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Ford Newsletter, October-December 1967
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Ford Newsletter, October-December 1967
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This file contains material relating to Lyndon Johnson.
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Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers
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Federal Maritime Commission. 8/12/1961-
Agriculture
Apportionment
Discrimination
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Government salaries
Internal security
Legislation
Meat
Old age
Postal matters
Poverty programs
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Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
October 4, 1967
The American taxpayer won an important scrimmage in the House of Representa-
tives last week. The House voted 202 to 182 to send back to the Committee on Appro-
priations a resolution providing funds to operate those departments of government for
which no money is available for the current fiscal year. (Technically these depart-
ments have no money to spend after September 30th.) The resolution was sent back
because of the Republican demand for an amendment cutting budget expenditures by $5
billion this year. If the amendment had been adopted, the Treasury would have
recovered $5 billion which could otherwise be spent.
There was no direct vote on the amendment because of a parliamentary techni-
cality. But those who voted "yes" to recommit the resolution were in effect voting
to reduce expenditures this year by $5 billion. Those who voted "no" were voting for
a $141 billion budget with no reduction.
We were pleased at the support we received for this proposal which is one means
of reducing expenditures and avoiding a tax increase. All Republican Congressmen from
Michigan supported the economy move. All Democrats from our state voted against the
amendment and for greater spending. Further action on the issue was postponed until
this week.
EXPENDITURE CONTROL AN ABSOLUTE NECESSITY: Dr. Raymond Saulnier, Professor of
Economics at Columbia University and a former chairman of the President's Council of
Economic advisors, told the Committee on Ways and Means recently that under current
circumstances a tax increase is needed. But he went on to say: "I want to make it
clear that if all a tax increase does is to invite another spurt of federal spending
it will accomplish nothing except raise further the already high, and as I see it
excessive, proportion of the nation's income currently absorbed by taxation. That
proportion now stands at close to 30 percent. Thus there is no escaping the conclu-
sion that expenditure control is an absolute necessity in the present situation
Our country is overcommitted financially. This condition must be corrected."
JUVENILE DELINQUENCY ACT: The House amended and approved H.R. 12120 last
Tuesday evening. The bill authorizes $25 million this year for assisting the states
and local governments in providing detention facilities and training schools (including
"halfway houses") for rehabilitating youths who are delinquent or are in danger of
becoming delinquent. "Halfway Houses" are training homes for youngsters who are be-
tween probation and formal commitment or those who are "halfway" out of correctional
institutions. Funds may also be used for diagnosing individual cases and for pro-
moting local services geared to the prevention of delinquency.
Two amendments to the bill as recommended by the committee were approved in
roll call votes. I supported both amendments. One transferred the major control over
the expenditure of funds from HEW to state and local governments. Eighty percent of
the funds must go to local units of government and only a maximum of 20 percent may be
utilized by the states. But the major effect of the amendment is to give greater con-
trol to local and state officials. The power of the federal bureaucracy in Washington
is diminished. I agree that delinquency can best be handled at the local level. The
amendment was approved 234 to 139. All Republicans from Michigan supported the amend-
ment. All Democrats from our state voted for greater federal control.
The second amendment prevents any of the money authorized by this bill to be
spent by the Office of Economic Opportunity for its "war on poverty." The Democrat
author of the amendment put it simply: "We have a poverty program. We should not
start another. We are trying to accomplish something else with this Act. Let us not
put all this money for this particular legislation into the same hands for the same
use that the OEO spends their money for." I agree that this is not an anti-poverty
measure; it is an anti-delinquency program. The vote (241-132) also indicated con-
gressional concern with the manner in which OEO has been operated. Again, Michigan's
Republicans supported the amendment; all our Democrat colleagues voted "no."
COURT-AUTHORIZED ELECTRONIC SURVEILLANCE: Support for the legislation, which
I am co-sponsoring, to permit court-supervised wiretapping and bugging in the investi-
gation of major crimes received additional and significant support recently. The
Judicial Conference of the U.S. (composed of the chief judges from all the federal
circuit courts and top Judges from several district courts) has endorsed legislation
permitting federal and state officers to tap telephones and eavesdrop electronically
under court orders. Republicans have introduced a new bill on this subject to accom-
modate the technical recommendations of the Conference. The Association of Federal
Investigators (composed of over 1,000 career employees active in law enforcement)
states that listening devices "are necessary, useful, and effective investigative
weapons particularly when organized crime cases are concerned." It calls our approach
"a major step" in the campaign against organized crime. Support for our position also
comes from the National Association of Attorneys General and the National District
Attorneys Association.
It is most difficult to understand why President Johnson and Attorney-General
Clark maintain a vigorous opposition to court-supervised electronic surveillance. The
Johnson Administration wants Congress to prohibit the use of these modern criminal
detection methods in all cases except those involving the national security. I be-
lieve they should be authorized, but under specific court orders and close supervision
only, in investigations involving what is known as "organized crime."
Your Washington Review
RENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
October 11, 1967
The taxpayers lost the second scrimmage over the reduction in federal spending
but they may be winning the game. The House of Representatives approved a "continuing
appropriations" resolution without an amendment reducing expenditures this year by $5
billion. On the same issue the week before, the House returned the resolution to
committee in order to save $5 billion. But last Tuesday by a vote of 213 to 205, the
House registered its approval of the resolution providing funds for certain depart-
ments without any demand for a cut in spending. Every Republican from Michigan, as
well as from every other state, voted to force a $5 billion reduction in order to
avoid a tax increase. Every Democrat from our state voted for the President's
spending proposals and in effect for higher taxes.
But all is not lost. In fact, we are encouraged. During debate on the resolu-
tion Tuesday, Chairman Mahon (Dem.-Texas) of the Committee on Appropriations promised
to bring to the floor, possibly this week, legislation to reduce appropriations and
expenditures in the four appropriations bills which have already become law. In other
words, this would be a "recision bill." It would remove from the President the
authority he now has to spend certain funds. It would do in part what we were
attempting to accomplish in our amendment.
The second encouraging development occurred while the House was debating the
issue on Tuesday. The Committee on Ways and Means voted 20 to 5 to take no further
action on President Johnson's demand for a 10 percent tax increase until the Congress
and the President reach an understanding on the reduction and control of expenditures.
(The five votes for the tax increase were cast by Democrat members of the Committee.)
The President is put on notice that he must cooperate and cut federal spending.
Otherwise no tax increase will be considered by the House Committee on Ways and Means,
which is the committee having initial jurisdiction over President Johnson's tax
increase proposal.
Taxpayers can be further encouraged by the decisive action (the vote was 226 to
173) of the House last Wednesday in sending back to conference the $13 billion Labor-
HEW appropriation bill for further reductions. Generally, the House approves without
too much difficulty the recommendations of the conferees appointed by each house to
iron out the differences between a bill as passed by each house. But in this instance
the House instructed its conferees to insist on reduction of $20 million represented
by 13 items which were in excess of the President's budget request. In other words,
the House insisted that the President be given no more money than he requested.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT? It should be made clear that the Executive
Branch of the government headed by the President spends our tax money. (The cost of
running the legislative and judicial branches amounts to $369 million a year.)
Congress appropriates money, makes it available, grants "new obligational authority."
But the executive branch (the President and his assistants) spends the money. The
President is not required to spend every cent made available to him. In fact, on July
lst, he had on hand $50.3 billion of "unobligated funds," including $10.3 billion in
the Department of Housing and Urban Development and $14 billion in the Department of
Defense. This is money made available to him by appropriations prior to fiscal 1968
but not yet spent at the beginning of that fiscalyear. But it is there to be spent.
The President can hold down spending by not using funds already appropriated. Further-
more, it is the President who requests funds from the Congress. He can hold down his
requests. It is true that Congress can reject or reduce these requests, and to date
this Congress has cut $1.9 billion out of a total request considered of $95.4 billion.
This is not much, As a practical matter, when a Congress and a President are both
dedicated "to spending and taxing," it is extremely difficult to protect the tax-
payers' interest.
ON THE POSTAL RATES: Upon the recommendation of President Johnson the Commit-
tee on Post Office and Civil Service has proposed an increase in postal rates. If the
Committee's bill (scheduled for consideration this week) becomes law, postage on
letters will go from 5c to 6¢; on cards, from 4c to 5¢ while airmail stamps will be
10c instead of the present 8c.
There will be a 23-percent increase, effective in three steps, on second-class
mail, newspapers and magazines. Bulk rates for third class advertising matter, in
which there has been so much interest, will be increased from 18¢ a pound to 22c.
The minimum per piece will go up one cent from 2.8c to 3.8c.
It is interesting to note how these proposed rates will change the extent to
which each class of mail pays its own way. The chart below, based on an analysis by
the Post Office Department, gives the percentage of cost paid now, and under the pro-
posed rates.
Percentage of
Percentage of cost paid
cost paid now
under proposed rates
First Class
103
123
Air Mail
121
139
Second Class
23
29
Third Class
63
82
Fourth Class
90
91
The Committee has combined in one bill the postal rate increase and federal
employee salary adjustments. The postal rate increase will bring in an additional
$884 million next year. The employee salary increases will cost in 1968 a little
over $628 million.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
5
IONIA
JERRY FORD
October 18, 1967
The bill to raise postal rates and increase salaries of federal employees was
approved by the House of Representatives last Wednesday evening by a vote of 318 to
89. If this bill becomes law, postal rates will be increased according to the
schedule I described last week. An effort to further raise the rates on third class
(advertising) matter was defeated 147 to 64.
Under the bill postal workers will get a 6 percent pay increase retroactive to
October 1st and the salaries of other federal classified employees will go up 4.5
percent. This will cost $628 million during the first year. Postal employees will
get another 5 percent increase next July; other employees will get a raise to be
determined by the President after comparing their salaries with comparable employment
in private industry, but not less than 3 percent. This second year cost will be $1.9
billion.
Both postal and other employees will receive a final, third-phase adjustment
in April of 1969 to bring all of their salaries up to a par with private enterprise
salaries as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The third year cost will
be $2.6 billion.
The bill also provides for the establishment of a "Quadrennial Commission" to
determine once every four years the proper salaries for governmental officials and
employees in all three branches of government, including members of Congress. The
President would then include the exact recommendations for salaries and expenses in
his budget submitted to the Congress. These recommendations would become effective
after 30 days unless Congress by law sets the pay or one House specifically dis-
approves the President's recommendation.
Prior to final passage, a motion was made to approve the salary increase for
the first year only. This would give the Congress an opportunity to reexamine the
situation next year and could result in substantial savings to the taxpayer. The
motion also would have eliminated the "Quadrennial Commission" and kept direct control
over salaries in the Congress which represents the taxpayers. I supported this motion
in behalf of economy and good legislative procedure. But we lost by a close vote, 211
to 199. Had this motion been adopted, I could have supported the bill. But without
these constructive changes, I could not go along with a piece of legislation which
will add over $2 billion to the federal budget in two years and will weaken congres-
sional control over federal expenditures.
ON OBSCENE MAILINGS: The Postal Rate and Pay Increase bill as approved by the
House provides a means for stopping the flow through the mails of "pandering adver-
tisements." Such advertisements are not obscene in themselves but offer to sell mate-
rials which are claimed to be erotically arousing or sexually provocative. Under the
bill any person receiving such an advertisement may request the Postmaster General to
advise the mailer to remove his name from the mailing list. If the Postmaster General
determines that the material is a "pandering advertisement," he issues the order to
the mailer. Failure to comply would be punishable through federal court action.
This is one means to get at an ever-increasing problem. During the past year
the P.O. Department received about 250,000 complaints from people all over the coun-
try bitterly protesting the receipt of offensive, sex-oriented advertising matter in
the mail. Most were from parents whose minor children have received such advertisements.
AGRICULTURE APPROPRIATION: The House on June 8 approved a $4.7 billion appro-
priation bill for the Department of Agriculture. When the Senate completed action on
the bill in July the figure had risen to $6.7 billion--up $2 billion. Fortunately for
the taxpayers the conferees in October agreed to a compromise of $4.9 billion; a cut
of $1.8 billion from the amount set by the Senate. The House approved the conference
report with the $4.9 billion appropriation last Tuesday, but insisted on further
negotiations with the Senate on three items in an effort to effect further economies.
HIGHWAY BEAUTIFICATION: President Johnson has recommended, the Senate has
passed, and the Democrat-controlled House Committee on Public Works has approved, an
$85 million highway beautification bill. But Republican members of the Committee
have indicated their strong opposition to this expenditure. The bill provides $5
million for control of outdoor advertising, $10 million for control of junkyards, and
$70 million for purchasing and improving strips of land along the highway but outside
the right-of-way area. These strips according to the instructional manual for 1967
could include a "rock outcropping, a lake, a valley or mountain of size and type to
attract attention, a stream bed or a pastoral scene " Or they could include "a
strip of sizable timber or interesting natural shrubs, vines, etc." Even the Democrat
majority on the Committee stated that these instructions by the Bureau of Public
Roads have "made it extremely difficult, if not impossible, for a state to use these
funds to improve the appearance of existing highways."
The Republicans point out that defeat of this bill (S.1467) will have little
or no effect on beautification efforts within the highway right-of-way. They endorse
efforts to beautify our highways but insist that we must establish proper priorities
when we have an annual deficit approaching $30 billion and Mr. Johnson is demanding a
10% surtax. They would postpone action on this bill and then rewrite it to make it
workable and effective. I agree.
RECENT VISITORS: From Grand Rapids - Mr.& Mrs. Arthur Johnson, Thomas Baughman,
Mr. & Mrs. David Wierenga, Judge & Mrs. Stuart Hoffius, Mr.& Mrs. J. VanderMeulen,
Mr. & Mrs. J. Jeltema, George Whitfield, Platt Dockery, Mr.& Mrs. Frank Smale, Mr.
and Mrs. Peter Hetzner, Richard VerVeer, Neil Klap, James A. Kladder.
Your Washington Review
KENT
IONIA
Congressman
5
JERRY FORD
October 25, 1967
The taxpayers won again last Wednesday evening when the House of Representa-
tives voted to hold federal spending to $131.5 billion during the current fiscal year.
An exception may be made if the President finds that additional funds are needed for
Vietnam. Expenditures for foreign aid are specifically limited to $2 billion and
funds for the Office of Economic Opportunity to $1.2 billion.
During fiscal 1967 expenditures totaled $125.7 billion. The estimate for 1968
has been $136.5 billion although recent forecasts have put this year's spending at
$144.2 billion. (During July and August Uncle Sam was spending at the rate of $145
billion annually.) So if the House-approved resolution should become law the savings
this year could range between $5 billion and $13.2 billion. I must stress, however,
that these figures are broad estimates, that they refer only to the Administrative
Budget, and that Senate approval of the resolution, at this writing, is by no means
assured.
This action was taken as the House considered the fourth "continuing resolu-
tion" for this session. Such resolutions are necessary because of delays in enacting
appropriation bills which supply funds to operate the government. They permit depart-
ments and agencies to spend funds at a given rate until their appropriations are made.
HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION AND THE BUDGET: Any suggestion that a reduction in high-
way construction will help eliminate the $25-30 billion deficit this year is totally
misleading. Federal highway construction funds are not listed in the Administrative
Budget which shows this enormous deficit, nor do they contribute to the national debt
which on October 16th stood at $340 billion. Highway funds will not be affected by
the President's 10 percent surtax. They will not be affected by any percentage cut
in the budget, nor any limitation on the Administrative Budget.
Federal highway grants to the states are made from a special Highway Trust
Fund built up by taxes on motor fuel, tires and tubes, treadrubber, trucks, buses,
trailers, truck use, truck parts and accessories, and on lubricating oil used in
highway vehicles.
The money collected by these user taxes can be spent only for highways.
Expenditures have been running at the rate of $4 billion annually. Most of the money
goes to the interstate highway system to which the federal government contributes
90 percent and the states 10 percent. Of the 41,000 miles in this system, about
22,000 have been completed and another 17,000 are under way.
AN INDEPENDENT MARITIME ADMINISTRATION: The House voted last Tuesday to
establish a Federal Maritime Administration independent of any department or agency
of government. It would take over the functions now performed in the Department of
Commerce by the Maritime Administration and Maritime Subsidy Board.
President Johnson recommended last year that the duties of these offices be
transferred to the new Department of Transportation. Republicans led the opposition
to this proposal and the House on August 30, 1966 voted 261 to 117 to remove any
reference to the Maritime Administration from the legislation creating the Department
of Transportation. As I reported in my newsletter of September 6, 1966, it was our
feeling that an independent agency would more vigorously promote the development of
our merchant marine fleet.
We, therefore, strongly supported the recommendation of the Democratic-
controlled Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries that the independent agency be
established. The Republican Policy Committee said that this "would underscore the
importance of our Maritime industry. (and) place Congress on record as being in
favor of a Merchant Marine that can meet our defense commitments and once again
carry the American flag to all the world ports of trade."
The Republican Policy Committee pointed out further that "the percentage of
U.S. flagships in the world's merchant fleet is one-half of what it was three decades
ago. The percentage of American goods moving overseas on American ships is at an
all-time low. In 1966, the U.S. put only 13 new ships into service. The Soviets
took delivery of 62 ships in the last six months of 1966 alone. Some 80 percent of
the Soviet fleet is less than 10 years old while nearly 70 percent of the U.S. fleet
is more than 20 years old."
TWO COMMEMORATIVE MEDALS: The House has authorized the U.S. Mint to prepare
up to 200,000 national medals in commemoration of the 300th anniversary of the
explorations of Father Marquette and up to 1 million medals to commemorate the 50th
anniversary of the founding of the American Legion, No cost to the taxpayers is
involved in either case.
Father Marquette explored northern Michigan, the Mississippi River, and Lake
Michigan between 1668 and 1675. He died near Ludington and was buried at St. Ignace.
The American Legion was founded in Paris, March 15-17, 1919 and now has a membership
of 2,600,000 in 16,500 posts in this country and abroad.
MAP OF VIETNAM: We have for distribution copies of a map of "Vietnam and the
Asian Continent," published as a House document. In color and quite detailed, this
map which unfolds to 16x21 inches ic available upon request to my Grand Rapids office
(425 Cherry Street, S.E.--telephone: GL 6-9747) or by writing me at the House of
Representatives, Washington, D. C.
RECENT VISITORS: From Ionia, Hon. Stanley Powell. From Grand Rapids: Mr. and
Mrs. Charles Mathews; Mr. and Mrs. WalterNordmark; Mrs. Henry Lucas, Ethel Lucas;
Mrs. John Kolkman, Julia Kolkman; Mr. and Mrs. Al Hoort, Lauralee and Gayla.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
November 1, 1967
A 4.5 percent increase in the "regular compensation" of our servicemen as re-
commended by the President was approved by the House of Representatives last Thurs-
day. But because regular military compensation includes elements other than basic
pay, a 4.5 percent increase translates into a 5.6 percent increase in basic pay.
For example, a private now drawing $100.50 per month basic pay will receive
$106.20 under the bill which was passed 385 to 2. A sergeant now getting $287.70 a
month will be advanced to $303.90. An army captain with over 18 years of service
who presently is paid $728.70 will get $769.50 a month. The adjustments are made
retroactive to October 1st and will cost $626 million this year.
APPROPRIATIONS MOVE ALONG: The House has acted on 13 of the 14 regular
appropriation bills which must be passed in order to provide funds to operate the de-
partments and agencies of the federal government. Only the foreign aid bill remains
to be initially considered.
A $2.1 billion military construction bill was approved after cutting the
President's request by $794 million. Even at that the bill is $538 million above the
1967 appropriation. Funds just over $1 million each were provided for Wurtsmith
AFB, Oscoda, and K.I. Sawyer AFB, Gwinn, and over $1.5 million goes to Selfridge AFB,
Mount Clemens - all in Michigan. This bill has been sent to the Senate.
Final action was taken on five appropriation bills which will be going to the
President for signature. The President had requested $36.4 billion. The Congress
made cuts totaling $1.7 billion. NASA's request was reduced by a half-billion
dollars.
RENT SUBSIDIES: For the second time this year the House of Representatives
on Tuesday expressed its opposition to expansion of the rent subsidy program. By a
vote of 250 to 152 it sent back to conference with the Senate an amendment providing
$40 million for new contracts for rent subsidies. Because these contracts run for 40
years a total of $1.6 billion was involved in this controversy. On Thursday the
House by a vote of 198 to 184 accepted a compromise providing $10 million for new
contracts for this year.
The Congress has already appropriated $32 million for paying rent subsidy
contracts now in force. This program, restricted to newly constructed or major re-
habilitated housing, was supposed to provide thousands of housing units in a four-
year period. As of September 1, 1967, after almost two years of operation, only
1,076 housing units have benefited. Only 37 new units have been constructed.
RENT CERTIFICATES: The same Housing Act of 1965 which called for rent sub-
sidies contained a Republican-sponsored Rent Certificate program. As of September 1st,
this plan had provided housing for 5,989 families. Using "decent, safe, and sanitary,"
existing housing it is taking care of almost six times as many low-income families as
is the rent subsidy program. Moreover, of the 1,076 units which receive rent subsi-
dies, 1,029 of them could have been utilized under the Republican rent certificate
program at less cost to both the federal government and the low-income families
occupying the homes. Under rent subsidies, the cost to the renter is 25 percent of
his income. Under the Republican rent certificate program the cost to the needy
family is only 20 percent of its income. This plan also grants a greater degree of
flexibility with leases running from one to five years. Rent subsidies with a multi-
million dollar burden on the U. S. Treasury are locked in for 40 years.
The rent certificate plan is just one alternative to rent subsidies; there are
others. We who question the rent subsidy approach have offered a constructive alter-
native and will continue to support sound legislation to help provide good housing for
those in need.
MODEL CITIES: The House also refused on Tuesday to accept a Senate amendment
involving a $300 million increasein funds for the President's model cities program.
Last November Congress made available $11 million to get this program off the ground.
To date nearly a year later, the Johnson Administration has not awarded one cent to
any city. 193 cities have applied with the expectation that about 70 would get some
federal money. HUD said it would announce the cities chosen by July lst. It has not
done so yet.
The House had approved $237 million in this year's budget but the Senate added
$300 to make a total of $537 million - and all this for a program that is not in
operation. But on Thursday agreement was reached with the Senate providing $312
million for the model cities program. President Johnson had requested $662 million.
MONDAY HOLIDAYS: A subcommittee has recommended to the House Committee on the
Judiciary a bill providing for eight legal public holidays, six of which will come on
Monday. The holidays are: New Year's Day, Jan. 1; President's Day, the third Monday
in February; Memorial Day, the last Monday in May ; Independence Day, the first Monday
in July; Labor Day, the first Monday in September; Veterans Day, the last Monday in
October; Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Monday in November; and Christmas Day, December
25th. The bill (H.R. 11679) is scheduled to be considered by the full committee and
would make this holiday schedule effective on January 1, 1970.
RECENT VISITORS: From Cedar Springs: Mrs. Isaac Wolbrink. From Grand Rapids:
Mr.& Mrs. Howard Coil, Jeff, Donn, Diane and Steve; Mr.& Mrs. Gordon Scripps and
family; Mr.& Mrs. Geo. Tompkins and 2 children; Dr.& Mrs. R. Burton and 3 children;
Mr.& Mrs. E. VanSlyke and family; Mr.& Mrs. Wm. Edison, Steve, Barb, John; Douglas
Hillman; Leonard Crandall; Richard Baxter; Mr.& Mrs. Clarence Hoogeboom; Mr.& Mrs.
John Strickler; Dr.& Mrs. Robert Richards; Dr.& Mrs. Robert Browne; Dr.& Mrs. James
Ford; Mr.& Mrs. H. J. West; Msgr. H. H. Zerfas; Ivan Zylstra; Don Lennon; Roger
Chatterton. From Portland: Mr.& Mrs. H. B. Hath. From Ionia: Mr.& Mrs. Richard
Bennett. From Wyoming: Mr.& Mrs. Roger VanDuinen and family.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
November 8, 1967
The House of Representatives on Thursday approved the Air Quality Act of 1967,
a bill to help resolve air pollution problems on a regional basis in accordance with
air quality standards and enforcement plans developed by the states. Air pollution
is a menace to the health of our people and proper action to combat it must be taken.
The legislation (S. 780), passed by a vote 362 to 0, provides $362.3 million over a
three-year period for air control research and the development of plans by which
pollution sources would be controlled.
In the bill as passed by the Senate, California was exempted from the auto
emission control provision on the basis that it may need more stringent controls.
Right now the federal standards are the same as those in California. The House Com-
mittee had revised this provision, but the House itself voted to accept the Senate
version.
RESTRICTION ON COTTON IMPORTS: The House last Monday by a vote of 274 to 64
approved a bill which has the effect of halting the importation of extra-long staple
cotton from the United Arab Republic and the Republic of the Sudan. Producers of
such cotton (with a staple length of 1-3/8 inches or longer) in the United States
will be permitted to expand their production in order to meet our domestic needs.
These two nations and Peru have been the main foreign sources of this cotton.
Peru's imports will not be affected by this legislation. But, both the UAR and Sudan
have broken off diplomatic relations with our country. The Committee on Agriculture
in recommending the bill said: "The Committee does not see the equity in continuing
to import an approximate (yearly) average of 56,120 bales from the UAR (and) 400
bales from the Republic of the Sudan
when these two nations do not feel that the
United States is worthy of their diplomatic recognition
It seems ironic to the
Committee that American cotton producers had to appear at the hearings on this bill
in order to request that they be permitted to grow extra-long staple cotton which is
now being produced by nations not even in diplomatic relations with our government."
I agreed and voted for the bill. President Johnson and his Administration are op-
posed to the legislation.
FEDERAL MEAT INSPECTION ACT: The House approved last Tuesday by a vote of
403 to 1, the Purcell bill (H.R. 12144) on federal meat inspection. Endorsed by the
U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Michigan Department of Agriculture, and the Re-
publican Policy Committee, this bill modernizes the Federal Meat Inspection Act and
broadens the present meat inspection program by establishing a federal-state
cooperative meat inspection arrangement.
The Committee on Agriculture was deeply concerned with the problem of meat
inspection, something which affects every family. It studied three approaches. By a
vote of 29 to 5 it rejected a proposal calling for federal inspection of all plants,
inter- or intra-state, having gross sales over $250,000 annually. This could have
virtually eliminated state inspection programs and would have added $31.2 million in
costs to the federal government. Furthermore, it would not have insured inspection
of the smaller intra-state plants which often have neither the capital nor the man-
power to maintain adequate sanitation standards.
The second alternative was to confine the legislation and the inspection only
to meat moving in inter-state commerce and not to provide any program of federal-
state cooperation. This approach was rejected by a vote of 26 to 6. Only then did
the Committee approve the third alternative for a cooperative federal-state inspec-
tion system. The bill is so written that the federal government cannot preempt
the jurisdiction of the states over intra-state commerce.
FLOOD INSURANCE: The House on Wednesday approved a bill authorizing up to
$500 million to help underwrite $2.5 billion worth of flood insurance to be provided
through an "insurance pool" established by private insurance companies. Flood insur-
ance is not generally available because private insurers are not able to write it on
an economically feasible basis. Under this bill, owners of existing property in a
flood-prone area would pay a "reasonable" premium for insurance. In the event of
heavy losses, the federal government would make payments under a formula set up in
the bill to the "insurance pool" from which claims will be paid.
Individuals who build or substantially improve their properties in areas where
flood insurance was available (flood-prone areas) would be required to pay the full
actuarial cost (rather than a lower "reasonable rate") of the insurance, and would
thus bear the full cost of the risk to which they had exposed themselves. The bill
also encourages state and local government to restrict the future development of land
which is exposed to flood hazard.
MONDAY HOLIDAYS: It doesn't appear that the bill which I mentioned last week
to set six of our eight legal holidays on Mondays will receive favorable action. The
full Committee on the Judiciary voted last Tuesday to keep Independence Day on July 4
and Thanksgiving on a Thursday. If the bill is considered further, the Committee may
keep Veterans Day on November 11. There was little enthusiasm for "President's Day"
among the committee members. The Committee Chairman is reported to have said the
bill is dead.
RECENT VISITORS: From Grand Rapids: Mr. and Mrs. Richard Wierenga, Jane,
Joan, and Rick; Mr. and Mrs. Otto DeBruyn, Marlene, Karen, and Bob; Dr. and Mrs.
Lawrence Zoerner and Ann; Mrs. F.J. Moshier; Ronald Laug; Dr. H.J. Walkotten; Dr. and
Mrs. H.L. Homan; Mr. and Mrs. R. VanderHill; Vicki Ellis; Mrs. Linda Fahrni.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
November 15, 1967
The House of Representatives debated the "war on poverty" last week. Consider-
ation of the legislation to authorize continued operation of the Office of Economic
Opportunity (0EO) has extended into this week.
Members of Congress agree that we need an effective program to help the poor.
But OEO's "war on poverty" has been in deep trouble for some time. It is in trouble
because of its failure in too many instances to meet the real needs of the
unemployed and underemployed for decent jobs; because in too many places it has been
mired in partisan politics; because too much of the money intended for the poor has
gone for grossly inflated administrative expenses and high salaries; and because pro-
grams such as the Job Corps have produced dismal results at enormous costs. The
American taxpayers are demanding more from their $4 billion, three-year investment in
aiding the poor.
I agree with those Republican members of the Committee on Education and Labor
who contend that the legislation proposed by the majority does not get at the basic
weaknesses in the program. We would not abolish the war on poverty but we do favor
a "fundamental redirection" of its programs. We would use federal funds as "seed
money" to help enlist the enormous resources of our free enterprise economy and to
increase the scope of state participation.
Under the "Opportunity Crusade" recommended by many Republicans as an alterna-
tive, the community action programs (CAP) would be continued but they would be
directed toward helping the poor obtain decent jobs. We would do this by establishing
training programs through existing public and private agencies, by encouraging
employers and unions to participate in training programs, by making health and voca-
tional rehabilitation services available, and by assistance in other ways. The
emphasis would be on creating employment opportunities. Specifically barred would be
all political activities, partisan or non-partisan, including voter registration.
Republicans favor an independent local Community Action Program in which the
poor themselves will have an effective voice. We oppose, therefore, the Green Amend-
ment adopted by the Democratic-dominated committee, giving control over CAP programs
and funds to the locally elected city officials. This will involve the entire program
in "politics" with CAP becoming the creature of the dominant political organization
such as we see in the big city "boss-rule" type situation. We support the plan which
requires at least 1/3 of the community action boards to be representative of the poor,
up to 1/3 representative of local public officials, and the balance representative of
private and public human resource agencies.
We support "Headstart," the pre-school education program. But we think it
would be greatly improved if it were handled through the schools and the Department
of HEW which would also carry out a "Follow-Through" program. The "Upward Bound"
program designed to assist able, but needy and educationally deprived high school
students to prepare for college should also be administered by HEW.
The Job Corps has been an expensive project with questionable results. We
would transfer this program to HEW's Office of Vocational Education with authority to
carry on present programs and to gradually transfer this educational project to area
vocational schools and technical institutes.
The Neighborhood Youth Corps is designed to provide a work-study program
similar to vocational training programs now in operation in many of our high schools.
Generally, the in-school portion of the program has been successful, but the
Committee found that the "out-of-school program, typically, has consisted of make-
work projects having absolutely no value as training." We would incorporate the
in-school activities in HEW's vocational educational program, and the out-of-school
work activities in the national manpower program of the Department of Labor. This
would strengthen both programs and eliminate duplication of effort.
Some critics leave the impression that the Republicans would provide no
federal funds for the war on poverty. Our "Opportunity Crusade" bill authorizes
$1.4 billion in federal appropriations. But because we enlist the cooperation of
private enterprise, our program would provide more than $3 billion for the poor.
The Committee's bill calls for a tax contribution of $2.06 billion. I am convinced
that an expenditure of $1.4 billion will adequately fund all the good programs in
behalf of the poor, whether authorized under the present law, the Committee's bill,
or the Republican proposal. But if the present OEO structure is retained, it will
require better planning and more efficient management than has been exhibited in the
past if we are to achieve the desired goals.
SUMMER JOBS IN FEDERAL AGENCIES: Examinations will be given on December 9,
January 13, February 10, and March 9 to anyone interested in a summer job with one
of the federal agencies including the Post Office Department. Opportunities are open
for typists, stenographers, clerks, and engineering and science aides. Further infor-
mation on the openings and requirements will be found in Civil Service Announcement
No. 414. This 32-page booklet is available at high school counseling offices,
college placement offices, and many post offices. If you can't obtain one, please
let me know at my Grand Rapids or Washington office and I'll see that you get a copy.
While the examination 1s given on four dates, it is recommended that interested
persons take the test as early as possible. The booklet also describes some so-called
blue-collar jobs and other positions for which an examination is not required.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
November 22, 1967
An appropriation of $1.6 billion to wage the war on poverty this fiscal year
was authorized by the House of Representatives last Wednesday evening. This is prac-
tically the same amount the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) received during the
last fiscal year which ended June 30th. OEO had requested $2.06 billion and the
Senate had approved $2.2 billion. The House made a $460 million cut in the request.
This represents a savings to the taxpayers and is an indication that even a majority
of the House is not satisfied with the nationwide operation of the poverty program.
But most of our efforts to improve the legislation and to develop a more
effective and beneficial program were defeated. A few helpful and constructive
amendments were approved by a majority vote but they did not get at the basic diffi-
culties in OEO's national administration.
Moreover, we in the minority tried more than once to eliminate the Committee-
approved Green amendment which puts control over community action programs in the
hands of locally elected city officials. This amendment will involve the entire pro-
gram in "politics." The Green amendment was opposed by OEO and those who are working
in the community action programs. Republicans tried repeatedly to restore control of
these programs to those community leaders especially concerned with the problems of
the poor. Our plan would have required that at least 1/3 of the community action
boards to be directly representative of the poor.
When the House refused to make this essential change and when it defeated
those amendments which would have improved and strengthened the war against poverty,
I could only vote "no" on final passage of the bill.
FOREIGN AID APPROPRIATION: The House Committee on Appropriations cut over $1
billion from President Johnson's request for foreign aid funds for this year. The
President had asked for $3.8 billion; the Committee approved an appropriation of $2.7
billion (at this writing the House had not taken final action). In its Report the
Committee stated that a majority of its members believe "that the foreign assistance
program is important to the national interest of the United States and that our
enlightened self-interest requires that we continue to work for conditions of stabil-
ity and progress in the underdeveloped countries of the world." But in making the $1
billion reduction the committee "took cognizance of the very serious situation in
which the country finds itself." I endorse fully the 29 percent cut made in Mr.
Johnson's request.
The bill retained a provision which prohibits the Export-Import Bank from
extending credit to communist countries unless the President determines that it is in
our national interest to do so. Mr. Johnson asked that this restriction be removed.
The Committee decided to retain it and I agree.
FOREIGN AID AUTHORIZATION: It was just two weeks ago today that the House
approved the final version of the foreign aid authorization bill. The bill as
originally passed provided that no defense articles could be sold to or purchased
from any nation which supplies our communist enemy in North Vietnam. The original
House bill also contained a provision which would in effect place higher tariffs on
goods coming from Poland as long as she supplied arms to the Vietnamese communists.
The Senate eliminated these restrictions and an effort by the House to reinstate
them lost by four votes, 200 to 196.
As long as we are engaged in a hot war against communist aggression, we should
not encourage or assist communist nations who are helping the enemy. I voted to
reinstate the original House restrictions as did all Republicans from our state. We
were joined by one Democrat but six Michigan Democrats voted against restrictions on
trade with those communist nations which are assisting North Vietnam.
SHIPPING TO NORTH VIETNAM: From June 1965 to September 1967 a total of 932
merchant ships arrived in North Vietnam. Of these 306 were under the U.S.S.R. flag,
285 were Chinese, 102 were from East European countries. But what is even more dis-
concerting is the fact that in that same period 239 ships flying free world flags
carried goods to North Vietnam. The Pentagon estimates that as much as 10 percent of
all goods imported by that country originate from free world sources. During the
first ten months of this year, 63 free world ships brought goods to North Vietnam.
THE 1968 APPROPRIATIONS : The foreign aid bill was the last of the 14 regular
appropriations bills which must be passed to provide funds for the operation of the
government. Only the final supplemental funding bill remains to be enacted. It will
deal principally with the anti-poverty program. Chairman Mahon has stated that it
will be kept at approximately last year's $1.6 billion level. If that is correct,
the House will have cut the President's request for funds by $6 billion. But that is
not the whole story, the Senate restored House reductions so that total tax saving
will be closer to $5 billion.
THE NATIONAL DEBT: As of November 9 the national debt was up to $340.8 billion.
Just one year ago the figure was $326.8 billion. Thus there has been an increase of
$14 billion in the national debt in the past twelve months. The annual interest cost
on this debt is $15 billion.
HOW BIG IS A BILLION: If you handed your wife $1 million and told her to go
out and spend it at the rate of $1,000a day, she would be back from her shopping spree
in three years. But, if you gave her $1 billion to spend at the same rate, $1,000 a
day, you wouldn't see her again for 2750 years.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
November 29, 1967
The Social Security bill, approved by the nouse in August, passed the Senate
last Vednesday. But the Senate made numerous changes in the bill (II.R. 12080) so
many issues remain to be resolved. The House bill provides for a 12-1/2 percent
increase in benefits the Senate version puts the increase at 15 percent.
The House bill raises the maximum wage to be taxed in 1968 and thereafter from
$6600 to $7600 and increases the tax rate in 1969 on both the employee and employer
from 4.4 percent to 4.8 percent. The Senate bill will mean a greater tax take
through payroll deductions. It raises the maximum wage to be taxed to $8000 in 1968,
to $8800 in 1969, and to $10,800 in 1972. The Senate version also raises the tax
rate on each worker to 4.8 percent in 1969. Both versions provide additional in-
creases in future years.
The chart below gives the maximum Social Security tax on each employer and
employee by years under present lav and the House and Senate bills
Year
Present Law
house
Senate
1967
$290.40
$290.40
$290.40
1968
290.40
334.40
352.00
1969-70
323.40
364.80
422.40
1971
323.40
395.20
457.60
1972
323.40
395.20
561.60
1973-75
356.40
429.40
610.20
Under present law the maximum payroll tax on each worker and employer can
eventually go to $372.90 annually. Under the House oill the payroll tax will go to
$448.40 annually, under the Senate version the tax will eventually be $626.40 for
each person and for his employer. President Johnso. proposed that the payroll tax
be set eventually at $540 and this sum would be paid by both employer and employee
annually.
I voted for the Hous bill which was recommended unanimously by the Democratic
and Republican members on the Committee on Ways and Means. It was good legislation
and a compromise close to the House bill should be approved soon.
THE PEACE CORPS: I voted with the majority last Tuesday when $115.7 million
was authorized for the Peace Corps this year by a vote of 312 to 32. This is a re-
duction of $3 million below the amount requested by the President but $5.7 million
more than was appropriated for the Peace Corps last year. During this year there
will be about 17,000 Corpsmen serving in 58 countries.
But I also supported a motion to recommit which would have cut $5.7 million
from the bill to make this year's authorization the same as last ycar's. It would
have been well to hold costs to last year's figure when the budget deficit is going
to exceed $25 billion. But the motion to recommit was defeated 203 to 141.
OBSTRUCTION OF ARMED FORCES: The House has approved the procedure (adopted
the rule) under which it will debate N.R. 8. This bill prohibits the solicitation,
collection, or delivery of money or property to a foreign power engaging in war with
our forces. This is aimed at those in our country who have collected money, supplies,
and blood for the Vietnamese communists. A second section prohibits any obstruction
to the movement of military personnel or suppliss. This is designed to halt such
antics as lying down on the tracks to prevent the movement of troop trains. A
similar bill passed the llouse last year by a vote of 275 to 64 but no action was
taken in the Senate. I have supported the legislation.
FOREIGN AID APPROPRIATION: The House approved by a vote of 167 to 143 the
$2.7 billion foreign aid appropriation bill which I mentioned last week. This was
a reduction of $1.04 billion in the amount requested by the President. While I
agree we must carry on our mutual security program, I strongly endorsed the 29 per-
cent cut in funds for this year. As usual, President Johnson criticized the House
for saving over a billion dollars in Federal expenditures.
APPROPRIATIONS TO DATE: When Congress recessed for Thanksgiving Day, the
House had approved 16 appropriation bills and had cut $5.8 billion from the Presi-
dent's requests for $145.3 billion. But the Senate, acting on 15 of these bills,
restored $3.3 billion of the louse reductions, leaving a reduction of $1.7 million.
On 14 bills involving requests of $141.8 billion on which final action had been
taken the Congress had reduced the President's request by $4.7 billion, so you can
see the ouse of Representatives has been holding the line on cutting the President's
budget despite attacks by L.B.J. and Senate restorations.
A RECORD IN ROLL CALLS. Through Thanksgiving Day there have been 408 quorum
calls and yea-and-nay votes in the House of Representatives, an all-time high. Last
year there were 399 roll calls, each of which takes about 30 minutes to complete.
The smallest number of recorded votes, since I have been in Congress, came in 1953
when there were only 123. Congress adjourned that year on August 3.
During my 19 years in Congress there have been 2,464 quorum calls and 2,414
yea-and-nay votes. I have answered a total of 4,443 for an attendance record of
91 percent.
OUTDOORS USA: The 1967 Yearbook of Agriculture is entitled, Outdoors USA."
Its 400 pages contain articles, drawings and pictures under four headings: The Big
Woods, Water, Beautification, and the Countryside.
I have a limited number of copies which I will be pleased to send upon a re-
quest addressed to my Washington office: II-230, The Capitol.
NATIONAL VISITORS CENTER: The House is scheduled to consider this week a bill
which will permit the government to lease the Union Station in Washington as a la-
tional Visitors Center. About 20 million Americans visit the nation's capital
each year. The Committee on Public Works which recommended the bill said: What is
needed is an orientation center which becomes the visitor's first stop in Washington
Here he would receive an overall view of the operations of the government, the
historic monuments and museums to be seen. the visitor should also be provided with
ample parking facilities, restaurants, rast areas, and visual and written aids to
better understand the nation's story."
The Committee placed a limit of $3 million a year for lease cost to the
government and insisted that the Center be self-sustaining. But one committee mem-
ber thought that the consideration of this matter should "be deferred until this
nation's difficult fiscal situation has clarified, and other more important legis-
lation is scheduled for House action."
RECENT VISITORS: From Grand Rapids: Mr.&Mrs. Robert V. Haan, Wendell Verduin,
Wallace Chamberlain, Mrs. Amy 1. Hansen, Mrs. Arthur Burch, .Ir. & Mrs. Reyn Kline,
Mr. & Mrs. Edward Zaagman, J. Willard MacDonald, Mr. & irs. John Perschbacker, Mary
and John; Syd Shank, Mr. & Mrs. Chester Hall, Esgr. Joseph Walen, lel Flikkema,
Mr. & Mrs. C. E. Caple, Mr. & Mrs. Rex Conely. From Comstock Park: Mr. & Irs.
Ernest Krupp. From Belding, Mr. & Irs. Roger Packard and Steven. From Wyoming:
Peter D. Swieter.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
December 6, 1967
There was standing room only last Wednesday when the Committee on Ways and
Means opened hearings on the Administration's proposed bill calling for a 10-percent
surtax and a reluctantly-included reduction in federal expenditures during this fis-
cal year. The Committee was told that Mr. Johnson had recently ordered all depart-
ments and agencies to make a 2-percent reduction in personnel costs and a 10-percent
cut in controllable spending. The total of these cuts will be about $4.1 billion
taking into consideration $2 billion in reductions Congress has or will make. As you
know, we have been urging reductions of at least $5 billion during the current year.
I am pleased the President recognizes the need for an expenditure reduction which I
strongly urged him to do last March.
Administration spokesmen revised downward their estimates of this year's defi-
cit. The Budget Director now predicts a shortage of $19.6 billion, provided that
$4.1 billion in savings is realized and $5 billion worth of "Participation Certifi-
cates" are sold. In reality, the sales of these certificates is a gimmick to make
the budget appear more nearly in balance, but the taxpayers' obligations are still
there. When the Administration sells $5 billion in participation certificates it is
selling government assets and converting the cash to income. A neat but deceptive
financial trick.
The Chairman of the Committee has made it clear that there will be no income
tax increase this year. I continue to support his position on the basis that Congress
should reduce expenditures first, analyze the results, and then consider later the
need, if any, for the President's tax increase.
FLAMMABLE FABRICS: In response to the tragic, torch-sweater fires which took
the lives of several Americans in the early 1950's, Congress enacted the original
Flammable Fabrics Act. That was in 1953. The Act was passed to take off the market
"torch" sweaters and children's cowboy chaps which almost exploded because they burned
80 fast. But the 1953 act applied only to wearing apparel and the standards of
flammability were fixed by law.
Last Monday the House approved legislation to also cover hats, shoes, gloves,
children's toys, and interior furnishings such as blankets, bedding, draperies, car-
pets, and upholstered furniture. The bill (S.1003) makes the law more flexible by
authorizing the Secretary of Commerce to establish standards and regulations after
detailed study in cooperation with the industries involved. The law will apply to
imported materials intended for use in our country, and will cover materials used in
American military or diplomatic facilities abroad.
This is a forward step in consumer protection but as was pointed out more than
once in debate, it is "not a cure-all and an end-all in the matter of flammability of
wearing apparel and interior furnishings." The bill was approved 325 to 0.
NATIONAL VISITORS CENTER: The House approved by a vote of 316 to 34 the pro-
posal for remodeling and leasing the Union Station in Washington as a visitors center.
It is expected that revenues received at the Center will equal operation costs. I
mentioned this last week and supported the proposal when it was approved on Monday.
As most of you know, Union Station is only about four blocks from the Capitol Build-
ing. Among other facilities, the Center is to provide parking for 4000 automobiles
at a rate not to exceed $1 for 24 hours. Anyone who has visited Washington will
applaud this service.
INTERNAL SECURITY AMENDMENTS: The House last week also approved a bill
designed to establish a system of public disclosure of communist organizations and
communist-front organizations. The bill is intended to strengthen the enforcement
of the Internal Security Act of 1950. The principle feature of this Act is its
disclosure provisions which require the self-registration of communist organizations
and members. But court decisions against self-registration (as a violation of the
5th amendment) have impaired the effectiveness of the 1950 Act.
The bill (H.R.12601) approved on Tuesday eliminates the self-registration
provision. Instead the registration will be accomplished by the Attorney General
after a full hearing before the Subversive Activities Control Board. Because of its
technical nature the bill is complicated, and serious questions were raised as to
the necessity for its adoption. After weighing all the facts, I voted with the
majority when the bill was passed 269 to 104.
CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING: By a vote of 201 to 179 the House on Tuesday
followed a procedure which resulted in approval of "at-large" elections for the two
Congressmen from Hawaii and the two from New Mexico in 1968. This is an exception to
the principle which holds that states having more than one Congressman must elect them
by districts. I agree with the principle that members should not be elected at large.
It is better for both the Congressman and his constituents when the Representative is
elected by and responsible to a specific district rather than to the state-at-large.
It is also consistent with the "one-man, one-vote" concept.
But more was involved in this controversy than simply the merits of the at-
large election. The Senate had added the provision relative to Hawaii and New Mexico
as a "rider" to an insignificant private immigration bill, something which cannot be
done in the House. As a result, the issue was not given proper consideration nor was
the normal legislative procedure followed. I strongly endorse the recommendation of
the Democratic Chairman of the Committee on Rules that the House rules be amended to
prevent voting on such "riders" without proper consideration.
Your Washington Review
KENT
5
IONIA
Congressman
JERRY FORD
December 13, 1967
This may be the last week of the first session of the 90th Congress but in any
event, final action on a number of significant issues is expected to be taken.
Differences between House and Senate versions of legislation have been or are being
worked out. The final version, called a "conference report," must be approved in
identical form by both houses, To be acted on this week are the Social Security
legislation, the postal rate bill combined with a pay raise for federal employees,
the poverty bill, the pay increase for members of the armed forces, and the appropria-
tion bills for foreign aid and the poverty program.
THE POVERTY BILL: The compromise worked out on the poverty bill retains the
Green amendment which was vigorously opposed by Republicans and by OEO and all those
active in the Community Action Programs in the war on poverty. The Green amendment
puts control over community action programs in the hands of politicians. Republicans
tried repeatedly to restore control of these programs to those community leaders who
are especially concerned with the problems of poverty including representatives of
the poor. Republicans share the concern of OEO and those active in the program that
in the large metropolitan areas the Green amendment will involve the poverty program
in "politics" and undermine its effectiveness.
AGE DISCRIMINATION PROHIBITED: The House approved legislation last Monday
aimed at making it easier for those between 40 and 65 to obtain and hold employment.
The bill, similar to one already passed by the Senate, prohibits employers, employ-
ment agencies, or labor unions from discriminating against an individual simply
because of his age. The primary means for enforcement will be through an education
and information program by the Secretary of Labor, and through informal and formal
remedial procedures. But suits to enforce the law may be brought in the courts if
that appears necessary.
If this bill becomes law, the provisions will apply only to employers of 50 or
more persons or to unions with 50 or more members. But this number will be reduced to
25 on June 30, 1968. It will be unlawful to refuse to hire, or to discharge, or to
discriminate against any person as to compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges
of employment, simply because he is between 40 and 65 years of age. Unions will not
be able to exclude, or expel, or in any way limit membership because of age.
However, there are two significant exceptions outlined in the bill: the provi-
sions do not apply where age is a bona fide, occupational qualification reasonably
nacessary to the particular business; and a new employee of advanced age may be
excluded from the employee benefit plan (pensions, etc.) for a good reason, such as
increased costs. In other words, a person cannot be denied employment because of the
provisions of a pension plan, but the employer would not be required to include him
under the plan. Of course, there is nothing in the bill which prevents an employer
from discharging a person or refusing employment for reasons other than age.
There was some effort to lower the age to include, for instance, airlines
stewardesses for whom the age limit is now from 32 to 35. But the Committee refused
to involve the government in alleged age discrimination involving those under 40.
The bill passed the House 344 to 13 under a procedure which precluded any changes on
the floor.
MEAT INSPECTION: On Wednesday, the House gave final approval to an effective
meat inspection bill which differs in some aspects from the original House version
adopted on October 31. The Senate made some changes in the House bill and in con-
ference a good compromise was approved. Under the bill as it went to the President,
the states are given up to three years to enact legislation which would bring state
standards for the preparation and sale of meat and meat products up to federal stan-
dards. According to experts Michigan already has such a program. In the meantime
the Secretary of Agriculture has the authority to inspect any plant (whether in inter-
state or intrastate commerce) which he has reason to believe is selling adulterated
or unsafe meat. The various state meat inspection programs can be financed by a 50
percent contribution from the federal government if the state regulations are equiva-
lent to federal standards.
The final version of the bill was a good one and I voted with the majority
when it was approved 336 to 28.
THE TAX TAKE: According to the Tax Foundation taxes collected by all units of
government in 1967 for the first time in history exceeded $200 billion. The steep
rise in taxes is well illustrated by the following chart on the total tax take:
Year
Total Taxes
Per Capita
Per Family
1956
$100 billion
$600
$1,897
1960
127 billion
709
2,264
1965
166 billion
860
2,768
1967
207 billion
1048
3,385
FOR THE ASKING: Our supply of the 1967 Yearbook of Agriculture is completely
exhausted. But I do have 50 copies of a "Handbook on the Law of Search and Seizure"
prepared by the Department of Justice. This may be of interest to law-enforcement
officials, students, and others concerned with search and seizure law.
NEXT ISSUE NEXT YEAR: This is the last issue of "Your Washington Review" for
this year and this session of Congress. The next issue will reach you after Congress
reconvenes on January 15, 1968.
RECENT VISITORS: From Grand Rapids: Mr.& Mrs. H. R. Boshoven and John; Mr.
and Mrs. William Irwin and Betsy; Mr.& Mrs. John Irwin; Mr.& Mrs. Glen Perrott and
Susan; Sherman L. LePard; and Vern Minor.