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Ford Newsletter, March-April 1960
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Ford Newsletter, March-April 1960
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Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers
Newsletters
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Appropriations and expenditures
Arms transfers
Civil rights
Federal aid to education
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Legislation
Obscenity (Law)
Postal matters
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1960
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1960
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Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
March 2, 1960
The House of Representatives upheld President Eisenhower's first veto of this
session when it voted 249 to 157 on a move to override his objections to an increase in
Federal grants for construction of local sewage treatment works. The bill (H. R. 3610)
sought to double the authorized amount of Federal aid from $50 million to $90 million
a year, and from $500 million to $900 million over a 10-year period.
While everyone favors action to clean up the nation's streams and to elimínate
water pollution, there is no assurance that legislation of the type exemplified by
H. R. 3610 would substantially encourage such action.
In the five years preceeding 1956, local municipalities without any grants-in-aid
from the Federal Government spent an average of $222 million a year of their own money
to construct sewage treatment plants. In 1956 Congress initially authorized Federal
assistance for this purpose. Rep. Russell Mack, a member of the Committee handling this
legislation, pointed out that it is obvious that "a large part of the $50 million a year
originally provided by the sewage-treatment-plant bill of 1956 therefore went to muni-
cipalities to help pay for projects these communities would have built themselves without
financial help from the Federal Government."
H. R. 3610 required no State contribution whatsoever, and made the Federal funds
available to towns and villages far removed from any rivers, streams, or brooks. This
fact means that much of the Federal money could go simply to help build local sewage-
treatment plants with little or no effect on eliminating water pollution.
The President insisted that "water pollution is a uniquely local blight," and
must be attacked by State and local governments. "By holding forth the promise of a
large-scale program of long-term Federal support," he said, "it would tempt municipalities
to delay essential water pollution abatement efforts while they waited for Federal funds."
It has seemed to me that these and other sound reasons are sufficient argument
against further extending the activities of the Federal Government in the construction
of local sewage-treatment plants. I supported the President and voted against over-
riding the veto of H. R. 3610.
This situation reemphasized two important truths: the "spenders" are constantly
seeking more effective ways of increasing our Federal tax load, and it "does make a
difference" who is elected to public office. If we, the people, select for public office
those who endorse every new spending request (sewage treatment, aid to education, etc.,)
we are going to have to pay more taxes to meet Uncle Sam's present and past obligations.
APPROPRIATION BILLS: The House Committee on Appropriations has cut $155 million
from the 1961 budget requests in the four major appropriation bills reported by the
Committee so far this session. These four bills (for the District of Columbia, and
Departments of Commerce, Interior, Treasury, and Post Office) also reduced these
appropriations by $421.5 million below the amount for the current fiscal year. Whether
these reductions can be maintained will depend on the action taken by the Senate which
so often hikes the appropriations approved by the House.
That the Congress is working at an accelerated rate in order to complete its
work by July 4th is demonstrated by the fact that four appropriations bills were
reported by the Committee by February 19th. Last year the first appropriation bill
came out on March 13th. Adjournment is to be early this year because of the national
nominating conventions.
POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT: Personally I have certain misgivings about an $82 million
cut in the budget request of the Post Office Department. In the full Committee I voted
to restore some of the funds originally earmarked for modernization and facilities
because of the excellent record made by the Department in improving the postal service
during the past seven years.
During that time city delivery mail service has been extended to 8 million addi-
tional families and rural delivery has been extended to 1.5 million more farm families.
Over 780 additional communities have obtained city delivery. Coopersville in our
Congressional District was one of these.
Progress has been made in mechanization of the larger postal facilities and over
3,000 new post office buildings have been provided. Many of these were in small com-
munities and include Marne, Caledonia, Hudsonville, Sparta, Sand Lake, Ada, Allendale,
Belmont, Byron Center, Conklin, Ferrysburg, Kent City, and Nunica. The Postmaster-
General, Arthur Summerfield of Michigan, is to be commended for his leadership in the
Department since 1953
In contrast to the water pollution proposal, the work of the Post Office Department
is by tradition and necessity a responsibility of the Federal Government. The Department
is entitled to sufficient funds to enable it to do an effective and efficient job.
RECORD VOTE: Another recent yea-and-nay vote (fourth of this session) concerned
the withholding of local income taxes on the compensation of Federal employees in cities
over 50,000. This effects only U. S. employees in larger cities which levy a city
income tax. I saw no reasonable objection to this bill, H. R. 3151.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
March 9, 1960
Creating a filibuster in the Senate and topping the agenda in the House, "Civil
Rights" is presently in the legislative spotlight. This week the House takes up H. R.
8601, a civil rights bill the provisions of which I outlined two weeks ago. The Committee
on Rules agreed to clear it for House action only after signatures on the discharge
petition in its behalf approached the number necessary to remove the bill from the
Committee's jurisdiction.
The story of the Senate's ordeal is widely known. Its round-the-clock schedule may
set a new congressional record for continuous sessions. According to Mr. Charles L.
Watkins, Senate Parliamentarian, whose service goes back to 1908, the previous record was
established in February, 1915 when the Senate neither recessed nor adjourned for 54 hours.
At this writing the Senate of 1960 has gone for 96 hours but one 15-minute recess was
taken on Wednesday morning. On Friday afternoon the record will have been broken if no
other recess is ordered.
Out of this filibuster come two items worth noting. First, it is regrettable that
this mighty effort is directed at restricting those rights of citizens which are not only
guaranteed by the U. S. Constitution but are consistent with sound moral principles. If
the filibuster were to protect and defend fundamental American rights or great moral
concepts, we would applaud it. But this is not the case. Secondly, the filibuster has
demonstrated anew which political party is united and determined to make a fight in behalf
of "civil rights" for all citizens. Every Republican senator (assisted by some Democrats,
to be sure) has endured personal hardship in an effort to bring this legislation to a vote.
SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS: The House of Representatives approved its sixth
appropriation bill of the session when it passed the "Second Supplemental 1960" last
Monday. This was to supply additional funds for a number of Federal agencies for the
current fiscal year ending June 30. While "supplemental appropriations" are often
criticized as encouraging administrators to exceed their budgets, we must realize that
conditions can and do change in the 12 to 18 months between the time a budget is prepared
by the Bureau of the Budget and adopted by the Congress and the months when the funded
programs are to be executed.
One of the controversial items in the "Second Supplemental 1960" involved $50 million
for slum clearance and urban renewal. The Commissioner of Urban Renewal pointed out that
"with hundreds of projects involved, the most careful forecast of financing for a year or
18 months ahead can turn out to be off by a very substantial margin. All sorts of
problems can come up to create delays; on the other hand, obstacles which seemed likely
to delay a project for months sometimes get resolved almost overnight, and things move
faster than was expected." The $50 million were requested by the administration to
discharge the Federal Government's financial obligation under an established program. If
the money were not supplied now, it would have to be appropriated next year because it
was a legal obligation.
During consideration of the bill in the Committee of the Whole an amendment was
offered to reinstate the $50 million for slum clearance and urban renewal which had been
deleted by the Committee on Appropriations. On a "division vote (members standing to
indicate approval or opposition), the amendment passed 66 to 65. A "teller vote" was
then ordered; the bells were rung to alert members and the count was 92 to 89 in favor.
Later however, when the Committee of the Whole reported formally to the House and a
roll-call vote was demanded, the amendment was defeated 158 to 187. Because this money
was needed to meet firm obligations of the Federal Government and had been requested and
fully justified by the tight-fisted Bureau of the Budget, I saw no good reason to oppose
the amendment.
INTEREST RATES ON U. S. BONDS: The maximum interest rate on marketable treasury
bonds (issues maturing in five years or more) was set at 4½ percent by the Congress in
1919. Not until recently did this limitation create a problem when the Treasury found it
most difficult or virtually impossible to issue bonds at 4½ percent. President Eisenhower
has asked the Congress to remove this ceiling so the Treasury can more efficiently manage
the national debt. Presently too much of the Treasury's borrowing must be by high-cost
short-term notes, bills, and certificates (all under 5 years) not subject to the 4½ percent
limitation.
The Committee on Ways and Means, refusing to remove the limitation, has recommended
a complex and roundabout method of increasing the rate ceiling. It is called "advance
refunding" and will enable the Treasury to refund outstanding bonds in advance of their
maturity by taking them in exchange for new securities with a longer term.
For example, the holder of $9,000 in maturing securities could be offered $10,000
in 20-year bonds with a 4 percent interest rate. These bonds would bring in $8,000 in
interest plus the $1,000 difference between their cost and value at maturity. Over 20
years this would be $450 a year or an actual yield of 5 percent on a $9,000 investment.
The Committee's bill (H. R. 10590) also authorizes a limited amount of bond financing
with interest rates in excess of 41 percent but only when the President finds that the
national interest requires such action.
I would much have preferred an outright removal of the limitation in order to
decrease the competition offered by the Federal Government for money in the short-term
market. Uncle Sam now competes for money with every Mr. Smith who is buying a car or
every Mrs. Jones who is getting a new washing machine. This has helped to increase for
everyone the interest rate on small, short-term loans.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
March 16, 1960
The successful firing over a 900-mile range of a Polaris test vehicle last week
emphasized anew the highly significant Polaris submarine and the diversity of our
national weapon system. Out of the last eight attempted firings of the Polaris, seven
have been completely successful and one partially successful.
One Polaris submarine with its 16 missiles packs more destructive power than all
the allied and enemy planes put into the air during the total period of World War II.
Because it can operate entirely under the surface of the sea and can direct its de-
structive power at any spot in enemy territory it has been called a "truly indestructible
retaliatory force." It combines two revolutionary developments--solid propellant missiles
and nuclear-powered submarines. By the end of this year we will have operational at sea
two Polaris submarines with 32 ballistic missiles ready for any emergency. It is
presently planned to have at least 128 Polaris missiles ready by 1963.
By then we expect to have 130 Atlas (ICBM) and 140 Titan (ICBM) missiles. In
addition, 120 Jupiter and Thor missiles will be operational at our bases in Europe.
We also are well supplied with long-range bombers, manned aircraft capable of delivering
atomic and hydrogen bombs.
When we add up the offensive and defensive power of the United States in all its
weapon systems we can say categorically that there is no deterrent gap now, nor will
there be one in 1963 or at a later date.
From where I sit on the House Subcommittee on Defense Appropriations, I can only
conclude that the United States is by far the most powerful nation on earth. Any enemy
foolish enough to provoke war can be annihilated. We are not dependent on one or two
weapon systems. We "are NOT losing World War III!" We are NOT "being put to sleep."
We are completely ready for both all-out and brushfire war. Of course the fundamental
objective of this military strength is the maintenance of PEACE, which the Eisenhower
program has done for the last seven years.
THE CLERK WILL CALL THE ROLL: While the House has not had the roll calls at
"awkward hours" that we have seen in the Senate, it did have more "calls of the House"
last week than during all the previous eight weeks of the session. Up to March 7th
there had been S occasions when the bells rang calling members to the floor of the House.
The first four days of last week saw 12 more roll calls.
FORD
When some member in the House Chamber makes a "point of order" that a quorum is
LIBRARI
not present and a motion is made for "a call of the House,' the signal bell is sounded
three times throughout the House wing of the Capitol and in the House Office Buildings
calling all members to the floor of the House to answer to their names. Those who fail
to respond are listed in the Congressional Record as absent.
The 437 names are called by a reading clerk who reads a second time those who
failed to answer on the first round. It takes about 35 minutes to complete each roll
call in the House of Representatives.
Two bells are a signal that a yea-and-nay vote has been ordered. By Constitutional
provision one-fifth of members present can demand a roll call vote, and the bells ring
to bring members to the floor to vote "yea" or "nay" on the issue. The vote of each
member is listed in the Congressional Record.
Last week a roll call developed automatically when a member objected to a vote
(which otherwise would have been by voice) on the ground. that a quorum wasn't present.
Under the rules a yea-and-nay vote was required and the House voted 309 to 1 to pass a
resolution permitting consideration of the military construction bill.
Another 236 to 127 roll call determined that H. R. 5, the "Foreign Investment
Incentive Tax Act of 1960" should be debated by the House. Later the House voted
398 to 10 to authorize appropriations of $915 million for the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration for 1961 and voted 407 to 4 to authorize $1.1 billion for military
construction. I voted with the majority in each instance.
Because I was not in Washington on Thursday, I was "paired" (would have voted
"yes") on the vote to take up the Civil Rights bill in the House. This was approved
312 to 93 and opened the way for 15 hours of general debate on H. R. 8601 which I
discussed in the "Washington Review" three weeks ago.
HELPFUL AND AVAILABLE MATERIAL: From time to time my office obtains for distri-
bution various types of publications of value to those who may have a special interest
in a given topic. Right now we have a limited supply of four booklets which may be
requested by name from my Washington office, 351 House Office Building. They are:
1. "The Communist Ideology" is a 135-page study prepared for the House Committee
on Un-American Activities as the first volume in a series entitled "Facts on Communism.
2. "Nomination and Election of the President and Vice President" is a 258-page
document analyzing the national and state laws and regulations governing the selection
of our top national officials.
3. The Department of Labor has made available a 24-page pamphlet replete with
graphs and charts on "Manpower, Challenge of the 1960's" which may be of special value
to educational and vocational counselors and those interested in sociological developments.
4. "Almanac for Farm, Ranch, and Home," a non-governmental publication containing
a great deal of sundry information in its 176 colorfully illustrated pages.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
March 23, 1960
PIONEER V, traveling at a speed of 5675 miles per hour, reached a distance of one
million miles from the earth last Friday morning at 2:00. Launched March 11th, Pioneer
V is the fifteenth United States satellite placed in orbit. Eight of these are still in
the prescribed path. In contrast, Russia has placed three satellites in orbit--but only
one remains. Our overall record compares quite favorably except in engine thrust or
one area of rocket thrust propulsion. The Soviets are one up on us in successful lunar
and space probes; we have made two to their three.
The United States' Pioncer V is sending back to earth strong and clear signals from
its position over a million miles in space. These are received for about two hours daily,
and amazingly enough are turned off and on by a command from earth. The signals report
scientific data on the space between the orbit of Earth and Venus where nothing man-made
has flown before.
Like Pioneer IV and Lunik I, Pioneer V will orbit the sun. It will do so in 312
days, some 53 days faster than does our own earth. Spokesmen for the National Aero-
nautics and Space Administration tell us that Pioneer V will ramain in orbit as long as
Earth and Venus continue to revolve about the sun.
STATUTES AND TAXES: The U. S. Code, a compilation of Federal statutes, was first
published in 1926. The original edition was composed of ONE volume which contained ALL
the Federal laws in effect at that time.
In 1946 it required FOUR volumes to summarize Federal law. But the most recent
edition of the U. S. Code (1958) is composed of TEN volumes. To bring this edition
up to date the First Supplement has gone to press. This volume alone will contain 800
pages--a book nearly equal in size to the original 1926 Gode.
Today, therefore, it requires eleven volumes, averaging 900 pages each, to compile
the Federal statutes. This is nearly a 1000 percent increase over 1926 and is illus-
trative of the increased control exercised by Washington over the lives and fortunes of
each citizen.
In 1926 the total Federal budgetary expenditures totaled $2.8 billion. In 1946
this had risen to $60.4 billion. But in 1958 Uncle Sam spent $71.9 billion, and this
year the figure will be about $78.3 billion. This is a 2700 percent increase over 1926
and demonstrates the enormous power of the Federal Government in the economic life of
FORD
our country at the present time.
GERAL
LIBRARI
In 1926 a married man with two children earning $5,000 a year and taking the
standard deductions paid a Federal income tax of only $7. In 1946 a man in similar
circumstances paid $405, and today the tax table supplied with Form 1040 lists for him
a tax of $416. This is an increase of 5840 percent over the tax in 1926 and is familiar
proof of the extent to which Uncle Sam puts the bite on each taxpayer.
It must be pointed out, however, that this man's Federal income tax increased only
2 percent from 1946 to 1960 or in an amount of only $11. The $7 tax of 1926 which had
become $405 in 1946 was up only $11 more fourteen years later.
In 1926 the national debt amounted to $19.6 billion. In 1946 the debt reached
$269.4 billion while today it stands at $290 billion. This is an increase of 1380 percent
over 1926 and emphasizes the enormity of the inherited burden weighing on us and our
children. Interest charges alone will cost $9.6 billion in 1960 or $46 for our $5000-
a-year taxpayer with a wife and two children who is paying $416 in income taxes this year.
It is this tax bill and debt costs which the "spenders" choose to ignore when they
sponsor one new project after another in an endless effort to expand the power and control
of the Federal Government. The answer to further expansion of the U. S. Code, the Federal
budget, the national debt, and your tax bill will be given in the legislative halls
throughout the country. But the answer given there will be determined by the action taken
in the voting booths in every precinct in the United States.
A still deeper plunge into deficit financing and additional Federal control has
been averted in recent years through the strong leadership of President Eisenhower. His
adherence to sound political and fiscal policies and his judicious use of the veto power
has helped to maintain local and state authority, and has protected all of us who pay taxes.
NATIONAL DEBT AND THE POSTAL DEFICIT: Some may be surpriped to learn that about
one-third of the national debt incurred since 1946 has been due to the postal deficit. Of
the $21 billion increase in the debt since that date, the Post Office has been responsible
for $7.2 billion. Because the postal deficit runs about $2 million a day, the Postmaster
General has recommended an increase in postal rates.
In 1958 the Congress established the policy that "postal rates and fees shall be
adjusted from time to time as may be required to produce the amount of revenue approxi-
mately equal to the total cost of operating the postal establishment less the amount
deemed to be attributable to the performances of public services" as outlined in the law.
Mr. Summerfield's recent recommendations are to satisfy another provision of the 1958 law
which requires him to submit proposals to carry out this Congressional policy.
The PMG reports that first-class mail has traditionally covered allocated costs plus
about 40 percent to pay for preferential service. The law recognizes the priority status
of first-class mail and requires that postage should be sufficient to cover allocated costs
plus an additional amount to compensate for the preferential treatment which this mail
receives over other types of material handled by the Post Office.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
March 30, 1960
Following 11 days of discussion and 320 pages of recorded debate (at $81 per page
in the Congressional Record), the House of Representatives has approved the "Civil Rights
Act of 1959.' The bill is now with the Senate which is in its seventh week of debate on
the question of strengthening the power of the Federal Government to protect the con-
stitutional rights of American citizens.
With all this effort in Washington it may be significant to observe that we have
not received from home more than a half-dozen letters on civil rights since the House
opened its debate. Before the bill came to the House floor for action our office
received approximately a dozen letters urging consideration of the legislation. Recent
letters have been about equally divided between writers who insist that this entire
matter should be left to the states and those who feel that any debate on "civil rights"
is so "un-American" that "discussion" must cease and "action" be taken. But all members
of Congress, including the most vigorous proponents of civil rights, understand the
practical problems faced by some of their colleagues and do not object to a speech "for
the record.' The final decision, however, reflected accurately and dramatically the
viewpoint of the Congress and the sentiments of the American people.
The Act as passed by the House gets at two important areas of controversy:
voting and education. It sets up a system for court-appointed "voting referees" to act
in those precincts where it can be proved to a Federal Judge that there exists a
"pattern or practice" of denying persons a right to vote on account of race or color.
The referee will be authorized to see that All persons qualified to vote under state law
are permitted to cast their ballots and have their votes counted. To assist in this,
the Act requires the preservation of election records for a period of two years. The
"voting referee" plan was recommended by the Department of Justice.
The Act also makes it a Federal crime to willfully use force or threats of force
to obstruct court desegregation orders The Department of Justice recommended this
provision because present law seemed inadequate to deal with the type of situation
experienced at Little Rock. Enactment of this provision will add legislative support
to the Supreme Court decision on school segregation and will help to preserve the
integrity of our Federal judicial system. The bill also provides for the education of
children of members of the Armed Forces if local public schools are closed by integration
disputes.
ANNUAL
A final provision of the Act strengthens the authority of the Federal Government to
deal with those individuals who bomb or otherwise willfully damage buildings or other
property.
0807
The voting referee plan was adopted by a count of 295 to 124 with your Congressman
voting with the majority. The bill won final approval by a vote of 311 to 109.
SOCIAL SECURITY: Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare Arthur S. Flemming
has recommended a number of changes in the Social Security Act to extend and improve the
program. He would remove the age limitation (50 years) for workers who have become
totally and permanently disabled and would liberalize some of the disability requirements
to make the program more effective. About 125,000 persons plus their dependents would
be immediately eligible for disability benefits if the age limit is removed.
Flemming recommended that the benefit for each child of a deceased worker be
increased from one-half to three-fourths of the worker's benefit amount and that the
25,000 aged widows of workers who died prior to 1940 be granted benefits. They are now
not eligible.
The Secretary further recommended extension of Social Security coverage to include
parents employed by a son or daughter; policemen, firemen, and self-employed physicians
at their option, and to employees of certain nonprofit organizations.
DISCUSSIONS ON DEFENSE: General L. L. Lemnitzer, Chief of Staff, U.S. Army, helped
to place in perspective current discussions on defense policy when in a recent speech he
said: "With regard to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, incidentally, someone recently commented
that while the Supreme Court DELIBERATES and the Senate DEBATES, the Joint Chiefs
BICKER. Seriously, despite the publicity given our occasional divergencies, I can assure
you that within the JCS, along with our honest differences of opinion, there is a vast
body of agreement.'
AN HISTORIC SITE: While a vote in the House last week opposing the establishment
of a national historic site in Arizona may not have been of historic significance, it
may help to disprove the oft-repeated cliche that the taxpayer is a forgotten man. The
House was asked to authorize the purchase of 156 acres in Arizona on which is located an
historic trading post built some 58 years ago. The heirs of the founder are willing
to sell this tract to the U. S. for $300,000, the price to include land, buildings, and
an art collection. While most members of Congress are historically minded, the House
voted 171 to 208 not to authorize any of the $300,000 for this spot in Arizona. Objection
was based solely on the cost figure. The assessed value of the property was $9,957.00.
If Uncle Sam was to pay $300,000, somebody was to make a nice profit. The taxpayer was
not forgotten in this instance and I can report that I voted "No."
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
April 6, 1960
A third proposal for federal aid to education was recommended to the House of
Representatives last week by the Committee on Education and Labor. This is known as
H. R. 10128, the "School Construction Assistance Act of 1960," and would authorize a
federal appropriation of $975 million over a three-year period for new classrooms. On
June 8, 1959 the Committee reported H. R. 22 providing an authorization of $4.5 billion
over a four-year period for school construction and/or teachers' salaries. On February
4, 1960 the Senate approved S. 8 calling for an expenditure of $916.8 million in a two-
year period for school buildings or salaries.
H. R. 22 is stymied and remains on the Union Calendar. No further action on it is
expected this session. S. 8 was by-passed by the House Committee which approved H. R.
10128. Both S. 8 and H. R. 22 provide federal funds for local teachers' salaries. The
Committee agrees that the House of Representatives is not disposed to go along with
this new policy and resulting increased federal spending.
There is also considerable opposition to any legislation providing only for federal
assistance for school construction. The minority report of the Committee (House Report
1426) on the latest attempt, H. R. 10128, points out that this bill allocates federal
funds to the states simply on the basis of school population WITHOUT regard to NEED or
the financial ability of the states or local governments to construct schools; that
during the first year the states are not required to match federal funds, and that it is
not true that the states and local governments have exhausted their financial resources.
The minority report also shows that throughout the nation our states and local units are
meeting their needs for buildings without federal assistance. In fact, six states have
scheduled more classroom construction during the present year than they reported as
needed last fall.
The House of Representatives will take a good look at these arguments if the bill is
reported to the floor for action by the Committee on Rules and the House leadership. I
have said repeatedly that some federal aid for school construction may be justified under
a tightly drafted formula for those areas which have demonstrated a genuine interest in
education but lack the wealth to provide adequate school facilities. To do more at
this time will require an earnest and exhaustive analysis of a number of fundamental
issues including the responsibilities of each unit in our political system, the increased
costs and mounting debt of the federal government, the public demand for greater economy
by Uncle Sam, the taxation of Michigan citizens to help states which do not need help,
LIBRAGE
the most effective method of insuring local control of local schools, and the historic
place of education in our country. We all want good schools and good teachers. But we
don't want to sell our birthright for a mess of pottage. The education of our children
is too vital to permit it to become a political football.
HOUSE UPS THE BUDGET: The Committee on Appropriations recommended its first bill
of this session INCREASING appropriations over the amount recommended by the President
when it reported a $4.2 billion figure for the Departments of Labor, and of Health,
Education, and Welfare. In six previous major appropriation bills, the Committee had
made substantial cuts in each budget recommendation.
The House approved the Committee's action in granting the Department of Health,
Education, and Welfare a total of $197.4 million more than the President requested. Its
appropriation of $3.6 billion for fiscal 1961 was also $133.6 million more than the
amount allowed for the current year. Congress interest in the medical research done
by the National Institutes of Health accounted for $55 million of the increase over both
the 1960 expenditure and the budget request. The seven Institutes were given a total
of $455 million for next year.
A COMMISSION ON NOXIOUS PRINTED AND PICTURED MATERIAL: Rep. James Oliver, (D.
Maine) has introduced a bill, H. R. 11454, to establish a commission to conduct an
investigation of the relationship between the availability of obscene and noxious
material and the criminal or delinquent acts of those who view this material. The
commission would also analyze the law on this subject and make recommendations to the
Congress. Rep. Oliver along with most members of Congress, is gravely concerned with
the circulation of this type of material and with the roadblocks which arise in any
campaign to control the situation.
For example, often an attempt to get at obscenity is condemned as "censorship"
and a violation of personal freedom. A Washington newspaper ridiculed Postmaster
General Summerfield's ruling on "Lady Chatterley's Lover" and said editorially "He
(PMG) seems to think that anything that offends his personal canonse of purity. is
obscene. IT Neither does the editor like the new Post Office Department cancelling stamp
which says, "Report Obscene Mail to Your Postmaster." He says, "there is an awkward
big brotherliness about this kind of prying into the contents of mail pouches which most
Americans, we surmise, will find thoroughly disquieting.'
Quite to the contrary, I'm certain that most Americans want our mails, our books,
magazines, movies, and TV and radio programs to respect the reasonable sensitivities of
all of us. They want our officials to be diligent in combatting obscenity wherever
found. This is not "prying into the contents of mail pouches."
I will continue to support every legitimate action by the Congress and by law-
enforcement officials to combat this evil.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
April 13, 1960
The expansion of the Polaris and Atlas missile systems announced by President
Eisenhower last week beefs up our retaliatory capability and emphasizes the technological
developments constantly occurring in our weapon systems. Eighteen more Atlas ICBMs will
be combat ready by December 1962. Because of technical improvements made in the guidance
system we are able to increase the number of launching pads at each Atlas base from 9 to
12. Three more missiles can now be controlled by the personnel and ground-control equip-
ment at each base. We get therefore substantially more missile power per base and have
greater destructive force at a reduced cost per missile installation.
The decision to increase the number of Polaris submarines in the defense program
from 15 to 21 was based largely on the completion of highly satisfactory tests within
the past few months. Out of the last 11 Polaris tests this year 9 have been fully
successful. I must repeat what I have stated before, that "one Polaris submarine with
its 16 missiles packs more destructive power than all the allied and enemy planes put
into the air during the total period of World War II." Because of its power and mobility,
the Polaris has been called a "truly indestructible retaliatory force."
OF STAMPS AND TAXES: The postman leaves a letter in your mail box. Four cents
postage has been paid. The Post Office Department may have carried the letter across
the country but Uncle Sam has performed a service and has made a little money over and
above his costs.
The postman leaves for you a magazine or any other piece of second-class mail.
Some postage has been paid but 4 cents is still due. The sender met his obligation; you
pay no more now; but as a citizen you have had 4 cents added to your tax bill. Second-
class mail currently pays only 26 percent of its own way. Uncle Sam (that's you and I)
picks up the tab for 74 percent of the costs. In 1959 the 7.1 billion pieces of second-
class mail accounted for about 12 percent of the pieces and 24 percent of the weight of
all mail handled. Revenue, however, was only 2 percent of all mail revenues. The average
piece of second-class mail, which consists largely of magazines, costs the Federal Govern-
ment about 4 cents more to handle than the amount of postage paid for the service. The
Postmaster General is recommending that the rates on second-class mail be increased so it
will pay 37 percent of its way rather than the current 27 percent. This means the taxpayers
would still pay 63 percent of the cost of second-class mail as a contribution to the
"public service" of the Department.
The postman drops a piece of third-class mail in your box. This is often adver-
tising material and is sometimes referred to as "junk mail." Each piece he leaves costs
you as a taxpayer 1.11 cents. Uncle Sam is subsidizing third-class mail at the rate
of nearly $200 million a year. The users of this type of service are paying 73 percent
of its costs. The Postmaster General is recommending that rates be increased to bring
the user's share to 85 percent. The Department has no objection to carrying so-called
"junk mail" which is undoubtedly a misnomer, but it does believe that third-class mail
should pay its own way without subsidy The proposed increase in rates is a step in
that direction.
The Postmaster General is also recommending an increase in first-class mail from
4 cents to 5 cents. Because first-class mail accounts for more than one half of all
mail volume, this increase is necessary to make any real reduction in the $2 million-
per-day postal deficit. He also justifies the 5-cent rate on the basis of the special
and preferential treatment accorded first-class mail.
IN BRIEF REVIEW: Miss Carol Lee Cooper, until recently a resident of Grand Rapids,
was Michigan's Princess for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington. Carol is
a student at George Washington University where she is preparing to be a teacher
Monsignor Joseph C. Walen, an "Old Newsboy" who is now Editor of the Western Michigan
Catholic, sold Vice President Nixon a GRAND RAPIDS PRESS for "Variety-Press Youth Day"
while here as a delegate to the White House Conference on Children and Youth
The
a cappella choir of Calvin College saw William "Fishbait" Miller, Doorkeeper of the House
of Representatives, demonstrate for them the procedures at a Joint Session of Congress
when they were admitted to the floor of the House during their recent visit to Washington.
I, too, enjoyed speaking to the group and answering their questions
Rev. Dick S.
Van Halsema of Grand Rapids, Minister of Evangelism of the Christian Reformed Church,
offered the prayer to open the session of the House of Representatives on Monday, April
4th
The Postmaster General has agreed to give careful consideration to my request
that there be issued a "Champion of Liberty" stamp commemorating the 100th anniversary
of the birth of Ignace Jan Paderewski, former Premier of Poland and world-famous pianist.
Last evening (April 12th) I supported the record of the Eisenhower Administration
at a Mock Political Convention at Northwestern University, Evanston, where Chairman Paul
Butler of the Democratic National Committee spoke for his party.
A VISIT TO THE CAPITAL: Spring and visitors are synonymous in Washington. The past
two weeks saw a major influx of folks from home. I want everyone in Kent and Ottawa
Counties to know that the services of my office are always available in planning a trip
to the Capital or in obtaining assistance while here. If there is any way we can help,
please let us know. We have passes to the House and Senate Chambers, information on
hotel or motel accommodations, suggestions on what to see and do, and some souvenir
booklets which you will enjoy.
Your Washington Review
KENT
OTTAWA
5
Congressman
JERRY FORD
April 20, 1960
The House of Representatives has approved legislation designed to discourage
retired military or naval officers from accepting positions in private industry where
they may influence the selection or purchase by the government of items manufactured by
their employers. This action was prompted by alleged "influence peddling" by retired
officers, especially those of high rank, who accept positions with defense contractors.
A survey released in January by the Committee on Armed Services disclosed that
there were 1,426 retired officers employed by 72 of the largest defense supporting
companies. Of these 251 were retired generals or admirals. Chairman Carl Vinson of the
Committee told the House, however, that his Committee's investigation and analysis
disclosed "no evidence of improper use of influence.'
While no improper use of influence was disclosed by the Committee, both it and the
House felt that legislation was necessary to discourage the possibilities of any ques-
tionable activity.
The bill passed by the House prohibits a retired officer, within two years after
release from duty, from selling, attempting to sell, or helping to sell anything to the
Department of Defense or any of the armed forces. If he does, he forfeits his retirement
pay for a period of two years thereafter. In addition, he is made subject to court-
martial proceedings and if found guilty may be sentenced up to a maximum of five years'
imprisonment. The court-martial may also order an additional forfeiture of retirement
pay.
The bill also requires any retired officer employed by a defense contractor to
register that fact with the Department of Defense. All defense contractors are required
by this bill to state in their bids or negotiations all retired officers in their employ.
The bill now goes to the Senate where we are told "there is little interest in
this type of legislation.' If the public is interested in this legislation, I suggest
members of the Senate be contacted.
THE VA REPORTS: The Report of the Veterans Administration for fiscal year 1959
indicates that 81 million Americans or 45 percent of the nation's population are present
or potential beneficiaries of VA programs. During 1959 the VA paid out over $31 billion
in compensation and pensions with $116 million coming into Michigan. Compensation,
benefits paid for service-incurred disabilities or to survivors or dependents of those
with such disabilities, accounts for two-thirds of these payments. The remainder goes
for pensions, benefits paid to disabled veterans or their dependents whose income is
LIBRARY
below an established level.
The Report states further that the VA operates the largest chain of hospitals in
the country. Its 171 hospitals carried an average daily patient load of 111,000 during
1959. An additional 3,000 veterans were patients in non-VA hospitals. The VA also
provided housing and rehabilitation care for an average daily load of 16,000 members
in 17 domiciliaries throughout the United States.
The Veterans Administration operates the second largest ordinary life insurance
program in the world. On June 30, 1959 there were 6.4 million policies in force under
the programs of U. S. Government Life Insurance (World War I) and National Service Life
Insurance (World War II and Korea). Maximum coverage for any one veteran is $10,000.
THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS: The House of Representatives has established a
regular standing committee of 25 members for the sole purpose of handling veterans
legislation. In contrast in the Senate veterans bills are referred to various committees
according to subject matter.
The four subcommittees of the Committee on Veterans Affairs have been conducting
hearings on proposed legislation since early January. Within a few days these sub-
committees will report favorably to the full committee on 16 specific bills. If the
full committee endorses the recommendations of the subcommittees, these bills may be
passed by the House but only if they clear the Committee on Rules, or are brought up
under suspension of the rules, or are placed on the Consent Calendar and approved
unanimously
One proposal which has received considerable attention but which I understand will
not be reported would grant a pension of $100 per month to every veteran of World War I
at age 65 regardless of need The VA has told the Committee that the additional cost
of this legislation would be nearly $2 billion for the first year with a decrease to
$1.6 billion during the fifth year. The National Commander of the American Legion
advised the Committee to delay action on this proposal until it can see how well the new
pension law which goes into effect on July 1st actually works. But the VFW National
Commander said that if he were a member of Congress he would support the legislation.
The Committee will continue hearings on a number of bills calling for judicial
review of decisions of the Board of Veterans Appeals. Today a veteran who is not
satisfied with the decision of the VA regional office relative to his claim for com-
pensation, pension, or other benefits can appeal to a three-man Board of Veterans Appeals
in Washington. The decision of this Board is final. The bills providing for "judicial
review" would establish a special "U.S. Court of Veterans Appeals" consisting of from
three to five judges empowered to review matters of fact and law on appeal from the
Board of Veterans Appeals. Service Officers who represent claimants before the Board
are pushing for the judicial review.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
April 27, 1960
Legislation authorizing $1.3 billion for a portion of our mutual security program
was approved by the House of Representatives last week by a vote of 243 to 130. In
addition to this amount the President is requesting $2.7 billion for military assistance
and the Development Loan Fund for which no authorizing legislation is required this year.
The purpose of the mutual security program, in each of its various aspects, is the
defense of the United States and the security of the free world. The program includes
military assistance, defense support, special assistance, technical cooperation, and the
Development Loan Fund.
The President has requested $2 billion for "Military Assistance." The 1960 Report
on the Mutual Security Act by the Committee on Foreign Affairs says, "The military
strategy of the United States, as formulated by the Joint Chiefs of Staff over more than
a decade, has been built upon the availability of overseas bases and on the cooperation
of the forces of other nations. Practically every major United States field commander
depends on the employment of hundreds of thousands of allied troups, thousands of allied
aircraft, as well as allied ships, along with our own forces to carry out the missions
assigned to him in time of war."
Our military assistance program helps to insure to us over 250 military bases on
foreign territory, close to any potential enemy and far from our own shores. Furthermore,
it strengthens our manpower at bargain rates. In 1959 the cost per soldier for the U. S.
(pay, allowance, subsistance, and individual clothing) was $3,859. In contrast, the
free world gets one Portugese soldier for $695, one Greek soldier for $391, and one
Taiwan soldier for $167. The money for military assistance goes to strengthen the
fighting forces of our allies who are on the front lines in our mutual defense set-up.
It cuts our own costs in defense dollars and reduces our own calls for men under
selective service.
The House authorized $675 million, or $49 million less than was requested, for
"Defense Support." This is economic aid to countries which are providing military bases,
and/or forces for our defsnee to such an extent that it may overtax their economies or
otherwise create social or political instability. It goes to 12 countries, not well-
developed economically but in a strategic location as far as our defense against the
Communist bloc is concerned. These countries are Greece, Turkey, Spain, Korea, Taiwan,
Vietnam, the Phillippines, Pakistan, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Iran. Defense support
takes the form of commodities and services imported into the country and used in a way
that will strengthen that nation's ability to support its military forces.
"Special Assistance" is economic aid similar to "defense supports." It, however,
goes to 22 countries which are not providing significant military forces to the free
world (may be supplying military bases) but whose political or economic stability is
important to the United States. The House, upon recommendation of its Committee on
Foreign Affairs, cut $12.5 million from the request and authorized $256 million for this
purpose. Sixty-nine percent of this amount is scheduled to continue programs necessary
to maintain political and economic stability in nine countries: Afghanistan, Bolivia,
Burma, Haiti, Israel, Jordan, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia, and West Berlin. Eighteen
percent of the special assistance funds will go into such worldwide programs as malaria
eradication, international medical research, and aid to American schools abroad. The
Committee's Report listed Jordon, Lebanon, Bolivia, Guatemala, Yugoslavia, and West Berlin.
as areas definitly influenced to our advantage by our "Special Assistance."
The Committee recommended and the House approved an authorization of $172 million
in fiscal 1961 for "Technical Cooperation." Here the emphasis is on people. United
States technicians work in underdeveloped countries for improvements in agriculture,
education, public administration, and health. Potential leaders from these countries
(about 60 countries and territories) are sent to the U. S, and other nations for training.
It is this program which provides the principal means by which the newer and/or poorer
nations are encouraged to identify themselves with the free world. "Technical coopera-
tion," originally called "Point 4" is helping over 10,000 foreign nationals to be
trained in the U. S. or another country this year. During the same time over 5,800
U. S. technicians are taking American "know-how" overseas. This program is designed to
sell America to underdeveloped peoples. It would encourage them to look"west" rather
than "east."
The President has requested $700 million for the Development Loan Fund which
provides capital for the promotion of long-term economic growth in less developed
countries. This is done through loans and other forms of credit repayable for the most
part in the currency of the borrowing country. The loans go to construct power plants,
manufacturing enterprises, port improvement, and irrigation systems. Many of the
countries benefiting from these loans are sources of strategic materials essential to
U. S. industry. We import from other free nations 100% of our tin, industrial diamonds,
abaca, and natural rubber; 98% of our platinum; 90% of our chrome; 89% of our nickel;
88% of our antimony; and 83% of our manganese.
The Development Loan Fund was established in 1959. As a system of loans and re-
payments it has advantages for both the U. S. and the beneficiary countries. While I
have consistently endorsed the mutual security program as an integral part of our own
U.S. national security, I have always supported every legitimate means to make it more
efficient and less costly, And costs have gone down. In 1951 the economic and
technical assistance programs cost us $2.6 billion. In 1959 this had been reduced 50
percent to $1.3 billion.