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Ford Press Releases - Economic, 1972-1973
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Ford Press Releases - Economic, 1972-1973
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Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers
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The original documents are located in Box D7, folder "Ford Press Releases - Economic,
1972-1973" of the Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. The Council donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Distribution Full
Q office Copy
NEWS
CONGRESSMAN
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
January 24, 1972
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford, placed in the Congressional Record of Monday,
January 24, 1972
MR. SPEAKER:
President Nixon's fiscal 1973 budget message outlines a balanced, positive
and constructive program to heal the economic wounds of war and deal with this
nation's pressing domestic problems. Although it is a deficit budget, it is a
deficit budget aimed at restoring our economy to full employment and maximizing
the output of our industrial resources. That is what the American people want.
I think it is especially gratifying to learn that the American public will
be saved some $22 billion due to personal income tax reductions initiated by the
President. There are those who only talk about returning power to the people.
The evidence shows that President Nixon is doing something about it -- by seeking
to restore to the American people the control over their purse that they should
have, the control they should never have lost.
We can expect to hear the usual cries of derision from the President's
opponents. Yet it is they who brought this nation to the brink of economic
collapse. The American people know who is ending the runaway inflation of the
Johnson Administration and replacing the phony prosperity of war with the permanent
prosperity of peace.
###
GERALD FORD VIBRARY
Digitized from Box D7 of the Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
NEWS
CONGRESSMAN
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
January 24, 1972
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford, placed in the Congressional Record of Monday,
January 24, 1972
MR. SPEAKER:
President Nixon's fiscal 1973 budget message outlines a balanced, positive
and constructive program to heal the economic wounds of war and deal with this
nation's pressing domestic problems. Although it is a deficit budget, it is a
deficit budget aimed at restoring our economy to full employment and maximizing
the output of our industrial resources. That is what the American people want.
I think it is especially gratifying to learn that the American public will
be saved some $22 billion due to personal income tax reductions initiated by the
President. There are those who only talk about returning power to the people.
The evidence shows that President Nixon is doing something about it - by seeking
to restore to the American people the control over their purse that they should
have, the control they should never have lost.
We can expect to hear the usual cries of derision from the President's
opponents. Yet it is they who brought this nation to the brink of economic
collapse. The American people know who is ending the runaway inflation of the
Johnson Administration and replacing the phony prosperity of war with the permanent
prosperity of peace.
###
Galleries E Fifth Dist. Dailies
"Killed" upcorrection below
0 Office Copy
NEWS
CONGRESSMAN
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
March 23, 1972
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
It is important that there be as much labor representation as possible on
the Pay Board. I commend Teamsters President Frank E. Fitzsimmons for deciding to
stay on the board and I hope that UAW President Leonard Woodcock will remain. I
also commend the President for continuing the Pay Board with proportional business
and labor membership.
It is in organized labor's best interests to be represented on the Pay Board
since the board is, after all, engaged in making decisions affecting the rank-and-
file worker. It is far better for labor leaders to participate in those decisions
than to stand on the sidelines and then seek to sabotage the decisions after they
have been made.
Fighting inflation is every American's responsibility. Those who abdicate
that responsibility are hurting the Nation, those they represent and themselves.
###
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
Full Distribution
O Office Capy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
July 26, 1972
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford, Minority Leader, U.S. House of Representatives.
The President has spoken out at just the right time and has taken just the
right tone in appealing now for Congress to exercise spending restraint.
I personally take heart from the fact that the House last week turned down
the $5 billion pork barrel bill thrust upon us by a House Banking and Currency
Committee majority. Rejection of that bill was a victory for fiscal responsibility
and the taxpayer and a defeat for politics as usual.
I join with the President in urging my colleagues in the Congress to hold
expenditures this fiscal year to the level proposed in the budget.
To do so will be to strike a blow against inflation and in favor of fiscal
soundness.
###
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
-FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-
July 26, 1972
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford, Minority Leader, U.S. House of Representatives.
The President has spoken out at just the right time and has taken Just the
right tone in appealing now for Congress to exercise spending restraint.
I personally take heart from the fact that the House last week turned down
the $5 billion pork barrel bill thrust upon us by a House Banking and Currency
Committee majority. Rejection of that bill was a victory for fiscal responsibility
and the taxpayer and a defeat for politics as usual.
I join with the President in urging my colleagues in the Congress to hold
expenditures this fiscal year to the level proposed in the budget.
To do so will be to strike a blow against inflation and in favor of fiscal
soundness.
###
NEWS
CONGRESSMAN
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON--
August 2, 1972
Remarks by Rep. Gerald R. Ford, Republican Leader, U.S. House of Representatives,
prepared for delivery on the floor of the House Wednesday, August 2, 1972.
Mr. Speaker, of late there has been speculation as to when price and wage
controls would end. I submit that such speculation is premature. It will take
some time before our control objectives are fully realized.
However, let me emphasize that our price and wage controls are working
despite the fact they are limited in nature and that enforcement does not require
a huge bureaucracy.
I say they are working because the facts show that the rate of inflation
has greatly slackened during the nearly 12 months that controls have been in
effect.
We have experienced a decline of about 30 per cent in the rate of increase
in consumer prices when we compare the control period with the period in 1971
before the freeze. The rate of increase of consumer prices has declined from
4.7 per cent to 2.2 per cent from the 2nd quarter of 1971 to the 2nd quarter of
1972. At the same time we have seen a rapid rise in production, employment and
productivity. I believe price and wage controls contributed to that marked
improvement in the economy.
Most importantly, real spendable weekly wages began to rise in 1971, and
the rate of rise has quickened over the past four quarters. For the average
production worker in the private nonfarm economy, the increase over a year ago
is 4.1 per cent. That compares with an average annual increase of 1.3 per cent
from 1960 to 1968.
Mr. Speaker, the Administration's system of price and wage controls is
working--and as a result the financial well-being of the American working man
is much improved.
######
LIBRARY GERALD 1
Full Distribution
Office Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON THURSDAY-
August 10, 1972
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
I have today reintroduced with many additional cosponsors the spending
ceiling bill originally tossed in the hopper on July 27 by Rep. Frank Bow, senior
Republican on the House Appropriations Committee. Names on the bill now number 130.
The fact that 130 members of the House have cosponsored this legislation
indicates strong support for an absolute limit of $250 billion on fiscal 1973
spending. The President has made a strong case for such a spending ceiling. The
Congress must demonstrate a sense of responsibility by endorsing it.
It is understandable that Congress, working on the budget in bits and pieces,
invariably winds up with a total spending chart substantially exceeding that which
the country can afford.
The best answer to such excessive spending is to clap a lid on total
spending in any fiscal year in which Federal outlays threaten the fiscal soundness
of the Nation. The best way to keep the lid on is to hand the President the
responsibility for fitting spending under the ceiling.
The issue is especially urgent in this fiscal year when burgeoning Federal
spending poses the distinct danger of sharply renewed inflation, an upsurge in
consumer prices.
The entire Republican leadership of the House is behind the $250 billion
spending ceiling. The necessity for the ceiling is dramatized by the fact that
appropriations and legislative action by the House and Senate already would boost
spending $15.8 billion over the President's budget requests.
###
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON THURSDAY-
August 10, 1972
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
I have today reintroduced with many additional cosponsors the spending
ceiling bill originally tossed in the hopper on July 27 by Rep. Frank Bow, senior
Republican on the House Appropriations Committee. Names on the bill now number 130.
The fact that 130 members of the House have cosponsored this legislation
indicates strong support for an absolute limit of $250 billion on fiscal 1973
spending. The President has made a strong case for such a spending ceiling. The
Congress must demonstrate a sense of responsibility by endorsing it.
It is understandable that Congress, working on the budget in bits and pieces,
invariably winds up with a total spending chart substantially exceeding that which
the country can afford.
The best answer to such excessive spending is to clap a lid on total
spending in any fiscal year in which Federal outlays threaten the fiscal soundness
of the Nation. The best way to keep the lid on is to hand the President the
responsibility for fitting spending under the ceiling.
The issue is especially urgent in this fiscal year when burgeoning Federal
spending poses the distinct danger of sharply renewed inflation, an upsurge in
consumer prices.
The entire Republican leadership of the House is behind the $250 billion
spending ceiling. The necessity for the ceiling is dramatized by the fact that
appropriations and legislative action by the House and Senate already would boost
spending $15.8 billion over the President's budget requests.
###
Full Distribution
O Office Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
October 18, 1972
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
Last night Sen. George McGovern returned to the Senate from the
Presidential campaign trail to vote against a $250 billion limitation on fiscal
1973 spending.
Last week Sen. McGovern stayed away from the Senate while northern liberal
Democrats filibustered to death President Nixon's bill to lay down guidelines
for the courts and make busing for racial balance a last resort device, restricted
to busing a pupil no farther than the school second nearest a student's home.
At the time that McGovern stayed away from the Senate debate on busing, he declared
in Detroit "there is not one thing that either Nixon or I can do to stop those
buses from rolling."
George McGovern refuses to put a lid on Federal spending, and George
McGovern refuses to do anything to prevent forced busing to achieve racial balance.
These two actions make it unmistakably clear that George McGovern would be
a pro-busing President and a fiscally irresponsible President if by some
horrendous mischance he were elected on Nov. 7.
###
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
October 18, 1972
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
Last night Sen. George McGovern returned to the Senate from the
Presidential campaign trail to vote against a $250 billion limitation on fiscal
1973 spending.
Last week Sen. McGovern stayed away from the Senate while northern liberal
Democrats filibustered to death President Nixon's bill to lay down guidelines
for the courts and make busing for racial balance a last resort device, restricted
to busing a pupil no farther than the school second nearest a student's home.
At the time that McGovern stayed away from the Senate debate on busing, he declared
in Detroit "there is not one thing that either Nixon or I can do to stop those
buses from rolling."
George McGovern refuses to put a lid on Federal spending, and George
McGovern refuses to do anything to prevent forced busing to achieve racial balance.
These two actions make it unmistakably clear that George McGovern would be
a pro-busing President and a fiscally irresponsible President if by some
horrendous mischance he were elected on Nov. 7.
###
Full Distribution
Office
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
January 11, 1973
I am pleased that the President has acted to move the country beyond
Phase II of the price and wage control program to a new type of program which is
self-administering and based on voluntary compliance. His timing is excellent,
given the progress we have made thus far in achieving economic stability and proper
economic growth.
I think the new program has a good chance of success, considering the
willingness of both labor and management to participate fully in the implementation
and operation of Phase III. The support expressed by both labor and management
indicates that both groups believe the plan to be equitable.
In my opinion, Phase III substantially accommodates the views advanced by
labor leaders during the consultation process. I understand they have expressed
their willingness to comply voluntarily with an appropriate type of program.
I would emphasize that the new price and wage control system is directed
at plugging up holes in the existing program, since it will include stepped-up
efforts to control food prices and medical costs.
The special emphasis that Phase III places on moderating food price behavior
should be good news to the housewife. In addition to the maintenance of mandatory
controls on food processors and retailers, a new Cost of Living Council Committee
on Food has been created. The Committee on Food will work closely with the
Department of Agriculture to ensure that specific decisions as well as reforms in
the farm programs fully accommodate the need to elicit increased supplies to meet
consumer demand. This special emphasis on consumer food prices is vital in view
of the recent upsurge in food prices at the wholesale level.
Finally, I endorse the President's goal of getting the rate of inflation
down to 2.5 per cent or less by the end of 1973. This is an ambitious goal but
not an unreasonable one. I think we can make it.
# # #
GERALD LISAREY
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
January 11, 1973
I am pleased that the President has acted to move the country beyond
Phase II of the price and wage control program to a new type of program which is
self-administering and based on voluntary compliance. His timing is excellent,
given the progress we have made thus far in achieving economic stability and proper
economic growth.
I think the new program has a good chance of success, considering the
willingness of both labor and management to participate fully in the implementation
and operation of Phase III. The support expressed by both labor and management
indicates that both groups believe the plan to be equitable.
In my opinion, Phase III substantially accommodates the views advanced by
labor leaders during the consultation process. I understand they have expressed
their willingness to comply voluntarily with an appropriate type of program.
I would emphasize that the new price and wage control system is directed
at plugging up holes in the existing program, since it will include stepped-up
efforts to control food prices and medical costs.
The special emphasis that Phase III places on moderating food price behavior
should be good news to the housewife. In addition to the maintenance of mandatory
controls on food processors and retailers, a new Cost of Living Council Committee
on Food has been created. The Committee on Food will work closely with the
Department of Agriculture to ensure that specific decisions as well as reforms in
the farm programs fully accommodate the need to elicit increased supplies to meet
consumer demand. This special emphasis on consumer food prices is vital in view
of the recent upsurge in food prices at the wholesale level.
Finally, I endorse the President's goal of getting the rate of inflation
down to 2.5 per cent or less by the end of 1973. This is an ambitious goal but
not an unreasonable one. I think we can make it.
# # #
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
House Galleries only.
Office Copy
NEWS
CONGRESSMAN
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON THURSDAY--
February 22, 1973
Statement by House Republican Leader Gerald R. Ford
Congress should respond with the greatest sense of urgency
to the President's recommendations concerning the economy.
This means the Congress should act promptly to impose strict
limits on Federal spending, to reform our tax structure, to provide
tax relief for older Americans, to provide parents of nonpublic school
children with income tax credits for a portion of the nonpublic school
tuition they pay, and to give the President the bargaining power he
needs in trade negotiations with other nations.
We have made excellent economic gains but we have much work
to do to achieve genuine prosperity in peacetime. Our greatest effort
must go into the fight against inflation. We must, therefore, hold
down Federal spending and cooperate to make Phase III of price and
wage controls a success.
There is no aspect of our national concerns that rates a
higher priority than keeping our economy healthy. Hopefully, the
Congress will join hands with the President in this endeavor.
# # #
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
Wednesday, March 7, 1973
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
I applaud the decision of the Cost of Living Council to impose
price controls on the largest oil companies.
This action, the first of its kind to be taken since Phase III
was inaugurated, should convince even the most skeptical that the
Administration means business with Phase III and that Phase III will
have teeth in it.
As for this particular price control decision, the impact of
petroleum product price increases is so far-reaching that the
imposition of price controls on this industry is unquestionably
justified.
# # #
U.S. HOUSE
OF REPRESENTATIVES
REPUBLICAN POLICY
COMMITTEE
REP. JOHN J. RHODES, (R.-ARIZ.) CHAIRMAN
1616 LONGWORTH HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
TELEPHONE 225-6168
10
93rd Congress
March 20, 1973
First Session
Statement Number 2
HOUSE REPUBLICAN POLICY COMMITTEE
STATEMENT ON BUDGET REFORM
'Because of its present procedures and particularly
because of its present political leadership, Congress
is not handling Federal fiscal policies in a respon-
sible manner. The Congress now permits its legislative
committees- instead of its fiscal committees- to decide,
independently of each other, how much should be devoted
to individual programs. Total Federal spending is thus
haphazard and uncontrolled. We pledge vigorous efforts
to reform the Congressional budgeting process. Yon
1972 Republican Platform
The spending ceiling debate in the waning months of the 92nd Congress
drew attention to the fact that the Congress acts on the various spending programs
as if they were unrelated and independent actions. To rectify the resulting
budgetary chaos, the Congress established a Joint Study Committee on Budget Control
to study and review:
the procedures which should be adopted by the
Congress for the purpose of improving Congressional
control of budgetary outlay and receipt totals, in-
cluding procedures for establishing and maintaining
an overall view of each year's budgetary outlays
which is fully coordinated with an overall view of
the anticipated revenues for that year
Recently the Study Committee submitted an interim report presenting
tentative recommendations for a comprehensive, sound, workable system encompassing
all Congressional actions affecting the budget process. In substance the interim
(OVER)
- 2 -
report included, among others, the following recommendations which the Republican
Policy Committee supports:
1. There should be a mechanism for Congress to--
a.) determine the proper level of expenditures after
considering fiscal, economic, monetary and other
factors involved.
b.) provide an overall ceiling on expenditures and
obligational authority for each year, and
c.) determine the aggregate revenue and debt levels
which appropriately should be associated with
the expenditures and budget authority limits.
2. Any limitation on expenditures and new obligational authority
should cover not only budgetary outlays handled through the Appropriations
Committee but also programs funded separately from the annual appropriation
process.
3. Initial action taken with respect to expenditure ceilings and
new obligational authority limitations should occur early in each session
of the Congress, but there should be a procedure established for re-
consideration of these ceilings in the latter part of each Congressional
session.
4. A procedure should be developed for allocating the appropriate
portion of expenditure and obligational authority to various committees and
subcommittees having jurisdiction over legislation or appropriations af-
fecting the budget.
5. Procedures should be developed which would assure compliance
with the expenditure and budget authority ceilings.
(MORE)
- 3 -
6. Procedures should be developed to present to Congress the
effect on expenditures of existing and proposed legislation, not only
in the current year, but also for three to five years ahead.
7. An organization to implement the control procedure outlined
above should encompass the formation of a permanent joint committee on
the budget.
8. There also should be an opportunity for Congress to review
periodically the different ways in which budget authority and expenditures
are in fact authorized or incurred.
The progress of the Joint Study Committee on Budget Control in
performing its task of developing an effective budgetary control system represents
sizable strides toward the goal of fiscal responsibility. The House Republican
Policy Committee urges that the Joint Committee on Budget Control be empowered
to present its recommendations in the form of specific legislative proposals.
IIIII
minic
U. S. HOUSE
REPUBLICAN POLICY
COMMITTEE
OF REPRESENTATIVES
REP. JOHN J. RHODES, (R.-ARIZ.) CHAIRMAN
1616 LONGWORTH HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
TELEPHONE 225-6168
10
93rd Congress
March 27, 1973
First Session
Statement Number 3
HOUSE REPUBLICAN POLICY COMMITTEE STATEMENT
ON s. 7, THE "REHABILITATION ACT OF 1972."
has
The House Republican Policy Committee supports President Nixon's veto of
S.7, the 'Rehabilitation Act of 1972."
The Republican administration is deeply committed to the support of
vocational rehabilitation services necessary for the handicapped to become fully
integrated into the social and economic mainstream. It is likewise committed to
the curb of wasteful increases in Federal spending and unnecessary duplication of
other Federal programs which ordain more taxes or more inflation.
In the past five years the vocational rehabilitation program has been
characterized by improved services, increased availability and generous funding.
Extension of the program has received the strong endorsement of President Nixon.
In the pre-election hours of last October, the Congress forwarded to the
President H.R. 8395, the original Rehabilitation Act of 1972. Citing the measure
as one which would have 'seriously jeopardized the goals of the rehabilitation
program" and as "another example of Congressional fiscal irresponsibility".
President Nixon wisely withheld his approval of the bill.
Without consideration of the President's objections to the provisions of
H.R. 8395, the 93rd Congress has passed S.7, which substantially repeats the
objectionable provisions of the previous bill. The Act once again diverts the
(OVER)
- 2 -
program from its basic employment-oriented mission to that of social welfare.
It would also proliferate a host of new, independent categorical aid programs
which duplicate and overlap existing authority and effort. It too would alter
the present effective and coordinated management of services by dictating new
administration structures. And, S.7 again authorizes funding far in excess of
the President's budget request and far beyond what could be made available and
used effectively.
As S.7, the "Rehabilitation Act of 1972", "would waste taxpayers dollars,
and would complicate and confuse the direction of this program", President Nixon
has elected to veto the measure. He has again demonstrated the dedication of
this Republican administration to the continuance of an effective and responsible
vocational rehabilitation program. He has called upon the Congress to extend the
program at a level which the Nation can provide without increased taxes and
without inflationary effects.
The House Republican Policy Committee supports President Nixon's veto of
S.7. We call upon the Democrat majority in the House to bring a bill to the
Floor which will be approved, so that this vital program may be continued.
11111
U.S. HOUSE
OF REPRESENTATIVES
REPUBLICAN POLICY COMMITTEE
REP. JOHN J. RHODES, (R.-ARIZ.) CHAIRMAN
1616 LONGWORTH HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
TELEPHONE 225-6168
10
93rd Congress
April 3, 1973
First Session
Statement Number 4
HOUSE REPUBLICAN POLICY COMMITTEE STATEMENT ON H.R. 5683,
A BILL TO AMEND THE RURAL ELECTRIFICATION ACT
The House Republican Policy Committee finds objectionable certain features
of H.R. 5633, as reported by the Committee on Agriculture, and supports the continued
efforts of Republican Members to amend and improve the Committee bill. We share
with the minority members of the Committee the fundamental conviction that a
viable and effective Rural Electrification and Telephone program is essential, not
only to farm and rural people but to the general public as well. We feel that
substantial changes to the reported measure are necessary in order to provide a
constructive and durable bill which is effective and can be enacted.
The most objectionable provision of H.R. 5683, as reported, relates to the
mandatory language which ties the hands of program administrators, removing huge
sums of money from proper budgetary control. This bill would eliminate the REA
Administrator's discretion, in that it would direct that loans be made, at arti-
ficially low interest rates, to the full extent of the assets available in a new
revolving fund. The resources of this new fund would far exceed foreseeable
borrowing needs of the rural electric and telephone community. The creation of
this "backdoor spending" revolving fund is unnecessary and unsound.
We recommend that H.R. 5683, in its present form, be rejected.
House Galleries only
O OFFICE COPY
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
April 4, 1973
Now that the President's veto of S. 7, the Vocational
Rehabilitation Act of 1972, has been sustained, I hope members of
Congress -- Democrats and Republicans -- will work together to
enact effective and acceptable vocational rehabilitation legisla-
tion into law. The handicapped of the Nation deserve our best
efforts.
###
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
April 4, 1973
Now that the President's veto of S. 7, the Vocational
Rehabilitation Act of 1972, has been sustained, I hope members of
Congress --- Democrats and Republicans -- will work together to
enact effective and acceptable vocational rehabilitation legisla-
tion into law. The handicapped of the Nation deserve our best
efforts.
###
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
House Gallerees Only
OFFICE COPY
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
April 10, 1973
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
In sustaining the President's veto of the rural sewer and
water bill, the House accurately reflected the view of the American
people that we must get the Nation's fiscal affairs in order.
The people know that if the Federal Government allows
programs to proliferate and pours money out of a variety of spigots
for the same purposes, the result will be a tax increase or a
fresh spurt of inflation.
I now am hopeful that the Democratic leadership in the
Congress will cease their budget-busting tactics and will turn to
a constructive course.
###
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
April 10, 1973
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
In sustaining the President's veto of the rural sewer and
water bill, the House accurately reflected the view of the American
people that we must get the Nation's fiscal affairs in order.
The people know that if the Federal Government allows
programs to proliferate and pours money out of a variety of spigots
for the same purposes, the result will be a tax increase or a
fresh spurt of inflation.
I now am hopeful that the Democratic leadership in the
Congress will cease their budget-busting tactics and will turn to
a constructive course.
###
11111
U. S. HOUSE
OF REPRESENTATIVES
REPUBLICAN POLICY COMMITTEE
REP. JOHN J. RHODES, (R.-ARIZ.) CHAIRMAN
1616 LONGWORTH HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
TELEPHONE 225-6168
10
93rd Congress
April 16, 1973
First Session
Statement No. 7
HOUSE REPUBLICAN POLICY COMMITTEE STATEMENT ON
H.R. 6163, A BILL TO AMEND AND EXTEND THE
ECONOMIC STABILIZATION ACT OF 1970, AND
H.R. 6879, THE STEVENS SUBSTITUTE THEREFOR
The House Republican Policy Committee urges an extension of existing
Presidential authority to establish appropriate wage, price and rent controls
to stabilize the economy. The Committee is unalterably opposed to the passage
of H.R. 6168, as reported by the House Committee on Banking and Currency, and
H.R. 6879, the Stevens substitute therefor. Both the reported bill and the
substitute propose amendments to the Economic Stabilization Act of 1970
which would create chaos in the economy.
By rolling back prices and establishing inflexible price ceilings,
H.R. 6168 and H.R. 6879 would cripple farm and factory production, force
unemployment and create shortages which would inevitably lead to rationing
and black markets.
By forcing an interest rate rollback and freeze, both the reported and
substitute bills would bring disaster to the financial market, curbing public
and private borrowing, stagnating business and promoting a massive outflow of
dollars abroad.
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By mandating a retroactive, federal freeze of all rents, commercial
as well as residential, H.R. 6168 and H.R. 6879 would disrupt construction
and deny individual communities the right to decide whether or not rent
controls are actually needed.
Numerous other provisions found in the reported bill and substitute,
such as the establishment of an Office of Consumer Counselor and the
broadening of export controls, further limit the President's ability to
best meet the requirements of a changing economy.
H.R. 6168 and H.R. 6879 are the wrong answers to the highly complicated
problems of inflation and foreign trade. They are counter-productive, willful,
ill-considered and reckless, and can only result in a disjointed and
artificially controlled economy.
The House Republican Policy Committee strongly opposes the passage of
either H.R. 6168 or H.R. 6879, and calls upon the Democrat majority to join
with Republicans in extending the present Presidential authority under the
Economic Stabilization Act of 1970.
Limited Distribution
O OFFICE copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
May 3, 1973
The entiré Michigan congressional delegation today fired off telegrams to
the Office of Management and Budget and the Environmental Protection Agency
protesting a tieup of Federal funds which has stalled Michigan's water pollution
control program.
The delegation demanded to know from EPA why $501 million in Federal sewage
treatment funds released thus far this year went to just 13 states, with Michigan
getting nothing. Michigan's two senators and 19 congressmen also asked why the
treatment works projects in these 13 states were certified before sewage treatment
industrial user charges went into effect on March 1, giving those states an
advantage.
In the telegram to OMB, the Michigan delegation urged that all obstacles
to the additional allocation of fiscal 1973 sewage treatment funds be removed.
The delegation noted that President Nixon had allocated $2 billion for
sewage treatment works in fiscal 1973, but only $501 million has been disbursed.
Members quoted the President as saying this $2 billion would be "available
immediately."
Complaining about the lack of funds, the delegation cited "long delays
(by EPA) in developing and approving administrative regulations. This, the
members said, has "resulted in a virtual hold on the use of these funds as well
as those for reimbursement."
In its protest over the delay in funding, the delegation declared; "The lack
of construction funds raises serious questions about the impact on the construction
industry and the employment situation therein, particularly if there is no program
acceleration in the near future. The lack of reimbursement is costly and damaging
to local communities which have advanced funds from other programs and delayed
project completion."
The delegation said no contracts for new sewage treatment projects have
been awarded in Michigan in nine months.
The Michigan members asked that OMB give "the highest priority" to removing
any impediments to the immediate use of fiscal year 1973 sewage treatment
construction funds and disbursement for reimbursement funds.
GERALD
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Page 2
The Michigan delegation acted after a group of Michigan state legislators
met in Washington with Sen. Robert P. Griffin, Reps. Elford A. Cederberg and
Philip E. Ruppe, and spokesmen for Sen. Philip A. Hart and Reps. Gerald R. Ford
and Guy VanderJagt to discuss the stagnation of Michigan's water pollution
control program.
###
House Galleries only.
0 OFFICE COPY
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
June 14, 1973
Comment by Rep. Gerald R. Ford on President's Anti-Inflation Speech
The President's approach is right on target. The strong
actions taken by the President to deal with inflation will be
welcomed by consumers throughout the country. His is the right
medicine at this point in time.
The best course is to stop inflation cold with an
across-the-board price freeze and then to apply effective price
controls. We all know it; Phase III just didn't work. I am
pleased with the freeze and the promise of Phase IV. I am also
pleased that the President has ordered an investigation of recent
price increases, with the prospect of rollbacks.
Nobody in America should be gouging the consumer. As the
President said, the consumer comes first.
It's now the obligation of the Congress to join with the
President in implementing an effective anti-inflation program.
###
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
June 14, 1973
Comment by Rep. Gerald R. Ford on President's Anti-Inflation Speech
The President's approach is right on target. The strong
actions taken by the President to deal with inflation will be
welcomed by consumers throughout the country. His is the right
medicine at this point in time.
The best course is to stop inflation cold with an
across-the-board price freeze and then to apply effective price
controls. We all know it; Phase III just didn't work. I am
pleased with the freeze and the promise of Phase IV. I am also
pleased that the President has ordered an investigation of recent
price increases, with the prospect of rollbacks.
Nobody in America should be gouging the consumer. As the
President said, the consumer comes first.
It's now the obligation of the Congress to join with the
President in implementing an effective anti-inflation program.
###
U. S. HOUSE
OF REPRESENTATIVES
REPUBLICAN POLICY COMMITTEE
REP. JOHN J. RHODES, (R.-ARIZ.) CHAIRMAN
1616 LONGWORTH HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
TELEPHONE 225-6168
10
93rd Congress
July 24, 1973
First Session
Statement No. 16
HOUSE REPUBLICAN POLICY COMMITTEE STATEMENT ON. D. R. 8480
IMPOUNDMENT CONTROL AND 1974 EXPENDITURE CEILING
The House Republican Policy Committee strongly opposes the passage of
H.R. 8480, Impoundment Control and 1974 Expenditure Ceiling. In these days
of urgent need for responsible reform of Congressional budgetary processes
this bill is counter-productive in that it attacks the only bulwark the
country has against fiscal mismanagement.
H.R. 8480 would require the President, whenever he or any officer of
the Executive Branch withholds or delays the expenditure of funds appropriated
for a specific purpose or project, to transmit within ten days a special
message to both the House and Senate specifying the amount impounded, the
projects affected and the reasons for the impoundment. If within sixty days
either House by simple resolution disapproves, the President would be re-
quired to cease the impoundment, Title II of the bill would establish a
ceiling on budget outlays for fiscal year 1974 and require the President to
meet the ceiling by making proportional cuts in all but a few favored
programs. Thus, cuts would be made regardless of merit and without con-
sideration of any special circumstances which might exist.
H.R. 8480 constitutes an unprecedented, unwarranted and possibly
unconstitutional intrusion by the Congress into the Executive function.
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It would enormously complicate, if not prevent, responsible program planning
and management. Rather than curb, it would invite waste by forcing expenditures,
by prohibiting flexibility in periods of changing economic conditions, and by
mandating vast and expensive reporting procedures. The "shotgun" requirement
of "proportionate" reductions to achieve an outlay ceiling would cause havoc
in the financial management of Government funds.
H.R. 8480 illuminates the failure of Congress to meet its fiscal
responsibilities. Rather than legislate political gimmickry, we should
concentrate all effort in the development of a sound and effective budgetary
control system.
The House Republican Policy Committee opposes the passage of H.R. 8480.