--as
racket-busting district attorney, governor of New York for three terms, twice
the Republican candidate for President--he always distinguished himself.
In his later years, Tom Dewey was a sage adviser on national issues. I
served with him on the Republican National Coordinating Committee and joined
with him in discussions to which he made invaluable contributions.
Tom Dewey was a dedicated American. He loved his country more than
anything else in life. He was a quiet patriot, but a true patriot.
Tom Dewey was born in Owosso, Mich., and my state of Michigan can be
proud that it gave Tom Dewey to the Nation. His death is a loss to us all.
######
FORD & LIBRARY GENALD
Distribution. Full
Gallerus 2:00 p 1:00p 3/25/11 Moffice Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
March 25, 1971
Remarks by Rep. Gerald R. Ford, placed in the Congressional Record of March 25, 1971
Mr. Speaker, in the last four decades more and more power has been
concentrated in the Washington bureaucracy.
During that time the Congress appears to have been fascinated by sheer
numbers--a fantastic increase in numbers of Government programs, numbers of Federal
dollars allocated to those programs, and numbers of Federal workers employed in
those programs.
The problems remain. In fact, the problems have become worse. And in
recent years when Presidents have tried to point to progress they have talked in
terms of increased dollar outlays rather than results.
This has brought crushing disappointment to the American people--a bitter
realization that performance has fallen far short of political promises.
There is an inescapable conclusion--that the system is at fault, that
thorough-going changes are needed in the fundamental structure of the Federal
Government and the federal aid system.
The President has sent us his proposals for Federal revenue sharing--and
these are most welcome.
Today we have received the President's proposal for governmental
reorganization. This, combined with revenue sharing, places us on the threshold
of a new era in American political history, an era in which the people are given
more control over their own destinies.
We need only look at the record and we must recognize that governmental
reorganization is a must. In the past 20 years the number of Cabinet departments
has increased from 9 to 12; the number of major independent agencies has increased
from 27 to 41; the number of Federal employes has increased from 2.1 million to
2.7 million; the Federal budget has increased from $42 billion to more than
$200 billion; and the number of Federal programs has jumped more than 10-fold to
about 1,400.
We need wholesale reorganization of the Federal government. We need to
reorganize the Executive Branch along the lines of the functions served by various
departments and agencies, not the constituencies they now serve.
This is the thrust of the President's plan--to organize the Federal
Government by function. This, I believe, would eliminate overlapping and clear
away the present complicated maze.
Our citizens are sick of the complexity of big government. They are sick of
waste. They are sick of the miles and miles of red tape in which government now is
entangled...and the people with it.
I urge the Congress to give careful study to the President's proposals and
to bring order out of chaos. The Congress must not stand in the way of progress.
###
GERALD LIBRARY
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
March 25, 1971
Remarks by Rep. Gerald R. Ford, placed in the Congressional Record of March 25, 1971
Mr. Speaker, in the last four decades more and more power has been
concentrated in the Washington bureaucracy.
During that time the Congress appears to have been fascinated by sheer
numbers--a fantastic increase in numbers of Government programs, numbers of Federal
dollars allocated to those programs, and numbers of Federal workers employed in
those programs.
The problems remain. In fact, the problems have become worse. And in
recent years when Presidents have tried to point to progress they have talked in
terms of increased dollar outlays rather than results.
This has brought crushing disappointment to the American people--a bitter
realization that performance has fallen far short of political promises.
There is an inescapable conclusion--that the system is at fault, that
thorough-going changes are needed in the fundamental structure of the Federal
Government and the federal aid system.
The President has sent us his proposals for Federal revenue sharing--and
these are most welcome.
Today we have received the President's proposal for governmental
reorganization. This, combined with revenue sharing, places us on the threshold
of a new era in American political history, an era in which the people are given
more control over their own destinies.
We need only look at the record and we must recognize that governmental
reorganization is a must. In the past 20 years the number of Cabinet departments
has increased from 9 to 12; the number of major independent agencies has increased
from 27 to 41; the number of Federal employes has increased from 2.1 million to
2.7 million; the Federal budget has increased from $42 billion to more than
$200 billion; and the number of Federal programs has jumped more than 10-fold to
about 1,400.
We need wholesale reorganization of the Federal government. We need to
reorganize the Executive Branch along the lines of the functions served by various
departments and agencies, not the constituencies they now serve.
This is the thrust of the President's plan--to organize the Federal
Government by function. This, I believe, would eliminate overlapping and clear
away the present complicated maze.
Our citizens are sick of the complexity of big government. They are sick of
waste. They are sick of the miles and miles of red tape in which government now is
entangled...and the people with it.
I urge the Congress to give careful study to the President's proposals and
to bring order out of chaos. The Congress must not stand in the way of progress.
###
GERALD
LIBRARY
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON TUESDAY-
March 30, 1971
House Republi Rep. Leader Gerald R. Ford today threw his weight behind a bill to
Thould Repids
prevent nationwide television and radio blackouts of major sporting events like the
Frazier-Ali fight.
Ford joined in electronic cosponsoring a bill which would amend the Federal Communications
Act to prohibit monopoly coverage of big sports events. The bill was introduced by
Rep. Charles W. Sandman Jr., R-N.J.
"I think the restricting of the Frazier-Ali fight broadcas ts to closed circuit
television was unfair to millions of fight fans across the country," For decla red.
"I hope Congress will prevent such occurrences in the future by enacting the Sandman-For d
bill."
The Sandman-Ford bill would require promoters of the "final national or
international championship events in professional sports" to obtain a permit from the
tobroadcast event over any electronic madium,
Federal Communications Commission the
broadcasting permit would be issued
only
if the FCC is satisfied that
broadcasters in "each type of electronic medium"
TV, radio andi
the
closed circuit system-have had a chance to bid for broadcast rights and that the highest
bid in each medium has been accepted.
"This bill would make it certain, Ford said, "that the general public would
have the opportunity to witness major sporting events on all
types of broadcast media."
Events such as the Super Bowl, the World Series, the Stanley Cup championships, the
NBA and ABA playoffs and championship boxing matches are among the events covered by the
sport
Sandmam-Ford bill.
If the FCC approach to breaking/up the broadcas monopoly is unsuccessful, Ford
preventing
said, there is a possibility of accomplishing the same result by amending the antitrust
laws. That approach would be to prohibit owners, managers or promoters of professional
sports from awarding exclusive rights to any one type of broadcast media.
he
Provid
the
licensing
in
Lill
included
To
hopinio 1:12 would closed streatt
queh
legislation
and
######
DERALD FORD LIBRARY
Distribution Full
Malleries 1:00 p 3/31/71
Mail 3:00 P 3/31/71
M Office Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
March 31, 1971
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
I applaud the action of the Democratic Caucus of the House of Representatives
in urging full support of President Nixon's initiatives for peace in Vietnam and
the release of all prisoners of war. The President will be strengthened by the
support of all Americans in the courageous course he is pursuing.
###
FORD in LIBRARY OFRALD s
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-
March 31, 1971
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
I applaud the action of the Democratic Caucus of the House of Representatives
in urging full support of President Nixon's initiatives for peace in Vietnam and
the release of all prisoners of war. The President will be strengthened by the
support of all Americans in the courageous course he is pursuing.
###
GERALE FORD LIBRAST
BOLLING Vietnam Mo-
3/31/71
RESOLVED, That 10 is the sense of the Democratic
Caucus of the House of Representatives that in
the 92nd Congress the House of Representatives should
work to end the U. S. military involvement in Indo-
china and to bring about the release of all prisoners
in a time certain; and during the 92mg Congress,
RESOLVED, Further, that in pursuit of these objectives,
she Democratic Caucus urges full support whatever
pssible by both House Democrate and Republicans of
the initiatives of the President, the House Committees
and Members, and the Senate, which may be pertinent
to these ends.
Resd, adopted by HouseDemi Cardis
Distrbution. Fifth District news Media
Wuklies -3/26/91 P
douces 3/29/71 a
office Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
FOR RELEASE IN THURSDAY PM's--
April 1, 1971
Congressman Gerald R. Ford today announced that he is inaugurating "hot line"
telephone service between his constituents and his Washington office.
Ford explained that any of his constituents in Kent and Ionia Counties may
talk with his Washington office without charge on urgent business matters simply
by calling his district office in Grand Rapids. The number is 456-9607.
Ford said two special lines have been installed in his Grand Rapids office.
If one line is busy, the call automatically will come in on the second line.
"When someone calls 456-9607, a staff member in my district office will put
the call through to my Washington office," Ford said. "I or one of my Washington
staff members then will take the call and handle the problem," he added.
Ford emphasized that the hot line service is primarily to expedite matters
of immediate concern. In most instances, he said, letter-writing is best because
then a constituent can explain all details of a problem.
###
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
Distribution Full
Gallerie 3:30p 4/6/71
a 4/8/71
Moffice Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
April 6, 1971
Remarks by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
Mr. Speaker, no effort is more vital to improving the quality of life in
America than improving the quality of education in America.
For this reason, I look upon Education Revenue Sharing as the most important
of the Special Revenue Sharing proposals sent to the Congress by the President.
The Education Revenue Sharing Message received by the Congress today should
be scanned most carefully by every member, since it is aimed at remedying the most
glaring deficiencies in our present system of Federal aid to schools.
I see Education Revenue Sharing as the answer to two of the greatest weak-
nesses in the present system--inability to plan and lack of flexibility.
Local school officials presently are at a tremendous disadvantage in budgeting
from one year to the next. They can never be certain how much Federal aid they will
receive. They are also handicapped in undertaking innovative programs. Washington
requires that they abide by certain rules in order to obtain Federal funds.
Education Revenue Sharing would hurdle these barriers to proper local
administration of schools.
There would be no fragmentation of Federal grants, no rigid assignment of
funds. Instead there would be an assured Federal contribution toward the overall
quality of local education, with flexibility for local planners.
I had anticipated a formidable obstacle to Education Revenue Sharing in
connection with aid to non-public schools. But I find reassurance in the President's
pledge that "non-public school students would be counted in the reckoning of
population for purposes of allocation, and all forms of educational services would
be available to them." Where State law prevents non-public school participation,
the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare "shall arrange for such children to
receive similar services on an equitable basis and shall pay the cost thereof out
of the State's allotment." I find this completely satisfactory.
###
4/7/71
THE PRESIDENT'S COMMITMENT TO END TOTAL AMERICAN INVOLVEMENT
IN VIETNAM AND HIS CONTINUING STRIDES TOWARD THAT GOAL SHOULD GREATLY
ENCOURAGE ALL AMERICENS.
THE SUCCESS OF HIS VIETNAMIZATION PROGRAM HAS MADE IT POSSIBIE
TO EXPAND U.S. WITHDRAWALS FROM VIETNAM TO BETTER THAN 14,000 men
A MONTH. IF OUR WITHDRAWALS CONTINUE INTO 1972 AT THE RATE NOW
PROGRAMMED BY THE PRESIDENT, WE WILL BE DOWN TO 55,000 MEN BY
SEPT. 1 of NEXT YEAR.
I APPLAUD THE PRESIDENT FOR STICKING WITH HIS RESOLVE TO END
OUR INVOLVEMENT IN VIETNAM IN A WAY THAT WILL LEAVE BEHIND A VIABLE
AND INDEPENDENT SOUTH VIETNAM. I APPLAUD THE PRESIDENT FOR DOING
WHAT IS RIGHT...NOT WHAT IS POLITICALIY AND TEMPORARILY EXPEDIENT.
#####
293-3/00 3160
GERALE FORD LEBRARY
Distribution: 5th District media only
MOffice Copy
NEWS
CONGRESSMAN
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON THURSDAY--
April 8, 1971
Congressman Gerald R. Ford today urged favorable committee action on his bill
or identical bills to ban the unregulated dumping of any materials into the oceans
and the Great Lakes.
Ford made his plea in a statement filed with the Joint Subcommittee on
Fisheries and Wildlife and Oceanography of the House Committee on Merchant Marine
and Fisheries. The subcommittee currently is considering a number of ocean dumping
bills.
Ford's bill would ban the dumping of any material into the oceans and the
Great Lakes while giving the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency
the authority to issue dumping permits when, in his judgment, the dumping would
"not unreasonably degrade or unreasonably endanger human health, welfare, or
amenities, or the marine environment, ecological systems, or economic potentialities."
Violators of Ford's proposed Marine Protection Act of 1971 would be subject
to a $50,000 fine or a year in jail. Each day of continuing wilful violations would
be a separate offense.
In his statement to the subcommittee Ford declared:
"There are environmental problems that are far more critical than ocean
dumping. But there is no time better than the present for acknowledging that the
current level of ocean dumping is creating serious environmental damage in some
areas.
"We should recognize now that the volume of wastes dumped in the ocean is
increasing rapidly.
"We should warn ourselves now that a vast new influx of wastes is likely to
occur as municipalities and industries look to the ocean as a convenient spot to
dump their wastes.
"We should view with alarm now the trends indicating that ocean dumping could
become a major, nationwide environmental problem.
"We must act now to safeguard our basic environmental balance by banning
unregulated dumping of any materials into the oceans and by strictly limiting the
ocean disposal of any materials harmful to the environment."
QERALD R.FORD LIBRARY
# # #
NEWS
CONGRESSMAN
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON THURSDAY--
April 8, 1971
Congressman Gerald R. Ford today urged favorable committee action on his bill
or identical bills to ban the unregulated dumping of any materials into the oceans
and the Great Lakes.
Ford made his plea in a statement filed with the Joint Subcommittee on
Fisheries and Wildlife and Oceanography of the House Committee on Merchant Marine
and Fisheries. The subcommittee currently is considering a number of ocean dumping
bills.
Ford's bill would ban the dumping of any material into the oceans and the
Great Lakes while giving the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency
the authority to issue dumping permits when, in his judgment, the dumping would
"not unreasonably degrade or unreasonably endanger human health, welfare, or
amenities, or the marine environment, ecological systems, or economic potentialities."
Violators of Ford's proposed Marine Protection Act of 1971 would be subject
to a $50,000 fine or a year in jail. Each day of continuing wilful violations would
be a separate offense.
In his statement to the subcommittee Ford declared:
"There are environmental problems that are far more critical than ocean
dumping. But there is no time better than the present for acknowledging that the
current level of ocean dumping is creating serious environmental damage in some
areas.
"We should recognize now that the volume of wastes dumped in the ocean is
increasing rapidly.
"We should warn ourselves now that a vast new influx of wastes is likely to
occur as municipalities and industries look to the ocean as a convenient spot to
dump their wastes.
"We should view with alarm now the trends indicating that ocean dumping could
become a major, nationwide environmental problem.
"We must act now to safeguard our basic environmental balance by banning
unregulated dumping of any materials into the oceans and by strictly limiting the
ocean disposal of any materials harmful to the environment."
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
NEWS
CONGRESSMAN
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
April 20, 1971
FOR RELEASE AT WILL
The board of directors of the National Police Officers Association
has appointed Congressman Gerald R. Ford an honorary vice-president of the
association. Ford was notified of the honor by Frank J. Schira, association
executive director.
###
BERALD FORD LIBRARY
Distribution: all fifth District 4/20/71
moffice Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
April 20, 1971
FOR RELEASE AT WILL
The board of directors of the National Police Officers Association
has appointed Congressman Gerald R. Ford an honorary vice-president of the
association. Ford was notified of the honor by Frank J. Schira, association
executive director.
###
FORD is LIBRARY GERALD
Distribution : Sistrict only
Wuklies 4/16/91
GRP 41 19/71
moffice Copy
4/20/71
NEWS
CONGRESSMAN
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON THURSDAY--
April 22, 1971
News Release from the Office of Congressman Gerald R. Ford
Congressman Gerald R. Ford today announced that he and others will meet with
Federal Highway Administrator Francis C. Turner in the hope of expediting
construction of a four-lane divided US 131 from Cedar Springs to Cadillac.
Ford said he has set up a meeting Wednesday (April 28) in his office with
Turner, U.S. Rep. Elford A. Cederberg of Bay City, a group of State legislators,
and officials of the US 131 Area Development Association.
"A way must be found to expedite construction of a new US 131 from Cedar
Springs to Cadillac," Ford declared. "The State Highway Department and the State
Highway Commission obviously are not giving 131 any greater priority than US 31, if
as much. Their plan to build these two four-lane freeways at pretty much the same
pace smacks of nothing but politics to me. The facts show 81 fatalities on the
186-mile stretch from Grand Rapids to Petoskey on 131 as compared with 53 fatalities
on 31 from Muskegon to Petoskey. This situation cannot be tolerated any longer.
US 131 should definitely be speeded up."
State Rep. Thomas G. Ford Sr. of Grand Rapids, Congressman Ford's brother,
has been pressuring the State Highway Department for more than five years to
expedite construction of a new 131.
Those expected to attend the US 131 meeting in Congressman Ford's office
besides Turner and Cederberg are: State Rep. Ford, State Sen. Milton Zaagman of
Grand Rapids, State Sen. John F. Toepp of Cadillac, State Rep. Donald Holbrook of
Clare, State Rep. Michael Dively of Traverse City, US 131 Association Executive
Secretary Gordon Huizenga of Grand Rapids, and Association President Robert W.
Ransom of Cadillac.
Congressman Ford said the group will propose to Turner that 131 either be
taken into the Interstate Highway System or that U.S. highway funds be earmarked
specifically for the project because 131 is "a killer highway."
The US 131 freeway now ends at M 57 south of Cedar Springs. Bids are
scheduled to be taken this summer and next fall for the stretch from M 57 to M 46
north of Howard City. The State Highway Department says that 19-mile stretch should
be opened to traffic in 1973.
The section from Howard City to Reed City now is scheduled for contracting FORD in
1975. Congressman Ford is hopeful that with Federal intervention the Howard City-
LIBRARY
to-Reed City section can be advanced for contracting to at least 1973.
#
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
April 22, 1971
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
What is most striking and significant about the marked slowdown in the cost of
living rise during the first quarter of 1971 is that it comes at a time when the
economy has registered the sharpest quarterly growth in our history.
What this means is that we are now apparently enjoying the best of both
worlds-- bringing of inflation under control at the same time that the economy
moves briskly forward. This stands in sharp contrast to 1970, when the economy was
at a virtual standstill while inflation still came on strong. That was a time when
we temporarily suffered the worst of both worlds--a condition brought about by our
refusal to deal firmly with inflation during the 1965-68 period.
A review of both the inflation and growth sides of the economic ledger gives
us real cause for encouragement.
The cost of living during the first quarter of 1971 rose only 2.7 per cent on
an annual basis, the smallest quarterly rise in four years.
At the same time the gross national product grew by $28.5 billion, the highest
absolute increase in history. Retail sales are up. Automobile sales are setting
records. Housing starts are at an annual rate of 1.9 million. Unemployment is
levelling off and can be expected to move downward as the economy continues to expand
and available jobs increase.
The cost of money is coming down. Interest rates have fallen sharply for the
first time in 10 years. Roughly 60 days ago, U.S. Treasury bills sold at rates
that marked an eight-year low.
We have genuine reasons for optimism. Overall, the economy is looking healthy.
LIBRARY
###
Distribution: Full.
Galleries 10:30a 4/22/71
11:00a
Moffice Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
April 22, 1971
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
What is most striking and significant about the marked slowdown in the cost of
living rise during the first quarter of 1971 is that it comes at a time when the
economy has registered the sharpest quarterly growth in our history.
What this means is that we are now apparently enjoying the best of both
worlds--a bringing of inflation under control at the same time that the economy
moves briskly forward. This stands in sharp contrast to 1970, when the economy was
at a virtual standstill while inflation still came on strong. That was a time when
we temporarily suffered the worst of both worlds--a condition brought about by our
refusal to deal firmly with inflation during the 1965-68 period.
A review of both the inflation and growth sides of the economic ledger gives
us real cause for encouragement.
The cost of living during the first quarter of 1971 rose only 2.7 per cent on
an annual basis, the smallest quarterly rise in four years.
At the same time the gross national product grew by $28.5 billion, the highest
absolute increase in history. Retail sales are up. Automobile sales are setting
records. Housing starts are at an annual rate of 1.9 million. Unemployment is
levelling off and can be expected to move downward as the economy continues to expand
and available jobs increase.
The cost of money is coming down. Interest rates have fallen sharply for the
first time in 10 years. Roughly 60 days ago, U.S. Treasury bills sold at rates
that marked an eight-year low.
We have genuine reasons for optimism. Overall, the economy is looking healthy.
###
distribution Full
Hallines 11:00 ? 5/3/71
Moffice Copy
am 5/3/71
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
May 3, 1971
Remarks by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
MR. SPEAKER:
President Nixon has moved vigorously to help American farmers expand their
sales and income, and his actions are most welcome. The farmer needs and deserves
our assistance.
I applaud the $1 million increase in fiscal 1972 funding for the Foreign
Agricultural Service, which helps our farmers expand their sales abroad.
I applaud the increased Agriculture Department purchases of pork for food
distribution and school lunch programs this fiscal year.
I applaud the increase in farm operating loans in fiscal 1972 and the
increase in insured ownership loans in the current fiscal year.
I applaud the increase in funds to fight crop and livestock disease and
the increase in funding for agricultural research and for soil and water
conservation.
I join with the President in saluting American agriculture as we approach
May 7, America's Agriculture Day. The American farmer merits the plaudits and
the gratitude of our people for the tremendous job he is doing.
###
GERALD FORD VIBRARY
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
May 3, 1971
Remarks by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
MR. SPEAKER:
President Nixon has moved vigorously to help American farmers expand their
sales and income, and his actions are most welcome. The farmer needs and deserves
our assistance.
I applaud the $1 million increase in fiscal 1972 funding for the Foreign
Agricultural Service, which helps our farmers expand their sales abroad.
I applaud the increased Agriculture Department purchases of pork for food
distribution and school lunch programs this fiscal year.
I applaud the increase in farm operating loans in fiscal 1972 and the
increase in insured ownership loans in the current fiscal year.
I applaud the increase in funds to fight crop and livestock disease and
the increase in funding for agricultural research and for soil and water
conservation.
I join with the President in saluting American agriculture as we approach
May 7, America's Agriculture Day. The American farmer merits the plaudits and
the gratitude of our people for the tremendous job he is doing.
###
LIBRARI
Distribution Full
Gallivies 10:00a 5/3/71
Maffice Copy
a.m. 5/3/71
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
May 3, 1971
The tactics being engaged in by the radical demonstrators now operating
in Washington are foreign to America, and I feel sure the American people roundly
condemn them.
The attempts the radicals are making to shut down the Nation's capital
stand in sharp contrast with the peaceful peace march of April 24, when upwards
of 175,000 persons made their point without infringing on the rights of others.
To try to block traffic and keep others from getting to their jobs is an
action which cannot be tolerated. Such tactics are counter-productive.
I congratulate the authorities for handling the situation as skillfully as
they have. Law-abiding citizens owe them a debt of gratitude.
###
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
May 3, 1971
The tactics being engaged in by the radical demonstrators now operating
in Washington are foreign to America, and I feel sure the American people roundly
condemn them.
The attempts the radicals are making to shut down the Nation's capital
stand in sharp contrast with the peaceful peace march of April 24, when upwards
of 175,000 persons made their point without infringing on the rights of others.
To try to block traffic and keep others from getting to their jobs is an
action which cannot be tolerated. Such tactics are counter-productive.
I congratulate the authorities for handling the situation as skillfully as
they have. Law-abiding citizens owe them a debt of gratitude.
###
LIBRARY
15 copies to Steuben Society only
m affice Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR RELEASE ON RECEIPT--
May 12, 1971
West German Chancellor Willi Brandt's policy of Ostpolitik (East Politics)
will not benefit NATO or the Free World, House Republican Leader Gerald R. Ford
declared today.
Ford said he is "disappointed" that Brandt has chosen to lead West Germany
on the path of Ostpolitik. Ford said he has not discussed with President Nixon the
Socialist West German premier's efforts to negotiate with the Communists. But he
said he personally is convinced that Brandt is "giving away something he did not
have to give away and is getting nothing in return."
Ford made his remarks in an interview with the legislative committee of the
Steuben Society of America, a group which has just concluded a four-day visit to
Washington, D.C. Ford will be the principal speaker at the Steuben Society's
52nd Founder's Day Banquet May 22 at the Hotel Americana in New York City.
"It appears," Ford told the Steuben Society committee, "that the West
German chancellor is preempting the prerogatives of the Western powers in seeking
to negotiate a final East-West settlement and a German peace treaty."
On another subject, Ford expressed the view that inequities were created by
the Immigration Act of 1965. This Act, Ford said, should be reviewed by the
Congress.
###
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
Distribution: House Gallines
M Office Copy
NEWS
CONGRESSMAN
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
MAY 14, 1971
MEMO TO CORRESPONDENTS:
CONGRESSMAN FORD AND SENATOR SCOTT HAVE
ARRANGED FOR CASPAR W. WEINBERGER, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE
BUDGET, TO CONDUCT A SPECIAL BRIEFING FOR HOUSE AND SENATE
NEWSMEN ON THE SUBJECT OF FROZEN FUNDS. THE SESSION IS
SCHEDULED MONDAY, MAY 17 AT 10:00 a.m., IN S-207.
PAUL MILTICH
PRESS SECRETARY TO
REP. GERALD R. FORD
FORD LIBRARY
Distribution: Galleries only
Office Copy
NEWS
CONGRESSMAN
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
-FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-
Monday, May 17, 1971
One hundred and sixty-two Republican members of the House have signed a
statement congratulating the Nixon Administration on keeping the Federal Government
functioning during the May Day Tribe disturbances.
Another group of 48 Republican congressmen declared their support for the
President's "determination not to permit policy to be made in the streets" and
asserted that the protest against his Vietnam policy "is not at all representative
of the sentiments felt in our respective districts."
In a "Thank you, Mr. President" statement, the larger group extended to
Mr. Nixon their "gratitude and congratulations for the successful efforts in keeping
the United States Government open and functioning" in the face of attempts to shut
the government down.
This group also expressed their "thanks to Attorney General John Mitchell
and Police Chief Jerry Wilson for their excellent planning and cooperation in
preserving orderly procedures in a very trying situation."
The group went on to say: "We think that all America watched as our patience
was tested once again on the streets of our Nation's capital, and we are confident
that all your Administration's efforts deserve a hearty 'well done.' Every American
must be concerned at attempts to disrupt the important, necessary and vital processes
of the United States Government. We are proud to say that the maintenance of order
with the minimum use of force serves as a tribute to the constitutional sanctity of
those processes."
The group of 48, in their letter to the President, said that contrary to the
impression created by the demonstrators "criticism of your (Mr. Nixon's) Vietnam
policy is more muted (back home) than at any time since your inauguration." ###
NEWS
CONGRESSMAN
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
Monday, May 17, 1971
One hundred and sixty-two Republican members of the House have signed a
statement congratulating the Nixon Administration on keeping the Federal Government
functioning during the May Day Tribe disturbances.
Another group of 48 Republican congressmen declared their support for the
President's "determination not to permit policy to be made in the streets" and
asserted that the protest against his Vietnam policy "is not at all representative
of the sentiments felt in our respective districts."
In a "Thank you, Mr. President" statement, the larger group extended to
Mr. Nixon their "gratitude and congratulations for the successful efforts in keeping
the United States Government open and functioning" in the face of attempts to shut
the government down.
This group also expressed their "thanks to Attorney General John Mitchell
and Police Chief Jerry Wilson for their excellent planning and cooperation in
preserving orderly procedures in a very trying situation."
The group went on to say: "We think that all America watched as our patience
was tested once again on the streets of our Nation's capital, and we are confident
that all your Administration's efforts deserve a hearty 'well done.' Every American
must be concerned at attempts to disrupt the important, necessary and vital processes
of the United States Government. We are proud to say that the maintenance of order
with the minimum use of force serves as a tribute to the constitutional sanctity of
those processes."
FORD
The group of 48, in their letter to the President, said that contrary to the
impression created by the demonstrators "criticism of your (Mr. Nixon's) Vietnam
LIBRARY
policy is more muted (back home) than at any time since your inauguration."
###
full Distribution
M office Copy
NEWS
CONGRESSMAN
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
Monday, May 17, 1971
Congress must act immediately to end the strike which has paralyzed the
Nation's railroads. If the strike is permitted to continue, it will wreck the
economy of the country.
No matter how quickly the strike is ended, the fact remains that it never
should have been allowed to occur. This Nation cannot afford a rail strike, and
the sooner the Congress legislates to provide some other means of settling railroad
labor-management disputes the better.
It is an indictment of the Democratic-controlled Congress that nothing is
being done to deal with the almost annual strikes against the railroads except on
an emergency order-'em-back-to-work basis.
The President has faced up to his responsibility. On Feb. 27, 1970, he out-
lined legislation which would serve as the basis for hearings on the subject. The
least the Democratic-controlled Congress should do is to hold hearings in the hope
of coming up with a solution.
The solution may not be exactly in line with the President's proposals, but
a solution must be found.
Further delay serves no purpose whatsoever. There is no excuse for it.
If the Democratic leadership in the Congress continues to refuse to act, then
they certainly owe the American people an explanation. The present situation is
nothing short of tragic.
GERALO, FORD LIBRARY
###
Distributon : Full
maffice Copy
5/19/71
NEWS
CONGRESSMAN
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR RELEASE AFTER THE SENATE VOTE ON THE SST--
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford, Republican Leader, U.S. House of Representatives.
I continue to believe that calling quits to the United States program for
two experimental prototype SSTs is a mistake. In the long run, it will prove
contrary to the best interests of this country.
But the mistake was not made today by the Senate. The mistake was made last
March when both the House and the Senate, by slim majorities, voted to cancel the
project without tangible results as it neared completion.
Last week the House of Representatives, considering serious unemployment in
the aviation industry, a decline in the dollar's international strength, and
continuing SST development by the French, British and Soviets, tried to correct
its March mistake.
The House acted on the basis of the best information available and, I believe
responsibly. Certainly events have shown this was not any attempt to bail out the
Boeing Company. It was an attempt to serve the long-range interests of the United
States, to retain the world-wide competitive advantage which American-built
commercial aircraft have enjoyed since the dawn of aviation, and to conserve the
heavy investment the taxpayers already had made in this experimental program.
Subsequently, for reasons not yet fully clear, high officials of the companies
concerned have made statements suggesting that they are no longer interested in
carrying out the original terms. One must remember that the Congress abruptly
repudiated these terms last March. Under such circumstances the Senate has acted
understandably, if not wisely. It is unrealistic not to assume the House will
concur.
At some date in the future we will have to face this issue again and the cost
of resolving it will then be far greater, in my judgment. The United States may now
lose its long-standing pre-eminence in commercial aviation forever because of
Congress' mistake last March compounded by the shortsighted refusal of the
contractors to make minimal sacrifices and take minor risks today.
# # #
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
Distribution Full
Gallerees 3:30p 5/20/71
am 5/21/71
moffice Copy
NEWS
CONGRESSMAN
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
Thursday, May 20, 1971
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
The U.S.-Soviet agreement to simultaneously negotiate limitations on both
offensive and defensive nuclear weapons is clearly one of the most significant
breakthroughs for peace in the history of the modern world.
While intensive negotiations lie ahead and further agreements may elude us
for an indefinite period, we must recognize this initial agreement as a step
toward preserving world peace and a step toward relief for the American and
Russian peoples from the crushing cost burden of the nuclear arms race.
The U.S.-Russian agreement holds a vast potential for benefit to mankind.
It indicates a more enlightened attitude on the part of the Russians. It prompts
me to look for the day when we can come to a substantive arms control agreement.
I feel there is genuine cause for optimism.
###
GERALD R.FORD LIBRARY
NEWS
CONGRESSMAN
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
Thursday, May 20, 1971
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
The U.S.-Soviet agreement to simultaneously negotiate limitations on both
offensive and defensive nuclear weapons is clearly one of the most significant
breakthroughs for peace in the history of the modern world.
While intensive negotiations lie ahead and further agreements may elude us
for an indefinite period, we must recognize this initial agreement as a step
toward preserving world peace and a step toward relief for the American and
Russian peoples from the crushing cost burden of the nuclear arms race.
The U.S.-Russian agreement holds a vast potential for benefit to mankind.
It indicates a more enlightened attitude on the part of the Russians. It prompts
me to look for the day when we can come to a substantive arms control agreement.
I feel there is genuine cause for optimism.
###
LIBRARY
distribution: 5th District media
GERALD R. FORD
Nuklies 5/22/71
FIFTH DISTRICT, MICHIGAN
maffice 425 MICHA Copy CHERRY GRAND RAPIDS STREET OFFICE:
SE.
Dailies 5/24/71
ZIP 49502
Congress of the United States
Office of the Minority Leader
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
May 22, 1971
Dear News Editor:
My 1971 congressional questionnaire has been mailed to the 147,000 residences
in the Fifth District.
Any help you can provide in calling attention to this survey would be
appreciated. I am hoping that as many people as possible will fill out the
questionnaire and return it to me.
This year I have done something different in formulating the questionnaire.
Since some people feel that any questions I personally put together may be
biased, I wrote to political science professors at every college in the
Grand Rapids Area and asked each of them to submit 10 suggested questions.
I drew upon responses from these professors in formulating my questionnaire.
I am sending you a copy of the questionnaire so that you might have informa-
tion regarding the questions in the survey. If you care to publish the
questionnaire, I would be most pleased.
The results of the questionnaire will be helpful to me in deciding how to
vote on the many bills which will be coming up in the 92nd Congress.
Jerry Best regards, Ford
Gerald R. Ford, M.C.
GRF:pc
Enclosures
BERALD FORD LIBRARY
office Capy
NEWS
CONGRESSMAN
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR USE ON RECEIPT--
Congressman Gerald R. Ford today announced he has sent out a 1971 question-
naire to the nearly 148,000 residences in the Fifth Congressional District to get
a sampling of opinion on current issues.
Ford said the questions contained in the survey form are based on sample
questionnaires prepared for him at his request by political science professors on
the faculties of colleges in the Grand Rapids Area.
"Invariably some people feel that questions I prepare myself are drawn so as
to invite a particular answer," Ford said. "For that reason I decided to base my
questionnaire on sample questions submitted to me by political science instructors.
This should set to rest any question of bias on my part."
Ford said he has used a format which permits husband and wife to answer the
questions individually--as was done last year.
"I find that husband and wife do not always agree in their thinking on issues
of the day," Ford said. "So I feel it is a good idea to offer them an opportunity
to express varying views in answer to my questionnaire."
Ford said the majority responses to questions in the survey will help him
decide how to vote on crucial questions in Congress in the months ahead.
"This 1971 questionnaire will provide me with valuable guidance," Ford said.
"Of course, I have the ultimate responsibility for deciding how to vote on any
particular question. But I would like the advice of the people of Kent and Ionia
Counties on important questions facing the Congress."
Seven of the 11 questions in the poll require yes or no answers. The other
four are multiple choice. There are two questions on Vietnam- a yes or no question
on whether to keep a residual force in Vietnam until all prisoners of war are
LIBRARY
released, and a multiple choice question on withdrawal from Vietnam. ###
Distribution Halleries only
1:30p 5/27/71
moffice Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
May 27, 1971
Memo to Correspondents:
House Minority Leader Gerald R. Ford and other Republican
sponsors of President Nixon's general revenue sharing bill will hold
a news conference Tuesday, June 1, at 10 a.m. in Room 135, Cannon
House Office Building.
Among the 133 Republican cosponsors of the measure in the House
participating in the news conference will be Minority Whip Leslie C.
Arends (I11.), Conference Chairman John B. Anderson (Ill.), Conference
Vice Chairman Robert T. Stafford (Vt.), Conference Secretary Richard H.
Poff (Va.), Research Committee Chairman Barber B. Conable (N.Y.) and
Rep. Dan Kuykendall (Tenn.), chairman of the Congressional Task Force
on Revenue Sharing.
Assistant Secretary of the Treasury Murray L. Weidenbaum will
be present to provide reporters with facts and figures on the
Administration proposal.
Hearings on General Revenue Sharing will begin June 2 before
the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Paul Miltich
Press Secretary to
Rep. Gerald R. Ford
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