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Ford Press Releases - Space, 1967-1970
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Ford Press Releases - Space, 1967-1970
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National Aeronautics and Space Administration. 10/1/1958-
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The original documents are located in Box D9, folder "Ford Press Releases - Space, 1967-
1970" 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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 D9 of The Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
NEWS
CONGRESSMAN
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
NOTE TO EDITOR: A copy of this radio talk by Rep. Ford, sent out for use by Kent
and Ionia radio stations the weekend of July 26-27, is also being sent to you
for whatever use you might choose to make of it.
For many years after the end of World War II, it was commonplace for people
to ask each other, "Where were you on V-E Day?" There will be little or no need
to ask Americans where they were on July 20, 1969. Nearly all of them were --- of
course --- glued to the tube, watching two of their countrymen make an almost
unbelievable landing on the moon. Then, on into the early hours of July 21, 1969,
Americans gazed in awe as their television sets brought them pictures of Neil
Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walking on the powdery surface of another planet a
quarter of a million miles away.
I could not help feeling as my wife Betty and I and the children watched
this greatest of all television spectaculars that the moon mission seemed almost
easy. Then I remembered the price we had paid -- not only an estimated $24 billion
in federal expenditures but also the lives of three gallant astronauts who didn't
make it to the moon, our own Roger Chaffee of Grand Rapids and his buddies Gus
Grissom and Ed White.
It is a jarring thought to think back to the flash fire of Jan. 27, 1967,
that took the lives of Roger Chaffee, Ed White and Gus Grissom, but I think we
should remember we should remember and honor them, just as much as we honor the
moon mission men of Apollo 11, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Mike Collins.
Chaffee, Grissom and White also made an heroic contribution to the success of
Apollo 11. They also helped make it possible for Eagle to land on the moon and
for Columbia to return to planet earth with information that may unlock the secrets
of the universe.
Now, as we sit back and ponder the incredible journey of Apollo 11, we are
filled with mixed emotions and our thoughts are somewhat jumbled. We feel a
tremendous pride. But we also are troubled by nagging questions. If we can put
a man on the moon, why can't we solve the problems of the cities? If we can put
a man on the moon, why can't we find ways for men to live in peace on earth?
There are, of course, no easy answers to these questions. We must try, and
we must try much harder than we have. This I know. It is easier to put a man on
the moon than it is to resolve the crisis of the cities. The crisis of the cities
(more)
-2-
is an even greater challenge than space exploration. Not as exciting. But success
in this effort would be just as rewarding, if not more SO.
So we are going to have to constantly review our priorities in terms of
demands on the federal dollar and what we know we must do as a Nation and a people.
Then, we must do it.
As for the search for peace, President Nixon has embarked upon another
effort in that direction with his trip to Asia and to Romania. Some Americans may
wonder why the President should visit Romania. It's clear to me that the President
is seeking to promote friendship with those who want friendship with us -- and that
this is the path to world peace. Enmity, hatred, hostility -- these have never
brought peace, whether those involved were nations or individual men. At the same
time, America and the world should know that President Nixon is a realist in dealing
with the Communists. He does not intend to give away something for nothing.
Earlier I spoke of the great competition for the federal dollar posed by
our various national needs and interests. I might mention here and now the great
need to protect the dollar so that it will continue to buy something.
There are those in Congress who have opposed the President's plan to
continue the surtax at 10 per cent until Jan. 1, then drop it to 5 per cent and
finally phase it out next June 30. Some have argued that the President's cuts of
$4 billion in the federal budget were not enough. Last week the President
announced additional cuts of $3.5 billion in federal spending, just to offset
rises in certain federal outlays over which the Nixon Administration has no
control -- interest on the national debt, medicare, social security, civil service
retirement benefits, public assistance and veterans benefits. The President is
holding down federal outlays to the very best of his ability. And I am supporting
the surtax extension and phaseout as the best weapon at hand to fight inflation.
###
19 July 1967
####
IIIIIII
U. S. HOUSE
OF REPRESENTATIVES
REPUBLICAN POLICY
COMMITTEE
REP. JOHN I. RHODES, (R.-ARIZ.) CHAIRMAN
140 CANNON HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
TELEPHONE 225-6168
10
HOUSE REPUBLICAN POLICY COMMITTEE STATEMENT ON HOUSE-SENATE CONFERENCE
On The NASA Authorization Bill
The House Republican Policy Committee urges the House-Senate Conference on
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Bill to accept the
key Republican amendments which were adopted on the floor of the House. These amend-
ments would reduce the funds requested by NASA by $201.4 million, establish an inde-
pendent safety panel in NASA and require the Space Administration on its own initi-
ative to keep Congress fully and currently informed of problem areas in the space
effort.
In this period of extreme fiscal crisis with a Federal deficit that may
balloon to $29billion, the probable cost of the war in Vietnam escalating to $30
billion a year, and the Administration preparing to request a tax increase, the
realistic reduction in the NASA authorization must be sustained. Under the House
approved authorization, vital research and development can be carried forward and
the manned space program through the Apollo lunar landing can be completed according
to schedule. The Apollo Applications Program has been revised in an attempt to avoid
premature commitments to surplus hardware that may become obsolete and inadequate for
projected future missions.
The tragic death of the three astronauts at Cape Kennedy last January under-
scored the necessity for improved safety procedures in our space program. Certain
elementary safety procedures had been disregarded. Warnings were ignored. Important
recommendations were either shelved or half-heartedly implemented. For example, an
astronaut testified that he had made more than 30 observations and recommendations
for safety features on the hardware. Significantly, one of those not taken care of
(over)
was a revised and better designed escape hatch. Also, the investigation of the
Apello fire at Cape Kennedy reflected that at 4:30 p.m., two safety men left the job.
Notwithstanding this fact, the test continued. At 6:30 p.m. the fire occurred.
A serious safety hazard evaluation gap has existed in the space program.
In order to protect the lives of our astronauts and to insure that missions assigned
will be successfully completed, an independent safety advisory panel patterned after
the successful Atomic Energy Commission safety review system must be established.
This safety panel would be authorized to monitor NASA operations. It would identify
potential dangers that have escaped NASA's notice, such as the fire hazards that led
to the January Apollo fire.
Although the Apollo program was in serious trouble during 1965 and 1966,
the NASA officials did not keep Congress fully informed. Failures in procurement and
production that endangered the objectives of the Apollo program were not disclosed.
The Phillips Report, whose findings, including the conclusion that "quality is not
up to NASA required standards", closely paralleled the findings of the Apollo Review
Board, was not revealed to Congress. Moreover, at the time the Phillips inspection
was made and the report rendered, the spacecraft in which the fatal fire occurred
was in the process of manufacture.
The NASA Oversight Subcommittee of the House Science and Astronautics Com-
mittee has held exhaustive and comprehensive hearings, It is hoped that this sub-
committee's report will clear up many of the questions concerning safety in the
Space Program.
The relationship between NASA and Congress must be improved. When Congres-
sional supervision is lacking, carelessness all too often results and public confi-
dence is impaired. In order to supervise properly this nation's space program,
Congress must have adequate and continuing information. The Republican sponsored
amendment weuld insure that the cognizant Committees in the House and Senate are
fully and currently informed on NASA activities.
1 "ay 1968
IIIII
mm
U. S. HOUSE
OF REPRESENTATIVES
REPUBLICAN POLICY
COMMITTEE
REP. JOHN J. RHODES, (R.-ARIZ.) CHAIRMAN
1616 LONGWORTH HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
TELEPHONE 225-6168
10
HOUSE REPUBLICAN POLICY COMMITTEE STATE ENT ON THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS
AND SPACE ADMINISTPATION AUTHORIZATION BILL, H.R. 15856
Under the Eisenhower Administration, the Country initiated a comprehensive
research and development program that opened the skies to the American Astronaut.
Since that time, there have been a number of discoveries and advances in the space
program that have contributed to the growth of this Nation's technological capabili-
ties. A balanced space program that will ensure progress and preeminence in this
important field must be continued.
In this period of urban and fiscal crisis, however, every program, every ex-
penditure must be carefully examined. Every cut that can be made must be implemented.
Every program that can be deferred must be rescheduled.
The seriousness of the present situation is reflected in the fact that interest
rates have soared to their highest level since the Civil War. Between December 1960
and December 1967, the consumer price index increased 18.2% and in the first quarter
of this year, prices have risen at an annual rate of 4%. The day before Washington's
birthday, the Treasury Department announced that for the first time in history the
Federal Debt exceeded $350 billion.
William McChesney Martin, Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board, recently
warned that the United States is "in the midst of the worst financial crisis that
we've had since 1931.
Fiscal mismanagement by the Kennedy and Johnson Administrations has shaken the
world's confidence in the dollar and in this Country's fiscal integrity. A monetary
collapse has been narrowly averted through the establishment of a makeshift two-price
structure for gold and the plan for the creation of a new form of international money.
Unless our budget is brought under control, and the deficit in our international
(over)
payments is sharply reduced, these measures vill not he effective and the steep
slide to disaster will continue.
The House Committee on Science and Astronautics has recommended a $153 million
reduction in the Administration's $4.3 billion space request for fiscal year 1969.
This is a step in the right direction. However, we believe that the request can be
reduced by an additional $200 million without impairing the safety or the effective-
ness of our space program. For example, substantial reductions can be made in the
Apollo applications program, in administrative operations and in public relations.
Many of the missions of the Apollo applications program are in the planning
stage. Moreover, the missions to be undertaken are changing from week to week and
the components and hardware that may be needed are far from final selection. NASA
does not know how many boosters, how many spacecraft, and how much associated compon-
ents and facilities will be left over from Apollo that could be used in the Apollo
applications program. It appears that $142 million can be cut from this program.
And even with this reduction, NASA will have $253 million for the Anollo applications
program during fiscal year 1969. This is the same amount that the President set for
the program during fiscal year 1968.
We believe that NASA should place greater emphasis on research and development
programs that will lead the wav to future space advances. The stockpiling of expen-
sive hardware that may be obsolete by the time it is finally needed cannot be justi-
fied.
In recent years the NASA Administrative operations appropriation has commanded
an increasingly larger share of the total annual budget. For fiscal year 1964 the
administrative operations appropriation represented 9.7 percent of the total NASA
budget. In fiscal year 1965, it was 11.9 percent: in 1966, 11.4 percent. in 1967,
13.1 percent in 1968, 13.3 percent. For fiscal year 1969, the NASA request for ad-
ministrative operations constituted 14.8 percent of the total appropriation request.
The NASA work force has increased until there is a requested level of 34,909 personnel
for fiscal year 1969.
This escalating trend in civilian employment is reflected throughout the fed-
eral government. In four years, full time permanent employment in the executive
branch will have increased by 454,747 to a total of 2,687,500 civilian employees - an
increase of more than 20 percent. This trend can be reversed. A place where reductions
can be made is the Administration's space request. The administrative operations
authorization of $646.6 million can be cut by $43.5 million.
According to data supplied by NASA, an estimated 269 people will be employed
in the information-public relations field in fiscal year 1969, and the budget estimate
totals over $10.1 million for salaries, travel and program. A 1967 Associated Press
survey estimated that $200 million is spent by defense and space contractors for
public relations which is charged no doubt, in part, to the taxpayer in contract
costs. Clearly, a tightening of NASA's budget can be made in this area.
We support Republican proposals which urge NASA to improve its safety program
wherever possible. The safety of our astronauts or the earth, in test chambers, in
flight and on the lunar surface is and must remain of paramount importance. We are
concerned that despite the Apollo 204 accident, the long-range safety programs in
NASA still need strengthening.
Last year, the Republicans in Congress made repeated efforts to reduce non-
essential spending and successfully led the fight to cut $5.8 billion from the
President's appropriation requests. At the start of this session of Congress, we
pledged "An even greater effort to establish priorities, reduce spending and revise
and reform existing programs.' The reductions in the Administration's space request
that we have recommended are an important step in the implementation of this pledge.
We urge their adoption.
Unless government spending is dramatically reduced, the cost of living may reach
the moon before our Astronauts.
Office Copy
NEWS
CONGRESSMAN
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON
TUESDAY, AUGUST 5,1969
Remarks by Rep. Gerald R. Ford, R-Mich., in connection with introduction of a bill
providing for the minting of a commemcrative half-dollar as a proof coin bearing
designs honoring the Apollo 11 astronauts and commemorating the Apollo 11 moon flight.
Mr. Speaker, I have today introduced legislation which provides for the
minting of new non-silver half dollars as proof coins commemorating the epic flight
of Apollo 11.
Mr. Speaker, the new non-silver half dollar I have proposed for minting
would not supplant the Kennedy half dollar nor would it circulate in competition with
it and thus create confusion. The moon mission half dollar could be obtained only
by placing an order with the Treasury Department, which would sell the coins at a
price not to exceed $1.
The moon mission half dollar would be a special commemorative coin with the
likenesses of Neil Armstrong, Edwin Aldrin Jr., and Michael Collins on the one side
and the lunar module on the surface of the moon on the other.
Under my bill, the Treasury Department would receive orders for the moon
mission coin until Dec. 31, 1970. Not only residents of the United States but also
residents of foreign countries could buy the coins from the Treasury. I felt this
was appropriate since the Apollo 11 moon mission really belongs to the world. As
Neil Armstrong said, it was "one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."
I think people throughout the world should have an opportunity to buy a moon mission
half dollar.
Mr. Speaker, as so often happens in matters of this kind, the sponsor of a
bill is not always its originator. In the case of the moon mission half dollar,
I would like it known that Hugh Downs, host of the NBC "Today" show, suggested the
idea.
One last comment. I think the half dollar is the ideal coin for a moon
mission commemorative coin because in a sense it will honor not only all our Apollo
astronauts--including the late Roger Chaffee of Grand Rapids, Mich. but also the
late President John F. Kennedy. We all recall that it was Jack Kennedy who in
ringing tones told the world America would put men on the moon before the end of
this decade. We have realized that dream. We have accomplished that objective. I
think Jack Kennedy would have been proud to have a moon flight half-dollar
memorialize the reaching of his goal.
#########
NEWS
CONGRESSMAN
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON
TUESDAY, AUGUST 5,1969
Remarks by Rep. Gerald R. Ford, R-Mich., in connection with introduction of a bill
providing for the minting of a commemorative hald-doller as a proof coin bearing
designs honoring the Apollo 11 astronauts and commemorating the Apollo 11 moon flight.
Mr. Speaker, I have today introduced legislation which provides for the
minting of new non-silver half dollars as proof coins commemorating the epic flight
of Apollo 11.
Mr. Speaker, the new non-silver half dollar I have proposed for minting
would not supplant the Kennedy half dollar nor would it circulate in competition with
it and thus create confusion. The moon mission half dollar could be obtained only
by placing an order with the Treasury Department, which would sell the coins at a
price not to exceed $1.
The moon mission half dollar would be a special commemorative coin with the
likenesses of Neil Armstrong, Edwin Aldrin Jr., and Michael Collins on the one side
and the lunar module on the surface of the moon on the other.
Under my bill, the Treasury Department would receive orders for the moon
mission coin until Dec. 31, 1970. Not only residents of the United States but also
residents of foreign countries could buy the coins from the Treasury. I felt this
was appropriate since the Apollo 11 moon mission really belongs to the world. As
Neil Armstrong said, it was "one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."
I think people throughout the world should have an opportunity to buy a moon mission
half dollar.
Mr. Speaker, as so often happens in matters of this kind, the sponsor of a
bill is not always its originator. In the case of the moon mission half dollar,
I would like it known that Hugh Downs, host of the NBC "Today" show, suggested the
idea.
One last comment. I think the half dollar is the ideal coin for a moon
mission commemorative coin because in a sense it will honor not only all our Apollo
astronauts--including the late Roger Chaffee of Grand Rapids, Mich. but also the
late President John F. Kennedy. We all recall that it was Jack Kennedy who in
ringing tones told the world America would put men on the moon before the end of
this decade. We have realized that dream. We have accomplished that objective. I
think Jack Kennedy would have been proud to have a moon flight half-dollar
memorialize the reaching of his goal.
#########
11111
U. S. HOUSE
OF REPRESENTATIVES
REPUBLICAN POLICY
COMMITTEE
REP. JOHN J. RHODES, (R.-ARIZ.) CHAIRMAN
1616 LONGWORTH HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
TELEPHONE 225-6168
10
91st Congress
March 17, 1970
Second Session
Statement Number 3
HOUSE REPUBLICAN POLICY COMMITTEE STATEMENT ON THE FY 1971 PROGRAMS
OF THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
The first year of the Nixon Administration witnessed the culmination of
the greatest scientific effort of the American people, the magnificently perfect
lunar landings of Apollos 11 and 12. The United States achieved in full measure
the goals set and the commitments made for the decade of the sixties.
President Nixon has now called upon the Congress to join in charting a
new course in space for the seventies. He has challenged America to forge ahead
and to continue our progress and leadership in lunar exploration, in satellite
communications, in navigation, meteorology, medical research and practical benefits
to mankind. The President has presented to the Congress an effective and balanced
program which insures the achievement of the nation's long-range goals.
The Republican proposals for FY 1971 emphasize: (1) preservation of
U. S. technological, engineering and scientific leadership, (2) maximum economy
and efficiency in all space programs, (3) development of practical, usable benefits,
(4) broadening the contribution of technology and research advances to the U. S.
economy, (5) maintenance of balance between manned and unmanned space flight
programs to achieve maximum scientific results with minimum expenditures, and (6)
safe and efficient conduct of aeronautics research programs including air pollution,
air traffic control, collision avoidance and noise abatement studies.
(over)
-2-
Through selectivity and the emphasis upon the most effective, benefit-
contributing aspects of the U. S. space and aeronautics efforts, the President
presents a progressive program within the limits of fiscal responsibility.
A new analysis and redirection of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration programs and goals by a Presidential Task Force under the leadership
of Vice President Agnew, has provided the basis for the proposed authorization for
NASA in FY 1971 which is $522 million below the comparable FY 1970 figure.
The proposed FY 1971 NASA budget, though austere, provides balanced
progress toward the challenging goals of the 1970's and the decades to follow.
The present Administration is making every effort to contain our FY 1971 federal
programs through fiscal responsibility, to insure adequate levels of operation
and to curtail inflation and avoid recession.
The Republican Members of the House of Representatives recognize the
space and aeronautics program as a continuing and important part of the national
priorities. We support a balanced program with the ability to change our U. S.
efforts as conditions change. We urge support of President Nixon's FY 1971
proposals for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Office
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
July 22, 1969
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford, R-Mich., Minority Leader, U.S. House of Reps.
placed in the body of the Congressional Record of Tuesday, July 22, 1969.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday I was in Grand Rapids, Mich., and was unable to join
my colleagues in the House in expressing the jubilation we all felt over America's
mighty achievement -- manned exploration of the moon.
In the exhilaration we all experienced during the lunar landing and moon
walk, many Americans perhaps forgot that the Apollo Project cost far more than the
estimated $24 billion expended on sending a man to the moon. It also took the
lives of three fine Americans -- Roger Chaffee, Ed White and Gus Grissom -- in a
flash fire that swept through their Apollo spacecraft Jan. 27, 1967, while it sat
on a Cape Kennedy launch pad. Roger Chaffee was from my home town of Grand Rapids.
We went to the same high school.
Mr. Speaker, the flight of Apollo 11 was such a scintillating success that
it almost seemed easy.
I would venture to guess that one reason the flight was so flawless was
because the National Aeronautics and Space Administration ordered a full-scale
rebuilding of the Apollo spacecraft after the tragic fire in 1967. Safety
precautions were tightened up, over-all.
Mr. Speaker, let us all salute Neil Armstrong, Ed Aldrin and Mike Collins
and pray for a safe splashdown in the Pacific on Thursday. But let us also say
a prayer for Roger Chaffee, Gus Grissom and Ed White and pay tribute to them for
the heroic contribution they made so that Eagle might land on the moon and return
to planet earth.
Mr. Speaker, with the successful flight of Apollo 11 the United States has
opened up the universe for all the peoples of the earth.
I believe our moon journey has kindled a new feeling of pride in country
in all our citizens -- a new and much-needed patriotism, if you will.
This welling up of national pride is most natural. I am sure the other
peoples of the world flash an understanding smile as we throw out our chests and
crow just a little.
# # #